'Iya Morenike,' founder of Morenike Schools laid to rest in Ogbomoso (PHOTOS)

‘Iya Morenike,’ founder of Morenike Schools laid to rest in Ogbomoso (PHOTOS)

Abdulrazak BELLO

All roads led to Odo-Oru Baptist Church and VIVA Continental Event Centre both in Ogbomoso Oyo state, Saturday (September 6, 2025) for the funeral programmes of Madam Felicia Adedewe Adeleye JP (Nee Adewale), the founder of the popular Morenike Memorial Group of Schools.

“Iya Morenike” as she was fondly called passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 78, during a brief illness.

Her final burial rites started with a wake service Friday, September 5, at Odo-Oru Baptist Church.

Trappings of grandeur reflected at all the segments of the obsequies as her family committed huge resources and planning to give her a befitting burial.

In his sermon during the funeral service Rev’d Dr John Adetutu (rtd) drawing inspiration from Act 13: 36, charged the congregation to lead a good life and to always be conscious of heaven.

The cleric noted that “Death is inevitable and will catch up with individuals whether at a young or old age the most important thing however is to be prepared for the coming of Christ and to do things that will make people say good report of us after we might have gone.”

Rev’d Adetutu remarked Madam Adeleye, who was a member when he was Minister-in-Charge of the church, did well while alive.

He added, “We should be mindful of our life, we came to the world empty-handed and we will return with less than what we brought. When you are dead what will people say about you?

“This service is not about the deceased but about us alive. Whatever you are trusted with do it well. Death will go round. This woman did well, she did her best. I take this time to tell us that a day cometh when we will not be like this again.”

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Tributes verbally and written trailed the late icon. Dr Prince Oyedele Sunday Oyewo, a son-in-law, wrote, “My mother-in-law was a cheerful, accommodating, generous, and peace-loving woman. She gave me her daughter’s hands in marriage with no strings attached. She accepted me and treated me just like her biological son. Mama’s joy was in bringing the best out of everyone who crossed her path.

“Mama Morenike, as she was fondly called, was a highly resourceful and dedicated educationist with a passion in building a good community and generation of future leaders out of the children in her care.

“Mama was an epitome of class and glamour, always exhibiting radiant and joyful appearance all the time. I never saw her in bad mood.

“Her genuine love for her children and grandchildren was second-to-none. Her grandchildren, Victor and Victoria witnessed and cherished memories of her loving spirit and kindness. None of their birthdays ever passed without her calling to express best wishes and prayers

“Seeing her at the last moment of her life was painful. Although we realized the end was near, we refused to accept the inevitable; we didn’t want her to depart from us. We tried all humanely possible, but the God’s home-calling superseded our wishes to have her with us a little bit longer. How I wished she was around in May 16th of this year to witness and celebrate with us during my wife’s Bachelor of Nursing degree graduation ceremony.

“It saddens me to the marrow that she didn’t eat more of the highly deserved fruits of her labour on her children. The Lord knows the best, he chose to let you come home to enjoy your eternal rest. Mama, Abiamo toto, sleep on in the bosom of your creator, your God.”

This tribute sums up the outpouring of eulogies rained on the deceased.

Dr Dele Oyewo with wife, Oluwakemi

Brief on her life trajectory

Mrs. Adeleye, born on March 5, 1947, into the Otun – Agoro family of Ijeru, Ogbomoso, attended schools in Ghana and Nigeria. She ended up in the teaching profession with her career spreading also between Ghana and Nigeria from 1962 to 1996.

Married to Mr. John Adeeyo Adeleye, of Maja compound, Oja’gbo, Ogbomoso, who however died in 1982, she shouldered bravely the responsibilities of raising her children, ensuring they were all properly educated.

After she retired from government work in 1996, she plunged headlong into the difficult water operating a private school is, founding Morenike Memorial Group of Schools. She named the school after her mother – Mama Deborah Morenike Asakun Adewale of Olosoke compound, Isale-Ora.

She devotedly served God in various capacities just as she served humanity with compassion and made her contributions to Ogbomoso beyond advancing its educational and economic frontiers through her school by belonging to several community based societies that promoted the cause of her home city, notably being member of Ogbomoso Women’s League, Ogbomoso Development Association and Ogbomoso North Educational Board Committee.

Her other fascination was keeping historical accounts, portrayed in the concluding part of her “Biography” as highlighted in the burial programme bulletin. “She was known as an encourager, fearless in confronting challenges, and deeply affectionate toward her siblings and extended family. Mama was also a brilliant oral historian, often serving as the family’s trusted reference point for dates, events, and ancestral knowledge. In moments of dispute, her family would say: “No argument! Let’s go and meet Mama Sade.” She was widely regarded as the “Adewale Clan Librarian.”

Adieu!