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| Members of the Choir of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Osi-Ekiti gives Mama her very last respect as an Old Choir Mistress |
The Story of
her life is like the story of the desired perfect life. Mama Caroline Adefiola
Adebiyi, the God given wife of the Rt.
Rev. Peter Awelewa Adebiyi, the first Bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Lagos West
died as a fulfilled Christian despite the tribulations she faced in her last
days on earth. From marriage till death, the trajectory of her life is full of
graceful events. Her husband who held several positions in the Anglican Church
family before his retirement in 2013 as Bishop of the largest diocese in West
Africa (Lagos West Diocese) described her in the following words during a 2012
interview in Vanguard Newspaper “My wife
is loving, generous, caring, industrious, and a virtuous woman”. However,
Mama’s last six years on earth according to findings by this blog was a tasking
one as she was alleged to have suffered a cancerous attack which Doctors
claimed will take her life soon but God gave her the grace to live above
medical pronouncements.
her life is like the story of the desired perfect life. Mama Caroline Adefiola
Adebiyi, the God given wife of the Rt.
Rev. Peter Awelewa Adebiyi, the first Bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Lagos West
died as a fulfilled Christian despite the tribulations she faced in her last
days on earth. From marriage till death, the trajectory of her life is full of
graceful events. Her husband who held several positions in the Anglican Church
family before his retirement in 2013 as Bishop of the largest diocese in West
Africa (Lagos West Diocese) described her in the following words during a 2012
interview in Vanguard Newspaper “My wife
is loving, generous, caring, industrious, and a virtuous woman”. However,
Mama’s last six years on earth according to findings by this blog was a tasking
one as she was alleged to have suffered a cancerous attack which Doctors
claimed will take her life soon but God gave her the grace to live above
medical pronouncements.
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The illness
according to close family sources started couple of years back during the final
moments of her husband’s tenure as the pioneer Bishop of the Lagos West
Diocese. Mama who met and married her Bishop husband some forty six years back
at St. Philips Anglican Church, Aramoko, in present day Ekiti state-South West Nigeria
was said to have been diagnosed of blood cancer which became a source of worry
to her family. But due to Mama’s strong faith in the Lord, she was able to face
the challenge and lived above the prescribed years doctors proclaimed.
according to close family sources started couple of years back during the final
moments of her husband’s tenure as the pioneer Bishop of the Lagos West
Diocese. Mama who met and married her Bishop husband some forty six years back
at St. Philips Anglican Church, Aramoko, in present day Ekiti state-South West Nigeria
was said to have been diagnosed of blood cancer which became a source of worry
to her family. But due to Mama’s strong faith in the Lord, she was able to face
the challenge and lived above the prescribed years doctors proclaimed.
 |
| Mama Caroline and husband Papa Adebiyi when he was consecrated as Bishop of Owoh Diocese in 1993 |
Doctor’s Verdict versus God’s Assurance
This blog gathered
further that although the illness shook Mama’s health but it never shook her
faith for once. The source further told Asabeafrika
that even when her Doctors in London told her that she has only seven months to
live due to the challenge of the illness, Mama was said to have confided in her
God because she was in her late sixties at the time; through her unshaken faith in Christ, Mama Caroline Adefiola was said to have connected into God’s
promise in Psalm 90 verse 10 which
states “The days of our lives are seventy
years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is
only labor and sorrow. For it is soon cut off, and we fly away”.
further that although the illness shook Mama’s health but it never shook her
faith for once. The source further told Asabeafrika
that even when her Doctors in London told her that she has only seven months to
live due to the challenge of the illness, Mama was said to have confided in her
God because she was in her late sixties at the time; through her unshaken faith in Christ, Mama Caroline Adefiola was said to have connected into God’s
promise in Psalm 90 verse 10 which
states “The days of our lives are seventy
years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is
only labor and sorrow. For it is soon cut off, and we fly away”.
And in line
with the motto of the Church of Nigeria
(Anglican Communion) Diocese of Lagos
West, “Tell the story keep the faith” Mama was said to
have lived additional four years until she clocked 70 on April 6, 2015. The
birthday celebration which held in London nearly never held as her children
were debating if it should be postponed till December 2015 or celebrated on
same Monday 6th of April 2015. Somehow, the argument in favor of
celebrating Mama’s birthday in April superseded. Unknown to Mama’s kids, God
was planning to take her away in December. Everyone who knew Mama Adefiola during her challenging
moments confessed that it was only God through His divine covenant and show of
faithfulness that kept her till age 70. Mama did not only clocked 70 on April
but she added 7 months to her 70th birthday grace before God called
her home at 9:01am on Thursday December 31st 2015.
with the motto of the Church of Nigeria
(Anglican Communion) Diocese of Lagos
West, “Tell the story keep the faith” Mama was said to
have lived additional four years until she clocked 70 on April 6, 2015. The
birthday celebration which held in London nearly never held as her children
were debating if it should be postponed till December 2015 or celebrated on
same Monday 6th of April 2015. Somehow, the argument in favor of
celebrating Mama’s birthday in April superseded. Unknown to Mama’s kids, God
was planning to take her away in December. Everyone who knew Mama Adefiola during her challenging
moments confessed that it was only God through His divine covenant and show of
faithfulness that kept her till age 70. Mama did not only clocked 70 on April
but she added 7 months to her 70th birthday grace before God called
her home at 9:01am on Thursday December 31st 2015.
 |
| Mama Coroline & Baba during her Father-in-law’s funeral |
Mama’s Last Moments
Even though
year 2015 is said to be the year Mama regained her full strength from an
illness that shook the fabrics of her health for 6 years but it was as if she
had a premonition that her work on earth was almost finished. Part of her final
activities according to close sources was her dedicated decision to start
attending all female groups’ activities within the Anglican Church to motivate them on leadership and how to live a
Godly life. Another interesting thing Mama was said to have done that surprised
many was her decision to visit the homes of some of her private staffs who had
worked with her in the past, to familiarize with them; a thing she never did
before. She was equally said to have made personal calls on a daily routine to
some people she considered to have misunderstood her in her younger days, including
those who offended her. Between April and November, Mama was said to have converted both old foes and new friends to
herself as she visited those she could visit and made calls to those she could
make call to. Not until her passage to eternal glory on Thursday December 31st
2015 did many people began to read meanings to her last moment gestures. She
indeed, died a fulfilled Christian.
year 2015 is said to be the year Mama regained her full strength from an
illness that shook the fabrics of her health for 6 years but it was as if she
had a premonition that her work on earth was almost finished. Part of her final
activities according to close sources was her dedicated decision to start
attending all female groups’ activities within the Anglican Church to motivate them on leadership and how to live a
Godly life. Another interesting thing Mama was said to have done that surprised
many was her decision to visit the homes of some of her private staffs who had
worked with her in the past, to familiarize with them; a thing she never did
before. She was equally said to have made personal calls on a daily routine to
some people she considered to have misunderstood her in her younger days, including
those who offended her. Between April and November, Mama was said to have converted both old foes and new friends to
herself as she visited those she could visit and made calls to those she could
make call to. Not until her passage to eternal glory on Thursday December 31st
2015 did many people began to read meanings to her last moment gestures. She
indeed, died a fulfilled Christian.
 |
| Boye Adebiyi to GDA ‘The best thing that happened to me in life is that i am Mama’s son’ |
The Celebrations
Between
Monday January 11 and Sunday January 17th, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Lagos West Diocese
organized several events in her memory. On Monday 11th, a service of
song was organized in Mama’s honor at The Haven beside Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Church—GRA-Ikeja. It was organized by DLW
Women Organization of the church at 4pm. The next day, Tuesday January 12th
a second service of song took place in her honor by the entire DLW of the
Church. Wednesday January 13th was the day Mama’s body was moved
from Lagos to Aromoko Ekiti, her
birth place. Her local church, St. James
Anglican Church, Oke-Oja Aramoko organized a Service
of Songs in her honor between 5pm and 8pm. But early that day before her body
left Lagos, an hour commendation service took place in her honor by 9am at Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Church—GRA Ikeja. Thursday January 14th,
2016 her body left Aramoko Ekiti for
Osi-Ekiti her husband’s place of
birth where a lying-in-state program was held at her residence, Ule-Tinuwe, Olorunsogo by Isao Street,
Osi Ekiti. A Christian Wake Keeping
Program later took place at St. Paul’s
Anglican Church, Osi-Ekiti in
the evening.
Monday January 11 and Sunday January 17th, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Lagos West Diocese
organized several events in her memory. On Monday 11th, a service of
song was organized in Mama’s honor at The Haven beside Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Church—GRA-Ikeja. It was organized by DLW
Women Organization of the church at 4pm. The next day, Tuesday January 12th
a second service of song took place in her honor by the entire DLW of the
Church. Wednesday January 13th was the day Mama’s body was moved
from Lagos to Aromoko Ekiti, her
birth place. Her local church, St. James
Anglican Church, Oke-Oja Aramoko organized a Service
of Songs in her honor between 5pm and 8pm. But early that day before her body
left Lagos, an hour commendation service took place in her honor by 9am at Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Church—GRA Ikeja. Thursday January 14th,
2016 her body left Aramoko Ekiti for
Osi-Ekiti her husband’s place of
birth where a lying-in-state program was held at her residence, Ule-Tinuwe, Olorunsogo by Isao Street,
Osi Ekiti. A Christian Wake Keeping
Program later took place at St. Paul’s
Anglican Church, Osi-Ekiti in
the evening.
 |
| Mama’s Scion, Mr. Boye Adebiyi in a pensive mood for mum |
Friday January
15, Mama’s body was interred at St.
Peter’s Anglican Church, Osi-Ekiti after an early hour
funeral service. Reception & Entertainment of guests took place at St. Paul’s Primary School Field, Iludi Street, Osi-Ekiti. Sunday January
17 was the Outing and Thanksgiving Day as Mama’s children, family, friends and
well-wishers congregated at St. Paul’s
Anglican Church, Osi-Ekiti at 11
am to thank God for a life well spent.
Mama’s Children give testimonies
Your Africa’s number 1
Celebrity Encounter blog Asabeafrika spoke with some of Mama Caroline Adefiola
Adebiyi’s children on what they feel about their mum and how they will describe
her last moments on earth. Enjoy the excerpts
Celebrity Encounter blog Asabeafrika spoke with some of Mama Caroline Adefiola
Adebiyi’s children on what they feel about their mum and how they will describe
her last moments on earth. Enjoy the excerpts
 |
| Top Ekiti traditional Leaders sent in Staff of Office to honor Mama |
I told God to let my mum clock 70
before death—Adedayo, Mama’s 3rd Child
who is a clergy.
before death—Adedayo, Mama’s 3rd Child
who is a clergy.
What would you say about your mum?
My mum is a
wonderful woman, a woman that touched a lot of lives, a woman who was dedicated
to the service of her fellow human being. She was hard working and she hates
idleness. And she instilled that discipline in us that we must not be found
idling at nothing. So, she is the most wonderful woman I ever met in my life.
wonderful woman, a woman that touched a lot of lives, a woman who was dedicated
to the service of her fellow human being. She was hard working and she hates
idleness. And she instilled that discipline in us that we must not be found
idling at nothing. So, she is the most wonderful woman I ever met in my life.
She spent 46 years in the marriage
with your dad, how did she survive the ups and downs?
with your dad, how did she survive the ups and downs?
I really
don’t know, I don’t know the secret. I tell people all the time that for those
46 years, not for once have I ever witnessed my mum and my dad argue. I know
they have their differences but they just have their ways of sorting things
out. So, it is the most wonderful marriage that I ever witnessed and I do hope
I can have a marriage that is as wonderful as that.
don’t know, I don’t know the secret. I tell people all the time that for those
46 years, not for once have I ever witnessed my mum and my dad argue. I know
they have their differences but they just have their ways of sorting things
out. So, it is the most wonderful marriage that I ever witnessed and I do hope
I can have a marriage that is as wonderful as that.
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| Late Mama Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi in her best Evangelical apparel while alive |
Can you tell us your full name and
how many of you?
I am Adedayo
Adebiyi. We are 7 and I am the 3rd child, we have 4 men and three
women and I am the third child of the family.
Adebiyi. We are 7 and I am the 3rd child, we have 4 men and three
women and I am the third child of the family.
So, how do you think dad is going to
cope without mum?
cope without mum?
Life is
never going to be the same but at the same time; she brought us up to trust God
and to rely on God even in times of trouble. I just think this is the time for
us to depend on the grace of God to carry us through and I know that is exactly
what she wants us to do.
never going to be the same but at the same time; she brought us up to trust God
and to rely on God even in times of trouble. I just think this is the time for
us to depend on the grace of God to carry us through and I know that is exactly
what she wants us to do.
If you are to write a memoir on your
mum, what are the 3 prominent words that will be used in describing her?
mum, what are the 3 prominent words that will be used in describing her?
A committed
Christian, a wonderful mother and a devoted wife
Christian, a wonderful mother and a devoted wife
Do you see her in the mode of the
brand of woman in Proverb 31?
brand of woman in Proverb 31?
Exactly;
that was my mum, like I said she hates idleness and she was quite hardworking.
that was my mum, like I said she hates idleness and she was quite hardworking.
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| Some Very Important Ministers of God @ Mama Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi’s Service of Songs in Lagos |
Your mum seemed to have fulfilled
Psalm 90 verse 10?
In fact one
of my prayers was that she should turn 70 years before she goes and I was glad
when she turned 70 last April and we thought let us just defer this celebration
till December but on the other note we said ‘you know what, let us just do this
celebration’. So, there was a big celebration for her in the United Kingdom and
we thank God we took that decision.
of my prayers was that she should turn 70 years before she goes and I was glad
when she turned 70 last April and we thought let us just defer this celebration
till December but on the other note we said ‘you know what, let us just do this
celebration’. So, there was a big celebration for her in the United Kingdom and
we thank God we took that decision.
 |
| Mama & Baba Adebiyi during Retirement Party |
So, you are fulfilled to have honored
your second thought as death could have cheated you of that now?
We will have
missed that, had it been we didn’t do that last April; she would have left
without being celebrated on her 70th birthday. So, we thank God for
giving us the wisdom and opportunity to celebrate her 70th birthday.
missed that, had it been we didn’t do that last April; she would have left
without being celebrated on her 70th birthday. So, we thank God for
giving us the wisdom and opportunity to celebrate her 70th birthday.
What do you say to people who hold
your parents in high esteem from all across the world?
your parents in high esteem from all across the world?
I just want
to say Thank you very much, to each and every one of them, even those who can
not make it down here. Messages were sent from all over the world, people
calling, people visiting, people sending text messages even over social media;
facebook, twitter, there have been loads and loads of outpouring of goodwill
messages and it is just to say thank you to each and every one of them and my
prayer is that, God will also remember them in their own time of trouble.
to say Thank you very much, to each and every one of them, even those who can
not make it down here. Messages were sent from all over the world, people
calling, people visiting, people sending text messages even over social media;
facebook, twitter, there have been loads and loads of outpouring of goodwill
messages and it is just to say thank you to each and every one of them and my
prayer is that, God will also remember them in their own time of trouble.
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| Pall-Bearers serenade with Mama’s body on her last journey on earth |
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| First Son, Mr. Boye Adebiyi speaks to the GDA |
I count myself privileged to be her
son—Boye, Mama’s 1st Son
Tell us your name and what you think
about your mum?
about your mum?
My name is Adeboye Adebiyi the first son of Mama Adefiola Caroline Adebiyi, well as
a child I can say I am very fortunate that I came through her, including my
siblings. And I am very happy that she was my mother, she supported her husband
through out her lifetime and she is indeed a virtuous woman. I am very grateful
to God.
a child I can say I am very fortunate that I came through her, including my
siblings. And I am very happy that she was my mother, she supported her husband
through out her lifetime and she is indeed a virtuous woman. I am very grateful
to God.
 |
| Mama’s Children at the Monday January 11 event by DWL Group in Lagos |
Can you say your mum is that brand of
Proverb 31 Woman?
Yes.
Absolutely yes! She exhibits those virtues of hard work and sense of
discipline. My mum was a working woman.
Absolutely yes! She exhibits those virtues of hard work and sense of
discipline. My mum was a working woman.
What were those things she instilled
in you while growing up?
in you while growing up?
That in all
things, that whatever happens, you should put your trust in God, that there is
nothing in this world that you can achieve except you put God first because the
Bible says ‘seek first the kingdom of God and every other thing will be added
unto you’. Those were the virtues Mama instilled in us, that irrespective of
the troubles of life you must trust in God.
things, that whatever happens, you should put your trust in God, that there is
nothing in this world that you can achieve except you put God first because the
Bible says ‘seek first the kingdom of God and every other thing will be added
unto you’. Those were the virtues Mama instilled in us, that irrespective of
the troubles of life you must trust in God.
 |
| Mr. Adedayo Adebiyi in a Pensive Mood for Mum |
How did you receive the news of her
demise?
demise?
I was not
around when she eventually passed on but few weeks before I travelled out of
town, I met with her, she was full of life and she was equally thanking God and
one of her story is that because she doesn’t know when Jesus will take her in
but that whatever happens, she thank God and according to what my siblings
said, she said ‘if it is for me and my household, I will serve the Lord’ that
was her last statement as she passed away.
around when she eventually passed on but few weeks before I travelled out of
town, I met with her, she was full of life and she was equally thanking God and
one of her story is that because she doesn’t know when Jesus will take her in
but that whatever happens, she thank God and according to what my siblings
said, she said ‘if it is for me and my household, I will serve the Lord’ that
was her last statement as she passed away.
How did you think your dad will cope
without her after 46 years?
without her after 46 years?
We pray that
God will give him strength and the courage to carry on. And we the children
will do all our possible best to ensure that we take good care of him and I
know that it is only God that can as well take care of him but we will try all
our possible best. And we will ensure he won’t feel the impact.
God will give him strength and the courage to carry on. And we the children
will do all our possible best to ensure that we take good care of him and I
know that it is only God that can as well take care of him but we will try all
our possible best. And we will ensure he won’t feel the impact.
 |
| Mama Caroline Adebiyi in her younger look |
If you are to write a memoir about
your mum, how would you describe her in words?
A fulfilled
woman; that is what I can tag the title of my book on her because I believe she
was able to fulfill her purpose in her life time.
woman; that is what I can tag the title of my book on her because I believe she
was able to fulfill her purpose in her life time.
What do you have for people who hold
your mum and dad in very high esteem?
your mum and dad in very high esteem?
Without the
support of the members, the clergy, the laity and the entire congregation of
the Diocese of Lagos West and the Church of Nigeria in general, without their
support, I am very sure this Diocese of Lagos West wouldn’t have been where it
is now. So, I want to use this opportunity to thank everybody, both male and
female, young and old who have contributed immensely to the success of my
parents, especially Mama Caroline
Adefiola Adebiyi, God bless you all.
support of the members, the clergy, the laity and the entire congregation of
the Diocese of Lagos West and the Church of Nigeria in general, without their
support, I am very sure this Diocese of Lagos West wouldn’t have been where it
is now. So, I want to use this opportunity to thank everybody, both male and
female, young and old who have contributed immensely to the success of my
parents, especially Mama Caroline
Adefiola Adebiyi, God bless you all.
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| Mama’s 7 Lovely & Godly Children standing in Worship @ The Lagos event |
 |
| Mama’s 1st Daughter, Mrs. Aderonke Fatile |
Mum hates anyone that cheats the poor—1st Daughter,
Mrs. Fatile
How would you describe your mum, Mama Caroline
Adebiyi?
Adebiyi?
My name is Mrs. Aderonke Fatile I am her first
daughter, describing her you would have to go through the book of Proverb Chapter 31 what the Bible
describes as a virtuous woman who supports her husband and does everything good
for the family, the children rise up and call her blessed. So, when you see my
mum, she is a virtuous woman. She is humble, generous, very accommodating and
all these are in Proverb Chapter 31.
daughter, describing her you would have to go through the book of Proverb Chapter 31 what the Bible
describes as a virtuous woman who supports her husband and does everything good
for the family, the children rise up and call her blessed. So, when you see my
mum, she is a virtuous woman. She is humble, generous, very accommodating and
all these are in Proverb Chapter 31.
 |
| Mama Caroline Adebiyi with hubby, Children and grand children during her 70th birthday in London on Monday April 6th, 2015 |
Can you recall her last moment?
I was with
her in the hospital, though I didn’t know she will pass on but even in her
pain, she exhibited faith because it was a very painful moment when she passed
on. The last thing she was saying as she passed away was that ‘as for me and my
Household, we will serve The LORD’
her in the hospital, though I didn’t know she will pass on but even in her
pain, she exhibited faith because it was a very painful moment when she passed
on. The last thing she was saying as she passed away was that ‘as for me and my
Household, we will serve The LORD’
 |
| Mama’s children and a team of clergy during her funeral in Ekiti State |
What were those things she taught you
while growing up that is still helping you till date?
My mum
always sing a song that says ‘My Lord is cheerful all the time, He sees what we
do, he hears what we say’ she always tell us that wherever you find yourself,
God is watching you and she taught me that whatever I become, I must be humble.
That even if you have people working for you, you don’t know what they will
become tomorrow. You don’t just rubbish people because they are working for you
or they are your house help. So, she
really, really taught me to be very humble, very accommodating and to be
tolerant especially in my home.
always sing a song that says ‘My Lord is cheerful all the time, He sees what we
do, he hears what we say’ she always tell us that wherever you find yourself,
God is watching you and she taught me that whatever I become, I must be humble.
That even if you have people working for you, you don’t know what they will
become tomorrow. You don’t just rubbish people because they are working for you
or they are your house help. So, she
really, really taught me to be very humble, very accommodating and to be
tolerant especially in my home.
How do you think Baba will survive
without Mama after 46 years?
without Mama after 46 years?
The next
step is for us to support him with prayers because when Mummy died I was not
crying for Mummy I was really crying for Daddy, that ‘how is he going to cope?’
But we know that we have more work to do, we will continue to pray for him
because we cannot be there with him twenty four hours. But we will always try
our best to be with him, to encourage him and to try to fill the gap.
step is for us to support him with prayers because when Mummy died I was not
crying for Mummy I was really crying for Daddy, that ‘how is he going to cope?’
But we know that we have more work to do, we will continue to pray for him
because we cannot be there with him twenty four hours. But we will always try
our best to be with him, to encourage him and to try to fill the gap.
 |
| Mama Caroline & Papa Adebiyi during their 42nd Wedding Anniversary couple of years ago |
I learnt you nearly missed
celebrating her last birthday? Do you feel fulfilled that you celebrated it at
last?
Yes, I am happy
we celebrated her, she was 70 in April last year and she has gone through a lot
because she has been sick for maybe 6 years back. For her to turn 70 was a
miracle. And so we said ‘Mummy turned 70, she must be celebrated’ because so
many times she has been threatened by death and God delivered her. So, when she
turned 70, we all decided that we are going to celebrate her and thank God we
did in April 2015.
we celebrated her, she was 70 in April last year and she has gone through a lot
because she has been sick for maybe 6 years back. For her to turn 70 was a
miracle. And so we said ‘Mummy turned 70, she must be celebrated’ because so
many times she has been threatened by death and God delivered her. So, when she
turned 70, we all decided that we are going to celebrate her and thank God we
did in April 2015.
 |
| Mama’s 3rd Child, Adedayo Adebiyi (2nd Left) with some dignatories |
If you are to write a book on your
mum, what are the things you will put in
the book about her?
I will say
my mum is a woman of uncommon character. She also has an uncommon name, that Adefiola, how many people have you seen
bearing that name? No wonder her character is uncommon. So, if I am opportune
to write a book about her, I write about a woman with an uncommon character.
my mum is a woman of uncommon character. She also has an uncommon name, that Adefiola, how many people have you seen
bearing that name? No wonder her character is uncommon. So, if I am opportune
to write a book about her, I write about a woman with an uncommon character.
 |
| Mr. Adedayo Adebiyi to the GDA ‘Mum was a virtuous Woman’ |
What do you say to people who hold
your parents in high esteem across the world?
I want to
say a big thank you to all well wishers who has wished us well at this period,
so many people called from London, from America and different parts of the
country, old students of the schools she attended and the entire members of
Lagos West, the Bishop and his wife and every member of Lagos West we want to
thank them for supporting us at this point in time.
say a big thank you to all well wishers who has wished us well at this period,
so many people called from London, from America and different parts of the
country, old students of the schools she attended and the entire members of
Lagos West, the Bishop and his wife and every member of Lagos West we want to
thank them for supporting us at this point in time.
 |
| Mama’s 3rd Child, Adedayo Adebiyi speaks with the GDA at Mum’s Service of Songs |
What you don’t know about Late Mama,
Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi
Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi
+ Untold story of her 46 years
romance with hubby.
romance with hubby.
Mama Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi was born on the 6th of
April, 1945 into the family of Chief
Gabriel Abon Ayedun and Chief (Mrs.)
Esther Omiyale Ayedun in Oisinkin Compound of Oke-Oja Street, Aramoko Ekiti in Ekiti West
Local Government Area of Ekiti state.
April, 1945 into the family of Chief
Gabriel Abon Ayedun and Chief (Mrs.)
Esther Omiyale Ayedun in Oisinkin Compound of Oke-Oja Street, Aramoko Ekiti in Ekiti West
Local Government Area of Ekiti state.
Her parents
were peasant farmers who were very hardworking and religious. They had four
children, all girls from Mama Esther
Omiyale Ayedun’s side and their parents brought them up in the way of the
Lord. Mama Caroline Adefiola had her
Primary School education at St. Philips
Anglican Primary School in Aramoko Ekiti from 1955 to 1961. She
attended St. John’s Secondary Modern
School in Aramoko Ekiti from 1962
to 1964 where she obtained her Modern 3
certificate. She later proceeded to Local
Authority Teacher’s Training College (LATTC) in Ibadan in the year 1967 and
graduated in 1970.
were peasant farmers who were very hardworking and religious. They had four
children, all girls from Mama Esther
Omiyale Ayedun’s side and their parents brought them up in the way of the
Lord. Mama Caroline Adefiola had her
Primary School education at St. Philips
Anglican Primary School in Aramoko Ekiti from 1955 to 1961. She
attended St. John’s Secondary Modern
School in Aramoko Ekiti from 1962
to 1964 where she obtained her Modern 3
certificate. She later proceeded to Local
Authority Teacher’s Training College (LATTC) in Ibadan in the year 1967 and
graduated in 1970.
 |
| Late Mama Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi in her lifetime |
How Mama met and fell in Love with
Baba
Her husband;
the Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Awelewa Adebiyi
met her when he was an organist at St. Philips Anglican Church, Aramoko in 1965, the young and
beautiful Caroline Adefiola was then
a member of the choir, she was very quite and always busy knitting one thing or
the other while others make noise and jest before the actual choir rehearsal
begin. Sometimes, she will just chuckle at what others were doing but would
soberly continue her work and interest.
the Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Awelewa Adebiyi
met her when he was an organist at St. Philips Anglican Church, Aramoko in 1965, the young and
beautiful Caroline Adefiola was then
a member of the choir, she was very quite and always busy knitting one thing or
the other while others make noise and jest before the actual choir rehearsal
begin. Sometimes, she will just chuckle at what others were doing but would
soberly continue her work and interest.
At that
time; her husband; Mr. Peter Awelewa
Adebiyi who was only an organist
had no inclination whatsoever to propose to her, he was only busy with his work
as an organist. Mama later became a Ward Maid at the Rural Health Center, Aramoko
Ekiti, where her would-be-mother-in-law then, the late Mama Alice Fatinuwe Adebiyi
was admitted and treated for an abscess. She attended to her with love, care
and affection during that period and Mama
Alice Fatuniwe knew and appreciated her.
time; her husband; Mr. Peter Awelewa
Adebiyi who was only an organist
had no inclination whatsoever to propose to her, he was only busy with his work
as an organist. Mama later became a Ward Maid at the Rural Health Center, Aramoko
Ekiti, where her would-be-mother-in-law then, the late Mama Alice Fatinuwe Adebiyi
was admitted and treated for an abscess. She attended to her with love, care
and affection during that period and Mama
Alice Fatuniwe knew and appreciated her.
 |
| Four of Mama’s Children strategizing on what to do next |
…And God joined Awelewa with Adefiola
In a dream,
her husband saw someone handing the young and delectable Caroline over to his own mother saying in Yoruba but translated in
English ‘This is the woman who will build a happy home for you’. Having relayed the
dream to his friends, who only made jest of him, Awelewa (as fondly called) however began to look and monitor Adefiola more closely. The courtship
began formerly in 1966 and they got married on the 7th of November,
1970 at St. Philips Anglican Church,
Aramoko
Ekiti. The marriage is blessed with 7 successful children and 21
promising grand children. The Rt.
Reverend Dr. Peter Awelewa Adebiyi, her beloved husband confirmed that his
journey and transfer to Aramoko Ekiti was divinely
orchestrated as he was initially posted to Okitipupa in Ondo state but because
of the need for an organist at St. Philip’s Aramoko, he was
issued another transfer letter. Most importantly, the transfer was divinely
schemed for him to meet his missing rib and perfect soul mate; Caroline.
her husband saw someone handing the young and delectable Caroline over to his own mother saying in Yoruba but translated in
English ‘This is the woman who will build a happy home for you’. Having relayed the
dream to his friends, who only made jest of him, Awelewa (as fondly called) however began to look and monitor Adefiola more closely. The courtship
began formerly in 1966 and they got married on the 7th of November,
1970 at St. Philips Anglican Church,
Aramoko
Ekiti. The marriage is blessed with 7 successful children and 21
promising grand children. The Rt.
Reverend Dr. Peter Awelewa Adebiyi, her beloved husband confirmed that his
journey and transfer to Aramoko Ekiti was divinely
orchestrated as he was initially posted to Okitipupa in Ondo state but because
of the need for an organist at St. Philip’s Aramoko, he was
issued another transfer letter. Most importantly, the transfer was divinely
schemed for him to meet his missing rib and perfect soul mate; Caroline.
 |
| The Funeral Service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Osi Ekiti |
Mama’s Working Career in details
Mama Boye (As fondly called) had an exemplary
teaching career; she infused Christian virtues and ethics on her students. She
worked as a class room teacher at St.
John Mary Primary School in Owo from 1969 to 1970; she was later
transferred to Holy Trinity Primary
School in Ilawe-Ekiti where she taught from 1971 to 1973. She worked at Ansar-Udeen Primary School from 1973 to
1975. She also worked in St. Michael’s
Primary School, Ikoro-Ekiti from 1976 to 1983; St. Andrew’s Primary School, Oke-Ila in Ado-Ekiti from 1983 to
1987. She worked in the Local Government
Primary School from 1987 to 1992, she equally taught at St. John Mary in Owo, when her husband
was consecrated as the Lord Bishop of
Owo diocese in 1993. She retired as
Head Teacher in 1995 to dedicate herself to the work of God and supporting the
ministry of her husband which she did diligently.
teaching career; she infused Christian virtues and ethics on her students. She
worked as a class room teacher at St.
John Mary Primary School in Owo from 1969 to 1970; she was later
transferred to Holy Trinity Primary
School in Ilawe-Ekiti where she taught from 1971 to 1973. She worked at Ansar-Udeen Primary School from 1973 to
1975. She also worked in St. Michael’s
Primary School, Ikoro-Ekiti from 1976 to 1983; St. Andrew’s Primary School, Oke-Ila in Ado-Ekiti from 1983 to
1987. She worked in the Local Government
Primary School from 1987 to 1992, she equally taught at St. John Mary in Owo, when her husband
was consecrated as the Lord Bishop of
Owo diocese in 1993. She retired as
Head Teacher in 1995 to dedicate herself to the work of God and supporting the
ministry of her husband which she did diligently.
Her work in
the church societies and Women Organization in Church of Nigeria, Anglican
Communion and beyond cannot be over emphasized. She is a member of the
Mother’s Union and Women’s Guild of Archbishop Vining Memorial Anglican
Cathedral. She is also a member of the Board
of Grace, St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Ikoro Ekiti.
the church societies and Women Organization in Church of Nigeria, Anglican
Communion and beyond cannot be over emphasized. She is a member of the
Mother’s Union and Women’s Guild of Archbishop Vining Memorial Anglican
Cathedral. She is also a member of the Board
of Grace, St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Ikoro Ekiti.
 |
| Mama Caroline Adefiola & Papa Awelewa Adebiyi on their Wedding Day on 7th November, 1970 |
She was also
involved in the provision of skilled acquisition and vocational training for
women pro-poverty alleviation and economic empowerment. She specializes in
knitting, tie and die, soap and cream making, natural herbs mixing among
others. Her culinary skills cannot be ignored by her immediate family, extended
family members and myriads of visitors who find comfort in her home. They all
ate from the same pot and enjoyed most especially her Pounded Yam and all kinds
of native soups. Sunday evenings in Mama’s home is like revelry time.
Mama Adefiola is an impeccable seamstress; she
runs an office where she makes priests and church vestment among others. Mama Caroline as an industrious woman
ran all kinds of businesses ranging from managing a patent medicine store in Ado
Ekiti then, to owing a beauty salon in Owo, Ondo state and a
boutique in Ikoro-Ekiti. She did all of these to support her family as they
sojourn from one town to the other during a hectic ministry work, little
wonder, her husband would always comment that she earns more than he did.
runs an office where she makes priests and church vestment among others. Mama Caroline as an industrious woman
ran all kinds of businesses ranging from managing a patent medicine store in Ado
Ekiti then, to owing a beauty salon in Owo, Ondo state and a
boutique in Ikoro-Ekiti. She did all of these to support her family as they
sojourn from one town to the other during a hectic ministry work, little
wonder, her husband would always comment that she earns more than he did.
 |
| The Last Celebration for Mama Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi |
Mama and her
husband served in various churches in Lagos; her husband the Canon, Dr. Adebiyi was the Vicar of Arch-Bishop
Vining Memorial Church, Ikeja between September 1987 and May 1993
before he became the Bishop of Owo Diocese on the 26th of May,
1993, they also returned to Lagos when her husband was transferred to become
the pioneer Bishop of Lagos West Diocese on the 20th of November,
1999 where they built a viable diocese together and contributed to the growth
of other churches within and outside Lagos.
 |
| Mama’s Children, grand children with members of clergy after final funeral rites at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Osi Ekiti |
In spite of
her health challenges, she worked tirelessly supporting the ministry of her
husband until their retirement on 27th of April 2013. God called her
home on the 31st of December, 2015 by 9am. Her last word was ‘Bi o se emi ati ile mi, Oluwa ni awa yoo
maa sin” She quoted from Joshua 24
verse 15…’But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD’
Asabeafrika wishes Mama Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi a peaceful rest in the bosom of her maker (Amen).
