VICTORIA OLUGBEMISOLA KAULAT SOBOWALE

Mummy, Iya Deji, Mummy Ijesha, Mummy Sobowale, Mrs Sobowale, Chief Mrs Sobowale, as we fondly call you depending on the occasion. Some people have never understood and those bold enough have sometimes questioned the closeness, the relationship or why the love and protection you have accorded myself personally and without reservation. I first knew Mummy Ijesha in 1986 through OKE-IGBALA AYO SPIRITUAL CHURCH OF CHRIST, an organisation you remained and influenced most of your life. To me the relationship with you at the time was cordial and normal, but your interest in myself must have been obvious that I remember some church members would question me and ask who you were to me and I remember on one occasion when I was asked if you were my mum. Love and care IYA DEJI, your affection, love and care soon led to forming a stronger Bond with all your children, a bond that have no boundary and continue to flourish even after we all moved to the United Kingdom. I know and remember very well that MUMMY SOBOWALE was always looking out for and towards everyone’s progress both oversea and in Nigeria and was instrumental/supportive with the supervision of her Husband (Late Otunba Sobowale) in ensuring we all have a footing on the property ladder in Nigeria. Also, mummy does not spear the rod and was quick to put people in their place including myself if we step out of line. Career CHIEF MRS SOBOWALE is career driving and I remember you as a Nurse, a Midwife and as a Matron, I remember how you always carry your profession with a lot of Dignity. After retiring as a nurse, I remember you didn’t pack up everything rather you continued as a businesswoman and I still remember every Tuesday at Aswani Market. As a spiritual leader you are well versatile and well respected around spiritual knowledge and qualification. Confidant, Helper and Solution Provider Mummy, whilst it was obvious that you have your own challenges most obvious around your sight, I can still remember the number of people, family members, extended family members, friends and church members that trop to your house (Number 10 Alade Close Ijesha) to seek assistance in one form or the order, to seek solution and guidance and without reservation you were always there for everyone including myself. One such event was the day you decided (I wasn’t bold enough to ask you, but you could read my heart) to take me to Ikeya-Lagos in your own car to see a great uncle and ask for her daughter’s hand in relationship. A relationship that today knows no bound. That is the power of your True love, your blessing, your guidance and true motherly love I enjoy till today……. We would forever miss you Bolanle and Dayo Badejo

Dear Grandma, Words cannot describe how much I will miss you. You are not only my grandma, but a mother, daughter, sister and friend. Most importantly, you not only have built a family - you have built a community. I will always remember your sweet voice, your lessons and prayers. You will always have a lasting impact in my life. You taught me the importance to be my authentic self, to always be joyful and to be present. I love you forever Grandma rest peacefully. Love Monisola

My 'Beloved Mother', Mrs. Victoria Olugbemisola Sobowale-Atobatele, was a mother of deep love, faith and compassion. She was not only a wonderful mother, but a blessing to many..Family, friends and everyone whose life she touched. As a devoted nurse and a faithful servant of the Almighty God, she dedicated her life to caring for others. Through her charitable works in the United Kingdom and in Nigeria, she extended kindness to the needy and guidance to the younger generation in Churches and gave generously of herself always placing others before her own comfort. Mum was a Prayer warrior who lived by the word of God and often reminded us of Romans 14: 12, that each of us will give account of ourselves to God. ('Iwo yi o je ise owo re'). Truly, the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and very effective. (James 5: 16) Her life reflected the truth, lived with humility, grace and devotion. Today, our hearts are heavy, but we rise to call her blessed, just as it says in Proverbs 31: 28 - 29 which says, "Her children arise and call her blessed.. many women do noble things, but you surpass them all". Mum, your love, prayers and your legacy of faith will live in our hearts forever, though we miss you deeply, we are comforted knowing that you have finished your race and kept the faith. Rest peacefully in the presence of the Lord. Forever loved, forever remembered 'Iya Oloye we mi ri le, Boju weyin ko w'omo re Bi won se nmi legbe, Olowo laye mi fe'.......... Rest in the Lord's Everlasting Arms ADEYEMI SOBOWALE-ATOBATELE