The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, FNSE, Oluyalo Otileta VII, has lost his mother, Alhaja Aliratu Adunni Matemilola. She passed away at the age of 81 after a brief illness.
In a condolence message signed by Chief Dr. Abiodun Oladimeji Lasile, Orunto of Owu Kingdom, the late matriarch was described as a woman of kindness, compassion, and strength who touched countless lives during her lifetime.
Born in 1943 at Abiola Village, Alhaja Matemilola was the daughter of Chief Kasali Bolaji Abiola of Ago-Ika, Gbágùrá, Abeokuta, and Mrs. Raliat Bolaji of Labuta Compound, Oke Egunya, Owu, Abeokuta. Her father, Chief Kasali Bolaji, was the third Baale of Abiola Village, Gbalefa, in present-day Ado Odo/Ota Local Government of Ogun State, a settlement founded shortly after the Egba United Forces defeated Dahomey in the mid-1800s.
Throughout her life, she built a reputation as a successful trader, a loving mother, and a dutiful wife. Her values of transparency, truthfulness, and generosity earned her the admiration of many within and outside Owu Kingdom.
“She was a shining example of compassion and strength whose legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives she touched,” the condolence message read.
Alhaja Matemilola is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members.
The Owu people at home and abroad have extended their condolences to Oba Matemilola and the Bolaji family. Prayers have also been offered for Allah to grant her soul eternal rest and admit her into Aljannah Firdaus.
