Clara Adunni Olatunji (Née Benedict)

Mummy Olatunji was a mother to me and my siblings here in the UK, and hilarious our mum was in the UK. Upon my arrival to the UK in 1992 as a teenager, she looked after me and ushered me into my first sets of early morning jobs. Because the job was very early, I would go and sleep in mummy Olatunji’s house and we will travel in her car together. We would move to the next post after the first one before she went to her actual daytime job as a school chef. Mummy was hardworking and I admired her strength and tenacity. There was no dull moment with mummy O and her loving and caring heart anchored me as a teenager in the UK. Food was never a problem and mummy would always provide extras to take away. Mummy was involved in all of my affairs and that of my siblings, and she was a great cheerleader and source of strength in our difficult times. When I turned 50 in 2023, she made Emily drive her all the way to Milton Keynes to come and celebrate with the family. That is mummy O for you 😊Her memories would live on in our minds and hearts and thank God for videos and pictures of her digging it at my 50th birthday😂 Your warmth, laughter and charisma would be missed mummy! I bless God for a life well spent! Rest in the peace of the Almighty🙏🏾❤️

Today we celebrate the life of my grandmother, one of the strongest women I have ever known.

She made the courageous journey from Nigeria to England, carrying with her the traditions, strength, and values of a proud Yoruba woman.

Grandma was tough and strict, as many grandmothers are, but beneath that firmness was a heart full of love. I was always buzzing to receive the £20 she gave me whenever I visited, but even more than that, I’ll remember how she always asked after my mum, my parents on both sides, and all my siblings, never forgetting anyone. She demonstrated resilience and compassion through how she lived her life and through my dad’s stories of her while he was growing up. Though she may no longer be with us in body, her love, strength, and lessons live on in all of us. Rest well, Grandma, you will always be in our hearts.

Tribute to A Godly Woman, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother - Mrs Clara Adunni Olatunji nee Benedict JP. Member of UCASS.

We gather to celebrate the extraordinary life of Mrs. Clara Adunni Olatunji nee Benedict JP, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy is built on a foundation of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and Unified Christian Association (UCASS).

A Heart of Gold

Mrs. Olatunji's life was a testament to her generosity and compassion. She touched countless lives with her warmth and selflessness, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her influence extended beyond her family, as she actively contributed to her community through her involvement with UCASS and her role as a JP.

Unwavering Faith

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her through life's joys and challenges. She instilled in her family the importance of spiritual growth, compassion, and service to others. Her legacy continues to inspire and uplift those who knew her.

A Pillar of Strength

As a mother, grandma, and great-grandmother, Mrs. Olatunji provided unwavering support and love to her family and UCASS. She was a pillar of strength, offering guidance and wisdom to navigate life's complexities. Her family and UCASS cherished her for her unconditional love, patience, and understanding.

Lasting Impact

Mrs. Olatunji's impact on her family and community will be remembered for generations to come. Her kindness, generosity, and devotion to her faith have created a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate others.

Celebrating Her Life

As we celebrate Mrs. Olatunji's life, we honour her memory by embracing the values she embodied: love, kindness, and compassion. May her legacy continue to guide us, and may we strive to make a positive impact in our communities, just as she did.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Adieu MAMA CLARA OLATUNJI.

Sun re o, Mama Daada!!!

Tribute to My Beloved UK Mummy, Late Mummy Olatunji

Even though the late Mummy Olatunji was not my biological aunt, she embraced me as one of her own. When I left Nigeria in September 1989 without informing my parents of my intention not to return — for reasons best known to me 😁 — she became a pillar of support during a very uncertain time in my life.

I was initially hesitant to leave Nigeria, largely due to concerns about accommodation. I heard too many stories of people being thrown out by their hosts, often in the middle of the night, in both the UK and the US. I was determined not to experience that.

Through a mutual friend of my mother, Professor Odusina, Aunty was contacted about possibly accommodating me — and without hesitation, she agreed to host me. From the moment I arrived, I felt comfortable and completely at home. I lived with her for two months until I received my council accommodation, and even then, I was reluctant to move out 😁. That’s how warm and welcoming she was.

Since then, she became more than just a host — she became my UK mother. She was not only a great support to me personally but also became a close friend of my mum’s. Every time she visited Nigeria, she would stay with my mother. She built strong relationships with my siblings, paternal uncles, and extended family. Her generosity extended beyond our family to others in my mum’s neighborhood as well.

Aunty was there for us during one of the most special moments of our lives — when my wife gave birth to our only daughter in February 2001. She stayed with us for a few days to help ensure my wife was comfortable and supported. Those were golden moments.

We shared many laughs together. I vividly remember discovering she was a fan of Clint Eastwood — especially his Westerns. She would describe how quickly he drew his gun, catching his enemies off guard — complete with body movements. It was hilarious; she was my cool Aunty.

There are so many fond memories I could share, but I’ll stop here to avoid taking up too much space.

My family and I miss you deeply, my dear UK Mummy. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

As we always said to each other: Love you 🩷. Bayo Owolowo

Sister Clara Olatunji was known to me from St Dominic
We were all together in St Judes Catholic Society
She was one of our mummies that love Gid and move in the company of those that loves God
I was in London for treatment in the year 1991yo1992
She was there gor me in her house at Camberwell (Brunjswick villa )before she moved to London road
She took care of me with her children (Yinka Dupe Bimbo and Folarin) Her sister (Mama Yeside) too took care of me
We thank Gid for her life and generosity
May Hid grant her perfect rest and console the children grand children and great grand children amen 🙏🏻 🙌 ❤️

It is with mixed emotions that l write this tribute. My first encounter with Sister (Mrs Clara Aduni Olatunji) was early 80’s through her late younger brother - Matthew Adedoyin Benedict. It took awhile for her to warm up to me, because she loved her late brother very much. She later became a big sister and enjoyed teasing me most of the time. Her love for travelling was worthy of emulation, her friendliness as well as her “no nonsense” approach will always be remembered and cherished.

Her exemplary lifestyle is worthy of emulation. Her gentleness, warmth, smile and friendliness will always be remembered and cherished. Sister has left a worthy legacy and l pray that our gracious Lord pour out His grace and comfort her beloved children Yinka, Dupe, Bimbo, Folarin and grandchildren, in-laws, family, friends, church members. While Sister’s passing was sudden and sad, being a committed Christian, l truly believe that heaven has gained a kind soul, while we have lost a big sister and friend.

Sister, you lived well, so sleep well. You will be dearly missed. Goodnight Ma.

Liz Richards-Benedict

In memory of our dear Mummy, Sister, Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother, Late Madam Mrs Clara Olatunji.

I was utterly surprised when I heard if her passing on to glory. She was such a loving, kind and humorous mummy.

I have never seen her upsets. She was a mother of a high level sense of humour. Whilst around her, she makes people comfortable.

We love you, but God loves you most. Rest in peace, in Jesus' name. Amen!!!

My dearest mother
Sun re oooooo
Eyin yin a dara in Jesus Name

Tribute to Clara Olatunji

* Clara Olatunji
* Tribute to Clara Olatunji, my dearest friend.

Clara was a strong, respectable woman, who would never miss anything good. She was kind, generous, and had a warm heart. I have known Clara for many years. She was my friend who turned into my sister. She was my holiday partner, and we travelled to many places together. She has been on cruises to all parts of the world. She was always there wherever there was dancing and jollity. She loved to dance.

Clara’s faith was very strong, and she was very prayerful. She did not miss a mass. She had been to so many pilgrimages that I cannot count the number.

She always said that she is stuck to me, which was a true prediction because she passed on the morning of my birthday, meaning that I can never forget her.

I pray she rests in perfect peace in the presence of the Lord. Sleep well my dear sister.

*I have two mothers*

My two mothers were Celina Adewunmi
Benedict and Clara Fola Nee Benedict in the early
50s when I was sufficiently old enough
to recognise a
mother, Celina was
always travelling with her husband
Mathew to Porth court, Cameron to mention just two, at that time I was
leaving at Obalende where
I met Clara my second mother and was
putting me through. She was always correcting me with a fine focus on
me, whenever I make
mistake she was always readily available to put me through and I started
wondering that I took her for my mother.

Brother Tunde, Brother Doyin were also there at Obalende. I grew up at Obalende with mother Clara. We were all there,
four leaving our lives
beautifully, she tried to put me through and made me realise that the two of us, I mean four of us were of the same father but it wasn't clear to me. Let me be quick to say Mama wa,
mama Obalende and Papa wa, papa Obalende were there taking care of all
of us like grandparents. These two were wonderful.

Back to my mother Clara she would advice me about my studies, I was so young, she would always invite me to her side, infact
she nurtured me,
socialized me, along her side were sister Joko, sister Ajoke, sister Lilian to mention just a few but my mother Clara was extra ordinary.

Thanks be to God it was later that it dawned on me the four of us living together are from the same father. My school suddenly stopped at the secondary school level, at that time Mother Clara left for London where she lived her life permanently.Even then, she showed interest in my academic progress, she was always asking "bawo de ni school e, kawe e o". I was very close to her till her death, I was telling her about my academic progress step by step from my Waec to federal Government Scholarship, first degree to PhD, she was interested and always encouraging me as a mother.

Even to the level of my coronation, she was always calling me Kabiesi how are you, she gave me handsome some of million naira to assist in my coronation, she was even asking me if I needed more.

Haaa my mother sun re o, I have no doubt that she's comfortably resting in the bossom of Abraham in her heavenly comfort.
Adieu ooo my mother
Adieu ooo Yeye Oba.

HRH Oba (Prof) Julius Adeniyi Benedict-Ogunfowora
Alaparaki of Aparaki
rudewoluakannissuru1

MY BELOVED CHILDHOOD FRIEND…MRS. CLARA ADUNNI BENEDICT, MAY GOD ACCEPT YOUR SOUL INTO HIS KINGDOM AND GRANT YOU ETERNAL BLISS IJMN, AMEN! ADIEU, REST IN PERFECT PEACE IN GOD’S BOSSOM, AMEN!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Grandma London as I fondly call you, your kindness and love were so special. And your heart so pure and true. You made the world a better place and everyone around you just by being you. Thank you for all you have done . From the teachings about life, mentoring, prayers and care.

Am grateful to God for you and the life you lived . You are at a better place now with no pain and sorrow . Keep looking down on us all with a smile, amongst other souls in heaven (Olabisi my beautiful mother) Rest graceful in Gods bosom. Love you grandma. Your granddaughter and family .

Olasunbo Lawson James

It was actually a shock to hear that our loving sister passed , not even with a brief farewell .
She was a beautiful sister both inside and out.
We are already missing you ,sister.
Words cannot explain how much you're loved by all, our dear 'big mummy '
May your gentle soul rest among the saints in Heaven
Good night dear sister

Mrs Clara Adunni OLATUNJI
NEE BENEDICT .
I received the call of your demise ,with heavy Heart. You are a blessing to us the Benedict family , a sister , mother ,grand mother ..
You are my third senior
Sister wit brother Edward . Though brother Edward leg four UK before sister Joko Omaghomi . You are UK welcoming Abode of the Benedict .I missed you when you left Nigeria . Your activities when I grow to know you as a senior sister , of ur uncle Luke , which I got to know latter
Your children were grand children adorable by OBALENDE Benedict .
During my wedding in 1977 you took over all edibles , my wedding cake and the services ,your uncle died you are one of the children , Mum Clara Adekunbi Benedict senior died you and Sister Ajoke created a scene at the cemetery , by handling the shovel together, pouring sand over her Corpes ,Did Mama OBALENDE have a set of Twins ?The last I saw you was when you came home for your husband funeral, despite that she left you alone to train them . With the help of God , you trained them to whom they are .
Your Labour will never be in vain for you we'll blessed and judged by your good deeds to all . Rest in perfect peace and in the bosom of our Lord JESUS CHRIST AMEN
Brother Edward Eku Ara fera ku .Odun a jinna sira .
You children keep yourselves together in Love and Faith .
Amen.

Energetic and full of life is what I always knew sister Adunni to be from beginning.
Tough and sweet at the same time. Your life was filled with impactful moments and love for family.
I thank God for the long and healthy life you lived till the very last moment.
I thank God for the opportunity to come spend a day with you just recently.
Love you always big sister.
Rest well ma.

Kemi Ogiemudia (nee Benedict)

Mummy, you were indeed a mother to us by virtue of your unconditional love to us, especially tge time we were together. You are a gift to our generation and beyond, a good in law whose generosity couldnt be compared. We love yoy but God loves you most. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Adieu!

So, I'll start with this little story of how the woman most of us refer to as 'Big Mummy' got this name. I'm pretty sure it came from a conversation I had with her as an 7 year old. As adults do, she asked me 'do you know who I am?' I started to say 'Aunty...' and was stopped with laughter. She responded 'I'm not your aunty, I'm your Big Mummy!'. So there you have it.

I'll always remember you with fondness, always welcoming and kind to me, with earliest memories of your house smelling of cakes followed by my favourite memory of you gifting me my first pair of much needed trainers. I was 8 years old and had missed all PE lessons until that day, because I didn’t have trainers. They were pink and I Loved them. God bless you and keep you, rest well, Big Mummy.

Rest in peace, Grandma. You were such a strong, strong woman, and I am grateful to have been your grandchild.

Through you I know how strong and resilient I can be, because you were a great example of what it means to face life with courage and grit.

I love you so much, Grandma, and I thank you for loving me for as long as you lived. I will always remember your kindness, your laughter, your generosity, and the warmth you brought to everyone around you. Even though you are gone, I feel your love in my heart, and I will hold onto it always. I love you forever.

May the choirs of angels,
Come to greet you,
May they lead you to paradise,
May the Lord enfold you,
In His mercy,
May you find eternal life.

Whenever I thought about you, I laughed a lot. I will always remember the funny
side to you. You were loving and caring and we're the mum in London.
May your soul and the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace 🕯🙏🏽🕯🙏🏽🕯

My grandma was one of the most loving and caring people I have ever known. From the very beginning, she had a way of making everyone around her feel special, valued, and deeply cared for. She gave so much of herself to her family, always putting us first, and her kindness reached far beyond words.

As her youngest grandson, I feel truly blessed to have shared so many moments with her. She always had a smile for me, a gentle word of encouragement, and an embrace that reminded me I was loved unconditionally. No matter how small, she celebrated my achievements, and in difficult times, she was a source of comfort and strength.

Her love wasn’t just shown in what she said, but in what she did. Whether it was cooking our favorite meals, sharing stories from her life, or simply sitting by our side, she made every moment meaningful. She taught me the value of patience, generosity, and family.

Though she is no longer physically here, her love will always remain in my heart. I will carry her lessons, her warmth, and her spirit with me forever. Rest peacefully, Grandma you will always be cherished and remembered.

Tribute to Mama Clara Olatunji - A Gem!

It’s hard to capture what She meant to me. She wasn’t just family — she was a true support during a key chapter of my life. When I moved to the UK, she welcomed me without hesitation. Despite her busy schedule and age, she took the time to help me settle and show me around. She genuinely cared and always checked in on how I was doing. I felt really supported and at home. She and my late mum were very close, and it’s no surprise my mum turned to her first when I shared my plans to relocate. Mama was strong-willed, honest, and deeply caring. She said things as they were (with her full chest!!), but always with love. I’ll never forget when I called to tell her about my son’s birth. I didn’t expect her to travel that far at her age, but she simply said, “Who else will represent you?” — and she came (not alone) all the 2+ hours train journey. Like many others, I wish for one more chat, but more than anything, I’m grateful to have known her and be part of her memories. She’ll be deeply missed by a whole community

Rest peacefully, Mrs. Clara Olatunji.

Today, we celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman - Mrs Clara Olatunji.

She was not only a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, but also a deeply respected mother-in-law whose presence brought warmth, wisdom, and grace into our lives.

To know Mummy Clara, as many lovingly called her, was to experience quiet strength, gentle dignity, and a heart that gave without asking for anything in return. Her faith, humility, and unwavering commitment to her family were evident in everything she did. She carried herself with poise, led with kindness, and loved with a generosity that left a lasting imprint on all of us.

As a mother-in-law, she welcomed me not with judgment or distance, but with open arms and genuine care. She became not just family, but a source of encouragement, advice, and peace. Her words were thoughtful, her prayers powerful, and her presence comforting.

Mrs Clara Olatunji leaves behind a legacy of love - one that lives on in her children, grandchildren, and in all those who were blessed to know her. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that she lived a full and meaningful life, and that her spirit continues to guide and inspire us.

Rest well, Mummy Clara. Thank you for everything. We will love and remember you always.

I feel so sad, Mummy Elephant and Castle.As I normally call you.She was a wonderful aunt to me throughout my university days in London.She will cook for me and my friends.You will be greatly missed.May your gentle soul rest in peace.

I was surprised when I heard that our mummy, Mrs Clara Olatunji, has passed on to glory. Even though she was my mother-in-law, always called me Big Mummy. A woman of bobling character.

Her sense of humour always lightened the environment. She was very religious, respectful (even to younger ages) and focused in going about on Christian pilgrimage.

I remember the last time I was in her house, she welcomed me and my husband with jokes, laughter, cakes, pastries and drinks.

She was an open minded, generous, loving, jovial and to crown all, she will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, in Jesus' Name 🙏.

To my Dearest Sister. from my wife Joy and self Professor L Adenuga Benedict. We will surely miss you but happy you are in a better place today. Amen and Amen

In Loving Memory of My Grandmother

Whenever I think of my grandmother, my most prominent memory is from my 16th birthday, when she expressed her love for me in such a genuine and heartfelt way. The pride in her voice has stayed with me ever since.

She was especially helpful when I was preparing for university, supporting me as I figured out the practical steps. Her giggle and zest for life continue to make me smile whenever I think of her, and her love of travel is something I’ve inherited and carry forward proudly.

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” — Proverbs 10:7. I am deeply thankful for the values and lessons her life demonstrated. She shaped not just who I am, but also how I see and cherish my family, especially my mother, whose way of raising my brother and me I value profoundly.

As no life is without sin, I entrust her spirit to God’s mercy and grace. May she find peace eternal, and may her memory remain a blessing to us all.

Forever in our hearts.

May the soul of Mrs Clara Adunni Olatunji rest in peace. Her life time was full of love and kindness. Always accepting anyone knocking on her door without prior notice. She was always with a warm smile and ready to help when necessary. Her house was like the second home of any Benedict visiting the UK.

May her soul rest in peace. May God Almighty keep watch over her children, grand children and great grandchildren. Amen Fr Folake Araba née Benedict

My Mum was one in a million - her own words, and she was right. When she left us, I was struck by a deep regret: I had planned to make her favourite smoked stew but never did. It seems such a small thing, yet it meant everything to her.

Mum loved us in her own unique way. She was generous with her heart and her home, always ready to feed anyone who walked through her door - even if it meant sharing from her own plate. Food was her joy, a language of love she passed on to me and now to my children. She was strong and courageous, yet gentle enough to lift others when they needed it most.

Mum loved dressing up and always carried herself with elegance, never missing the chance to be part of every aso ebi. She combined style with wisdom, often reminding us, “If you’re going to do something, do it properly the first time.” Those words, like her presence, left a lasting impression that continues to guide me.

Mum taught us that life is to be lived with purpose and not wasted. She believed in hard work, in raising children to be a credit to themselves and to society, and in leaving the world better than you found it. Her lessons remain alive in us, encouraging us to carry her values into everything we do.

I thank my mother for raising me with dignity and respect, and for showing me how to live with strength and compassion. Though she is gone, her love and lessons remain, and I will carry them with me always. Mum, you truly were one in a million.

Clara and I had different paths growing up. I went to live with our uncle when I was very young, while she stayed with our mother until she died. Later, we spent time together in Obalende, Lagos living with our Uncle Luke. We went to St. Matthias School with our cousins, and the everyday routines from that time form memories I have carried with me.

When Clara moved to the UK, I often stayed with her and her husband, Bayo, and lived with them for a time. It was always good to have that connection.

Clara was lively, cheerful, and had the gift of making friends easily. She had a wide circle of people around her, and her strong faith was clear for all to see

Today, I pray that Clara is with the Lord she so faithfully served. I hope she is happy, at peace, and knows how dearly she is loved and will always be remembered.

From Brother Tunde

What can I say about my late sweet Mother, I met Mummy in Yuroba Catholic Community over 16years ago. I went to her and said she looks like my late Mum, her response was she will be my Mum. She is a wonderful Mother, a giver and cares alot about people around her. I am going to miss her, may her gentle soul continue to RIP Amen 🙏

Tribute to a Remarkable Woman
It is with a heavy heart that I join in remembering a truly special woman who touched the lives of many a mother, grandmother, and friend, and to me, the beloved mother of my sister-in-law.( Dupè)
Though she was old enough to be my mother, she never made me feel like anything less than part of the family. Her warmth, wisdom, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She carried herself with such grace and quiet strength, and her presence always brought a certain peace and calm to any room.
In her, I saw the values of love, patience, and devotion ,to her family, her faith, and her community. Whether it was through a kind word, a gentle smile, or a wise piece of advice, she found a way to make you feel heard and valued.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family, especially to my sister-in-law and all her siblings and grandchildren, who have lost a precious matriarch. May the memories shared, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave continue to live on in each of you.
She may have departed from this world, but her legacy will endure in the lives she touched and the hearts she helped shape.
May her soul rest in perfect peace.
Warm Regards Mr/Mrs Adamson & family.

Dear Beloved Family of Mommy Clara Olatunji (Kedu Ka Odi),

We received the news of the passing of our dear Mommy Clara Olatunji with great shock. On Sunday, 17th August 2025, we last saw her at our Third Sunday Family Mass, vibrant and prayerful, as she had always been. Yet, with total submission to the will of God, our hearts are filled with profound gratitude for the generous years the Lord blessed her with, and for the gift she was to our Chaplaincy.

Mommy Clara was a true mother of faith, commitment and courage, a beacon of unity in our community. Her faith was never confined to words; it was seen in her daily living, in her steadfast devotion to Our Blessed Mother, and in her constant presence at Chaplaincy activities. She touched the lives of many through her unshakable support, her welcoming heart, and her radiant joy. The NCC Choir, NCCWO and the Peckham Mass Centre will surely feel the deep void her absence leaves.

Mama embraced everyone, regardless of tribe or background, teaching us that in Christ we are one family. It is no surprise she was lovingly called Mama Kedu Ka Odi. Her life preached a gospel of love and inclusiveness that many sermons could not capture. Truly, her presence among us inspired hope, faith, and unity.

On behalf of the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, the Yoruba Catholic Community, and the entire Chaplaincy. This is our collective loss. Like St. Paul, Mama has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. She now rests in the joy of the Lord, where love endures forever.

This moment is not only about memory but about legacy. Mama's life calls us to live in faith, unity, service and love. She taught us to love deeply and embrace one another as God's children. Though our hearts ache, we grieve with hope, trusting Christ who promised, "go to prepare a place for you." May her memory guide us, and may her soul rest in perfect peace.

(original pdf attached)

Our beloved mother was a gift from God, whose presence filled our lives with light, laughter, and grace.

She was strong and bold, generous and devoted, thoughtful in her counsel, and full of life. She enjoyed a hearty smile, loved to dance, and carried a warmth that uplifted all who knew her.

I often think of how she shared her insight. For her, being around people was a blessing - a chance to celebrate, to learn, and to listen. From her, I learned that true guidance comes when we open our hearts to others.

I remember her in countless ways - through her encouragement, her steady guidance, and the life she brought to our family gatherings. She had a way of making even ordinary moments feel extraordinary. Yes, we sometimes had our differences, as all families do. And yet when I look back, what stays with me are the good times - the fun, the humour, and the warmth we shared.

As a mother, she was our teacher, nurturer, and supporter. With love, she built us up and shaped the foundations of our lives through her faith. Her devotion extended beyond our home, touching friends, neighbours, and the wider community with kindness and compassion.

That same faith and devotion form the heart of her legacy - a legacy of love, strength, and resilience. Though we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well lived, rooted in God’s promises. Truly, “Her children rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28).

The night before she left us, the last words we shared were simple yet eternal: “I love you, Mum…” and her reply, “I love you too.” Thank you, Mum, for everything. Your light lives on in us forever.

Sister Adunni, as she was known in the Benedict family, was a very strong woman. She was a "wait and get" person ie you insult her, she gives it back to you straight away. She would then make sure you don't go without a reconciliation. She had no heart for malice. She was not so bothered by a careless offence. She would brush it off because she did not like to be stressed by trivialities. By the time she met her offender again, she had forgotten they offended her.

She would complain and speak her mind anywhere and damn the consequence, that was not her problem, because she would not pretend. She was kind and helpful and would go out of her way to help those she could, especially her circle and favourites.

She was generous, as many can tell.
She loved to throw parties, (in her 30s and 40s here in London, she had Christmas and birthday parties in her flat! (at her first coming as I call it).

She was fashionable and attended endless parties, big and small. She was very independent and she travelled the world with her friends.

The Catholic Church was her life. She loved the Holy Sacrifice of the mass. She used to take me to "Benediction" when we lived together, in her late teens, 10 years older than me, before she got married and proceeded here to the UK.

At home in our younger days, she was the disciplinarian big sister, our Sister Adunni. Our dad loved her, No 1 daughter, and allowed her to play mum to us and we all, especially the boys, were in trouble if they didn't do their allocated house chores! I was the favourite (though that was to change when I started to challenge her as an adult)
She loved the NCC, the CWO and the YCC. And of course the Choir. And many smaller groups.


She loved to cook and give food to people especially when she used to be a caterer.

She was very well known and loved by many.
She would be sadly missed. Up till now, I cannot process her sudden loss.

May God grant her eternal rest. Amen.

Ms Yinka Benedict
For the No 1 Gray Street,
Yaba. Lagos Benedicts

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry because when you went to sleep, I doubted. I refused to accept that you had moved to a higher place. You were my constant, my grounding force. I didn’t want to permit you to join the ancestors - and for that, I ask for your forgiveness.

But being granted the opportunity to see you again before you rested showed me something: though you are gone in one form, you remain in another. That revelation has helped me come to terms with your passing. There is a calmness that comes from knowing this. Mother, I thank you.

You were always there - standing by me, listening to me, supporting me. You encouraged me and offered the ladder to help me rise higher.

I thank you for the life you gave me. But even more, I thank you for the life you lived. It showed me what is possible.

There was never a day I saw you when you didn’t offer up prayers to the Most High - prayers for my protection, my abundance, and my path forward. And even on the days I didn’t see you, I know those prayers still rose from your lips, as part of your daily songs, words, and thoughts. Those prayers comforted me then. They comfort me still. For them, I thank you.

I admire your approach to living. You lived fully and you lived true. You supported everyone you came across in one way or another. You were a living example of someone who truly appreciated life. You engaged the world with such passion, such strength, such fierce joy. You are the bravest person I know.

The adventures you had in this life continue to inspire me - and I know your adventures have not ended. They continue now on another plane. I will always strive to live life the way you did.

You are, and will always be, a giver. A teacher. A nurturer. That is the magic you exuded every day.

You taught me that the world is small enough to explore, yet too big to ignore. You were always ready for the next adventure, and you never left anyone behind. Your remarkable spirit, your joyous nature, and your inclusiveness will be deeply missed.

I love you so much. I will miss you more than words can express.

May you rest perfectly by God's side. You are now an ancestor, and I will carry your memory for the rest of my life. I will remember the remarkable person you were - and your memory will always remind me of where I come from.

Mother, I love you.

I will always love you dearly mummy. I am thankful for the life you gave me, the lessons you taught that I will carry with me and the love you shared in your own way. Your memory will forever live in my heart.
Eternal rest grant unto you, and let perpetual light shine upon you. Omo Mother Mary

Rest in the bosom of the Lord Mummy xxx🙏🏽

Today we say goodbye to a truly remarkable woman, my mother-in-law.

From the moment I joined this family over 20 years ago, she welcomed me not as an in-law, but as her daughter. She loved me, supported me, and guided me in ways that will stay with me forever.

One of her greatest gifts to me was in the kitchen. She taught me how to cook, how to season food properly, and how love & care are the most important ingredients of all.

I’ll never forget when I first saw her catering for large events, the pots she cooked in were so enormous, I joked that I could probably fit inside one of them! That image still makes me smile, because it captures her spirit: generous, abundant, always cooking and caring on a grand scale.

She was a steady pillar of support for our whole family, always giving, always present, always making sure we were cared for. Her absence will be deeply felt, and I will miss her dearly. But her lessons, her laughter, and her love will continue to live in all of us.

Tribute to our Aunty Clara

For over 30 years, we have lived as neighbours, and in all that time, there was never a word exchanged, but always love and respect shared between us.

Aunty Clara was a woman of great integrity and a true example for both the young and the old. She was deeply devoted as a child of God, faithfully attending early morning Mass each day and Sunday service without fail. Her life reflected her faith, discipline, and commitment.

She was a wonderful and outstanding mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, leaving behind a legacy of love, guidance, and strength for her family and all who knew her. To us, she was always “Aunty Clara,” a title that carried respect, affection, and admiration.

Aunty, you may have gone from our sight, but your presence will always remain with us. May your soul rest in eternal peace, and may we meet again one day.

With love,
The Williams Family
29 London Road

Mummy , Grandma London, (Iya Sade as fondly called by the Entire Ajayi family). You are always there for me and others in the family. Your home is for everyone in Nigeria and the UK. Very generous and supportive in so many ways. Not forgetting all your motivational talks that led me to where and what I am today. All the happy moments and religious life as Catholic we shared. Always proud of me as you tell all your friends ("My daughter Yemi from Peterborough, and on relocation remains daughter in Dublin")..(Forever you will be in my heart. Your memory will forever linger on. Mummy Adieu..' Eternal rest grant onto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May you Rest in Perfect peace, Mummy 🙏🏾. Your daughter Yemmy Ajayi-Ogunko .

Mama de Mama good nite. I know you are in a better place with our Almighty Lord Continue to rest in the bossom of our Lord. I pray God will comfort the family you left behind. Yinka.Dupe. Bimbo and Folarin. It will be well you

Oh, what a shocking news, mummy Claire!
It's so so sad that you are gone...

May God merciful receive your soul into his heavenly kingdom, console the family that you've left behind, especially your children and all who mourn you. Amen.🙏

We, the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy (NCC) Choir, give thanks to God for the gift of late Mrs. Clara Olatunji. She was a devoted chorister since the 19 years the NCC Choir has been together. Her voice and presence lifted our worship.

One striking attribute of late Mrs. Olatunji was her choice to sing with the ‘tenor’ voice part - a voice part for male choristers with a high pitch, which is not a usual part for female choristers. As a member of the NCC Choir, she performed with her usual joyful spirit, humility, and love for music inspiring all who sang alongside her.

The NCC Choir received the sad news of her passing with shock, especially as she had sang with the choir at the NCC 3rd Sunday Family Mass just two days prior.

We will remember her as “Mama Kedu-Kodi”, a title she earned by her usual practice of greeting others with their local Nigerian dialect, especially in the Igbo language. Her warmth added to the light and unity of our choir family, and she will be sorely missed.

Though we grieve her passing, we rejoice in the assurance that she now sings with the heavenly host.

May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may the Lord comfort the Olatunji family. Amen.

May the good LORD comfort you and your siblings at this time.
May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace 🙏 Amen .
Mama was a very sweet woman.

It's still hard to believe that I'm writing a tribute for mummy Olatunji. Several of us from Hackney were with her the day before she died and were expecting her to come on a trip to the seaside with us that Wednesday that she passed away.

Mummy Olatunji was very caring and full of life. She was very supportive and always willing to give. There was no church event that she wouldn't go to support. I will miss seeing her at all of the different activities that we did together each week in Hackney. Hackney became her second home. I thank God for the life that she lived. May she rest in eternal peace with our Heavenly Father.

Mommy Olatunji thank you for being there for me and my brothers after losing our mom at a young age. You cared about us like your own, so we thank you. Now go be with the good angels in heaven, we will miss you. Well done and thank you Ma .
Lukemon

Faaji mama that’s what we call you in our house.
Your voice still rings in my ears. You lived a full life, no excuse. Sleep well❤️