Catherine Mojisola Oladeji - Biography
Catherine Mojisola Oladeji nee Odebunmi was born September 14, 1930 in Ibadan, Oyo State. She is the third child of Papa Samuel Adigun Odebunmi and Mama Juliana Jadesola Odebunmi (nee Vaughan). Growing up in Ibadan, Mojisola was enrolled at the St. Peter’s Aremo Primary School from where she was admitted to Kudeti Girls School now St Annes’ School Molete, Ibadan in 1947. She was in admission at St Annes School for two years and graduated in 1949. She proceeded to attend St Mary’s College, Owo where she enrolled for teaching courses in 1950 – 51 and undertook the Grade III Certificate. She then returned to attend the Teaching Practice at St Peter’s School Aremo, Ibadan from 1952 – 55 where she obtained the Grade II Certificate in 1953 - 55. She taught for two(2) years at St Margret Grammar School, Ilesha from 1956 - 57. In December 1957, she travelled to London to further her education.
In London, she studied Institutional Management at Queen Elizabeth College (University of London) from 1957 – 59.Upon graduation in July 1959 and when her heart throb – Emmanuel Olaniyi Oladeji had finished his course in Civil Engineering - the next stage of her life plan was set, and all arrangements were concluded - after ten (10) years of courtship to marry him.
The marriage was slated for 29thAugust 1959 at the Anglican Parish Church of Clapham in the Metropolitan Borough of Wandsworth. The wedding program was a delight to witness, and reception was held at London after which she left on honeymoon to Bournemouth. The experience at Bournemouth was quiet, grand and fulfilling. Emmanuel gave kudos to Mojisola who he said was faithful, committed and sincere throughout the experience which lasted for a glorious week. They came back from their honeymoon at Bournemouth to change houses from Forest Gate to Woodford Green.
Mojisola and Olaniyi thanked God, as they were blessed with a baby boy - Olajide on the 1st of September 1960. At the time, Moji started practicing at the School Meals Service of London County Council and she was there for two(2) years. After a year and a few months, and at the time of which Emmanuel was engaged with British Railway, Mojisola and Emmanuel decided it was time to return to Nigeria. Emmanuel resigned his employment at British Railways and departed Liverpool, London with his wife on the 1st of February, 1962 to reach Apapa, Lagos on the 13th of February, 1962. Moji was carrying the pregnancy of Olabode who was born on the 9th of March, 1962 barely one month after they got back to Nigeria.
Upon their return to Nigeria, Moji took an appointment as Catering Supervisor at the Catering Department of University of Ibadan in 1963, and retired as Senior Catering Officer in October 1978 – after fifteen (15) years of meritorious service. After retiring from the University of Ibadan, Moji continued to practice catering privately until 1985 when she decided to stay at home and become a full-time house-wife.
Between 1959 when she got married and 1969, Mojisola and Emmanuel had five(5) children –Olajide, Olabode, Olawunmi, Olatundun and Abimbola. Mojisola had always believed in the service of humanity and the Church. As a young girl and growing up in a strict Christian family at Alafara - Oje, she was a member of the St. Peter’s Church, Aremo choir. Later in life and as a charismatic wife and loving mother, she was a member of the Young Women Christian Circle – a parish society of the Cathedral of St James, OkeBola where she held various positions including Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and recently Patron. She was also a member of the Mothers’ Union, and Salvation Army. Mojisola was a true Christian mother – she cherished her family - both nucleus and extended. She was a committed wife, dedicated mother, friend of the society, and lover of Christ - a believe for whom she placed all her trust.
Oriki
Adùññì òmó kùkú mò sè òmó aìsé oràn lòdun òmó òró tààsé kó kò nì lòmó inù òmo Jadesòlá òlowó kó inú egúñ Kirk iwòfa to be egùn bère. Òmó pàrírì pààri, Òmó Oyè, Òmó àdìrí la kun, Òmó spe wa jòyè. Òmó mo Lenì nìle mò sun lé éékàn òròlù ma je atè. Sùn Òmó lufààdé. Sùn re ooo.