Balogun Gaphar Ojetola Appreciates People’s Generosity over Mother’s Passing
Beloved Matriarch Alhaja Chief Mrs. Falilat OotoOla Oriola Owoola Omowumi Apeke Olayiwola-Ojetola Passes at 99
Tunde Adeyemo,
Ibadan, Nigeria.
November 15, 2025.
The Olayiwola-Ojetola and Amusa-Alade Okediran families mourned the loss of their matriarch, Alhaja Chief Mrs. Falilat OotoOla Oriola Owoola Omowumi Apeke Olayiwola-Ojetola, who peacefully passed away on Jummah day at the age of ninety-nine.
Following Janazah prayers at her Alakia home, a significant procession accompanied her to the University of Ife Alumni Muslim Group Cemetery, despite challenging road conditions. The families expressed immense gratitude for the support received from individuals and organisations both locally and globally, which helped provide a dignified farewell for their beloved mother.
In a statement, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola acknowledged numerous supporters, including the Amusa-Alade Okediran family, Bodija Market representatives, various Muslim communities, and numerous distinguished individuals and organizations. Their contributions represented a powerful testament to Mrs. Ojetola’s impact on her community and beyond.
The statement reads:”Our Sweet Mother’s Transition and Your Heartfelt Generosity: Our Sincere Appreciation
Balogun Gaphar Ojetola.
Yesterday, Friday, 14th November 2025, our beloved mother, grandmother, and matriarch—Alhaja Chief Mrs. Falilat OotoOla Oriola Owoola Omowumi Apeke Olayiwola-Ojetola—peacefully returned to her Creator in the early hours of a beautiful Jummah day, at the graceful age of ninety-nine.
From as early as 7:30 a.m., her residence began receiving sympathisers who came to offer their condolences on Mama’s transition. Many shared glowing tributes about Mama’s impactful life as a loving grandmother, a devout religious leader, a respected community figure, and a distinguished market leader who served for many years as Otun Iyaloja of Bodija Market. She was the Iyalode Adinni of Isebo, Alakia, Ibadan, and the Olori Alasalatu of numerous Asalatu groups throughout her lifetime.
Following the Janazah prayers at her Alakia home, the long convoy of vehicles that accompanied our dear Moomi to her final resting place at the University of Ife Alumni Muslim Group Cemetery, Ile-Igbon, Iyana Offa, was truly remarkable—especially considering the challenging road terrain. We deeply felt the immense support from individuals and organisations, both within Nigeria and across the world, through your presence, phone calls, and countless messages. Your solidarity, sacrifices, and contributions toward giving our mother a dignified and befitting farewell warmed our hearts. We say a heartfelt thank you.
We specially acknowledge, in no particular order:
The entire Amusa-Alade Okediran family
The Òké family of Ààre Òjè Quarters and Ojeniranland, Ibadan, under the leadership of Baale AbdulFatai Adesina Ojetola
All Mama’s in-laws across the globe
Bodija Market Women Representatives
All Muslim Communities and Asalatu Groups Mama belonged to
Alhaja Chief Mrs. Rafata Adijolola Amunigun-Opowu, UK, and children
Adeoyo Community
The Aare Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole–led Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)
Dr. Tunde Olatunji, Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board
Ibadan Grammar School Old Students Association (IGSOSA) Worldwide, led by Mr. Dayo Onakoya, Esq.
IGSOSA Class Set of ’74/’79
The Executives and General House of the Association of Professional Retired Nurses and Midwives of Nigeria
Ibadan Progressive Mothers Club under Chief Mrs. Gesinde
Arétete Community
Dawah Foundation
Alhaji and Alhaja Yusuff, SPDC Port Harcourt
Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery
Mr. Wale Adamo, UK
The Elite Klub UK
Mrs. Olaomo, UK
Ibadan North APC led by Alhaji T.A.O. Olayiwola
Alhaji Hon. Tawfeeq Akinwale
Hon. Sir Adewale Murphy
Alhaji AgbaAkin Wasiu Adebayo Emiola
Professor Gbolahan Gbadamosi, UK
Mrs. Lawunmi Olafunmiloye, USA
Otunba Kenny Adebambo, UK
Oluyole Progressive Union UK.
Ibadan Think Tank Group ITTG- UK
Hon. Justice Olatoregun (Rtd.)
Isebo Muslim Community
Ashipa Laamo Residents Association
Alakia Muslim Community
…and many other distinguished organisations and esteemed individuals too numerous to mention. We profoundly appreciate you all.
In August 1998, when our beloved father, Alhaji Chief Yusuf Adisa Olayiwola-Ojetola, passed on, we honoured his explicit instruction that no parties be held for his funeral. Instead, he directed that we commit to meaningful acts of charity, capacity building, and support for humanity in his memory. This we did—and it became a standard emulated by many Muslim families thereafter.
The greatest support you have offered us during this moment of grief is your presence—physically and emotionally—through your calls, messages, and heartfelt condolences. We truly appreciate your kindness.
In honour of Mama’s blessed memory, we humbly request that you remember her in your daily prayers. Mama is indeed deserving of continuous daily Fidau—not only 3-day, 8-day, or 41-day—prayers.
As a family, we remain committed to sustaining Mama’s legacy of supporting education for indigent children, skill acquisition, and human capacity development through charitable initiatives. You are welcome to partner with us in these noble endeavours, as you desire.
On behalf of the entire Olayiwola-Ojetola and Amusa-Alade Okediran families, we extend our deepest gratitude and pray that the Almighty bless you abundantly and grant answers to all your prayers.
Thank you so much for standing by us during this difficult period.
Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola GAIC
For and on behalf of the entire families.
