Safe trip to the eternity....Aunty, you are an angel going home, safe trip ma. You had been an Aunt to us since our days with your darling sister "RELE" in the Women's Hall of UNILAG. You saw us through till we became grandmothers. You cheered us on when we achieved and you taught us the lessons of life when we faltered. Though we are not your blood relation, you treated us as one, you showed us love, warmth and care. We know how much you loved your sister RELE and we can't figure out how she's going to cope with your departure from this earth. However we'll continue to pray that the Almighty God will console and comfort her. My prayer also goes to the children and the grandchildren. Haa !!! Uncle Alex....may the Almighty God console you sir. Sleep well my Aunty....I'll miss our royal jokes......I pray that the Almighty Allah will grant you Aljana Firdaus.

It is HARD to accept the death of a loved one. We all wish we had the power to make death go away but sadly death is inevitable. We find solace in memories we have and your legacy that you live us with. Your wise counsel that you shared when you visit the United States.
Big Mommy, you were a rare gem, heaven has gained an angel. Thank you for all the years before I was even born that you stood by my parents, Late Oba Okunade Sijuwade and Olori Morisola Sijuwade. We are forever grateful. We will miss you but your legacy on how many life’s you have positively impacted lives on. Sun re o!

Princess Adekunbi Opawumi (née Sijuwade)

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” - Maya Angelou

Right from the very first day that I became a member of the da-Silva family, she was my Senior sister, my confidante, my friend and adviser. She was an inspiration - a pillar of support when trouble reared its ugly head.

Always ready to listen, advice and lend a helping hand. She was generous to a fault. Very deep woman of prayers, a devout Catholic who encouraged others to be the best they could be. An extraordinary woman who was a gift to everyone who ever met her.

Very strong and courageous, a lots friend and a staunch and devoted defender who loved her family to the end.

They say, “I know she is in a better place right now”, but how I wish it was not so soon!

She will be (and is already being), sorely missed.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. 

You will always be in my Heart.

Continue to sleep peacefully in the Lord.

We love you but Jesus loves you more.

Remi

Grandma!
I still don’t know how to say goodbye. I don’t know how to grieve. I hear your soft laugh echoing still. I feel your love persevering, still. I will forever honour your ability to hold an entire family as one

For some reason, I am reminded of a pot of ogbono you made for us one cold winter in London. That has remained the bench mark for all pots of ogbono in my life so far. You've always set the standard.

I can’t thank you enough for being there at every milestone. It’s a blessing to look at pictures from birthdays, graduations, random pool parties at your apartment and remember how happy I was to have you there.

I love you forever grandma. Till we meet again.

Mummy ,never knew death was so near as we spoke few days before departure.The news came through the media as a rude shock.

A bi yamo toto!!My Sincere Condolences to Papa Alex-Duduyemi,the children,grand children and the entire family members.The Almighty God will dry your eyes,comfort and protect you all.

May she find rest with her maker and creator whom she believed in,loved,worshipped and served.
May her Gentle Soul Rest In Perfect Peace and May light Perpetual shine upon her,Amen

Sir Barin Epega and family

TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED IYALE
I was shocked when they broke the news to me on Tuesday morning. I thank God for your life because I gained a lot from you. Your advices on the issues of my life among which is to always rely on the works of my hand and not on any other person has been my motto. Most expecially I learnt fashion and style from you, how to dress and carry myself to the extent that some people started to say I looked like you. You were a role model and mentor to me and I will miss you so much. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Mrs Funmilayo Alex-Duduyemi (lyakemi - Wife of Late Remi Alex-Duduyemi).

Tribute to a darling aunty .
It was with a great sense of loss, that we heard about the passing away of our Loving aunty.
 She behaved like a mother to me and my husband Simi. She and my mom had the same Grandfather. I remembered my last birthday. She called and said she just had to call and greet me. She was very loving, very gentle and kind. She wears humility like a robe, even though she was always beautifully dressed.
She calls Simi " Ano mi" ( my in- law ). He often handles her stock broking matters, as a stockbroker, and related respectfully with her. We will all miss her kind smiles.
May her loving soul rest in peace ️.
 Simi and Bola Sanusi ( nee Faghohun).

A very kind, loving and strong woman. Wish I knew you more and long before now. Rest well Ma...

Tribute to Chief Mrs Shola Duduyemi

Shola was a good wife, mother, in law and a good friend. I thank God for her life.
I first met Shola at a welcome party organized by her late sister Mrs. Bola Rhodes at their parents Roof top Garden at old Yaba Road. Shola was elegant, fresh and quiet with a nice smile.
The party was to welcome her back to Nigeria as a new lawyer. It was such a lovely party.
She became like my junior sister as well as a dear friend. Since then Shola and her friend Mrs. Dupe Akintola started calling me “Sisi Eniola”. I remember her coming to me whispering with a smile saying “Sisi Eniola Onijo” Ęlo jo o.. so that we can follow you! Then both of them would start dancing with me. She’d say “Go on we are following your footsteps” I was so happy that both of them were my friends.

Dear Shola, May you Rest Peacefully at the bosom of the Lord.

Sun ré Oh!
Sisi Eniola Laoye

Grandma Duduyemi,
I was very sad to hear about your passing. You were a real gem to anyone who had an opportunity to meet you. Growing up in Ife, you and grandpa were a constant figure in my parents’ Oba Okunade Sijuwade and Olori Morisola Sijuwade lives. You stood with us through the test of times ; in all wonderful and hard times and for that I am grateful. You loved our family very much and were a great aunt to my mother at all times. Although it saddens me you have left this world, I am happy knowing heaven has gained an angel. I know surely we will meet again, so farewell grandma. I pray God will comfort grandpa and all your family and wonderful people you have touched with your beautiful life. You have truly left a great and worthy legacy.

Love always,
Princess Dr Seyi Odeyemi (née Sijuwade)

Mummy, you have always been my rock right from birth and little wonder why you were the one that named me. You will forever be missed by me most especially because you have always encouraged me and lifted me up whenever I'm down. Your words of wisdom have always put me back on the right track whenever I lose focus. You'll always be remembered by me forever and I pray your gentle soul rests in perfect peace at the Lord's bosom till we meet to part no more.
Rest on mummy

Tribute to my darling Big Mommy, God Mother of life, Chief Mrs Stella OluShola Alex-Duduyemi.

My Darling Big Mommy, it is with deepest regrets and sadness to learn you have departed from us all.

I am Totally lost of words.......my heart aches and I write this with a heavy heart........

You have been fundamental to us all in dealing with trials and tribulations, always present at all occasions, advocating for peace, harmony and unity, showering us with abundance of love and care and most especially gracing us with your warm embrace.

Every moment I had the opportunity to be with you, I always left your company in higher spirits. There was never a dull moment with you ma.

I will always cherish all the moments shared with you, our laughters, our talks, our dining experience, your great advice, our dancing moments at family events and just being in the company of you while we were in Ile-Ife, Lagos, London and the United States.

You were amazing, graceful, cheerful and instrumental in the lives of my Late Father (HIM Oba Okunade Sijuwade), Mother (Olori Morisola Sijuwade) and my siblings. You will NEVER be forgotten as you were heaven sent.

God has gained an amazing soul and please continue to watch over us all as we continue to live here without you.....

Your legacy will remain intact and your words of wisdom will live on. I love you always! #forevermissed #gonetoosoon #bigmommyoflife

Always and forever,

Princess Dr Teniade Sijuwade

Tribute to an Exceptional Woman
Words can not describe you neither can actions explain how much you mean to me and my family but I know that you are in a better place free from all the worries of life and filled with eternal glory. You are gone but your good name will forever live on. I can never forget an incident in 1998 when I was a rookie journalist and I was to interview Dame Priscilla Kuye, the then President of the Nigerian Bar Association and my partner and I filled the form to see her, she refused to see us and after sometime she came out and said that she has decided that she will not see any journalist so we should leave. As we were about to leave she said "Who is Alex-Duduyemi" I replied that it was me and she said "I know one Barrister Shola Alex-Duduyemi, do you know her?" I replied that my Dad was her brother in law and before I knew what was happening she granted us the interview just based on the name. That write up was a center spread story in vanguard newspaper with my name on the story all because of a good woman with a good name. On behalf of the entire Late Remi Alex-Duduyemi family, my mom, sisters, brothers and myself, we will miss you ma. May your gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
Abimbola Orogun (Late Uncle Remi Alex-Duduyemi's Daughter)
Texas, USA

"Grandma Duduyemi", that's who you have been to me my entire life. The greatest moments in my life have always included you; birthdays, summer holidays, graduations, marriage proposal etc. You scolded me when I was wrong, and encouraged me when I did well, just like mum does. I will always be grateful for your presence and love in our lives. A part of my childhood, my history, my memories left when you departed on March 8th.

"Ranti Omo ti Iwo Nse", words that you imbibed in the hearts of all your grandchildren, so that we never forget were we came from. It forged a young, new generation of self aware individuals that will change the world for the better. I am so proud to be your grandson because you were an inspiration to us all.

Our Grandmother, Our Matriarch, Our Best Friend. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Many will continue to extol your virtues long after you're gone because of your kindness and love.

Always with Love,
Demilade.

Grandma Alex is gone!
I was so shocked to hear about the passing of grandma Alex. She was such an amazing grandma to me, And even a better Aunt to my mum. I loved everything about her. Her poise expressed so much dignity and grace. My prayers and thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. Please accept my condolences . She will surely be missed, May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. -Amen

Tosin Bisiriyu (Chief Tunde Shitta’s daughter)

Aunty,
I can’t believe you’re gone It still feels like a dream honestly. When i heard about your demise, i thought someone was playing a prank on me. When I confirmed the truth from Denrele the tears couldn’t stop flowing. Aunty, i miss you , i miss our time spent together, i miss talking and laughing. We went on various trips together. You stood by me when i lost my husband Chief Tunde Shitta. You checked on me, visited me with cooked food, encouraged me to take heart and be strong. You were a shoulder to lean on during those times and i thank you for that.
Aunty, i promise to hold the memories we shared close to my heart. I love you and I will miss you dearly. May your soul rest in perfect peace. -Amen.

Chief ( Mrs ) Stella Olushola Duduyemi

Auntie, as l fondly called you, it is hard to believe that the angels have taken you home at a time we have least expected. We hardly take in the fact that your sudden demise has unexpectedly terminated the moments we enjoyed with you. I do wonder if we will ever find anyone to take your place! You left a hollow void no one can ever fill halfway.

You are a beautiful flower plucked from the flower bed to be a sweet-smelling savor in the presence of your maker. But it is hard to come into terms with the fact that we will never hear from you again. Sweet memories fill me anytime I remember the advice you found pleasure in sharing with me and will forever be cherished. I found consolation in you whenever we are downhearted. Your benevolent smile lifted my heart anytime l am with you . It’s gone now! Never to come back, oh. How sad I feel until now! You had a healing voice. The glow in your eyes always sent encouragement too far and wide. I admired your wisdom in solving complex issues any time l sought your input. You were a role model, and now l can proudly say that you have left footprints in the sands of time.
Auntie, you were calm even when a situation seemed unbearable. Admittedly, l have lost a precious jewel; if death were stoppable, l would have kept it from coming your way.

Auntie , God used you as a pillar for everyone.
Fare thee well auntie . You fought a good fight and won the race. You left a legacy that will be read through the generations, current and to come. You left a mark in my heart, and nothing will ever erase. It is indelible in my heart.

You were a gem and will remain to be cherished.

Surely auntie, my love for you will forever remain.

Chief Mrs Stella Olushola Duduyemi Rest in Peace.

Aunty will forever be in our hearts.
My heart is sad at the sudden loss and my sympathy to all the family.
I will never forget the last time I saw aunty at a birthday party. She came to show and share her love. It was beautiful. That was the last time our mothers saw each other.
Words however kind cannot mend our heartache and we cannot question God Almighty who is so rich in Mercy and love and for this we know aunty and my mum walk beside us everyday unseen, unheard, always near, still loved, always missed and very dear to us all.
Rest in perfect peace dear aunty in the bosom of Christ with our holy mother Mary Amen.

TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED AUNT AND MUM
CHIEF (MRS) STELLA OLUSHOLA ALEX-DUDUYEMI

I want to acknowledge firstly the giver of life, the creator of all the universe; the one who does as He pleases, the ONLY KABIYESI (the unquestionable God) for giving you as a gift to us in the Alex- Duduyemi family.
You were first my adorable Aunty and as our relationship became more intimate, I realise you have always been a mother. Where do I start, from the constant visit to the house at Payne Crescent Apapa when I was young, full of beautiful memories of you pampering us with every luxury and especially the popular ‘bread Korah’ at snack time; to moving from Payne Crescent to Ladipo Oluwole, I remember our first night in the house with the Air Conditioner blasting so high and we couldn’t control it. You brought out all the blankets and duvets for all of us to make us comfortable before even thinking of yourself. That’s the kind of mother you are, I can’t even bear to think of you as gone. You have always lavished me with love and care. Is it when you bought me my first sets of jewellery when I was about to start Uni, is it organising my wedding day; making sure all went well or is it how you are always there to support me in good times and in bad times. How can I ever forget you my lovely mummy, I believe I am speaking for all my siblings as well. There’s so much to say about the impact you have made in our lives but I will pause here, because every day of our lives we will always remember you. Thank you for being the best friend and wife to Daddy and the best Mother anyone can ever have. Adieu Mummy continue to rest in the bosom of your Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ till we meet again. Good Night Mummy.

Hearing the news of the sudden departure of our Mum Chief (Mrs) Alex-Duduyemi was a huge shock to me. The replica of this was my mother’s death. I found it extremely difficult to overcome also was disturbed by Dad’s condition then. She had always been there for me during the turbulent period of my life most especially after I lost my mother. She showered her ultimate love and support and encouraged me to always move on with life no matter how tough things are. This same love of hers was replicated on my wards and grandchildren's. Mum I will always miss you. The vacuum created by your absence can’t be filled till eternity. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Mummy, I met you for the first time when you brought Bolanle to the university. You always welcomed me in your home. You loved all your children’s friends. You showed love as only one with a large heart could.
It was a great pleasure to also be a part of your life towards your stay here on earth. Your elegance was impeccable and you set the bar high for us younger ones.
You showed that death is defeated in your last few hours. You were dignified till the end.
You are undoubtedly at the feet of your maker. Rest In Peace mummy. Till we meet again. You will be missed.

TRIBUTE TO AN EXCEPTIONAL SISTER
A wise old lady once said, ‘Family is not only blood, family is love and who stands by you and have your back’.
This is why I say with certainty that Chief Stella Olusola Alex-Duduyemi was my big sister who had my back and certainly loved me.
My earliest memory of her was as a young vivacious, beautiful professional lady who lived next door [Calcutta Crescent, Apapa] to my Aunty/Guardian, Mrs. Yetunde Makanju aka, Mama Teacher/ Aunty Yetunde of Daily Times fame. She and her bosom friend Mrs. Dupe Akintola [ later Ambassador Modupe Akintola] would zoom off together in a sports car with the roof down, both sporting sunshades! They both looked very glamorous to our [my siblings and I] teenage eyes.
Fast forward to when she and her husband moved to Payne Crescent. She was the Assistant Registrar of the University of Lagos and she graciously gave a ride to my sister Mrs. Modupe Aduke Ogunwale nee Awokoya, everyday to classes, until she got accommodation at the University Hostel.
Another phase was when she had resigned her job at the University of Lagos to devote her time full time to her family.
I remember vividly when Lulu and Funmi were being kitted to go to boarding school in the U. K. in 1976. The family residence was at Albion Gate on Bayswater. Between talks on differences in education of girls in Nigeria and U. K., she will gently slip in advice on the advisability of getting married early as it wasn’t wise to wait too long after graduating before getting married.
I cannot but mention Mama Funmi’s role in getting me settled in to marital life.
I married into a Lagos family with the usual family politics, she being a Lagosian helped me chart through the stormy waters as best as she could and befriended my sister-in-law, Aunty Charity Adadevoh who became my champion of sorts in the family! Aunty Charity veered me into the business of selling wines liquors and spirits.
Mama Funmi was a classic example of selfless devotion to her family and generousity to all that she came in contact with.
She was a quiet philanthropist and never made a song and dance of her giving. Pleasant as she was at all times, she would always tell you the truth about your actions or inactions. I remember an expression of hers, “Don’t cry over spilt milk”. If a situation arises and there is nothing that you can do about it, pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get going, move on.

I couldn’t possibly recount all I have learnt from her and from associating with her. All my siblings too have very fond memories of her.

I will really miss her very much!
May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace.

Dr. Omolaraeni Awokoya-Adadevoh
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

Farewell Mama Dele

You lived your life with purpose and love, your golden heart was felt by everyone you came in contact with. Your life was so colourful and you lived it to the fullest.

Your love for my family was so true and I thank you for your kindness towards my children in particular. You will surely be missed.

I pray God gives daddy and the children the fortitude to bear your lose.
Farewell Mama Dele till we meet to part no more. Rest in the bosom of our Heavenly Father
Chief Mrs Omotoyosi Adesakin

You may have passed on, but your memories live on. You wanted the best for everyone that came your way.

I know you are now in a better place.

Adieu Grandma.

The Okani’s

We remember dear Auntie with so much love....how she spoiled us whenever we came to visit in Apapa in the Citibank days plying us with food, drink and snacks. It was always a joy to listen to her...so many words of wisdom for us as young ladies then as she took interest in our development and progress. A role model and a loving mother and grandmother. We thank God for her life and for the beautiful family she has left to continue her legacy. May God comfort the family and may Auntie’s soul rest in perfect peace

Beautiful Auntie Shola the Lord has called you home. It is with great sadness that I received this news but God knows best. You've left a great legacy and will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. Rest in peace dearest Auntie and rise again in glory.

2020, I was meant to celebrate your 80th, with you, but due to Covid, I had this fear and you also threatened to smack me if I showed up. I, so wanted to even if it was to hug and kiss you.
I shall cherish our deep 5-10 minute conversations. I'd seat next to you and we'd whisper and be in our own space of conversing about GOD and the beauty of HIS Holiness. Your encouragement and the look you'd give when it was time to end the conversation or just squeezing my hand gently, but your eyes always had a twinkle.
Rather rude awakening when I was still hoping that all will be well. But then 'all is well.' Bolanle informed me, you looked peaceful.
I thank GOD for our private moments and our journey of a truly, beautiful relationship. Rest in perfect peace, my dear dear aunt. Love you, "twin sis."