October 27, (THEWILL) – The mother of Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Ọba Saka Matemilola, has died.
Alhaja Aliratu Matemilola (Née Bolaji) died on Sunday, at the age of 81.
According to a statement made available by Orunto of Owu Kingdom, Chief Abiodun Lasile, to newsmen in Abeokuta, the state capital, the octogenarian died after a brief illness.
“The Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta has announced the passage of the mother of Olowu of Owu in Abeokuta Alhaja Aliratu Adunni Matemilola. We give all thanks to God, the merciful and magnificent. The mother of our monarch slept in the Lord at 81, after a brief illness.
“We the Owu people all over the world condole HRM Oba Prof Saka Adelola Matemilola FNSE, Oluyalo Otileta VII Olowu of Owu Kingdom Abeokuta, on the transition to his dear mother, iya Oba and matriarch of Bolaji family.
“Alhaja Aliratu Adunni Matemilola was born 1943 in Abiola Village, to Chief Kasali Bolaji Abiola of Ago-Ika, Gbágùrá in Abeokuta and Mrs Raliat Bolaji of Labuta Compound, Oke Egunya, Owu Abeokuta. Her father was Baale of Abiola village, Gbalefa, in current Ado Odo/Ota Local Government of Ogun State.
“Her father Chief Kasali Bolaji, who was the third Baale of Abiola village, which was founded by his own father, Chief Abiola, shortly after the Ẹgba United Forces roundly defeated the Dahomey forces in the mid 1800s.
“Throughout her life, Alhaja Matemilola was a shining example of kindness, compassion, and strength. As a successful trader, loving mother, and dutiful wife, she touched countless lives with her warmth and generosity. Her commitment to transparency and truthfulness inspired all who knew her.
“She is survived by several children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sister, brothers, in-laws and families.
“We extend our deepest condolences to HRM Oba Prof Saka Adelola Matemilola and the entire Bolaji, and Matemilola families during this difficult time. May Allah grant Alhaja Matemilola’s soul eternal peace and admit her into Aljannah Firdaus. Aamiin”, the statement added.
