BIRTH AND PARENTAGE

Mrs. Regina Olukemi Akomolafe was born on the 12th of Oct., 1938 in Ikere Ekiti. She was a precious Jewel in her nuclear family. Her father was late Pa. Michael Egbedi Akomolafe of Ibariba compound in Oke – ‘kere, where present Prof. Olufemi; the latest Sapetu of Ikere hails from. Pa Akomolafe Egbedi was one of the richest cocoa farmers during his life time, his wife and Regina’s mother was a princess of Agrilala the first; the then Oba Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti. She was a successful bean cake industry woman, politician, and the woman leader of her party during her life time. Both of them were Christians and members of St. Peter’s Anglican Church Oke – ‘kere, Ikere Ekiti.

EDUCATION

Mrs. Regina Olukemi Akomolafe had her primary school education at the then famous St. Luke’s Anglican Primary School, Odo – Oja, Ikere Ekiti. From there, she attended Anglican Girls’ Modern School, Ado Ekiti, and from there on completion of the course, she was admitted to St. Helen’s Anglican Grade 3 Teacher’s Training College, Ondo, from Jan. 1957 – Dec. 1958. On graduation from there, she was posted to Agbado Ekitias the first Trained Anglican Teacher in that Area. She also taught at Igbara – Odo Ang. School and St. John’s Ang. Primary School, Are, Ikere Ekiti. She proceeded to Ekiti Divisional Grade II Teacher Training College from Jan. 1962 to Dec. 1963. She attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife for the Teacher’s Associative Grade 1 Certificate in the Faculty of Education in the 1973/74 Session.

MARRITAL LIFE

Mrs. Regina Mafolayomi Akomolafe was married to Dr. Gabriel Olusola Akomolafe on December 26, 1963, after six years of courtship. Succeeding events of their married life proved that the marriage was Designed and Blessed from heaven. They both had uncommon understanding and respect between them. They were both born to the Anglican Religion and both became actively practicing Christians to the end. Mafolayomi was a befitting compliment to Olusola in many ways. Their home was the home of everyone who cared to come. Mafoalyomi loved and cherished her husband most sincerely. They were both intimate confidant of each other. They are blessed with Christian based children who have been successful in all their diverse areas of calling. She was a wonderful mother to her children and a great wife to the husband.

It is with gratitude to God that she witnessed six of her grandchildren graduated from different Universities (home and abroad) few months before her death. This was a befitting parting gift from these grandchildren to their very much loved grandmother.

WORK EXPERIENCE

From January 1964 to December 2003, she taught as a Grade II and I trained teacher in various schools in the former Oranmiyan Local Government and Ife Central and East Local Government. She served as Classroom Teacher, Grade I Headmaster. For three years, she was English and Yoruba Tutor in St. John’s Grammar Catholic Grammar Scool, Oke – Atan, Ile Ife.

She worked very diligently in all the schools where she worked. In many of the schools where she taught, she constructed surrounding fences, built latrines, e.t.c. She earned a state award as a distinguished and hardworking Grade I Headmistress (2002). Everywhere she worked; she was liked and appreciated by both teachers and students. She retired honourably in 1993.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

Mrs. Regina Akomolafe was a life Member of the church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) throughout her lifetime. She had served in several capacities as member of the church Choir, Girl’s brigade leader, and active member of the Young Women Christian Association of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Ile Ife. For three years, she was the Chairperson of the then St. Mark’s Anglican Primary School Council. She was a strong believer in the efficacy of prayer and was therefore deeply involved in the prayer weekly activities of the church during her active years.

SOCIAL LIFE

Mrs. Olukemi Akomolafe was a gentle and amiable woman, loved and cherished wherever she lived. She was a high level jovial mixer among the young and old. She had many social daughters around her. She loved children and they trouped to her house wherever she lived. She was a founder member and Secretary of the then Ori – Olokun Sister’s Club.

She was a rallying point in her family and a husband’s family. She always found it easy to turn her homely medical Doctors to family members by the way she trusted and respected them. They in return gave her special respect among their patients. Here in particular, we talk of Baba Ayanbeku for many years and Doctor Rufai in latter years.

Finally mummy, we will all continue to miss you, but we are consoled by the fact that you are resting peacefully and happily at the bosom of God your creator.