It was a day of joy, gratitude, and deep reflection as family, friends, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mama Ruth Adeleye, a revered matriarch whose life has touched many across Ilorin and Ogbomoso.
The milestone celebration began with a thanksgiving service at Emmanuel Baptist Church, Sabo Oke, Ilorin, where Mama has been a long-standing and active member. The church overflowed with relatives, well-wishers, and admirers who came to honor a woman described as “a pillar of strength, integrity, and grace.”
In his sermon, the minister in charge, 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,” he said.
The celebration continued at Elisam Hall, Ogbomoso, where guests paid glowing tributes to the nonagenarian. Family members, dignitaries, and friends highlighted her selfless nature, resilience, and unwavering commitment to family values.
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.
The event was graced by an array of dignitaries, including the Olugbon of Ile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao and Olori Olusola Alao; Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication; Professor Sola Adepoju; Hon. Segun “Bunvic” Odebunmi, Chairman of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA); Chief and 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.
