THE WOMAN,
MRS. OLUFEMI OMOLABAKE
OMOLEHINWA

The story of Mrs Olufemi Omolehinwa is that of a woman who lived selflessly and in peace with everyone. She was a strong behind-the-scene supporter of her family and treated other people’s children as her own.

She was born on the 8th of February 1954 in Ilutitun, Okitipupa LGA. Her father (a nurse) was from Lijofi family of Ilutitun while the mother (a school teacher) was from the Ogunbameru family also of Ilutitun. As a result of the itinerary nature of her father’s work, she attended more than one primary school. She later attended Lagos City College Yaba and finished her course in 1973.

As a first step towards a career in town planning, she went to Town Planning School, Ibadan in 1974. She was subsequently posted to Okitipupa Town Planning Office as one of the pioneer members of staff in 1975. As a field officer who went around towns and villages in the former Okitipupa Division, she was very popular and liked by the people. This was because of her dedication to duties and blatant refusal to accept money from anybody in the course of her performance of official duties. This trait in particular endeared her to her future husband, who is widely known as a man of integrity.

Despite her career interest, she willingly gave up her job for the sake of her family. She wanted to devote her time to, and take adequate and effective care of her husband (who lost his mother very early in life) and her children; something she didn’t think she could combine with the busy schedule of a town planning official at the time.

She later opted to be a school teacher. While her future husband was away to the USA for further studies, she went for the one-year training as a teacher at Okitipupa Divisional Teachers’ Training College in Ode-Aye during 1977/1978 session. In line with her desire to be the focal point of her children’s early education, she also attended St. Nicholas Montesorri Centre in London between 1983 and 1984 for her diploma in Montessori education. Mrs Omolehinwa, who also has a National Certificate in Education, taught in primary schools in Somolu and Akoka and eventually retired as Assistant Head Mistress of Aiyetoro Primary School Akoka in 2013.

She was an excellent wife, mother, family bridge-builder, hostess and peace maker who spent most of her life bringing happiness to all those she came across. She was very hospitable to visitors and willing to help as much she could. You did not have to be related to her for her to display kindness.

Mrs Omolehinwa was not averse to staying out of the spotlight while effectively supporting those who stayed in it. She was willing to sacrifice any claims to fame while focusing on things that truly mattered. Those who knew her could sense her true satisfaction for decreasing so that others could increase. She has nurtured chartered accountants, lawyers, journalists, doctors, creatives and several other professionals and helped them in their journeys to becoming fulfilled in their respective careers.

She was a wonderful friend to many, full of love and kindness and deep consideration for others. Her advice and love are priceless even till this very moment. We are grateful for the wrongs she made right, for the dreams she ensured came true and for all the love she showed both young and old.