Oh! What a privilege to know this couple who mentor us early enough.Thank God for a life well spent. I pray that the lord will comfort the children she left behind. ADEBIMPE MACAULAY.

Aunty and her husband were indeed a gift and a great example to all of us. The Lord be praised for the gift of them and their life. Amen . MICHAEL OLUDIPE.

1 Corinthians 3:9-10 (KJV)
_9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. _
_10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon._

Certainly for many of us on this platform, (if not all) the Soyanwos are a veritable part of whatever we are today. For me, the foundation of my Christian life was securely laid in Compro. And Uncle Folu and Aunty Yiyin are a veritable part of that labour with God.

I acknowledge several other great inputs into my growth in grace but this couple was the first picture I saw, of what has become a major chunk of my assignment today. In them, I first saw a couple whose union provided a nursery, a conducive habitat within which the seed in lives can be nurtured and established.

It was my privilege to encounter them again a bit intimately few years ago and I was blessed seeing the old fire still burning.

Their labour goes marching on! LANRE ADEBOYE

Ah! Aunty is gone!
A strong loving personality that touched lives of young and old.
Her home was a refuge for the weary and faint.
Aunty shall be greatly missed.
Kind hearted and mellow.
Ever reaching out for souls to nurse with tenderness and loving care.
The Mama of the Gospel band family.
Mama Fiyinfoluwa and Feyifunseoluwa.
We shall surely meet again in Heaven .

Sweet Rest for a sweet Aunty. ❤ FLORA IDOWU SAMSON

Ah !
My first reaction was “Oh Lord, she was so young !!! Why now?”
Then it changed to beautiful and sweet memories and the winning of her race and crowns for her, and thanksgiving, and grace.
The Lord be praised for a life full of service to God and man. And for her victory as a Saint.
May God comfort her entire family including us, as she rests in the peace of the Lord.
BANKOLE OLUWOOFOYEKU (BANKY)

The news of the home going of Sister Yinyin came as a shocking response to my message. I had posted a new month greeting to Sister's platform in July hoping to hear from her later. ..That expectation turned sour as her daughter -in- law informed me on the page that Sister had gone home...it was difficult to believe !! Sad though, our comfort is that she has gone to be with her Master , Jesus whom she knew and lived for.

Sister Yinyin had a quiet and reassuring spirit. She knew her God and lived out her faith. She was loving, understanding and caring at each stage of my interaction with her for some forty six years that I've known her...we met during her degree course at the University of Ibadan in the Faculty of Education in the early - mid 70's... I recall the joyous welcoming of her first child at the Scripture Union house at Sango, Ibadan with our late Uncle Folu anchoring the affairs of the Scripture Union then. Sister Yinyin and I lost contact at intervals but got connected again last year, 2021, September through Sis Sola Durojaiye who provided me her phone numbers earlier in August. I did not know that the reunion would be short lived...what a pain, what a big loss.!
Sleep on Sister...!!

She will be missed by all and sundry..
We take solace in the fact that she has gone to rest and we shall meet at the feet of Jesus, never to part again.

For now, I pray that the Holy Spirit Himself will comfort us all, Fiyin ,Feyi with their families, the families of Soyanwo and Wojuola and the large Christian family.

God bless you, guide you provide for you and sustain you all in Jesus name.
....Sister Ayo Adebanjo.

I first met Yinyin in FIWASAYE ANGLICAN GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL,Akure,Ondo State in the 60's.
At that young age, she was already outstanding in character. As a senior student, I cannot recsll Yinyin getting into any disciplinary problem. She was just so simple, obedient and 'religious'. After FIWASAYE, Miss Pelly, our Principal then,encouraged me to choose Comprehensive High School Aiyetoro for my A- levels.I went to Aiyetoro as an ambassador of FIWASAYE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Miss Pelly told me this severally. Soon after, a few others joined me. Among them were then Miss Adenike Adedipe now Professor Adenike Osofisan,an outstanding, accomplished Computer Scientist and then Miss Yinyinola Wojuola who later became Mrs Yinyinola Soyanwo now of blessed memory. Need I say that that Mr Soyanwo was one of the Teachers in the School. He was a dynamic, ,spiritually active, much loved young man.He was a role model,an encourager to the young minds in both academics and spiritual matters. So later,when the union between Uncle Folu and Yinyin was announced, it was welcomed with joy. Yinyin ,long before she became Mama Yard,comported herself as one.She was an epitome of the Virtuous Woman in Proverbs 31. She pursued peace with all her might. Not one given to rancour, gossip or unnecessary arguments, she always exhibited maturity beyond her age. Always ready to see the truth and speak the truth in any situation. An optimist who only saw the good and not the bad in all around her.
I thank God that He who began the good works in Yinyin at a young age,stood by her through the similitudes of life and has now accomplished what He started. Within the Community of God and outside,stories abound of the great work the Lord did through Yinyin and I also testify that the seeds were sown long ago to Gods glory. Sleep on sweet ,gentle, beautiful soul till we all meet at the feet of our Saviour Jesus Christ. May the Lord you loved and served be a shield and fortress to your children,grandchildren and entire Family.

I got to know Aunty Yinin through Uncle Folu (erstwhile Provist of Ijebu Anglican Diocese and my agriculture teacher at CHS Aiyetoro). Uncle Soyanwo was my role model, so when aunty got married to him, I merely extended my heart to accommodate her
Over time, SU matters and much later, Church affairs helped me to develop a relationship with her in her own right. I found her focused. She was knowledgeable in the word of God and about issues of life. Her counsels were profound and rooted deep in the Bible. She was an encourager. Aunty was soft spoken, but her words carried much weight because she led by example. Later, history will reveal how much she achieved for Christ quietly. I consign her to the remnant of the generation who subscribed to the old-time religion ( SU). Her hat designs stood out and our family had the rare gift of one of them. In later life, I discovered that we shared a love for Church music. It was a delight to assist in the ministry of hymn compilation for wider circulation. Aunty Soyanwo has entered into her well deserved blessed rest and passed on the baton to us. May the LORD bless her posterity. The greatest tribute we can give to her is to run the race for eternal life with diligence and perseverance. May God grant us grace so to do. Isaac & Olapeju Aiyelaagbe

YINYIN – MY DEAR IYAWO AND ABURO
I find it extremely difficult to write this tribute to Yinyin because I never believed she would leave us so soon.

Where do I start, as I go down the memory lane? Is it the first time we met, when Uncle Moronfolu, my brother-in-law, brought you to our house in Gbadamosi Close in Surulere to introduce you as his intended wife? You were so young, simple, and very shy. Is it your wedding at the Baptist Church in Ogbomosho and you being handed over to me as the new wife in the Soyannwo family over 50 years ago?

Our family visits (i.e. Tunbosun Soyannwo) to you in Ayetoro, Abeokuta, the SU house in Ibadan, Ijebu, and Transit village in Lagos, were memorable. The welcome and love shown to us was always warm and accommodating. The arrival of the children, and the family get-togethers in Ijebu Ode and Odogbolu were unforgettable. What a wonderful time we all had. Oh Yinyin, I don’t know where to stop, I could go on and on.

We became so close, and you would refer to me as “my Iyale”. Sometimes people would ask if we were married to the same man, and you would just laugh and explain. You were so cool, kind, accommodating, generous to a fault and always ready to assist in whatever way you thought necessary.

Above all, you were a prayer warrior. You believed in the Lord our Saviour and devoted all that you had to serve Him. You knew there was nothing impossible for the Lord to do. You went through a lot of health challenges, but your faith sustained you.

Thank God for all you achieved, and I know that you are at rest with your Saviour and Redeemer. Yinyin take your deserved rest, you have laboured in the Vineyard and the Crown of Glory is yours. Rest in Perfect Peace.

The Lord will definitely take care of your two sons, Fiyin and Feyi with their spouses Tola and Amaka, all your grandchildren, your siblings, especially Ope and the Wujuola family members.

Yinyin, the Soyannwo family shall surely miss you. Rest in Perfect Peace in the Lord.

Peace Perfect Peace

Your Iyale – Aunty Taiwo (Dame Taiwo Soyannwo)

Tributes by Michael & Precious Afolayan

A Note From the Bottom of My Heart
August 9, 2022

Dear Auntie Yinyin,
I recall 1973/74 like yesterday, but it was almost half a century ago! You and your husband with whom you are now united at the Feet of your Master, led our small team at the Scripture Union Nigeria, Ibadan. Uncle Mike Oye was a traveling Secretary; so was Brother Ajetumobi, and Sister Beatrice Nwogunuwe (not sure of the spelling anymore). The then Dr. Adesogan and Dr. Odumosu were Chairman/President and Architect Bunmi Adedeji was a Committee Member. I was a young volunteer, paid small stipends for my job of sorting out thousands of new books from our inventories. We were only four in the whole establishment – Brother Segun Bolaji (the only full-time staff, who now lives in Bellflower, California, USA; Sister Titi, the typist; myself; and your husband, Uncle Folu). Your house and our office occupied the same single building of the Scripture Union.

You and Uncle Folu, our General Secretary, (as we called General Directors that time) were still praying for the fruit of the womb. Yet, each day, you would come and share meals with us, cheer us up, pray with us, and be the big Sister we all needed so much, before you would head to your own school as a teacher. Your stress of praying for the fruit of the womb was never worn on your face. You took it with a stride. And then, God answered your prayer and before we knew it, a baby arrived. Names were pouring in left, right and center, and from the four corners of the universe. Fiyinfolu, Folufunyin, Yinyinolu, and so on, and so forth. But of the plethora of names, the one name I remember the most was the famous “Ìyìnìgbàlàkúninúọkànmitẹtẹ́ẹ́tẹ́.” And of course, with a name of 14 syllables, we had to shorten it, and we started referring to you as “Mummy Tẹ́tẹ́ẹ́tẹ́” which often drew applause, jubilations and hilarity in our small fold. It added spices to our love for you and Uncle Folu.

But that was then. And today, you are gone. Uncle Folu left us 12 years ago. If any regret, it is that I never really connected with you in the years that have gone by, due in part to the thousands of miles that separated our paths. But, Auntie, I know we will see again. It will be at the Marriage Super, where the saints shall gather at the last assembly. May your tribe increase in us and among us. May your legacy outlive you. May your love for the Lord keep on nudging us to stay the course so together we may reach the finish line. Neighbors don’t say goodnight. And, as my late mother would say at such a time as this, “Our meeting, (may it be) like honey!” So long, Ma’am!

Michael Oladejo Afolayan (For and on behalf of my wife, Precious Olufunke Afolayan) – Springfield, Illinois, USA

The Celebration of A Virtuous Woman . . .

Permit us to quote, in part, Proverbs 31, as our Tribute to Our Beloved, Sister Yinyin Soyanwo:

10”Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
13She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates (NKJV).

Sister Yinyin came into our lives, as far back as 1970-71, when her husband-to-be, Cousin Folu Soyanwo came to introduce her to our father, Pa Benjamin Onafowora, as his fiancée. Her appearance, of a smallish lady had since then been proved otherwise over the years, in the light of her amiable, indefatigable prowess and worth. She was, indeed, a small lady with a large heart!

Sister Yinyin, the soft-spoken, but firm, astute Sister is a Gem, to us, as a biological family member and as a vibrant, genuine Christian in the household of faith. Her forthrightness beamed forth in the way she reared her biological children, supported her siblings and brought up her spiritual children.

Sister Yinyin blazed the Gospel far and wide, with her husband, fondly known as, Uncle Folu Soyanwo, among different folds – Scripture Union, Anglican Diocese and even in secular settings, at Teachers Forum. Together with her husband and even after he passed on to Glory, she empowered women, both ecclesial and in the wider environment by her crafts. In fact, we can say without mincing words that strength and honor clothed our Sister. Her traits as a Virtuous Woman shone in her and all around her, up till her passing into Glory. Even the heavens blaze forth the passage of this woman. We will miss her, but our loss is heaven’s gain.

Adieu, our Beloved Sister Yinyin. Take your rest, till we meet again at the feet of Jesus Christ, where we will gather to part no more. Until then, may we and all those you left behind be comforted. Rest in the bosom of your Father!

Rev & Rev Prof. Ademolaami & Adejumoke Afolayan

Aunty Yinyin, I could not believe when I heard it was time for you to join Uncle with the saints triumphant. You were such an embodiment of quiet gentleness and faith. I don't think I ever hear you raise your voice even with my dearest "rascally" cousins when we were growing up. I always admired your stance as a woman of faith and your sound advice to me on my wedding day. Praise God you are singing with the choirs of heaven...E sun re o!

SWEET MEMORIES OF AN UNFORGETTABLE GEM.

I called you frantically few days into the month of July when your thought was so strong on my mind but your phone rang out. Very much unlike you the call was never returned. Little did I know that you were winding up on the planet earth ready to quit the stage of life. Only to be told that you have gone to join the triumphant saints (your husband being one of them) later in the month.

Aunty though you have gone but sweet memories of you linger on. You were a woman one should not miss, knowing you over forty five years ago along with other young christian girls at Comprehensive High School Ayetoro was such a blessing. You opened your home to us without reservation as a nest to be nurtured. I saw a practical example of a christian wife of a loving husband.

A beautiful and peaceful home to behold, you made me desire and long for making a successful home from a tender age. Your waiting period to start having children was handled without despair until they came. This gave me strength when I had to wait for mine.

The message of the sermon preached by Uncle Folu on my wedding day and special number rendered by both of you remained so fresh even after thirty six year.

As the school Guidance Counsellor you guided my choice of course of study at the University (Actuarial Science) despite the unusual combination of subjects I was offering. It turned out to be the best choice that could have been made as I reach the apogee of my profession.

Your children have nothing to fear as they are in the safe arms of the Lord you loved dearly and served till the end of your journey leaving a legacy money cannot buy having led them in the way of the Lord.

You will be greatly missed, rest on, rest in bosom of your Lord and Saviour.

I met mama Soyanwo when she relocated to Ibadan after her husband's demise at BOMAC, Olubadan Estate. As the organist of the church, I worked directly with her as the coordinator of the monthly community hymn singing. I can say mama was virtuous and humble. She would personally bring the programme to me for choir rehearsal every third Saturday of the month and whenever she forgot, she would apologize so deeply like she'd committed a crime. She was so much committed to the programme that she hardly missed any edition even if she had to make a long journey back to Ibadan from other commitments. The height of her commitment, for me, was when in 2016 she composed a special hymn for the programme and asked me to supply the music. A beautifully worded hymn of dedication and commitment to the Lord I believe is still in use till today. On one ocassion, she bought a Church Hymnal Music edition for the church and when she discovered that the church already had one asked me: "Ṣé ìwọ ti ní personal copy tìẹ ni?" She then gave it to me when I told her I didn't have a personal copy.
I can never forget her continual magnanimous contribution to Ogidiakin Choral Group, a group I direct. We have indeed lost a rare gem; a God's gallant soldier who spent her life in pure dedication to God both in word and music. I'm sure she is having her deserved rest now because to her, death is gain.
Rest on dear mother till we meet to part no more.

Ṣeun Akin-Ajayi

The news of your death was a shock to me. I met Yinyin at our Secondary school, Fiwasaye Anglican Girls Grammar school, Akure in 1963.Yinyin was someone with a heart of gold, she had a beautiful soul, very pleasant, lovely and humble, very soft spoken. She never could be angry with you, I remember that very well and she was sold out to Christ even at that time.
We lost touch after Secondary school and met again in 2020, still as lovely and pleasant as ever, and a genuine child of God.
Rest on God's bosom till we meet at resurrection day

So hard to say sleep well mama Soyannwo nitori a fe ki e lo bayi but God knows best. A lover of music, ever smiling mama, God fearing woman and a nice woman. We want to say sleep well for we believe that as a righteous woman you are resting at His feet . Good night until we meet to part no more.
Tribute from- Prince Akin and Ayoola Popoola.

Mama Soyannwo was a perfect example of a "DOWN TO EARTH" Creature of the Most High God. She was willing to sacrifice all she had just to make those around her comfortable. She accommodated my wife at the early stage of our marriage (while I was at Immanuel College of Theology as a Seminarian). Aunty Rebeta (in Desire's voice) became a member of Soyannwo's family through the magnanimity of a Music lover, Coordinator of Community Hymn Singing of BOMAC Olubadan, the Author of the popular Hints on Anglicanism used all over the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, and so many other godly virtues which no human being can quantify with neither gold nor silver. The woman was just good, godly, reserved, hospitable, loving and lots of positive qualities. She shall be greatly missed though her memories remain within us till we meet again at Jesus' feet. My own Momma, for now I say "Requiscat In Pace".
Rev. Titus and Mrs Rebecca Ola

Mama Soyanwo is a mother per excellence, she is a prayer, she is a motivator to some of us in this holy order, she is a missionary by practicality even at old age she still has passion for the lost souls, Mama is churchy till her death community hymn coordination is under her control, I have never seen her angry, an epitome of Christ disciple, her visiting grace can not be compared, in short the vacuum left will be obvious, Mama rest on till we meet at Christ feet,the Lord console the entire Soyanwo dynasty

The Psalmist of our times gone too soon. Mama Yinyin Soyanwo I fondly called” my woman friend” So loving, so compassionate. A sacrificial mother to all congregants in Bishop Odutola Memorial Anglican Church. She founded and pioneered Community Hymn Singing in BOMAC, nay in the entire Diocese of Ibadan. A distinguished historian and the custodian the spirit of Church Hymnals- the only one I knew. Soft and gentle spoken. Offenceless and clean hearted. A human Angel has departed to join in doxology to worshipping heavenly elders and host of heaven before the throne of grace. Sleep sound and sweet my” woman friend” You remember you gave me October to celebrate my birthday with Community hymn singing. I love you & wish that you remain. The Lord of host love you more and has called you to your well deserved banquet. Adieu sweet mother. Rest In Peace!

Tribute to Mrs. Yinyin Soyanwo
My darling Sister Yinyin, knowing you was knowing a Genuine Christian of the old stock of Scripture Union (S.U.) in whom there is no GUILE.
Though we had known each other before you and your late husband took over as the Provost of the Cathedral, the roles you played as the Provost’s wife when I came in as the Bishop’s wife (by divine permission) in August 2007 was unquantified and unforgettable.
Amidst the speculations surrounding my remarriage to Bishop Awosoga, you gave every support and I had a SOFT LANDING by God’s grace and your benevolence.
You prepared the ground for my coming as the Acting President, as an inexperienced Bishop’s wife, you were there to give counsel day and night. Your humility in relating with me as a younger person was unparalleled. I call you my Elijah because you were available, I almost over bordered you; sure you did not mind. You were more than a Provost’s wife – you were my Sister, Friend, Counselor, Prayer partner, Encourager, Confidant to mention a few of your enviable characteristics. I thought you were still going to be around to share time together for more years, but alas, the Prerogative of death belongs to God.
It is my prayer that those of us you left behind will follow your footsteps of sacrificial love, hard work without “Noise Making”, living our lives with eternity in view.
Sleep on sister in the bosom of the Lord whom you served with utmost dedication until the resurrection morning, when we meet to part no more.



Mrs. Florence Awosoga

The life of one we love is never lost. Its influence goes on through all the lives it ever touched.

- Christopher Holloway

​

Mama Soyannwo
A woman with the large heart, you are very accommodating, loving and caring. I cherish every moment and my years spent in your home. I learnt a lot from you mummy. You love God and always in His service even when it not convenient. Meeting you is a blessing to me, my husband and my children- grandma-Soyannwo! We love you but Jesus loves you most You will forever remain in our heart. Rest in perfect peace mummy!

Grama shoyenwo, your death came sudden when we did not expect. You told me that you were going to Lagos,I never knew you would not come back. All glory to God. Anytime I looked your pictures tears dropped from my eyes. All the same, You came into this world, you fought and you won. Glory be to God. Mama, you were an epitome of humility a child of God, a committed evangelist and missioner, kind hearted,a giver, lover of God's work,my adviser, my prayer partner. You shall forever be in my heart. The entire Egbeda-Akintayo mission field bid you goodnight mama. May your soul rest in peace.

Mummy Sho,
Thank you for living an impactful life.
A life of giving, love, care and beautiful smiles.
I was heartbroken to hear you gained angel wings but I know heaven rejoiced and angels broke into dance at your arrival.
Give our love to Daddy Sho. We miss him too.
Goodnight and see you on resurrection morning.
Ronke

The spirit in you, mum, was that of meekness, sweetness, kindhearted and love. An epitome of Christlike life. When you speak, it’s as a sweet small voice that ginger one to do the right thing. May the legacy you’ve left remain evergreen in our hearts. Rest on my dearest mum in the bosom of your Creator.

She was a soft spoken Lady. For some years we shared challenges at work. She started at Abeokuta (Ogun State) while I was in Lagos State. She was a principled administrator. Even in her physical weakness, she kept working. She maintained her spiritually.
She was ever ready to help anyone in need. For those who know her, she is loved.
Rest in peace, dear sister. ( From Malumi S. O.)

A dear auntie, gentle and soft spoken with a faith that was alive and obvious. I know you are resting in His arms surrounded by those who have gone before. Rest on auntie Yinyin.