Celebration of fulfilled life as Iya Agbaye rests on

The value of an individual is not measured by the number of years spent on earth nor the amount of money or properties amassed but it is measured by the positive impact an individual makes in the society – the number of lives touched, people you influence positively as well as the lives you shape. When a great soul dies, then it is important we celebrate the life of that person for a life well spent. This is the reason why family, friends and associates of Durojaiye family came together to celebrate their mother, Lady Evang. Dorcas Abike Durojaye (Nee Ilori) popularly called Iya Ajere Okan Agbaye (World Souls Winner) who slept in the Lord on 21st of October, 2020 and buried on 27th of November, 2020.

The children of the deceased in their tributes described her as a caring, loving and God- fearing woman who devoted all her life to God and humanity.

In his tribute, the eldest son of mama Dorcas wrote :
“You taught me how to write the digit 2. You taught me simplicity and humility. You made me realize the vanity this world is. You led a simple life. You lived a life of sacrifice right from your tender age. You endured a lot. I remember vividly numerous times, I cried when you shared your life experiences with me. I loved and cared for you passionately mum. You were my first love.

“Mum, we could all love you but God loves you best. He chose to call you back home on a Wednesday, Mercy day. I pray you receive mercy from the throne of mercy. Mum, you surely deserve this rest. May you find it in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

“Iya mi (My mother), Iya ni wura mi (Mother is my gold). Hmm, iku doro (death is wicked), iku mu eni re lo (death took away a good person), but who am I to question our unquestionable God? I remember my last conversation with you, a day before you took ill and 3 days before your passing. We sang together, we went over so many things, it was like God wanted me to usher you into His presence with the song “Ijoba orun” (God’s kingdom).

“Towards the end of the call, which ended with the song, I could tell your spirit left us, I felt you saw Heaven open up towards you with opened arms, as you kept on saying “Ha Jesu o, ha, ha, Oluwa o, ha ha ha….” (Ha! Jesus o, ha! ha! God o, ha ha ha….). It sounded like you were marveled at the beauty of Heaven. I believe your spirit left us that day.

“I wish I knew that was going to be the last time I would ever hear your voice, mummy, I would never have ended that call after 13 minutes and 2 seconds. I would have stayed all day, all night, all month and all year, chatting with you non stop. I would have reminded you of our life’s journey together, your love for your children, the special love you had for your departed brother, Prof Ilori; your discipleship, your love and peace for every mankind, and your relationship with your Creator.

“Iya mi (my mother), it is hard to say goodbye. I’ll keep my love for you strong till we meet again in Heaven. Mummy, I promised you, I will see you again! I will! I will follow peace with all men and obey the commandments of God, just to make Heaven, to see you again. Mama mi (my mother), I have so much to write, but the endless tears won’t let me see what I am writing. I can’t stop crying as I write this tribute. Mummy, remember our conversation when I told you: Mummy, if Heaven had “Mothers,” I would want to be your child in Heaven. Please reserve a space for me as one of yours,” Dolapo Adigun Durojaye, the second son of the deceased stated.

In his own tribute, Olalekan Durojaye, a renowned Estate Agent wrote : “Putting down this tribute for you, my loving mother, Eye Agbaye (World soul winner) has been a very big task. I wish you stay a little bit longer, I wish, I wish….

“Mum, you heard God’s whisper, calling you home, you did not want to leave us. You fought with your illness. You loved us all so much despite our numerous flaws and you held on tight, until all your strength was gone, and you could no longer hold on. Finally, you gave your hand to God and slipped away quietly without telling us bye.

“As if I knew that your days were numbered, the idea of conference calls with you and Mr. B was a thing of joy to you and a very memorable one to cherish too by me. During each call, you never showed us that you were weak. You were always very interesting to chat with. You constantly displayed that strength of a very sound and strong woman, you never showed any sign of giving up soon. I will forever love and adore you mum, for everything you taught us in life”.

The only surviving daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Oluwabunmi Ayodele had this to say: “My dearest mother, for everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted; Ecclesiastes 3:12. My mother, abiyamo tooto (A real mother), you have achieved the two seasons in life and I am happy today that I am part of your story.

“My mom loved God and everyone that crossed her path. She was a loving mother and a brave woman who was always ready to tackle any challenge that came her way, especially in the ministry. My mother was a disciplinarian to the core. To the children, she was always ready to satisfy everyone to the extent that she did not like demanding from us . She was always fond of receiving any gift from all her children with joy.

“She taught me how to be self- independent and brave, which has really helped my journey in life. She was everything to me after God, my second had gone for real. I will miss you mum. She used to say; eniyan ni e, yan eyi to fe yan (people, choose whatever you want to choose). I thank God that I chose the right path and I have a good heritage. Mum, words cannot describe how pleasant, wonderful and loving you were to me. Thanks for being there for me always. I will always remember you. Your best hymn in CAC was no 779, eyin ero nibo le nlo? (pilgrims, where are you going?). I believe you have known better where pilgrims are going now.”

Family, friends and associates of the Durojaiyes that attended the final burial outing that took place on Saturday, 5th of December, 2020 at Ijebu Close, Matogbun admonished the children of the deceased to remain united ever even after the demise of their mother.

Dignitaries at the event include; Otunba Olusanya (Director of Adeyemi Private School), Alhaji Adebanjo, Mr Segun Agboola (Chairman Goodluck CDA), Representatives of Ifelodun LCDA, Representatives of DCL Lekki, Chief Meshinoye and his wife, Prince Adebayo, Chief Eleshin as well as Mr Sanmi Ademujimi.

Biography

Late Lady Evang. Dorcas Abike Durojaiye (Nee Ilori) was born on November 11, 1942 in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State, Nigeria. She was born into the family of the Late Pa Ezekiel Ilori of Elejofi family in Aaye Quarters and Late Mrs. Florence Dada Ilori of Ilogbo Dudu in Obalu Quarters in the city of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State. Her naming ceremony was conducted by the very famous Prophet of God Almighty, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola.

Mama had her elementary education at St. Stephen’s CAC Primary School, Erekesan, Efon Alaaye but could not further her studies due to paucity of funds. She learnt the arts of weaving (ofi) and tailoring but could not go too far in these earthly vocations as she had to yield to God’s persistent call to the vineyard as an Evangelist. As a devoted Christian and gospel Minister destined for God’s work, Mama joined the gospel train of World Soul Winning Evangelical Ministry (WOSEM), presided by Prophet (Dr) Timothy Oluwole Obadare in 1979 at Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State.

She was a dogged and fearless soldier of God with a focus on heaven. The name ‘Iya Ajere Okan Agbaye’ as fondly called, came out at a revival programme staged in Efon Alaaye as the Guest Minister, who happened to be invited from the state, divided the crowd into two groups of women and men. Mama and one Pastor Famugbode were both requested to lead the two groups respectively. Mama at the revival ground was beginning to be called and referred to as ‘Iya Ajere Okan Agbaye’ (World Soul Winner). Mama traversed courageously as she carried out her missionary assignments. She was consistent in her service in the vineyard, all to the glory of God.

She served vigorously as a Lady Evangelist in CAC WOSEM branches at Efon Alaaye in Ekiti, Isanlu Isin in Kwara State, Ikotun in Lagos State, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State, Ijebu Ijesha, Osun State, Ondo Town in Ondo State, Ilesha, Osun State, to mention but a few. She also contributed her quota in the administration of WOSEM in the capacity of the Coordinator for the Lady Evangelists. She lived and lives – on as a combatant soldier of Christ in WOSEM.

Mama Dorcas was very fond of her mother, Late Mrs. Florence Dada Ilori, who she used to call ‘Eye mi’ (My mother). Her brother, Late Prof. Olagoke Ilori was a great favourite to her. She called him ‘Boda mi’ (My brother). We used to look at him as ‘mama’s first love.’ So much of affection for each other. They were both born in Efon Alaaye, died in Ibadan same year within a space of less than 3 months and buried same year. What a coincidence!

Mama Dorcas Abike breathed her last on October 21st, 2020 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Buried on November 27, 2020, while the final burial and outing took place on 5th of December, 2020 at Ijebu Close, Matogbun. Iya Agbaye was happily married and blessed with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

The eldest son, Mr Abimbola Durojaiye, a foremost educationist and publisher, expressed deep appreciation to CAC WOSEM OKE-IBUKUN, CHALLENGE IBADAN for hosting the family. And also to numerous family members, friends and associates from far and near, who added colours to the celebrations. He prayed to God to meet all at their points of needs in life.