What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.
Obituary
Princess Anna Omolade Opatunde (née Adelu), aged 83, departed this world on 19 April 2024, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family in Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom.
Born to the Idanre royal family of Adelu by Pa Emmanuel Adegboye and Mama Felicia Adelu on 1 October 1940, Omolade Opatunde, known as Mummy Festac or Iya Opa by her children, nieces, and nephews gracefully balanced the roles of a devoted spouse, a nurturing mother, and a pillar of strength for her community. United in marriage to Engr. Dokun Opatunde, their union flourished and bore four wonderful children, each reflecting the values of kindness, determination, and deep-rooted faith instilled by their beloved mother.
Mummy Fesatc was a matriarch in every sense of the word. Her home was always open, a sanctuary filled with love and wisdom. Those who knew her often remarked on her sharp intellect and meticulous nature. She was a disciplinarian whose guidance paved the way for her children and many others, ensuring they navigated life with integrity and purpose.
Her caring spirit extended beyond her immediate family. She was a beacon of compassion, offering her endless support and generosity to friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. Her religious faith was the cornerstone of her life, providing her with immeasurable strength and resilience through all of life's challenges.
Mummy Festac was not only admired but deeply respected. Her legacy is one of unwavering love, near boundless empathy, and steadfast dedication to her family and faith. Her memory will endure in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
As we celebrate the life of Princess Anna Omolade Opatunde, we remember a life lived with grace, purpose, and boundless love. She will forever be cherished, and her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us all.
An Ode to my sister
Dear sister, this is an ode to you
You were first of many to count
Because our mother had children
That came and went
‘Abiku’ they called them
The fear was great
Each time our mother gave birth
Will it stay or will it not?
That was always the question.
As the first born, you were under pressure
Pressure that you were a girl
When your parents desired a boy
Pressure that may be you did not want a sibling
Hence the departing of the ones that came after you
But despite all these, you marched on
Like a soldier, you neither looked right nor left
Forward march you did.
In an era when education was for the elite
An era when women were meant to be in the kitchen
You marched on like a boy to become a teacher
A rare achievement of a child whose parents were laborers
Who could neither read nor write
You set a goal that we others had to follow
And follow we did.
You molded me into what I am today
A man of four university degrees
A husband to a PhD holder
A father to an IT guru
A father to a medical doctor
A father to an attorney
I cannot but remember
Your unrelentless habit of forcing me to sturdy
When all I wanted to do was play
You saw me as your kid brother
Yes, I was and blessed to be
That notion that I was your kid brother
Stayed with you until I was in my fifties
That was always the cause of our friction
That protective love was the reason
You did not want me to buy my first car
When I was in my thirties
Your reaction was Ah! He will kill himself
You are gone but forever will be remembered
We disagreed a lot when you were alive
Now that you are gone, I miss you
Most days I cry on my bed
While thinking of you
I miss you sister
And I will never forget you
I know it is rude to send an elder on an errand
But I will exhibit my rudeness for the last time
I want you to say Hi to the following people
Who welcomed you to the other side
Our parents, our cousin anti Kitan,
And your niece Sade my first born
Tell her I miss her a lot
I got to stop because I am tearing up
Adios dear sister until we meet to part no more.
By
Dr. Adeyemi Adelu 1 Phd
Gallery
Memory wall
Everything went smoothly today and we know you're smiling down at us from Heaven.
We love you so much 💓
You're forever in our hearts 🕊️
How are you? I trust you are at peace and with God. I didn’t think we would lose you just yet. Despite your age, you were unbelievably strong, agile and always full of energy. It made us think you would be with us for a longer time. Still, you will forever remain in our hearts, and I pray for your comfort and harmony in the hereafter.
Your death represents an irreplaceable loss to our family. Family gatherings will no longer be the same without your presence. Your ‘no-nonsense’, candid, and forthright nature will be sorely missed.
Mummy Festac, your heart was made of gold—generous and kind. To me, you were my second mother. I fondly recall how, in London, you would lovingly prepare meals for me to last the week and encouraged me to share them with my housemates. Although they never met you, they would pray for you, touched by your kindness. I can only imagine the countless prayers offered by strangers in your favour.
You were a true disciplinarian who stood for the truth no matter whose ox was gored. You would always sing it to our ears to do the right things at the right time.
While, you may have departed this world, the wisdom, discipline, and love you gave so freely will continue to touch the lives of those you hold dear. Your memories will constantly remind us of your good deeds and lead us to the right path.
You came, you saw, and you conquered. On the sands of time, you have left your footprints with glory. Every unborn child of the Adelu Dynasty will know your name and recall your story. Thank you for being a true blessing to the Adelu family.
I realize that I cannot fully express my heartache in one go. This is one loss I will live with, continually finding ways to honour your memory and legacy.
Rest in Peace, ma
Rest in peace mama.
“If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord”(Romans 14:8). Though you have bidden us farewell, your spirit remains near in every prayer, every song, your memory we revere. It is unthinkable to imagine that you are no more. When we consider the very close bond between your Mum and Ours in those our developmental days; a situation that led to we growing together; It becomes much more difficult to come to terms with the reality that you are no more. Yet it is true. A hard nut to crack; a bitter pill to swallow and a reality to contend with for a long time. You were accommodating, loving, familycentric, diligent, focused and result oriented personality. We can still remember how you left the comfort of your house to cater for our Dad in his own house at London, when he newly arrived there. Always happy and contended in every situation. You never complained but instead, you gloriously worked through difficult times and tides. This tragic event has stolen from us a precious jewel of inestimable value. If God Almighty in His infinite love and omniscient realism will allow your exit, we have no option but to bow to His Will. The pain hits hard and it’s not easy letting go of the memories we shared with you. You are truly a diamond from the sky, the best cheerleader in the whole world; you were always there for us at our difficult times. It is stated and we are convinced that neither life nor death, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus Our Lord (Rom. 8:38 & 39). We rest our case and say goodbye to you. You have come, you have seen and you have conquered. You will always be in our hearts. Rest peacefully in the Lord, our beloved Sister, till we meet on the Hallelujah side where we shall live to part no more.
From: The Adebusuyis’
I remember your gentle smile, always ready to welcome me with open arms and a warm embrace. You had a way of making everyone feel special, always offering sage advice that I still carry with me today. The last words you said to my brother and I that fateful morning was ‘Take care of your mother’ .
You will forever hold a special place in my heart. Your love continues to guide me, and your presence is deeply missed. Until we meet again, may you rest in peace, knowing you are cherished beyond measure.
We love you mummy. Continue to rest in the embrace of the MOST HIGH.
With heavy hearts, we, the children of the late Mama Victoria Olakintan Ajanaku (née Ayodele), commemorate the life of a remarkable woman in our family. Our dear aunty, affectionately known as Big Mummy or Mummy Festac, was more than just a family member; she was a mother figure who played a vital role in our lives.
After our mother's passing, she, along with others, stepped in to ensure that our family bonds remained strong, guiding us with the same love and care that our late mother had given. Mummy Festac had a unique gift for bringing people together, creating a sense of belonging and warmth. Her home was always open, filled with laughter and joy, where everyone felt welcome and cherished.
She created an atmosphere of love and togetherness that was truly her specialty, teaching us the value of family and the importance of staying connected, no matter the distance or circumstances. Her presence was a constant reminder of the power of love and unity.
As we say our goodbyes, we promise to honor her memory by maintaining the unity she so dearly cherished. We pray for God's grace to strengthen our bonds even further, ensuring that her legacy of love and family continues to inspire us. Rest in peace, dear Aunty. Your love and legacy will never be forgotten.
My sojourn became richly entwined in the numerous blessings of her maternal wisdom when I was fortunate to be next door neighbours to the Opatundes then in Festac. Then later when I came back from Uk and was undecided as to if I should go back, she gave a sound advice that continues to guide me till date. Even at her old age, she went all out to make sure I left Nigeria to Uk with all that was necessary to give me a soft landing and beyond.
She was a mother to all till the end. She never stopped asking of us and I promised to visit when she said she was going to stay a bit longer when she came. This was not to be but we take solace in the vivid memories of your legacies and pray the Lord your soul to keep. Adieu Mummy!
As the prospective wife to the only son of the Adeluwoyes, I remember when my then “boyfriend” introduced me to Anti for the first time. With her characteristic bluntness, she asked me if I was sure I wanted to marry her brother and what he had told me about himself and if I truly knew him. She then proceeded to tell me that if I claim to “truly know him”, then I would have no grounds to complain about his character after our marriage. While this kind of bluntness was not characteristic, it was something that I held onto and helped me in navigating the initial challenging years of marriage.
Anti had a protective and fierce love for all and she displayed that love to me in numerous ways. Anti had a very high sense of responsibility and she found ways to fulfill those responsibilities. She became someone who I could depend on to give me wise counsel, to share burdens with, and to support me in many ways.
I am already missing her and our numerous weekend telephone calls. I miss her prayers over my life, my husband’s, and our children’s. I know that she has already reconnected with our loved ones who went before her including my first child, Folasade. I know she is rejoicing with them in the presence of her redeemer who loves her even more than we can. Adieu, mummy Festac, my sister. Adieu, Mrs. Anna Omolade Opatunde, the first fruit of my mother-in-law’s womb. Until the resurrection morning when we meet to part no more.
E sun re, Olufe, e ma sinmi. E gbe ori le aiya olugbala yin.
Dr. Mrs. Mosun Adelu Adeyemi
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh.Glory be to his holy name.You are a disciplinarian to the core,you do not condone nonsense but very warmly and friendly with smiles on your face.
Thank God for a life well lived.
Your memories linger on.
Sleep well mum
Mama I love you but God loves you more.
May your gentle soul rest in peace in Jesus Name.
Sun reo Sun reo Sun reo
Writing this tribute is undoubtedly the hardest thing I've had to do, not because there are not enough words, but because no words seem sufficient to encapsulate all that you were.
Your life was a testament to the strong values you cherished—integrity, kindness, and compassion. These weren’t mere words to you; they were the very principles you lived by. Growing up, I thought of you as very strict, but as I matured, I realized that you were a softie at heart. You were just principled and held us to very high standards.
As I reflect on the countless memories we shared, I am reminded of the lessons you taught us, not just through words, but through your actions. You taught us how to remain graceful and resilient in the face of life’s challenges. You demonstrated that we must always maintain our faith in God especially during difficult times.
You were always very concerned about our well-being. Distance was never a barrier for you to visit your loved ones. If you had loved ones on the moon, you would find a way to visit, ‘…just to see how they are doing…’.
When we both resided in the UK, I would sometimes visit you with some friends. You were always so happy to see me & my many friends. You always welcomed us with warm hugs and hot plates of food and send us off with some change for our pockets. My friends were always so happy and would always ask,” Funmi, when are we visiting Mummy Festac again?”.
Your generosity was not just in the giving of gifts, but in the giving of yourself. You listened, you comforted, and you celebrated with us and emphasized the importance of family unity.
Mummy Festac, thank you for every moment, for every lesson, and for the unconditional love you showered upon us. Your legacy will live on in all our hearts, and we will carry your spirit with us always.
You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
With love & gratitude
Afume
Rest in the Father's bosom! We love you!
Mummy Festac to say that your death was shocking is to put it mildly. I spoke with you after u had recovered from your illness and thought, it was all over but only for d inevitable to happen. Your death was really a jolt but then what can we do. Death will come when it will come. Our consolation is that, we know that you have gone to be with the Lord. "Precious in d sight of the Lord is death of the Saint" (Ps 116v15) You remained the same person all through the period u were here. A forthright woman and a disciplinarian to the core. Your love and care for people around you was rock solid. Your life was an engaging one and so many lessons of life to draw from you. My prayer is that may your ideas and ideals not be interred with your bones as you remain flaming in the minds of all the people you left behind.
Rest peacefully in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Your inlaw.
HMMM! IT HAS NOW DAWNED ON ME THAT YOU'D GONE TO MEET YOUR CREATOR. YOU REALLY MADE YOUR MARK WHILST HERE WITH US.
MUMMY FESTAC, AS YOU ARE FONDLY CALLED, YOU WERE INDEED A SISTER AND MOTHER BECAUSE YOU REALLY PLAYED A MOTHERLY ROLE TO US YOUR SIBLINGS. YOU ALWAYS WANTED PEACE FOR THE FAMILY AND EVERYBODY AT LARGE. YOU ALWAYS WANTED US TO BE IN GOOD HEALTH.
l REMEMBERED EVEN ON YOUR SICK BED YOU WERE ASKING ABOUT MY CHILDREN'S WELFARE. I REMEMBER ALSO THE DAY YOU SAID YOU PREFERED TO DIE INSTEAD OF YOUR JUNIOR ONES TO GO BEFORE U.
WORDS WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH TO DESCRIBE YOU.
IT IS WELL.
GOOD NIGHT MY SISTER. SLEEP WELL TILL WE MEET TO PART NO MORE.
ADIEU MUMMY FESTAC.
Sister Lade,
I find myself at a loss for words as I reflect on your departure, which has left a profound ache in my heart. Your last words to me on that fateful Tuesday night, "Ajobi a gbe e o, ose o odaro," resonate deeply, as I now understand they were your tender farewell.
We are grateful to God for the remarkable life you led, despite the challenges you faced along your journey. Through prayer and unwavering faith in God, you triumphed over these obstacles. Yet, the sorrow of your early departure weighs heavily on us, for you left before reaping the full benefits of your hard work. Nonetheless, we do not question God's plan; we accept and find peace in it.
Your memory is a beacon of love and unity. How can I ever forget the support and compassion you showed me when my husband passed away? Or the advice you consistently offered my children? Your acts of kindness and love toward your siblings ensured our bond remained strong (even if we disagree occasionally), embodying the essence of a caring and devoted sister.
On behalf of myself and our younger siblings, we extend a heartfelt thank you. We pray that God grants you eternal peace and rest. The memories you've left behind will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing you.
Sister, you have left very big shoes for me to fill. As I continue this journey, I am committed to living by the values you taught us, confident that God will guide me as He did you.
Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord, dear sister. You will forever remain in our hearts.
Omo Owa, Omo iyemi ni ile ero,
sun re o!
With all my love,
Your Sister
Thank You ma, for always looking out for me and my entire household(Myself, my twin and Our Mum)
Thank You for your Love and Generosity ma.
Thank you for Accepting my Sister(Tolulope Oyewole)and her Family as your very own.
You were always happy when we are happy and sad when things don't go the way we want.
I have met you in person only once.....but the love we shared looked like it's been ages since we met.
When you heard we(My twin and I)were getting Married, you were so happy that we felt the Love right here in Ibadan. You sent us gifts and showered us with Heartfelt prayers. The same you did when we welcomed our Children.("The Surprise",was really a surprise.... Smiles)
Each time I call to check up on my niece and nephew(Samuel and Esther Oyewole), my sister will tell me......they are with their Grandma.
That Love was so so Genuine.
When I received the news of your passing.....I was heartbroken, I cried.
I cried because I didn't see it coming, I did not pray it anytime soon.
But I am happy right now, because heaven gained An Angel......... This, is my Consolation.
Journey Well Beautiful Grandma...... Bye Bye
May your Beautiful Soul rest in Perfect Peace Grandma Opa.
We will Miss You.
Omotara Kehinde(On behalf of the Olasope's).
Samuel Oyewole
I love you grandma and will miss you
Esther Oyewole
Grandma, keep resting in your Lord's bosom
To our Mum, thank you for always loving and guiding us. We feel your love and support even in your absence.
We grieve today, we will grieve tomorrow, and we will grieve all our days for you. For you, there will be no more death, no more mourning, no more crying and no more pain.
You are always in our hearts. We love you and miss you dearly.
Sleep on, Mummy Opa
But thanks be to God for a life well spent - hers was a legacy too palpable to be ignored: a christian in whom there was no guile. No wonder the same virtue is already imprinted on the wonderful children.
Adieu, mama Opa!
You lived a life that projected Christ and Love.
Thank you for making this World better than you met it.
I remember you would always ask about my well-being and how the Kids are fairing as you say a prayer for them.
Keep resting in the bosom of the Lord.
May the Holy Spirit comfort and uphold us all as we cherish your memory in our Hearts now and always 🕊️🙏❤️
We will miss you greatly but our consolation is that we believe so much you are resting in the hands of your maker
Soft spoken and kind minded sister
Odi gbose