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By Oluseye Ojo
It was a day the sun set in a spectacular manner over the rolling hills of Ekiti State. Then, a gentle breeze whispered the name of a remarkable woman, who left an indelible mark on the lives of many.
Pastor (Mrs) Rachael Adeyiwola Apata, described as a beacon of hope, love, and service to the society, breathed her last on July 31 2025. She was 88, having been born on July 29, 1937, into the esteemed Adeosun family of Iye Ekiti, now in Ekiti State.
She dedicated her life to the noble profession of teaching, earning her Grade II Certificate from Ikere Ekiti Teacher Training College and Local Authority Teacher Training College, Ibadan.
Pastor Apata’s illustrious teaching career spanned over two decades, during which she served with distinction at various schools, including Moor Plantation, Apata Ganga, Ibadan, under the Ibadan City Council. Her commitment to education and community development earned her recognition as a devoted and resourceful educator.
In 1976, she relocated to Ado Ekiti, following the creation of Ondo State, where she continued to serve with distinction until her retirement in 1986. Her marriage to Chief Samson Abioye Apata was blessed with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who remember her as a pillar of strength and a shining example of faith and perseverance.
As a devoted Christian, Pastor Apata surrendered her life to the Lord Jesus Christ and served faithfully as a Pastor at the Chapel of His Glory, Yoruba Assembly, until her passing. Her legacy of love, service, and dedication to her faith and community will continue to inspire generations to come.
Her passion for education and commitment to her community earned her recognition as a hardworking and resourceful woman.
Beyond her teaching career, she also ventured into various enterprises, embodying the spirit of a true leader. Her entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by her generosity and dedication to service.
Her passion for prayer led to her ordination as a Pastor at the Chapel of His Glory in Ado-Ekiti, a position she held until her passing.
Her final journey home began on Tuesday November 11th with a commendation service in Ado-Ekiti. On Thursday, November 13, her remains were lifted from Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital after which a lying-in-state was held at her residence in Ado-Ekiti for three hours. On the same day, she was moved to Isan Ekiti for the Christian wake.
On Friday, November 14th, friends and well wishers joined the family for the funeral service at St. Silas Anglican Church, Ogilolo, Isan Ekiti. Reception followed at Ekiti State Polytechnic in the same Isan Ekiti.
Rt Rev’d Olajide Adebayo, Bishop of Anglican Diocese, Igbomina West, who preached at the church service, described the deceased as a woman of virtue.
Hear him: “Pastor Apata’s life was a reflection of God’s love and compassion. She lived a life of purpose and dedication, and her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Also, Rt Rev’d Bode Otenaike, Bishop of Idanre Diocese, who represented Rt. Rev’d Dr Ajayi, Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, gave the exhortation at the Christian wake.
Said the Bishop: “We are comforted by the knowledge that Pastor Apata’s life was a testament to the power of faith. She lived a life of unwavering devotion to God and her community, and her legacy will be a source of inspiration to us all.”
Her first son, Otunba (Dr.) Babatunde Abioye Apata, President of Ekiti Elites Club, Ado Ekiti, said of his late mother: “Mummy’s life was a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and service. Her kindness and love for all will be remembered forever
“You were a devoted Christian and your faith was the guiding force of our lives. Your love for the Lord was unwavering, and your passion for worship was contagious. Even in old age, your spirit remained vibrant, and your desire to be in church never wavered.
“You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of love and faith will live on.
“Your final words, ‘My creator, my creator, my creator,’ spoken in my arms, are a poignant reminder of your unshakeable trust in God.”
Mr Femi Apata, one of the sons of the deceased and a General Manager with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), shared a moment during the memorial service, recalling his mother’s tough love and unwavering commitment to her family.
“Mummy was a woman whose footsteps were marked by discipline, whose hands were never idle, and whose spirit was a pillar of strength,” he said.
He described her as a true definition of a God-fearing woman. He added that her life was a beautiful example of discipline, kindness and deep spiritual strength.
“She was our ever-praying mother. Her words were wise, her home was warm and her arms always open. As a teacher and leader she shaped minds and moulded characters; as a mother and matriarch, she shaped generations.”
Also, the deceased’s legacy, it was further gathered, extended beyond her family and community. She reportedly touched the lives of many through her tireless service, earning the respect and admiration of dignitaries from various walks of life.
Mr Bisi Apata, also a son to the deceased, stated that as the family members bid farewell to their matriarch, they would take solace in the good legacy she left behind.
“Her work ethic was unmatched. Mummy never gave up easily but persevered through the toughest times. That is worth emulating,” he said.
The first daughter of the deceased, Mrs Funke Ayekoloye, also paid tributes to her mother. According to her, “Hearing of your passing that fateful day came as a shock to me . With utmost submission, we give God the Glory.
“I remembered calling you the day before and we had a very good lengthy chat touching on many things. I did not know that was your parting message to me. I take consolation in all we shared and comfort also in the words of your encouragement, your wisdom and as usually the case, the strength of all your prayers unto me”
Mrs Aanu Olayinka, the deceased’s last child, described her mother as a true Proverbs 31 woman, who was industrious and never dealt with a slack hand.
“Mummy was a woman whose footsteps were marked by discipline, whose hands were never idle, and whose spirit was a pillar of strength,” she said.
Modupe Apata, Mama Apata’s daughter- in-law, also made remarks about the deceased. She said the news of her passing was so unexpected. She added that she was very fine the last time she saw her, which was on the deceased’s birthday. On the occasion, she stated, her mother-in-law was gaily dressed and appreciated God for another new year.
One of the aunties in the family, Mrs Alake Ajayi ( nee Apata) noted: “I will forever cherish the sweet memories of our relationship that sprang from the time when my uncle, the late Chief S.A. Apata, her husband, took up the responsibility of my education. I will be eternally grateful for the open arms she gave me in her matrimonial home. This intimate relationship never diminished till her call to glory.”
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN) recalled his last moment with the deceased. He stated: “I will never forget my last encounter with her, just a week before her passing. I had the privilege of conveying her from church to her house. Inside the church and with a smile, she introduced me warmly to the pastor and other church leaders.
“When we arrived at her home, she turned to me and said: ‘Uncle Dayo, e je ka gbadura’, meaning, ‘Uncle Dayo, let us pray’, and we prayed together. After the prayer, we talked for a while. As I left her home that day, I had no idea I was saying goodbye to her in that early form. Looking back, I now realise that prayer was her last gift to me.”
A former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, did not miss out in the tributes. He said: “I had the privilege of knowing ‘Mummy Jericho’ as we fondly called her since childhood in Ibadan, and always found her to be a compassionate and caring mother, not just to her children, but to all of us, who occasionally came under her care.
“Whilst we never pray for the demise of our loved ones, no matter how advanced in age, we are thankful to Almighty God that mummy lived a worthy and exemplary life, full of glory, honour, and adoration.’
The funeral service was attended by a representative of the deputy governor of Ekiti State; Dr Keje Olomojobi, Head of service Ekiti State Government; Justice Jubril Babajide Aladejana; Justice Dele Omotoso; Prof Patrick Oladipo Aina, Pro- Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti.
The list also comprised Prof Olufemi Victor Adeoluwa, Vice Chancellor, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology Ikere Ekiti; and Prof Gbenga Aribisala, Vice Chancellor Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti.
Royal fathers that graced the programme included Oba Gabriel Adejuwon, the Onisan of Isan Ekiti; Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye , the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti; Oba Dele Ajayi, the Elewu of Ewu Ekiti; and Oba Jonathan Agboola Adeleye-Oni, the Oniye of Iye Ekiti.
The dignitaries in attendance also included Brig.Gen Tokunbo Cole, Mr Kunle Cole, and Prince Demola Oniru.
Also, Mr. Fred Ologuntoye, Chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Ekiti State; Deacon Akinji Fayinminu of CITEC, Abuja; Mr Biodun Apatira; Mr Bola Alegbeleye; Sir Dr. Obafemi Oye; Dr. Lekan Olatishe, Engr. Adedayo Ogunrinde, Engr. Adewale Olatunji, and Prince Adewole Ajakaiye
Bosom friends of the bereaved family also travelled from Europe and North America to honour the deceased. Among them are Femi Babalola from the United Kingdom and Demola Adelusi
from the United States.
Management teams of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Lagos, Abuja and Akure airports also honoured the Apatas with their presence.
Members of Elan Club Akure, led by the President, Bolaji Adeyeye, an architect; members of Inland Club Ado-Ekiti led by the President, Mr Ayo Adeitan, and Ekiti Elites club, Ado Ekit.
Churches present at the ceremony included the Chapel of His Glory led by the Senior Rev’d Mrs Modupe Salami; Prof pastor (Mrs) Oluyege and the Christ Apostolic Church congregation.
Also at the occasion were the Rotary International members of District 9126 led by the District Governor, Rotarian Funkeapo Batife.
On the entourage of Batife were District Governor-Elect; Rotarian Olaniyi Okin; District Governor nominee, Rotarian Dolu Oyeyiola; and Zonal Coordinator, Zone 3, Rotarian Ayo Olagunju.
