A few days ago, all roads led to Ibadan for the 80th birthday of Chief Mrs Victoria Olunike Ayorinde (nee Oyewole), the mother of Steve Ayorinde, the former Commissioner for Information in Lagos State. It was a galaxy of stars as many celebrities trooped to Ibadan to honour Steve Ayorinde and his siblings.
The Birthday girl herself was happy to see all the dignitaries. Mama Ayorinde is a distinguished Ibadan woman who born was at Salako via Aroro village in Ibadan on the 12th of June 1942 to the family of Late Pa James Oyewole and late Mama Abigail Olalonpe Oyewole, alias Mama Olobi (both of blessed memory).She
had her Primary and Secondary education at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC)
School, Olunfa, Aroro and Christ Apostolic Modern School, Anlugbua, Ibadan
between 1949 and 1961. She was baptized on June 23rd, 1952 and confirmed into
the Anglican Communion on September 5, 1982.
She
got married to her caring, handsome and God-fearing husband, Chief Sunday
Adetunji Ayorinde (Omo Aleyo) in the year 1969. The union is fruitful with
caring and accomplished children.
She
was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Maye Iyalode of Awaye in 1981 by the
Kabiyesi Oba Olayiwola Ojo of Awaye Kingdom. Mama Ayorinde worked briefly in
the Ministry of Agriculture in Eruwa, a tobacco farm and at the College of
Education, St. Andrew’s College, Oyo.
She
later joined the Ministry of Defence in 1968 where she spent 35 years working
in various departments like the 2DV camp, 2DV Headquarters Office and as a clerk and
an auxiliary nurse at the 2DV Hospital. She retired on the scale of Chief
Clerical Officer.
She
is a member of the Itesiwaju Society at Christ Anglican Church, Mapo, Ibadan and
currently serves as the President of Itesiwaju Society (Women’s Wing) at Christ
Church, Elekuro, Ibadan. She is also a member of the Christian Sisters Association
in her neighbourhood in Ibadan, Secretary of Ore-Ofe Society, Matron of 73
Battalion Brigade and a Lay reader at Christ Church, Elekuro Orita-Aperin.
Although she has retired from public service for about two decades, Chief Mrs Ayorinde
is not retired, as she still regularly attends to church duties in her local
assembly, engages in volunteerism and raising of her grandchildren.
A
devoted Christian and Prayer Warrior, she is an active church worker and nurses
fond memories of her pilgrimages to the holy land of Israel.
Today
at 80, Mama Victoria Ayorinde, Omo Iya Olobi, thanked the almighty God for His
mercies, grace, protection and faithfulness in her life. Her children and
members of her extended family are also glorifying the good Lord on her behalf,
wishing her many more years in good health, happiness and fulfilment.
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