Late Agnes Babatunde
It has been weeks of mourning in Ebute Metta area of Lagos Mainland following the death of Late Mrs Agnes Onyekachukwu Babatunde (nee Okoisor), the oldest matriarch resident in the community.
An indigene of Umuagehe quarters, Ogboli-Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, the deceased was said to have moved into Ebute Metta settlement about 70 years ago.
Mama (middle) with members of Ogboli Union (Women Wing)
Speaking with City Pulse, Mr Isaac Remilekun Babatunde, son of the late Agnes explained that the erstwhile Diokpa of Ogboli Union Worldwide (women wing) and Ada of the entire Okoisor clan got married to his late father, Israel Abiodun Ajayi-Babatunde, a native of Ogere-Remo in Ogun State.
“Back then, mama was living on Forsythe Street in Lagos Island where she berthed shortly after her arrival in Lagos. After her hubby from the first marriage died, she relocated to Shofuntere Street in Ebute Metta,” he said.
Late Ajayi-Babatunde and Agnes when they got married newly
A couple of years after her mourning period, she met and fell in love with Late Ajayi-Babatunde. Following a successful courtship, Agnes married and moved into his residence on LEDB 130 Iponri Village (where the present-day Low Cost Housing Estates now sit).
However in 1976, the couple relocated to Olaleye Village where her husband was nicknamed Baba Iponri due to his growing popularity. After spending decades in Abule Baba Egun area of Igbajo at Iponri, the couple moved again, this time to her last residence on the mainland – 6A Ojoniyun Street, Ebute Metta where she lost her husband.
Having given birth to 11 children, out of which five survived, Agnes struggled to cope with life after the demise of her beloved. She is one example of individuals who believed so much in love without cultural or ethnic barrier going by her marriage to a Yoruba man despite intense opposition from some of her people.
Mama with her grand and great grandchildren
Until her death which occurred in the wee hour of December 28, 2015, Agnes was fortunate enough to witness the birth of her 19thgrandchild and 18 great grandchildren.
One of his two surviving sons, Mr Isaac Remilekun Babatunde, a staff of Surulere Local Government is married to the chief matron of Harvey Maternity Centre – Mrs Bosede Ajayi-Babs (nee Adeyemi).
Isaac Remilekun Babatunde
Isaac Remilekun Babatunde with his wife, Bosede
He was also an old student (1980 set) of the popular Nigerian People’s High School (NIGERPECO) at Kano Street, Ebute Metta (East), Lagos.
"Sympathisers, Former Tenants & Old School Mates Who Plan To Call Can Reach Him on His Mobile Via 08039508207"
