“… Shola, on Thursday night, it pleased the lord to call Wumi home”.

The above were the exact words with which my father conveyed the horrendous news of your sudden demise to me. Hmmm! Even at the time of writing this tribute, I find myself constantly replaying these words subconsciously. I am helplessly overwhelmed with shock, confusion and anger, as I feel I have been forcefully teleported to 2014, when I lost my mother.
You had become like a blood sister, so feeling a similar measure of pain and hurt has been inevitable.

Sister Wumi(as I fondly called you), you will be eternally missed. You were kind, gentle, peaceful and genuinely religious. You were small, but mighty in all positive respects. You were a breath of fresh air and not my generation's conventional homemaker: you were “clothed with strength and dignity”. You acted and “spoke with wisdom” and had a “noble character”, no wonder Bolaji had “full confidence” in you. You always ensured Bolaji was well fed, and always ceased the opportunity to bring food gifts to the family at the slightest opportunity. You were beautiful inside out. Indeed, you were a Proverbs 31 woman.

Adieu my Sis-in-love, you will be greatly missed.

My jaw remained opened after hearing this very sad shocking news!!!!
This is heart breaking !!!
Wunmi was a kind soul!!! Always happy , extremely polite and very reserved .
You will be missed . Good people shouldn’t disappear so fast. Rest In Peace .
My Condolence to her Husby and family .
What a great loss.

Am just short of words but God nos best..Rest well my adorable sis☹

Hmmm. Mrs taiwo was one of my favourite person in the office, she always oozed positive energy, she was an epitome of hardwork and also a strong example of small but mighty. She was selfless! It’s always the best ones that leaves us but God knows best. Rest in perfect peace Mrs taiwo you have left an indelible mark in my life and I’m eternally grateful. May God comfort the Taiwo family

I'm still in shock of the news of ur death. I have been praying to wake up from this long dream but who am I to question God's authority ! I'm going to miss ur soft spoken voice no matter the issue u alys calm dawn and deal with the issues with a smile. Continue to rest in peace my daughter and sis from anoda Moda.

My No. 1 cheerleader is gone. You were not only my sister but also my second mother. In my little moments of obstinacy when I had misunderstandings with my parents, they were quick to call you first, cos they knew you had my "password". You would scold me, even if I was in the right, because with you, dishonouring one's parents was always a no-no. Yet behind my back, you were also defending me, telling them how they needed to understand me better. You were gentle yet firm. Your were never forceful with your leadership style, yet we your siblings willingly – and even gladly – submitted to your authority as the firstborn and only girl in the house.

I remember all the good moments we shared, even the minutest things, like when you taught me how to pronounce "caper" in verse 2 of Jack and Jill (I was 6; you were 13, and at 29, I still keep that poetry book, with my name inscribed on it with your beautiful handwriting).

I remember how you helped me with my art assignments, and how, as a teenager attending the day wing of St Louis, you would come back home to teach me all the songs the Reverend Sisters had just taught you in school. You would have me learn them line by line, and then, we would sing together in the candlelit night. What about the lovely gists about your close friends and teachers?

I remember my first major gift from you; it was a 1 naira wristwatch with black nylon straps and clock hands that never moved (LOL), but how I wore it around our large compound with sheer joy and pride! I was just about 9, but I was the latest big man in town. But was that really my first major gift from you? My first major gift from you was your mother-like love.

I remember the more serious moments too. I remember the firstborn cross – the mistakes and burdens – you had to bear, and how you bore it alone, without complaint.

I remember the rough times, my university days. Brother Tunde had just finished school and Brother Tayo was still struggling to find his footing in a foreign land. I remember how you singlehandedly carried the family. You were so selfless; you've always been stronger than you look. I remember the first time you left for uni and came back, how I jumped into your arms from the sheer joy of having you back after what seemed like ages. I was barely 13 at the time.

I remember your wedding, how I struggled to fight back the tears, when you were reciting your marriage vows. It seemed like you were leaving forever. I remember all the monetary and nonmonetary assistance too, both solicited and unsolicited.

I remember the final moments; you looked so small and fragile, but you never for once let it show in your eyes or voice. Whatever hope I had, I found it in your eyes and in prayer. Even more, you kept improving yourself in all the discomfort. And you were always watching out for us all – even in your final moments, you were still planning a surprise for me and making good plans without my knowledge... Testimonies abound of how kind you were to the people within your sphere of influence, and we choose to take solace in that. You lived a life of impact. You were an angel, an enigma through and through.

If I ever have the privilege of having a daughter of my own, then I think I have some of her names ready: Omowumi, Oluwaremilekun (God comforts me/wipes my tears away). It was an immense privilege to have been your brother.

You fought bravely, and now, you have entered into God's rest. So, sleep well, Sista 'Mo'umi, till we hear that glorious trumpet sound and meet to part no more.

Omo, Omo, Omo!!!!!! I met u in a park in Abuja with ur lovely smile u took my breath away. U so lovely to me. Most of the time i put my wahala on u but u never for one shown a frown face. U took me as ur immediate elder brother, we r like family nobody saw or heard anything we discussed. (Aro meta). We bonded. U left without notice. I took solace in the LORD u r in a perfect place. U will forever be in my heart. Rest well my lovely Sister. I will always love u Sis. Rest well.

Mrs T, it was a wonderful pleasure to have met you. You were always ready to share knowledge.
May God bless your soul and have eternal rest.

Am shocked over ur sudden demise! I pray that God in His infinite mercies accept u in his bosom. May ur beautiful soul continue to rest in the Lord. Amen. We all missed you.

It's hard to say goodbye! May ur kind and gentle soul find eternal rest Wunmi!

Mrs T as I always call you, words can not truly capture the sense of loss that I feel. The loss is there, it’s tangible and it’s real within everyone.I have decided to hold on to memories of your amazing essence & spirit, your selfless generosity and uncompromising belief in God.
You were my teacher, My unit head ,my seat mate but most importantly you were my friend.I miss you already. You are an inspiration to us all,
It was truly an honor and privilege to know you. Forever in our hearts.
Sleep well Mrs T

TRIBUTE TO MY DEARLY BELOVED WIFE

A CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH AN ENIGMA

My dearest wife, Omowumi Titilayo, you came into my world when I least expected it. Your presence filled the vacuum with love and understanding.

At a first glance, you painted an unassuming and self-effacing  enigma. Your constitution belied the fact that you also possessed a maturity beyond your years, a heart deeply magnanimous, an unwavering diligence to duty and a brilliant mind. All of these qualities you rounded up with an unflinching devotion to the WORD of God.

You played the role of a wife, mother and best friend to me. I adored and cherished everyday and moment we spent together, huddled up on a sofa and talking animatedly about everything and nothing.

I often got home from work before you did, but I eagerly awaited you to share the day's toils. You always walked in with a smile upon seeing me. Sometimes airy, sometimes weary but it didn't matter. Your smiles completed my day.

When the challenges came, you told me pointedly that you wanted to face them on your own terms. I understood your intent as you spoke to me. You wanted to stay true to yourself, applying yourself to duty without the unintended bias accompanying pity and sympathy.

Even with pains and discomfort, you encouraged and motivated me into finishing my pending certification by enrolling and registering for the same. I watched you with fervent admiration every weekend (for a year), taking lengthy lectures online. I was rather ashamed of myself and also filled with the zeal and inspiration to join you in completing my own.

Omowumi, you were a daughter to my father, a big sister to my siblings, and beloved by your colleagues at work. You enriched our lives immensely despite your fleeting stay with us.
You fought valiantly and you have earned the much deserved rest. Sleep on my love. We shall see again in the morning of Ascension.

I cannot believe I’m writing this. This is so hard for me. Your stay on earth was so impactful. You were always ready to help and support. You were a problem solver. I remember when I told you that people like you are hard to find in this world. It hurts so much writing this. I will miss your generosity, words of encouragement, kind heart, supportive nature, smile and your dimples. May your soul rest in perfect peace. God is in control

TRIBUTE BY EYITAYO YOUR DEAR BROTHER. As your brother and the next baton Carrier, I'm lost for words. All I can say and think of is the love and attention you showed me even when it was your down time. We shared the same bedroom for nine years. I remember how I used to joke with you, we laughed and we were Happy. If there's a stairway that leads to heaven I don't mind taking it with u. I know I can be hard headed sometimes but u acted like a true mom to three siblings . We can't replace u, but I promise I will keep that fire burning and carry on your memories. You touched every life you ever came across in a positive way. As for me Tayo Ijose I vow to continue the love and close knit family u created for us. I can't fill your shoes ,too big for me, but I will do more than my best to keep your legacy alive. Giang still cries every night and the long hair she's was keeping for you is still here. Daisy, Alex and Camellia will sure to remember their Aunt. Rest on sis. In the Bossom of the All mighty God. Rest on sis.

Omowumi, it is with a broken heart and heavy tears that I'm writting this. I'm not wrong to say you are a childhood friend because we attended the same primary school and same secondary school. You were the first to get your Senior Skirt amidst our mates in our secondary school (St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola, Ibadan)when we were to cross to S.S.1 from J S.S.3. I remember how we were always borrowing your skirt to wear to the junior block just for them to know we were seniors and then we'll come back to return it and collect the junior skirt we still had from you. It was when I saw your deep dimple that I became humbled with my own slight deep dimple.
We were always in contact and I was so happy when you told me you were getting married; I was there with my husband and was so happy to see your brothers again not knowing that was going to be the last we'll ever saw on Earth.
Omowumi, the great joy I have is that i've always known you to be a great child of God and I think that should be anybody's succour.
Your smile, which is always revealing your deep dimple can never be forgotten, the whole 2002 set of St. Louis Grammar school will forever remember you for your calmness.
Till we meet to part no more at the feet of our Lord Jesus' Christ, Omowumi Ijose,it is hard to say goodbye!

Lady T. It's hard to believe that you are no more. You were a loving soul, gives listening ear to everyone, always ready to profer solutions to any challenges brought to you. I love how you attend to issues patiently. I am still in shock, but can not question God. Rest in peace my friend and colleague.

Wunmi I pray Almighty God be with your husband, family and all your friends you've left. Almighty God will comfort and strengthen them all. Your smile, your carriage makes me happy. Sleep well and may his grace be sufficient for your loved ones. Ayo colleague

A TRIBUTE FROM THE TAIWO FAMILY BY KEHINDE TAIWO


A dissection of your persona, Wumi, would yield a rare throve of uncommon and exemplary attributes:

* An understated physique with the endowment of a prodigious intellectual prowess which you frequently displayed in our conversations;

* A sister- like relationship which you maintained with your husband's siblings all of whom are still struggling with the reality of your passing ;

* A labourer whose unending toil and strive were fitting rewards for academic laurels and professional attainments;

* We could not have asked for a better daughter (in-law?) whose kindness, love and generosity of spirit will forever be cherished. 

Journey well, Wumi.

I am deeply grateful for the genuine love you had for my brother. You were truly an amazing soul and I’m glad you were able to share your light with my family these past years.

I will miss your constant support, words of encouragement and prayers.

Rest well Omowumi Taiwo

GONE TOO SOON: TRIBUTE BY THE PARENTS OF MRS. TAIWO OMOWUMI
You departed when we least expected. Your death came so suddenly. It was a painful experience for us your parents and also for your siblings, but we know it is a joyful experience for the saints above. Our only daughter, our precious jewel, who would have thought death would snatch you away so soon? You were kind to everybody; it's so sad to say goodbye. You were a woman of honour, and each successive day reminds us that you are no more with us. But our loss is heaven's gain! Yes, sweet are the memories of the righteous, thus sweet is our memory of you. You were an epitome of greatness and strength, and you remain a great source of encouragement for us all. We wish you had stayed with us longer, long enough to cover us when we give up the ghost, but God knows best — let His will be done! Sleep well, our GEM, Omowumi, till we meet to part no more.

Omowunmi, It is not how long you live that matters but the impact made when alive. You lived a good and impactful life, your exit is painful to me but I can’t question GOD. I remember your last messages to me on 20/06/2022 and I keep wondering… The memories we shared together will remain forever. You were such a kindhearted, brilliant and passionate person. Omowunmi, I was waiting to be invited to your house for celebration as we often discussed and not your exit. May GOD rest your caring soul and grant all of us the fortitude to bear this loss. We love you Omowunmi but GOD loves you more. Rest on dear sisterly.

You loved so deeply, you were kind-hearted, compassionate, loving, caring, very peaceful, calm and understanding. Your selfless attitude will always be remembered.
This is very difficult for me right now but I find solace in God because I know you are resting in the bossom of your Lord(Jesus Christ).Rest on darling sister-in-love, the vacuum you left in my heart only God can fill.
The memory of the moments were shared together replays in my heart and I will always remember you for the love and care you showed us. Your nephews will miss you, we will miss you. Till the resurrection morning my darling sister. Rest on, rest on , your legacy lives on.
              Damilola Ijose(Sister in-law)

Sister Omowumi, as I fondly called you, your exit is still a shock to me and has left a vacuum that only God can fill in my heart but my consolation is that you are with Christ. You lived a selfless, kind, loving, and exemplary life and your impact upon our lives can never be forgotten. You resiliently fought the good fight and have finished your race. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty till we meet again where there will be no more sorrow.
Adieu sister.

               Ayotunde Ijose ( Brother)

It was disheartening when I heard the news that you have left this world. Infact am short of words. We all love u but Almighty Lord loves you more.
Wunmi continue to rest on in d bossom of the Lord. Almighty Lord will grant the family left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss IJMN .

It came as a rude shock when i receive a call from your hubby about your demise. your death is a great loss to everybody. I remember anytime i am in your office, it pleases me to see you smile, being an Oliver twist, i will further crack jokes to see more of your smile and laughter. One thing i noticed is that you get along with everybody. God knows the best, rest on.

Where do I start from Omowumi! My daughter, my BJ care taker. This is not the celebration I wished for, it has always been my prayer to celebrate you but not with tears. I am so pained and have asked myself several times if I could have done anything to keep you. Well God knows better. Rest in peace.

Dear Aunty....as my Son fondly calls you,watching out to say hello to you whenever you come in from our balcony,just to catch a glimpse of you and have a chat,then he came saying goodbye to you in December and last time we saw you but you have always been in our thoughts!All these played through my mind when my hubby broke the sad news to me.
 You were a kind,simple and nice neighbor to us while we were around and was really a pleasure knowing you.
Continue to rest on with thy Maker,and may the Lord uphold the entire family you left behind,Amen.

A jolly good friend is gone to take her eternal rest from the toiling of this world. May your Soul find peace and a resting place with the Lord. Adieu Omowunmi.

I do call u my 3in1,colleague, friend n inlaw but u left without saying goodbye,Why?my prayer is for God to grant you eternal rest.Rest on Omowunmi Taiwo.

Hafiz.

I still have the picture of your headgear on the 29th of may in my head which I secretly admired and recall our beautiful discussion on the 11th of March which touched close to home just if I knew ... only God knows why and who are we to question him ? Until that glorious morning, I wish you a peaceful repose my dear friend and Sister....Go well

Wumi, I will not ask God why you had to depart. however, I know your sweet soul is resting with our Lord. Goodnight my friend.

Jesse

Bolaji, Please accept our condolences on the loss of your dear wife, Omowumi. It is expected of you to be down, confused, and asking why, me? But we trust that the Lord will grant you the consolation of His Holy Spirit. As it is sure that after darkness comes sunshine, it will be well with you.