Madam Caroline Adagha, Aka "Woman of God" Laid To Rest Amidst Pomp and Pageantry
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
When beggars die, there are no comets seen, but heavens blaze forth the death of Princes. -Williams Shakespeare
The death of Madam Caroline Akunnure Adagha, on the 27th of September, 2024 marked the end of a chapter in the life of the children she left behind, and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, as it is believed that, she transformed to the terrestrial world; she is up there watching, guiding and directing every step of her children even more, and better than the way she was doing when she was here on earth.
The interment of the body of late Madam Caroline Akunnure Adagha as earlier reported in Esan Magazine Online, came up on Friday, the 27th of December, 2024 amidst uncontrollable tears and emotions at the graveside, while the entertainment of guests that came from far and near to pay their last respect to Madam Caroline Akunnure, and to grace the three days event to celebrate her life, came up on Saturday, the 28th of December, 2024 at Ubiaja Community Primary school field.
Hon. Lawrence Odiase, JP with his amiable wife, Mrs. Monica Odiase (front role dancing), Messrs. Godwin Nanakumo, FCA (behind with ceremonial ornament called 'Eben') and Jeffrey Omon Osajie (front role supporting)
Amongst the array of dignitaries that graced the event are top politicians across political divide in Edo state, seasoned businessmen and women, artisans and Clergies, including Hon. Joe Edionwele, the immediate past two time member that represented Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal constituency at the National Assembly, NASS, Right Hon. Friday Itulah, a two time member of the House of Representatives who represented Esan South East/Esan North East Federal Constituency and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Bishop Anthony Okosun, the PDP Edo Central Senatorial Chairman, Elder Jonny Abulime, who was the former Executive Director, NAICOM and presently, a PDP stalwart and Edo Central Caucus leader, Hon. Sunny Ojiezele alias, Ikpenomen, formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but now, All Progressives Congress, APC, member representing Esan South East Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly, EDHA. Hon. Emmanuel Okoduwa, former three time Member that represented Esan North East constituency II, in Edo state House of Assembly, EDHA and Hon. Dr. Joseph Ikpea, the APC Edo central Senatorial district aspirant.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion, include, the former Dean of Priests, Akugbe Deneary and currently, the Parish Priest of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Benin City, Rev. Father Yakubu-Gowon Abdul-Salami, the LGA Party Chairman, Esan North East LGA, Hon. Clifford Inegbedion, JP and a host of several others.
Speaking during the opening prayers, Bishops Okosun, who appreciated the children of Late Madam Caroline Akunnure Adagha, for the way they cared for their mother during her lifetime, also used the opportunity to advice everyone to always honour their parents during their lifetime, saying, it is a waste of resources and efforts when some people, after the death of their parents, go about buying and killing cows to celebrate, whereas they never took care of their parents when they were alive.
Speaking during the thanksgiving service that held at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Ubiaja, Hon. Lawrence Odiase, JP, the first son of Madam Caroline Adagha, who donated two million naira to the church on behalf of the entire children, for the purpose of immortalizing their mother, described his mother as a woman that loved God and loves doing the work of God. Hon. Odiase, who described his late mother as an exceptionally affectionate and indomitable mother of inestimable value who suffered a lot of deprivations and denials to raise her children, also added that, his mother was an epitome of generosity whose milk and acts of kindness touched the lives of many, and left lasting memories in the lives of countless individuals. Hon. Odiase recalled how his mother single-handedly toiled and went the extra mile to send him and his siblings to school and catered for their upbringing with little or no help from anyone.
Continuing, Hon. Lawrence Odiase, JP, sad; "mama, you ran a good race, fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith". "Simply put, mama you came, you saw and you conquered. We will forever miss you".
Also, Mr Godwin Nanakumo, FCA, the fourth child and the second son of late madam Caroline Adagha, described his mother as his angel on earth, and now an angel in heaven not just for him, but for all her children.
Continuing, Mr. Godwin said; "My mother was more than a man. The Yorubas will call some men 'Okunrin meta', meaning three men in one man.
"She was a hard working woman, kind and sympathetic. She has emotional intelligence, she is principled and doesn't take nonsense. She has no time to keep people in mind, she tells you as it is, and thereafter, move on".
"Most values that I have today are values that I learnt from her. If there is anything like reincarnation, I will still want to come back as the son of Caroline Akunnure Adagha. No apologies".
Asked what he will miss the most about his late mother, Mr. Godwin said, "her foods". Mr. Godwin went further to reveal that, whenever he came to Ubiaja, he doesn't eat any food anywhere except his mother's foods. This reporter has to stop this very interesting interview with Mr. Godwin because of the tears and sobs that flew uncontrollably from the respondent.
Also, Mr. Jeffrey Omon Osajie, the third son and the fifth child of Mrs. Caroline Adagha, whose birthday, 27th of December coincided with his mother's burial ceremony, said; " I had to step down my birthday celebration, for the celebration of the life of my mother".
"I gave my mom a nickname: the woman that is above man. In my early days, I used to be very scared because of my imaginative fearful thoughts, but the industrious and gallant nature of my mother imparted on me so much that such fears in me disappeared with time.
Mr. Omon, a German based staff of Mercedes Benz motors, also recalled how himself and his mother will go to farm late in the evenings to harvest cassava, peel the cassava in the farm, only to return home early in the morning at about 1:00 am; and whenever he expressed fears, his mother will always tell him that fears exist only in the mind, and that it is not real.
Madam Paulina Akhere Odiase, one of late Madam Caroline's daughters, described her late mother as her guiding light, her shelter, and her strength; saying, her unwavering courage, unconditional love, and selflessness, left indelible mark on her life, and the life of her family. She recalled how her late mother singlehandedly raised her children amidst life challenges, adding that, her mother's strength instilled in her, the courage to face her challenges head-on.
Pastor Mrs. Dorathy Iguisi, another of her daughters, described her late mum as a giver, whose benevolent activities extended to all, irrespective of their status. She said; "...there wasn't anyone that was hungry, or in need that she ignored, even a mad man was fed by her. She gave all of herself at all times and sacrificed her own food for several other people. She gave willingly without questions and without asking for anything in return".
Describing her mother as an Amazon, Mrs. Blessing Queensley Oseahumen Ibhade, said, her late mother was a strong, bold, caring, wonderful, hard working woman, and a philanthropist to the core. Continuing, she said; "my mother was more than just a mother to me, she was my guiding light, my confidant, and my best friend. Her unwavering support, encouragement, and unconditional love, shaped me into the person I am today".
Continuing, Mrs. Ibhade, said, one of her late mother's most remarkable qualities, was her generosity; saying, she had a heart of gold which is why she called her 'ofueke-nede'. Her late mother's kindness and compassion, she said, inspired in her to be a better person, to empathise with others and to make a positive impact in the world, and that, her mother's courage and determination taught her to be brave, to persevere and to trust in her own abilities.
Mrs. Esther Momodu described her late mother as a heroine with noble qualities. She said; "I am a strong woman, because a strong woman raised me. She taught me, guided me and scolded me, but with love".
Mrs. Monica Odiase, the amiable and virtuous wife and first lady of Hon. Lawrence Odiase, JP who is one of the daughter-in-laws of Madam Caroline Akunure Adagha described her late mother-in-law as an embodiment of many good parts who left good, indelible and enviable legacies worthy of emulation. According to Mrs. Odiase, I will forever miss her for the evening praises we shared and rendered together to God while she was alive in appreciation for God's goodness, mercy and compassion.
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