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By Correspondent in Abuja.
Late Mrs.Lucia Onabanjo
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, former First Lady of Ogun State who died at 100 years.
The former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom conveyed his condolences in a statement titled “Nigeria Loses a Centenarian Icon of Humility, Faith, and Education.” in Abuja. on Tuesday.
“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,” Ambassador Isola said.
He described Mama Lucia Onabanjo as more than the beloved wife of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, the first civilian Governor of Ogun State, noting that she was “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,” he added.
Ambassador Isola, a former Secretary to the Ogun State Government, recalled that Mrs Onabanjo devoted 22 selfless years to teaching, moulding young minds and sowing 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 said.
He stressed that Mama Lucia lived a life of substance rather than spectacle, even during her time 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,” he noted.
According to him, 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.
“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,” Ambassador Isola said.
He added that while her physical departure is mourned, her legacy remains enduring.
“As Scripture assures us: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… they will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them’ (Revelation 14:13),” he quoted.
Ambassador Isola extended his condolences, on behalf of his family and in his personal capacity, to the Onabanjo family, the Catholic faithful of St. Sebastian Cathedral, the government and people of Ogun State, and Nigerians at large.
“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,” he prayed.
“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.”
