TRIBUTE TO AUNTY ELIZABETH AIYEDUN OYEDELE ( Née Idowu) A HOME MAKER- Sir 'Lanre Ogundeyi

I can not say precisely when my elder sister came into my consciousness. I grew up to know her as a sister and caring one at that. Her mother Mrs Olawanle Idowu was my father’s immediate junior sister. 

There were five of them from my paternal grandmother. The first three were all boys ( Baba Eko, Baba Odunola- a decorated Sgt Major of the Nigeria Army .A Second World War Veteran), Daniel Oyewole ( my father), Madam  ‘Lawanle( Mama T’ile) and their youngest Sister, Madam Duro Abeke Oyewole ( Mama Eko), with whom the deceased spent part of her early childhood.

She started school a little bit late because her mother and other family members, especially our grandparents, over pampered and over protected her. This should be expected considering the circumstances of her birth, prevailing superstitions and polygamous family setting . These compelled the need to keep a keen eye on her. As time when on, the unnecessary worries over her dissipated and she was allowed to live a free life and be herself. That freedom, does not translate to sending her to school outside the precincts of close family abode.

 All her schooling were at Ibadan, Saint Stephen Inalende and Anglican Girl’s Modern School, (later upgraded to a Secondary GrammarSchool)Orita Mefa .

She grew up to become a beautiful damsel, well mannered, courteous, soft spoken, focused and hard working. Never complaining whenever she ran errands for her mom. Her circle of friends were mostly Family members . Shy but could hardly be intimidated.

Recalling narrations from her peers and family members, it was her intention to pursue a career in Teaching or Nursing, two things militated against that dream. Her mother could not imagine sending her long sort child to school outside of her vicinity or proximity to home . She should rather take to trading and start raising a home of her own. (With benefits of hindsight, Mama wants to become a grandmother like her peers.) 

The second factor that derailed her dream of a Teaching or Nursing Career was the pestering bundles of LOVE LETTERS from Brother Olu ! Fortunately or unfortunately, one of the letters, sent through the usual trusted hands( Anti Adunni) was intercepted by Baba Oloyede, otherwise known as Baba Mokola , father of Anti Adunni and grand Uncle to the deceased . 

Naturally, he read the letter. All that caught the old man’s attention was the phrase: “ Face to face is better than, a million letters”,or something to that effect. Baba Mokola had to summon Anti and Brother Olu’s family for the latter  explain his effrontery and insolence in writing such a letter to his daughter. It was a big issue then . 

Luckily, the deceased had lived a life of chastity and had been rebuffing her first and only suitor. It took family intervention and counseling before she agreed to a marriage proposal from Brother Olu - Mr James Olufemi Oyedele. No doubt, he found a good wife. A jewel of outstanding qualities.The marriage , to the glory of God,lasted over six decades. They raised five children who are successful in their own rights. A testimony of the grace of God, the sweetness and fruitfulness of an un compromised Christian marriage .

No matter, how interesting a story is, it must have an end . We give glory to God for the exemplary Christian life of our mother, grandmother, sister and cousin. She has gone the way of all mortals . May the Angels of God accompany her to the Throne of Mercy . May Light perpetual shine upon her soul. Good night and so long.