Ambassador Isola mourns Mrs Onabanjo, ex Ogun First Lady

Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has expressed sadness over the death of Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, former First Lady of Ogun State.The erstwhile Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) stated this in a statement titled “Nigeria Loses a Centenarian Icon of Humility, Faith, and Education”.

Ambassador Isola said “I received with profound sadness, yet with deep reflection and gratitude to Almighty God, the news of the passing of Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, former First Lady of Ogun State, who peacefully transited at the remarkable age of 100 years.

“Mama Lucia Onabanjo was not only the beloved wife of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, the first civilian Governor of Ogun State, but a towering moral compass whose life quietly shaped homes, minds, and institutions. Her century-long journey on earth stands as a testament to grace, discipline, faith, and enduring service to humanity.”

Ambassador Isola,  a former Secretary to Ogun State Government, recalled that “As a teacher for 22 selfless years, she devoted the prime of her life to moulding young minds, planting seeds of knowledge, character, and hope that will continue to bear fruit across generations. Beyond the classroom, her role as Iya Ijọ of St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral, Ijebu Ode, reflected her deep spirituality, humility, and unwavering commitment to God and community.”

He stressed that “Mama’s life was one of substance rather than spectacle. Even as First Lady, she wore power with humility and influence with restraint, standing firmly beside her husband while maintaining her identity as a nurturer, educator, and woman of faith. Her 100th birthday celebration in October 2025 was not merely a personal milestone, but a collective thanksgiving by Ogun State and Nigeria for a life preserved and purposefully spent.”

He noted that “Her transition marks the end of an era — an era defined by dignity, moral uprightness, and silent sacrifice. Yet, even in death, Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabanjo continues to teach us that true greatness lies in service, faithfulness, and a life lived for others.

“In moments like this, we are reminded that great lives do not end; they transition into eternal relevance. Though we mourn her physical departure, we celebrate her enduring legacy—one that continues to speak through the lives she touched, the values she upheld, and the institutions she strengthened.

“As Scripture assures us: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13).”

He ended by saying that “On behalf of my family and in my personal capacity, I extend my deepest condolences to the Onabanjo family, the Catholic faithful of St. Sebastian Cathedral, the government and people of Ogun State, and all Nigerians mourning this irreparable loss. May the Almighty God grant the family the fortitude to bear this great loss, and may Mama’s gentle soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord she served so faithfully.

“Though we mourn, we are comforted by the legacy she left behind — a legacy that will continue to inspire Ogun State, Nigeria, and the global community.

“Adieu, Mama. A centenarian of virtue, a matriarch of honour, and a servant of God.”

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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