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…Children Pay Heartfelt Tributes
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – The Vicar in charge of Adeyinka Adegbite Memorial Anglican Church, behind Town Planning, Oluyole, Ibadan, Ven. Babatope James David, has described the death of Chief (Mrs.) Bolajoko Beatrice Ademowo (née Senbanjo) as not only a great loss to her family, but also to the entire Christendom.
The cleric, who led other men of God at both the Wake-Keep and Burial Service for the late wife of Otunba (Dr.) Wale Ademowo, former Entertainment/Society Editor with the Nigerian Tribune, held on Thursday and Friday, September 24 and 25, 2025, commiserated with the Ademowo and Senbanjo families, her husband, children, and grandchildren over the irreplaceable loss of their matriarch.
Ven. David reminded the congregation that death is inevitable to every human being. “Hence, we all should do well while still on earth because everyone will die at his or her appointed time”, he said.
He urged those who have not given their lives to Jesus Christ to do so before it is too late, adding that he was comforted by the fact that the deceased lived and died a devout Christian.
Other clerics who spoke at the ceremonies equally noted that although the passing of their matriarch was very painful, the family should take solace in the assurance that she died in Christ.
In an emotional reflection, Otunba Wale Ademowo described the death of his wife as a devastating blow that shook the very foundation of his life.
Speaking with StarTrend Int’l Magazine and Online Platform shortly after the interment, he said, “The death of my wife was so sudden and painful – leaving behind a void that words can hardly capture. Her passing no doubt left an indelible mark on her family, community, and all who knew her.”
Recalling the moment he first received the heartbreaking news, Ademowo said, “I was completely shattered. It felt like the world stood still, and I was overwhelmed with disbelief and sorrow. Her death has created a deep void, one that words cannot fully capture.
“As a wife, she was a partner in every sense of the word – loving, supportive, and unwavering in her commitment to her family. I will miss her companionship, her gentle counsel, her love, and the warmth she brought into our home.”
He added that their children were equally struggling to come to terms with the loss – “Heartbroken and shaken, they have found themselves navigating grief in different ways. Yet, they continue to draw strength from the values she instilled in them – love, discipline, and care – which remain a guiding light even in her absence.”
Ademowo further stressed that to those who knew her, his wife was more than just a spouse and mother – “She was a pillar of strength and a woman of virtue, admired for her kindness, faith, and dedication to others.
“Her life was defined by service to humanity, and her community regarded her as a mother figure whose compassion touched many beyond her immediate family. Her memory lives on not only in our hearts but also in the countless lives she influenced through her warmth and generosity. Truly, her death has created a void that can never be filled.”
In her vote of thanks, the eldest child, Dr. (Mrs.) Omokorede Ademowo-Olusanya, described the death of their mother as very sad, painful, and unexpected.
Speaking in an emotion-laden voice, she called her “a woman in a million who never failed in her responsibilities as a wife, mother, and Christian of virtue in every ramification.”
Dr. (Mrs.) Ademowo-Olusanya expressed gratitude to God for her mother’s life, lived without blemish, and thanked clerics, the Ademowo and Senbanjo families, friends, and sympathisers who stood by them in their moment of grief.
She prayed that God would grant their mother eternal rest and continue to guide and protect their father, children, and grandchildren.
In his tribute, Otunba Wale Ademowo wrote, “Goodnight, Mummy. On Valentine’s Day, 38 years ago, our love story became a forever bond. We met on Valentine’s Eve, 45 years ago, and little did we know that our journey together would be filled with so much love, laughter, and adventure. You were the epitome of virtue—honest, loyal, and dependable.
“Your encouraging spirit and dedication to our family were the pillars that held us strong. You tirelessly trained our kids, always being there for them, even when my journalism duties kept me away.
“Your love for God shone through in everything you did. Your fear of God guided your actions, and your truthfulness was a beacon of hope to all who knew you. I’m grateful for every moment we shared. Your legacy lives on through our family and the countless lives you touched. Rest in peace, my love.”
Dr. Omokorede Ademowo-Olusanya also penned, “Mummy, I didn’t know I would write a tribute so soon. You were the best mother in the world. You always put your family ahead of yourself – ensuring we ate well, slept well, and received every support to achieve the best.
“Your prayers were always felt even miles apart. You taught us to be diligent, to be honest even when it meant facing persecution. Your love for your grandchildren knew no limits. You had already prepared their Christmas dresses.
“You were my rock and pillar of support. I will miss your prayers, your reassuring voice, and your sweet smile. I wish God kept you longer with us, but He knows best. Even in pain, you kept saying, ‘Mi o ni se Olorun.’ Sleep well, Iye mi, till we meet to part no more.”
Mr. Omotunde Ademowo wrote, “Dear Mum, words fail me. I am pained and heartbroken, but I know you are resting in the arms of Almighty God. Thank you for your sacrifices, lessons, and constant prayers. You lived an exemplary life of peace and love.
“You were selfless and gave your all to everything you did. We will forever keep your memories alive. I will cherish the laughter, the quiet moments, and the love that was my foundation.
“Mum, you were more than just a mother; you were a mentor, friend, and partner. Your love, wisdom, and strength inspired me to be the best version of myself. Rest in peace, dear Mum. I love you more than words can say.”
Mr. Omoseni Ademowo also penned, “My mother was a virtuous woman, one who always put her family first. She sacrificed everything so I could become who I am today, and for that, I say thank you. Mummy, I make you this solemn promise: I will continue to honour your name and do right by you. As you always said before any trip – ‘You are covered with the blood of Jesus’..
“Today, I cover you with the blood of Jesus. I will miss you deeply, but I know I now have a guardian angel watching over me. Sleep well, Mummy.”
Together, Wale Ademowo and his children concluded, “Though we mourn her passing, we remain steadfast in our hope and trust in Christ. He giveth and He taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Chief (Mrs.) Bolajoko Beatrice Ademowo was born on December 22, 1962, to Chief Samuel and Mrs. Lydia Senbanjo, both of blessed memory. Her early education began at Christ Church Primary School, Odosenbora, and continued at Ilugun Central Academy, Ogun State, where her brilliance as a gifted mathematician first shone.
She went on to study Mathematics and Economics at the College of Education, Ijebu Ode, and later graduated with honours in Mathematics from the University of Ilorin, cementing her reputation as a first-class scholar.
Her teaching career spanned many decades and notable schools. She taught and served as Principal in various institutions in Ibadan, including Bashorun Ogunmola High School, Ring Road; Community Grammar School, Oluyole Estate; St. Luke’s College, Molete; Baptist School, Idi-Ishin; African Church Grammar School, Apata; and Eleta High School, Eleta.
She authored and co-authored mathematics books under the guidance of Professor A. Yoloye and served as a top examiner for WAEC and NECO.
Her devotion to God was unwavering. From her teenage years as a choir member at Christ Church, Odosenbora, she grew into leadership roles in the Church.
She served actively in the Christian Youth Association (CYA), rural evangelism, and later co-founded the Christ Ambassadors Society at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Asipa, and Adeyinka Adegbite Memorial Anglican Church. She was also a committed member of the Women’s Guild and Mother’s Union.
Chief (Mrs.) Bolajoko Ademowo met her beloved husband 45 years ago on the eve of Valentine’s Day, and their union was solemnized on February 14, 1987. Their marriage was richly blessed with children and grandchildren, forming a legacy of love, faith, and strength.
The celebration of life of an illustrious Amazon was graced by dignitaries from within and outside the community, reflecting the depth of her impact and legacy.
Among those in attendance were members of the Ademowo and Senbanjo families; Alhaji Debo Abdullah, Editor of the Nigerian Tribune; Mr. Olagunju Lasisi, Editor of Saturday Tribune; Chief (Engr.) Segun Azeez, the Fiwajoye of Oluyole, Ibadan; and veteran journalist Mr. Laide Abass.
Also present were Pastor Tayo Sokoya; Mr. Kayode Olowe; Mr. Femi Adeoti of The Sun Newspaper; and Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa, among many others who gathered to honour and bid her farewell.
Members of StarTrend Int’l Magazine and Online Platform joined hundreds of mourners in honouring the late Chief (Mrs.) Bolajoko Beatrice Ademowo, alongside her husband’s longtime colleague and friend, Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, as both men are fondly referred to in the media industry (in the 80s and 90s) as “Czars of Entertainment/Society Journalism.”
May God grant Chief (Mrs.) Bolajoko Beatrice Ademowo eternal rest and give her husband, children, grandchildren, and the entire Ademowo and Senbanjo families the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
