Madam Victoria Iyabode Onitiri

September  24th, 1972 January  10th, 2025
Madam Victoria Iyabode Onitiri

Today, We bowed on our knees and cried Holy to the Lamb of God. We missed you but He (God) needs you. May your soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen

Obituary

We mournfully announce the passing of Madam Victoria Iyabode Cecilia Onitiri, age 52.

Iyabo passed away suddenly on the evening January 10th 2025 of an "aortic aneurysm rupture", a bulge in the wall of the main artery to her heart.

Iyabo was born on September 24th, 1972, in London, United Kingdom, to the union of Pastor Sir Babatunde Onitiri KTC OSJ
 from Lagos, Nigeria and Mrs Catherine Benardette Onitiri, (nee Baptiste), from Concord Grenada West Indies.

She was the granddaughter of Chief Madam Victoria Modupe Onitiri (nee Phillips from Abeokuta, Nigeria), and Pa. Emmanuel Idowu Onitiri, son of Pa. Lawani Idowu Onitiri of Lagos, Nigeria, deceased.


Iyabo was a quiet, gentle soul with a passion for film and creative arts. Growing up in the UK, she was known to many of her friends, colleagues and acquaintance by her English name Victoria or "Vicky".

She graduated from London College of Printing with a BA in Graphic and Media Design, Cultural Studies and Film Studies in 1999. She pursued careers in Graphic Design and Cosmetics. In her 30s she switched to Fitness and Personal Training.


She gave birth to her son Marcus at age 33 and became a full-time mum. In her latter years she continued to produce booklets, programmes, images for important family occasions and helped her father with editing content for his site onitiriministries.com.


Iyabo is survived by her son Marcus, her parents Tony and Catherine, her sisters Madonna, Sophia and Tola, her brothers Antony, Aki, Yinka and Ade.


Services will be held at St Giles Church, Camberwell. Please select the "Funeral" heading above for details and join the RSVP list below to be notified when the final arrangements have been made.

Family Tributes

My sister was born on the same day that her grandmother (Madam Victoria Modupe Phillips-Onitiri) died. According to Dad, he was literally on the phone to family announcing the birth of his daughter when they also told him that his mum had just died.

Because of this timing, my family believe that my sister is the reincarnation of our grandmother. The name "Iyabo" means "Mother come back" in Yoruba. To judge for yourself, click the label "Her Grandmother" to compare the photos of them  :-)

We invite you to enjoy the photo gallery of Iyabo which shows a selection of photos starting from age 2 to 52.

Please add your fond memories and photos of Iyabo to the "Memory Wall" below. Let us remember her together - that kind big smile she greeted us with, her warm hearted compassion, her gentle caring nature.

I miss you Sis 🖤🖤
Antony Onitiri
______________
I’ve found it hard to put our sorrow into words. We will miss your smile and warm, generous, gentle soul.
Rest in peace Iyabo.

Love your sister Madonna and nephews Freddie and Jasper
______________
To Iyabo, thank you for sharing your beautiful heart, warmth and energy.
You will forever remain in our hearts, and the best of you will live on in those you leave but we will see you again.

Till we meet again
Yinka Onitiri
______________
We have so many lovely memories with Iyabo growing up - both in Nigeria and here in the UK.
In Nigeria, going on trips to the beach and playing fun family card games in our parents' home in Lagos.
In the UK, we went on day trips together to various parts of the country, and singing along loudly to Michael Jackson songs in Iyabo's parents' front room in London. 

When we moved to England, we lived with Iyabo and her parents, uncle Tony and aunty Cate, for around a year. As children, with so many of us under one roof, these were fun times. Iyabo was a kind, laid back and easy going person and was very easy to get along with.  Thoughtful and considerate, she would never deliberately hurt anyone. 

The last time we were all in contact, we all wished each other a happy new year 2025 and five days later Iyabo was the first to wish her cousin a happy birthday on our cousin WhatsApp group.  It was a huge shock to receive the message about her passing a few days later. 

Iyabo, your quiet and calm presence will be missed by us all.

Rest in Peace dear cousin.
Gboyega, Yemisi and Folake 🖤
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Iyabo, mama of Marcus.
As this passage of time folds itself,
we that are left behind feel the pain and sorrow for your physical self,
but in trueness your breath lives in our heart were it can not be stolen.
Shared smiles and laughters anew for the skies for heaven pleasant gardens.
The linchpin of the family and the utmost diplomat.
So as we acknowledge all you've given as you rest beyond the waves.
A lifetime cannot outbrave.

Thanks for all the memories till we all meet again, as you rest in Christ Jesus.
Harvey Otis

Timeline

1972
September 24th
Birth in London
London, UK
1985
Attended Kent College
8 GCSEs in Art, French, Biology, Mathmatics, Physics, English Language, English Literature and Physical Education
Tonbridge, Kent
1992
Graduated from Kent College, Sixth Form
Fine Art A Level, studied History of Art and Business Studies
Tonbridge, Kent
1994
Graduated from Chelsea College of Art and Design
BTEC General Art & Design
Chelsea, London
1999
Graduated from London College of Printing
BA in Graphic and Media Design, Cultural Studies and Film Studies
Elephant & Castle, London
2001
Graphic Designer/Typesetter
Print-Set Ltd
London
2003
Cosmetic Technician
Endermologie Centre, New York
New York, USA
2004
Personal Trainer
Fitness First
Brixton, London
2005
April 5th
Birth of Marcus
Birth of Marcus, her first child.
London
2025
January 10th
Passed away peacefully
London

Gallery

Memory Wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


February 14, 2025
On behalf of St Matthews Congregation, PCC, Churchwardens and Father George we would to express our deepest sympathy to Marcus, his Grandparents Aunts and Uncles for the loss of our dear Sister Vicky. Beloved Mum Daughter and Sister.
We our thinking of you and our prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Pam George
February 14, 2025
Iyabo, I have so many great memories of our time at Kent College.
You were so cool and considerate and we all just loved being around you. Rest in peace my dearest buddy.
" Stay Gold Pony Boy" 💛
Temi Tuoyo
February 13, 2025
Iyabo you left us with questions in our hearts still God is God and he is a just God,we celebrate the life you lived and the impact you made . This is a painful exit. This is a shock. We take solace in the fact that you have gone to be with your maker! Good night Iyabo.
Femi Craig
February 12, 2025
IYABODE VICTORIA ONITIRI (Marcus' sweet mother), may your beautiful soul rest in perfect peace in the bossom of God Almighty, amen. IYABODE means “mother has returned”. Iyabo was born on the very day we lost her grandmother which automatically meant we got our mother back in reincarnation terms.

I met Iyabo in Nigeria in 1977 as a sweet 5yr old during FESTAC '77, with her senior brother Antony who never wandered far away from his sister.
Iyabo was an amiable lady, she was softly spoken, very cheerful and extremely kind. Iyabo would assist anybody in any way she could. She loved and cared a lot for her siblings and was like a mother-hen to them all.

The last time I saw Iyabo was at Yinka’s wedding last July where we took loads of pictures with her and Marcus. Who would believe that that would be our last goodbye. Dear Lord, we worship you. I pray that The Almighty God consoles the mother and father Iyabo left behind. More especially her beloved son, Marcus whom she loved with every fibre of her soul. May the good Lord bless Marcus with the wisdom of Solomon that he may live life in good health, happiness and wealth.
My condolences also go to Anthony, her big brother who was like a twin to Iyabo. Anthony I pray The Lord grants you peace of mind and the wherewithal to guide and care for Marcus, Amen.

To Akin, Sophia, Yinka, Ade and Tola may The Lord bless and keep you all. Once again, I send my heartfelt condolences to every member of the family.
Kofoworola Adenike Williams-Onitiri
February 10, 2025
It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the death of Madam Victoria Iyabode Onitiri. Each time I think of this loss,
I feel very sad. I pray God comfort, heal and strengthen her dearly beloved family, friends and loved ones.
Sotonye Sarah Pepple
February 6, 2025
May almighty God grant you eternal peace. Good night iyabo. Our princess .
Tolani Phillips
February 5, 2025
Vicky was active member of St Matthew’s Camberwell. She was one of our dedicated Eucharistic Ministers.

Vicky has always been friendly, welcoming and willing to support church members.
Vicky was God-fearing and loved people so much.

May she rest in peace and the light perpetual shine on her!
Fr Stanley
Fr Stanley Njoka
February 4, 2025
MADAM VICTORIA IYABODE ONITIRI
September 24th 1972-January 10th 2025

The "Engine room" behind the production of the weekly sermons of PASTOR BABATUNDE ONITIRI of ONITIRI (How is today?) MINISTRIES as a result of her educational specialization.

It is with profound feeling of loss that we received the announcement of your sudden death your departure has left a significant void in the ONITIRI MINISTRIES and in the hearts of all those of us who had the privilege of appreciating these sermons, which we eagerly looked forward to every week! They have really impacted upon our lives.

We however take solace in the words of paul in 1st Thes.. 4:3 Your role in ONITIRI MINISTRIES is worthy of emulation, being confident that you belong to the category of saints referred to by paul in 1st Timothy 5:25

"Likewise also the good works of some manifesting beforehand……….."

We love you but JESUS loves you better! Continue to rest in the bosom of your creator to whom you belong.
To our beloved pastor and Brother SIR BABATUNDE ONITIRI, as we commiserate with the entire family and the ONITIRI MINSTRIES, we encourage you all in these words of the hymn:

"GOD moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform
His purposes will ripen fast unfolding every hour.
The bud may have a bitter taste but sweet will be the flower
GOD is his own Interpreter and he will make it plain."

Ola Toyo (Mother-In-Israel)
FOR HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH LAGOS NIGERIA
Mrs. Ola Toyo
February 3, 2025
May the love of God, which radiates through the Onitiri Family Ministry that touched lifes, bring comfort and strength to the family. May He grant them the grace to bear the loss of Madam Victoria Iyabo.
May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace with the Almighty. Amen.
Uju/Stephanie Olisa
February 1, 2025
May her gentle soul rest in peace amen 🙏❤
Pst Samuel Eniraiyetan
January 29, 2025
I'm very much saddened and still shocked. Iyabo was sooo beautiful. I have great memories of sitting in her room watching movies and Iyabo introducing me to still one of my favourite films Stand By Me. I remember you taking me to the Notting Hill Carnival and how protected I felt around you. Thank you for wonderful memories, your infectious smile and for being a brilliant cousin.
Nike Coker
January 28, 2025
Saying goodbye this soon feels wrong but who are we to question God’s divine plans. Maybe that’s why He instructed us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, that in all circumstances, we should give thanks, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.

Iyabo dearest, you will be sorely missed by everyone that knew you. We shall all miss your warm, gentle and loving disposition, your beautiful engaging smile that lit up your face always. Like a burning candle you’re still here and you will forever be. Rest on beloved, to rise in glory in Christ Jesus Amen

Dear Lord, I’m using this platform to pray for Marcus, please watch over him and protect him from the evils of this world, guide his paths and help him to make the right decisions and choices that will lead him where you want him to be. So shall it be in Jesus Name.. Amen,
Aunty Sayo
Sayo Coker
January 27, 2025
So sorry to hear you departed, Iyabo. I remember you at Kent College as this humble, quiet and very sporty kid that never had a crossed word with anyone. May God grant you eternal peace.
Debbie Nsefik
January 25, 2025
Hi Vicki‘s family especially Vicky‘s mum and son your mother / daughter I was very fond of she always used to come to my pub Saturday Group and always felt a happy warm cozy vibe about her. We used to love exchanging different business ideas to the point where I kind of to Certain and standard with my business pushed her to start her business as her work was too good to just stay in bags and suitcases for one day so as a example we used to have discussions about people not respecting the value of Handmade things and as an example I said to her what I do so then I started commissioning her to make me certain things that I could possibly make myself but just to show her I wasn’t like everyone else that will try offer Next To nothing for her gorgeous time consuming Work so I think altogether I have for Garment one jumper one Hoody two cardigans that I commission her to make me as well as a Hoody that’s got Knitted sleeves but the rest is Sewing that she made me for my 22nd birthday which was a big birthday as it was not too long ago. I lost my mum before turning 22 years of age which I always love and cherish and she made my brother for his 40th the same Hoody but in a different colour that I commissioned her to do that I will reveal photos of me in my garments that she made me on commission and what she made my brother just to show how much I appreciated your daughter and your mum and I appreciated her that much that I want to stay a part of her son‘s life even though I never met him as well as stay a part of her mum‘s life and be whatever help I can to the family for the love of Vicki. Kind regards.Deshaun smith/ MR.D WOOLENS HANDMADE please contact me 07397525159💋💋
Deshaun smith and business name MR.D WOOLENS
January 25, 2025
Victoria Was such a lovely person
RIP
Sue

Funeral


Please join us to pay a last tribute to my dear sister.

The funeral details have yet to be organised but once we have them we will add the details here.

In addition we have setup a WhatsApp list (broadcast only) called "In Memory of Iyabo" which you can join to keep up to date with the latest information.

Please RSVP with your email address or mobile number (for the  WhatsApp list) to receive updates regarding the funeral arrangements.

Antony Onitiri
Location
Funeral Service (12pm, 6th March 2025):
St Giles' Church,
Camberwell Church Street,
Camberwell,
London, England
SE5 8RB
(Church will issue parking badges to enable parking nearby)

Cremation (1pm, family only):
Honor Oak Crematorium
Brockley Way
London
SE4 2LW

Reception (2pm - 6pm):
St Giles' Church,
Camberwell Church Street,
Camberwell,
London, England
SE5 8RB

Note: Attendees not travelling to the crematorium will be able to stay parked and go straight to the reception as the parish hall is across the road from the church.

Date/time
6th March 2025
Virtual event
TBD
RSVP

Donate

In honor of our beloved Iyabo and in lieu of flowers, we invite you to contribute to causes that deal with serious heart conditions. For example:

  • British Heart Foundation ( https://www.bhf.org.uk )
  • Childrens Heart foundation  ( https://www.childrensheartfoundation.org )


Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of Iyabo by supporting a meaningful cause.

Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Iyabo embodied throughout their life.

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For those who wish to contribute to the costs of the funeral, we have also setup a page at the link below to help us collect these donations:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/iyabo-onitiri-funeral

Any excess funds will be donated to a heart charity.
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