The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication; Professor Sola Adepoju; and Hon. Segun “Bunvic” Odebunmi, Chairman of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), led other dignitaries in paying tribute to Mama Ruth Adeleye as she marked her 90th birthday celebration in Ogbomoso and Olorun, Kwara State, respectively.
In his sermon, the minister in charge at Baptist Church, Sabi Oke, Olorun, Rev. Dr Moses Adewole Adeyemo, praised Mama Adeleye’s devotion to faith and community. “Mama is worthy of celebration—not just for her longevity, but for a life well spent in service to others. Her life teaches us that no matter the trials of today, tomorrow always holds promise.”
Despite the challenges of singlehandedly raising seven children, Mama Adeleye was praised for doing so with love, strength, and faith. “She taught us integrity, and the values she instilled have shaped our lives in meaningful ways,” one of her children said.
Hon. Williams Adeleye, one of her sons and a former Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, said, “She has a good spirit, a caring heart, and a lovely character. She gave her all to ensure we succeeded in life. Nothing is too much to celebrate her—her presence remains a blessing to many.”
In an emotional speech, Mama Ruth Adeleye expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for His grace and mercies throughout her life. “Jesus surprised me in many ways. Despite overwhelming challenges, God never failed me. I am thankful for my children, grandchildren, in-laws, and everyone who came to celebrate me,” she said.
Born in Mosadiwin, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mama Ruth Adeleye was married to the late Pa Ezekiel Adeleye Apata. Their union was blessed with seven children—Mr Michael Adeleye Apata, Mrs Dorcas Abosede Oke, Hon. Williams Adeleye, Mrs Elizabeth Funke Ayoola, Mr Abraham Adebukola Adeleye, Mrs Victoria Temilade Akinbola, and Mr Adegbola Jacob Adeleye—as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Other dignitaries present at the celebration included Mrs Samson Adegoke, Alhaja Lai Mohammed, Dr Fadolapo (Director-General of ARCON), Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Tourism Mrs Ugo, Dr Mustapha of NNPC, Bashorun Lola Anjorin, Otunba Abdulganiyu Subair, Alhaji Monsuru Ejide, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, Engineer Tunde Ige, and several other top government functionaries and captains of industry.
The celebration was not only a testament to a life well lived but also a reminder of the enduring power of family, faith, and community.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE