Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

 

 

 

The Catholic community across Ibadan and Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State, came together in a week-long celebration of life to honour the passing of Late Mrs Christiana Anike Ajewole, mother of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ajewole — Parish Priest of Christ The King Catholic Church, Odo-Ona. She passed on in May 2025 at the age of 77.

 

The burial rites commenced on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, with a Christian Wake at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, followed by another Christian Wake on Thursday, July 10th at St. Michael Catholic Church, Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti. A Requiem Mass also held on Thursday morning at Bodija.

The high point of the funeral was the Funeral Mass on Friday, July 11th, held at St. Michael Catholic Church, Efon-Alaaye. The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, while the homily was delivered by Fr. Benedict Ojo, who titled his message: “Recompense of the Heroics.”

 

Fr. Benedict extolled the late Matriarch as a true "Akoni" — a hero, not by worldly standards of wealth, strength, health or popularity, but by her spiritual richness, strong faith, and moral courage.

 

He shared how Mama Ajewole rejected corruption and lust in her youth, refusing compromising offers in pursuit of a white-collar job. Instead, she courageously committed herself to supporting her husband’s modest art workshop — a gesture he likened to the hidden but holy work of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the home of St. Joseph.

 

“She was not rich in material wealth or worldly popularity,” he noted, “but in spirit and virtue — and that is what makes a true hero.”

Fr Benedict Ojo described heroes as those who do what is right without waiting for approval and endure for the sake of others, lamenting how rare such lives have become in today’s society.

 

In his remarks, Bishop Felix Ajakaye welcomed all guests to the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti and expressed gratitude to God for the grace to celebrate the godly life of Late Mrs Ajewole, whom he described as a joyful woman.

 

His Lordship reflected on life as having two major stages — the morning and the evening. According to him, the morning stage is filled with trials, while the evening stage reveals how those trials were endured and overcome. Hence, he charged the faithful not to merely “change their age” but rather “change how they age,” living with purpose and grace.

 

The Bishop also encouraged all present to take time to study the funeral readings selected for the Mass, noting that they are rich with messages of life, hope, and resurrection. He appreciated the Homilist, Fr Benedict Ojo for his deeply spiritual reflection.

 

The Parish Priest of St. Michael Catholic Church, Efon-Alaaye, Rev. Fr. Victor Ola, welcomed everyone to the parish and paid glowing tribute to the late Matriarch, describing her as a pillar in the Church and a woman whose exemplary life was evident both within and beyond the parish community.

 

The final Thanksgiving Mass was held on Sunday, July 13th at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, followed by a reception at Pensioners’ Hall, Jericho Way, where family, friends, parishioners, and clergy celebrated a life lived with humility, endurance, and deep faith.

 

Late Mrs Christiana Anike Ajewole left behind a legacy of service, integrity, and devotion to God and family. Her life remains a shining example in a time when virtue and responsibility are increasingly scarce.