Abike Oduyemi goes home in grand style

Chief Mrs Grace Abike Oduyemi, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, who died on December 20, 2019 at age 77 has been laid to rest in Lagos amidst sober reflection from friends and family  members.

Her final journey home began in the early hours of Friday, February 7, 2019 at the Bola Memorial Anglican Church, Ikeja Archdeaconry.

Late Grace Oduyemi’s well lived life was the kernel of testimonies of high network individuals from far and near who thronged the church funeral service to bid a good woman farewell. On hand at the funeral ceremonies were former Inspector General of Police , now Chairman, Police Service Commission, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, Billionaire business man, Tunde Ayeni, representatives of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and Alake of Egba, Oba Dosunmu Gbadebo,  House of Reps member, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, Chairman of Stanbic IBTC, Atedo Peterside and Commordore Fahad Oladipo amongst many other high profile Nigerians from different pedigree.

A statement Signed by Shola Adeyemo, stated that the officiating Reverends unanimously prayed for the repose of her soul and emphasized the importance of hereafter and admonished adherents to emulate the life of late Abike Oduyemi which was exemplary.

Remarkably, Police College ground, Ikeja where guests and well wishers were entertained with endless supply of food and drinks including scintillating music from the police band was the same spot where she began her fruitful police career in April 1962. The coincidence was the final statement of her credible and patriotic service to her fatherland.

Her surviving husband, Chief M A Oduyemi describes his late wife “as a strict and disciplined woman who used Christian ways to build our family and brought up our children so much so that today we have a united family that can stand the test of life.”

One of her amiable daughters, Mrs Bisi, in like manner describes her mother as “a mother of all mothers. She saw every child as her own children. She was a mother to all. I missed her.”  

Born on October 28, 1942 to late Pa Daniel and late Mrs Eunice Titiola Oniyinde, Chief Mrs Grace Abike Oduyemi, Nee Oniyinde, had her elementary education at Christ Church School, Ilaro between 1951 and 1956. She thereafter proceeded to Anglican Secondary Modern School, Ilaro-Yewa from 1957 to 1959 and Teacher Training College, Ilaro where she obtained Grade 11 Teacher Certificate in 1961.

She got enlisted into the Nigeria Police where she distinguished herself in several offices and departments before retiring in 1998. She was a member of Island, Ikoyi and Rotary Clubs. She aptly supported the Anglican Church in various capacities during her time. She is survived by husband, Chief M A Oduyemi, children and grand children.