By Funsho Arogundade
Losing a spouse creates a very profound kind of loss. Few things compare to the pain. It’s like the loss of one’s daily lifestyle, a shared history, and the loss of a future planned together. Given the closeness and affection shared between Dr. Tunji Olowolafe and his beloved wife, Mrs. Gbemisola Olutayo Olowolafe, one would wonder how the business magnate would cope losing the most cherished person in his life. The late Mrs. Olowolafe died on Tuesday March 11 after a brief illness in Texas, United States at age 64. She was surrounded by her husband and children as she passed peacefully.
Few people get to transit from being utterly indispensable to eternally unforgettable. A real wife does. As the wife of a renowned industrialist, businessman, and philanthropist, late Gbemisola was a constant source of support and encouragement. Together, they built a life of service, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, leaving an enduring impact on Nigeria’s business, education, and healthcare landscapes.
Olowolafe —the Chairman of Deux Project and Chancellor of Ekiti State University— remembered his beloved wife as “a woman of extraordinary strength, wisdom, and compassion. Her passing leaves a void in our lives that can never be filled. She was my rock, my partner, and my best friend. I am grateful for the time we shared, and I will miss her dearly.”
Her demise has sent shockwaves of grief and sadness to her family, friends, and the countless lives she impacted. There has been an outpouring of support, prayers and condolences from friends and well-wishers across the world —including President Bola Tinubu, who is a personal friend of the bereaved businessman— offering solace and comfort to the family during this difficult time.
Indeed, Mrs. Olowolafe’s impact on her community was immense. She was a devoted philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes and organisations throughout her life. Her generosity and kindness inspired countless individuals, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.