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IYIN-EKITI AGOG AS FAMILY AND FRIENDS BID FLORENCE IDOWU OMOOBA FAREWELL
It was glitz and glamour in Iyin-Ekiti in Ekiti State on Friday as a prominent daughter of the town, Mrs Florence Idowu Omooba was bid farewell by family and well wishers.
The funeral service held at Babamuboni Memorial Anglican Church had in attendance friends of the family from within and outside the state.
In his homily, the Archdeacon of the Church, Venerable Dr. Samuel Agunbiade described the deceased as a devout Christian who spent her life and times to impact positively on the lives of her children and those who came across her.
Venerable Agunbiade who described death as an inevitable end of all humans urged Christians to remember their last day on earth when dealing with fellow humans.
The Cleric urged the children to emulate their mother by playing their parts in the growth of the church and the community in general.
Shortly after the thanksgiving and interment at the cemetery, guests were later treated to sumptuous meals at the reception held at Tinu Bamidele Events Center.
Speaking with newsmen, some of the children of the the deceased including Funmilayo Yinka Faleye, Col. Olusegun and Mrs Olabisi Oyedele, Bolanle Adu, Kemi Ebere, Foluke Omooba, Taiwo Faleye and Pastor Kehinde Omooba said their mother left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
They promised to continue from where their mother stopped, assuring that the unity existing in the family would be sustained and improved upon.
Madam Florence Idowu Omooba was born in 1940 in the serene and well-situated town of lyin Ekiti, located in the present-day lrepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
She hailed from the renowned Akinlua family of Elemo Compound in Okelawe Quarters.
Her parents, the late Pa Ogunsanya Akinlua and Madam Ogunwe Akinlua, were devout Christians and members of the Anglican Church.
Her father, a well-known cocoa merchant in his time, provided a stable and morally upright home.
Though Mama did not have the privilege of a formal Western education, she was blessed with remarkable native intelligence.
Her cognitive ability, versatility, and natural affinity for numbers were truly exceptional. At a point in her life, she enrolled In adult education classes to enhance her reading and writing skills; a testament to her love for learning.
Mama was the fourth child among six
and was blessed with remarkable native intelligence.
Her cognitive ability, versatility, and natural affinity for numbers were truly exceptional. At a point in her life, she enrolled in adult education classes to enhance her reading and writing skills; a testament to her love for learning
Mama was the fourth child among six children born to her mother. She spent much of her formative years under the care of her older sister, the late Chief Mrs. Beatrice Omogbemile, the famous Eye Dofin of Okelawe Quarters.
Under her sister’s mentorship, Mama’s entrepreneurial flair was nurtured, and she developed skills that would remain with her throughout her life.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
In 1962, Mama married the late Chief joshua Omooba, a distinguished descendant of Oluyin Oketagidigi, as his youngest wife.
Their union was blessed in 1963 with the birth of their first child, Olufunmilayo Yinka Omooba, and several other wonderful children followed.
Her joyful and hospitable nature endeared her to many, earning her the role of life matron to two different community clubs.
LEGACY
A passionate mother and matriarch, Mama’s home was a hub of activity, always lively and welcoming.
She was a natural giver, deeply hospitable, and immensely loving. Though firm and disciplined, her love for family was unwavering and tender.
She was blessed to witness the births of 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She played a vital role in nurturing and caring for many of them, especially in their earliest days.
Madam Florence Idowu Omooba will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the wider family.
She leaves behind a legacy of integrity, hard, work, hospitality, deep faith, and love for humanity.
Her entrepreneurial spirit flourished after marriage. Initially engaged in general buying and selling, she later transitioned into the food business where she truly shined. A gifted cook with extraordinary culinary skills, Mama became a successful restaurateur, celebrated for her mastery of diverse Yoruba cuisines. She mentored many in this field, and her passion even inspired one of her daughters to earn a degree in Catering and Hotel Management.
FAITH AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Mama was a devout Christian and a dedicated member of the Anglican Church, where she worshipped faithfully until her passing. Her joyful and hospitable nature endeared her to many, earning her the role of life matron to two different community clubs.
LEGACY
A passionate mother and matriarch, Mama’s home was a hub of activity, always lively and welcoming. She was a natural giver, deeply hospitable, and immensely loving. Though firm and disciplined, her love for family was.
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