Mrs. Abiodun Oludolapo Famutimi

BIOGRAPHY

 

Biography of Mrs. Abiodun Oludolapo Famutimi (née Fadayomi)

 

Mrs. Abiodun Oludolapo Famutimi (née Fadayomi) was born on Tuesday, 30th December 1947, to the late Pa Emmanuel Olaloye Fadayomi (Iwalewa) and Madam Dorcas Ibilola Fadayomi (née Fasehun). Her parents both came from two of the most prominent families in Ondo Kingdom: the Fadayomi and the Fasehun families.

 

Her paternal grandmother, Lamodesi, was the daughter of Princess Laiya of the Leyo royal dynasty. Her maternal grandfather, Pa Jacob Akintade Fasehun, was the first son of the famous Baale Fasehun of Igunrin and Okedibo. Her maternal grandmother, Mama Laelee, was from the Fakiyesi family, which had migrated from Idanre in the 1700s and settled at Iparuku Quarters, Ode-Ondo.

 

She was the first child of her mother and the third child of her father. Her maternal siblings are Engr. Ore Fadayomi, MrsMojisola Iluyomade, Mr Olufemi Fadayomi, Mrs Modupe Osobu and Mrs Ebun Abayomi.  From a young age, she displayed exceptional leadership qualities and played an influential role in the affairs of both the Fadayomi and Fasehunfamilies.

 

Her early years were spent in Owo, where her father, a produce buyer, had gone in search of a thriving market for quality goods. Owo, famed for its rich cocoa farmlands, provided a strong foundation for her formative years.

 

She attended Government School and St. Catherine’s Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, both in Owo. In both schools, she was the youngest and smallest in her class, but she stood out for her charm, candour, and grace. Her small stature became an advantage, as she was a sack-racing champion of unparalleled skill.

 

As the first-born child, she shouldered great responsibilities with remarkable maturity. She supported her mother’s catering and petty trading business, helping to sustain the family without complaint.

 

Upon completing her education, she moved to Lagos before it became a recognized state and lived with her maternal uncle, the late Chief Olabanji Fasehun.

 

Her professional career began in 1965 at the Federal Ministry of Defence (Army Division). This was a turbulent time in Nigeria’s history, as the first military coup occurred the following year. Given the uncertainty surrounding that period, she requested a transfer, which, to the glory of God, was granted. She moved to the Federal Ministry of Labour (Cooperative Division) shortly before the second coup in July 1966.

 

She continued her service in the Federal Cooperatives until the creation of Lagos State in 1967, when she and her colleagues were drafted to serve as pioneer staff of the Lagos State Cooperatives.

 

Upon her arrival in Lagos, she took on the education and welfare of her maternal siblings, enrolling many of them in schools and supporting some up to university level, even though she never had the opportunity to attend one herself. This remarkable sacrifice was a hallmark of her life and character.

 

In time, she made a bold career switch into banking and joined the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. Her dedication and excellence saw her rise steadily through the ranks to become a Principal Manager. She served the bank faithfully for 27 years before retiring on 30th December 1996.

 

On 11th May 1974, she married Chief Olabintan Famutimi. The union was blessed with four children: Mrs. Abimbola Adefeso (née Famutimi), Mrs. Oluwabukola Adeola (née Famutimi), Mr. Omobolarinwa Famutimi, and Pastor Oluwafemi Famutimi.

 

The family initially lived at Obadina Street, Abule-Oja, where she developed a lifelong friendship with Mr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Akinrimisi. In 1981, they relocated to Bolodeoku Street, Ogba, where another enduring friendship was formed with Mr. Feyisola and Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Osunleti. In 1988, she moved into an apartment at Adesoye Street, Maryland, which became a beloved home to many.

 

Known affectionately as “Big Mummy,” she was loved by all. A lover of music, laughter, and fellowship, her home was always open to family and friends. Many relatives fondly recall holidays and weekends spent in her warm, welcoming home on AdesoyeStreet. An entire generation of the Fadayomi family grew up under her care, as she welcomed every family member with love and generosity.

 

In 1991, she was honoured as an Aghayo—the king’s favourite—by Oba Dr Festus Ibidapo Adesanoye (Osungbedelola II) during his installation as the 43rd Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom. This honour is reserved for elites of Ondo origin with a close personal relationship with the Osemawe.

 

Spiritually, she was deeply rooted in her Christian faith. She began her journey at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMC), later joined Aladura International for a decade, and eventually, under divine leading, returned to the Anglican Communion. She became a dedicated member of Bola Memorial Anglican Church (BMAC), Ikeja, in the year 2000 and remained faithful until her passing.

 

At Bola Memorial, she graduated from the Labico and Equipping the Saints (ETS) programs. She also served in various ministries, including the Youth Ministry (as head), the Elderly Ministry, the Parish Council (with responsibility for Welfare), and the Visitation Team to the sick and homebound. She was an active member of the Christian Morning Star Society and the 7 O’Clock Group of the church.

 

Her guiding philosophy in life was simple yet profound: “Make the world a better place than you met it.” It was a creed she lived by and one that shaped every aspect of her journey.

 

Mrs. Abiodun Oludolapo Famutimi was an embodiment of kindness, patience, and love. Her heart was big, her compassion sincere, and her impact far-reaching. She touched countless lives in quiet yet powerful ways.

 

Truly, she made the world a better place.

 

She is survived by an aged mother, children, grandchildren, siblings, niblings and other family members too numerous to mention.

 

She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.