Mama Janet Modupe Olowosegun (Nee Adeyemi)
Iya Rere… A Mother Like No Other
"Her children arise and call her blessed..."
– Proverbs 31:28
"To live is Christ and to die is Gain"
- Philippians 1:21
"Grief is the price we pay for love."
- Queen Elizabeth II
Obituary
Mama Janet Modupe Olowosegun (née Adeyemi) was born on February 6, 1939, in Apanga, Kabba, to the family of the late Chief Jeremiah Adeyemi Toluhi (The Obatoye of Oweland) and the late Mrs. Inunonih Adeyemi of the Ugbo clan in Kabba.
In her early years, Mama actively supported her parents in their farming and trading occupations within the Apanga community. She later moved to Kabba town to live with her uncle, the late Bello Obafewa. It was there she met her beloved husband, the late Pa Stephen Dada Olowosegun (JP).
Though Mama did not receive formal education in her youth, she held education in high regard. She supported her husband in pursuing higher education at Kaduna Polytechnic while she took on the responsibility of raising their children. Later in life, she enrolled in the Kwara State Ministry of Education's functional literacy programme in Ilorin between 1978 and 1980, earning a certificate equivalent to Primary Six (first school leaving certificate).
Mama was naturally entrepreneurial. She learned sewing and ran a tailoring business alongside a mini kiosk where she sold kerosene. From 1982 to 1984, she was the primary kerosene retailer in her neighborhood on Sabo Lane, Ilorin. Before this, she partnered with her friend, Mrs Mary Oyinbo (Mama Bisi), in supplying food to schools until the contract ended. In 1985, she established a canteen in Sabo-Oke, Ilorin, which she managed successfully for nearly 15 years before relocating to Kabba in 1998—six years after the creation of Kogi State.
A devout Christian, mama was a committed member of the Cathedral Church of Saint Barnabas, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin. After relocating to Kabba, she joined the family church, St. Andrew’s Cathedral Church in the Kabba Diocese of the Anglican Communion, where she continued her spiritual devotion. She was a member of Egbe Ore-Ofe - Obirin in St. Andrews cathedral. Mama’s love for God was evident throughout her life, and she remained steadfast in her faith until her final days.
Mama was a devoted wife to her husband, the late Pa Stephen Dada Olowosegun (JP). Together, they built a loving and morally grounded family, raising their children with wisdom, discipline, and strong Biblical values. Her legacy mirrors that of her husband—one rooted in family, faith, and service. Their children and grandchildren continue to live out the principles they instilled.
Mama Janet Modupe Olowosegun will be remembered not only for her deep commitment to her family and her unwavering faith but also for her kindness, integrity, and selfless devotion to her husband. She cherished quality time with her family and made countless sacrifices for their wellbeing. The many people who lived in her home over the years—from Lokoja to Ilorin to Kabba—are a testament to her generosity, care, and nurturing spirit.
Her life is a lasting lesson in love, sacrifice, and faith—a legacy that will be cherished for generations. To God be the glory, in Jesus' name. Amen.
ORIKI MAMA
ORIKI MAMA
Omo Ogi, ogi magan, meleu.
Omo amoro sugbo modiyan agun.
Omo amu mogoro wowe.
Omo amoko fonnan aru ba epipo.
Omo baba amugba dola.
Omo olobi poroporo. ninu idaro.
Omo alale li uwogbo.
Omo alale li ego.
Omo alale li arunwo.
Omo alale li ojolabi.
Omo alale li ayangbo.
Omo alale li koko awodi titi de oke aiyemo.
Omo olope gorogoro li uwogbo.
Omo udi-eyin kii gbi logbe.
Omo orerun sepo yorun nu.
Omo elekuro kobo kobo lojolabi.
Omo elewusu ege.
Omo elewusu pamajan lale fere.
Omo oroke eba-eba ibobo je otayi ibobo je ogbe.
Omo ameka kan soso lori okiti.
Agbe ute e ka karubadi je, arubadi je tan a dun ihiriki-hiriki.
Omo iroro wup ere haga, ibobo siti i, ibobo somukun.
Omo baba oke sebe hibe.
Omo Obaro odide afo dide jagun ewi.
Omo Obajana Agba omo Obajana Oha.
Omo Obaro Amuji, ojikutu bora homi, abajo loju Owe.
Apotolo ewo, Oke sebe hibe, Odi o.
Omo Obaro Akomo, oki ako damadama.
Omo Obajemu Oloniyo a ta Kabiesi.
Okun mogi
Obaro Akom: Omo baba arerun rerun sepo yorun nu, omo baba ewo ho mi damadama.
Omo Obajemu Oloniyo ata Kabiesi.
Okun mogi.
Obaro Akom: Omo baba arerun rerun sepo yorun nu, omo baba ewo ho mi hun.
Asurubata bi eji, amugba dola,
Omo Agada, Otayi, Ojolabi.
Omo Obaro Amuji,o omo mogi mokolo.
Omo oli mogoro kobo-kobo li Uwagbo.
Okun mogi.
Gallery
Memory wall
Although time and distance did not grant me the privilege of knowing you intimately, it is often said that the fruit reveals the true nature of the tree. In your beloved daughter Grace, with whom I shared my secondary school days three decades ago, I have witnessed the reflection of your remarkable virtues, unwavering strength, and gentle spirit.
Mama, your legacy is woven into the fabric of every life you touched. Through your kindness, wisdom, and selfless devotion, you have left an indelible mark that continues to inspire those around you. The warmth of your love and the generosity of your heart have shaped not only your family but all who were fortunate enough to cross your path.
May every good deed you performed continue to speak on your behalf, echoing through generations as an evidence to a life well lived. We pray that the Almighty, in His infinite mercy, grants you eternal rest in His loving embrace, where there is no pain, only peace.
We cherish and honour your memory, knowing that while we love you dearly, Jesus loves you even more. Your light will never fade from our hearts. Rest peacefully, Mama, in the everlasting arms of your Creator.
Dr Francis Ajayi
Pioneer Chairman
BSMC 1995 Set
Mummy, just like our dearly beloved father who passed nearly a year ago, words will never be enough to eulogize the incredible person you were. You were a great, loving, caring, selfless, and wonderful mother—known affectionately by many as Mama Tunde and Mama Dele among your peers.
In Sabo-Line, Ilorin, where you lived for nearly 35 years, you were fondly called Iya Bidemi. In Kabba Street, Sabo-Oke, names like Iya Grace, Iya Oniyan, and Iya Kabba followed you, each reflecting the bonds and memories you built in those communities. Your warm presence and gracious character attracted people from all walks of life to your canteen—even respected professors (who were quite rare at the time). To this day, your children still fondly refer to you as Iya Kabba, until the Lord called you home.
Dearest Mummy, what continues to amaze us is how perfectly you embodied the virtues of our beloved father. Together, you built an enviable home and left a legacy that will endure for generations. Your sacrifices for our education and growth were not only visible but are eternally cherished. Many times, without Daddy's knowledge, you would sell your gold from your jewelry box to support us through school. Your passion for education knew no bounds—even allowing us to convert part of your wardrobe into a bookshelf.
Mummy, you and Daddy instilled in us a deep culture of hard work and dignity in labour. One of your memorable sayings remains:
“Eni to ba so pé iṣẹ̀ ò pé, kò dán ashe iṣẹ̀ wò” – “If you think working doesn’t pay, try not working.”
You would always rise early to the bustling Pata Market, Ilorin after first tending to the home. Although we all worked at the canteen at one point, you still encouraged us to return home and study. You were always the last to return, managing countless tasks with strength and grace. No one multitasked like you. These were the sacrifices that shaped who we are today. Thank you, Mummy.
Your evening prayer sessions were never in vain. You encouraged us to be active in church and laid a strong, unshakeable foundation of faith for us. You didn’t just preach it—you lived it. Through your actions, you taught us to be compassionate, loving, and accommodating.
Thank you, Mummy, for your humility. Thank you for opening your home to family and friends. Thank you for being a true companion and covenant partner to our father. Thank you for your absolute loyalty and submission to him. Thank you for the enduring values and legacies you've left in us.
You were the greatest of women. Like your beloved husband, you came, you saw, and you conquered. Thank you for being a worthy mother to us. How could we forget the beautiful “readymade” clothes you gave us when they were still a luxury for many? Or the delicious adun you packed for us on school days? You were not only a wonderful cook but also a master at managing limited resources.
Just as we promised our father, we—your children—will, by God's grace, uphold the principles you both taught us. We will continue to walk in the ways of the Lord, sustain the love, unity, and respect among us, and make you proud.
Yes, Hallelujah!
This is our song of gratitude to God. We remain thankful and return all glory and adoration to Him—the Giver of Life.
Mummy, continue to rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. We already miss your radiant smile. Greet our beloved father for us. We look forward to seeing you both on the resurrection morning.
Adieu, Iya rere... a mother like no other.
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We will come together to remember and pay tribute to the wonderful person. While we mourn the loss of our dear, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
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