Iyalode of Ibadan, Aminat Abiodun, Dies at 94

The Iyalode of Ibadanland, Aminat Abiodun, the only female member of the Olubadan-in-Council, died in the early hours of Saturday 08 December 2018, about a fortnight to her 94^th birthday on 24 December, 2018.

All efforts towards instant confirmation of her death from the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, were turned. An aide to Olubadan, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there were processes to follow before the palace would officially announce the demise of a High Chief of the Iyalode’s status. As the news of her death filtered into town, top dignitaries started trooping to her residence to commiserate with the family.

As said by the Oyo State incumbent Governor, Isiaka Ajimobi, the ancient city of Ibadan will forever remember “the irreplaceable”  Aminat Abiodun who was buried according to Islamic rite on Sunday 9^th December, 2018.

The Iyalode was hailed from her family compound in Idi Arere and set her own personal residence at Bodija. With her position as the Iyalode, she represented the women in the Olubadan Advisory Council which is made up of 10 High Chiefs in the city as well as the Olubadan himself.

Apart from being a contractor of note right from the 1960s, Iyalode Abiodun was well invested in properties with many describing her business acumen was exemplary.

She became Jagun Iyalode in 1971, the first position on the ladder and eventually became Iyalode on 19^th October, 2007, following the demise of her predecessor, Iyalode Wuraola Akintola.

Iyalode Abiodun had been around the social and political circles right from the days when the likes of High Chief Adisa Akinloye, Alhaji Busari Adelakun and other prominent Ibadan indigenes held sway in Ibadan politics.

She would be remembered like her predecessors including Iyalode Efunsetan Aniwura, who was so wealthy that she maintained a private army and Iyalode Wuraola Esan, a teacher, educationist and politician as well as Iyalode Humaani Alade known for her people-oriented principles.

Her children, led by the first born, Alhaja Asagidigbi, who described the late matriarch as a very caring mother, led other of her siblings to welcome guests that include Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and some members of the state executive council who came on condolence visit.

Some of the members of the state executive on the entourage of Governor Ajimobi include the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli, Head of Service, Mrs. Lawunmi Ogunesan, some commissioners, Chief Lateef Oyelade and Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi among others.

Governor Ajimobi, after a brief meeting with the family, described the late Iyalode as a mother of all, stating that she is irreplaceable in the history of Ibadanland.

According to him, with her commanding respect, figure and relationship with all indigenes of Ibadan and even Yorubaland, Alhaja Abiodun was a colossus in her lifetime.

He said, “Let me on behalf of the people and government of Oyo State extend condolence to the nucleus family of Mama. By tradition and relationship, Mama was my mother. I knew mama since I was like nine years old and she was an exemplary mother, very elegant, very beautiful.

“She had presence both in character and in carriage. She epitomised mobility. She epitomised elegance and consequently became the queen of Ibadanland, if you like Queen of women if that is accepted.

“She rose through the ranks and paid her dues. She was successful in all ramifications. So for me I think it’s the passage of a titan of Colossus who has made her mark in the sand of time.

“I think for me it’s a great loss but let’s take solace in the fact that she lived well, left good children, left me, left us. And Ibadan will forever remember her. She was the Iyalode of Ibadanland, and for many years, she was and she is irreplaceable. We are going to miss her.”

Also, Chief Bode Ayorinde (SAN) and the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic party (SDP) in Oyo State described her death “as an end of an era.”

According to him, it is a shock to all of us although she was well advanced in age. But it was so shocking and we’re all very sad in Ibadanland. We know that we have lost a mother, an icon. It is actually the end of an era. It is shocking but we bless God for her life, she has lived a good life, served her community, she served her God. Her life is worthy of emulation.”