The former Director General of Ekiti State Bureau of Strategic Communications and Head of Corporate Communications of the defunct Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank), Hon Chief Kayode Akinyemi has played host to friends and family on Saturday, October 25, 2025 as he paid last respect to his late mother, Deaconess Victoria Oja Bodunde Akinyemi, who slept in the Lord in the early hours of Friday, June 14, 2025 at the age of 85.
Her body arrives at her residence, 10, Olorunfemi Esan Lane, Afao Ekiti, while lying-in-state and wake-keep also held on the same day. Her remains were interred at the same venue amidst encomium.
Late Deaconess Akinyemi was a devoted Christian and a prominent member of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Iyanu, Afao – Ekti, where she served as representative of Good women society, member of the Church choir, and Chairperson (IYA EGBE) of her age group popularly known as ‘EGBE IGBOTOLUWA’ till her departure on earth.
The late mother’s cortege was joined along the way by the most important people in her life. They walked behind her remains, and then, so did representatives from each of the families, friends, and communities.
The guests were treated to memorable hospitality at St David’s Anglican Church playing ground in Afao Ekiti.
Late Deaconess Oja Akinyemi was born in 1940. Her Pa Ajayi came from Ulotin family clan and her mother, Fowowe Ajayi was from Uro family clan both in Afao under Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Mama ensured that all her children embraced western education. She was referred to as a loving, honest, realistic, industrious, courageous, generous and economically viable mother.
In a tribute written by her first daughter, Lady Evangelist Christianah Olurotimi stated that “My mother was an amazing woman, very selfless and generous. She taught all her children the value of faith, importance of family, beauty of giving without expecting anything in return. A woman that lived her life with strength, kindness, and a deep love that touched everyone around her.
“She gave all of her life to the service of God. Though, we will miss her deeply. We rejoice in assurance that this is not goodbye forever, we shall meet when depart no more.
– Her first son, Hon Chief Kayode Akinyemi, stated that thememoriesy he shared with the deceased are still fresh in his mind because good mother makes a remarkable difference in a child’s life. You had an indescribable inner strength and hospitality that made you my mirror while growing up.
“Am yet to come to terms with your passing, especially knowing that you were not ill, and we still had conversation few hours before your demise. Words aloncan notot adequately convey the enormity of your death shock news, but no one can challenge God but am comfortable with the fact that you lived a good Christian life till the last moment on earth. Indeed, you lived a fulfilled life but your demise still hurts.”
Speaking shortly after the burial, CAC District Superintendent, Pastor Jacob Olu Awe, expressed his condolences to the family as he described mama as a loving, kind and cheerful woman who has impacted in the lives of everyone who have come in contact with her. He added that the deceased was like a mother to all anprayeday that God grant her eternal rest.
He admonished Mama’s children to remain in unity, harmony and ensure the history of the deceased remains in the church, community and her age group.