The Clergy and the Lay faithful of St Cyprian’s Catholic Church, OkoOba, Agege-Lagos would not forget in a hurry the good works of Lady Benedicta Olubukunola Omolayole (nee Ayanfalu) as they pay her glowing tributes even in death, and extend their condolences to her husband, children and relatives she left behind. Lady Benedicta Omolayole rose to prominence in the Church as a dedicated mother and patroness of many Pious societies and lay organizations in the parish.
She was also actively involved in grooming and helping young minds to embrace the sacraments of the Church. She served the Church in other capacities; as pioneer member and animator of the Basic Christian Community (BCC) and preparing the altar as many times as she presents herself in the Church. She was also described as a prayer warrior and workaholic.
At 74, mama, as she is fondly called by her admirers, age was never a barrier as many of the parishioners openly testified of her smartness while carrying out her charity works. Mama, figuratively speaking, stays in the Church, day in day out, not only attending masses, but also to see to the welfare of the most vulnerable members of her community and beyond.
According to the Assistant Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Emmanuel Anyanwu, while announcing the passage of the Septuagenarian and philanthropist, in one of the Sunday masses, said mama was a special gift to the Church and the entire Oko-Oba community. Despite her Noble background, mama exhibited humility and lived exemplary life worthy of emulation, he noted. Lady Benedicta Omolayole who was born on November 10, 1945 died on September 25, 2020 after a brief illness.
The wake keep and funeral mass took place on Thursday, November 5, and Friday, November 6, 2020 in that order, at St. Cyprian’s Catholic Church, New Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos. Her remains were later laid to rest.
