Former Oyo Deputy Governor Credits Mother Who Defied Abandonment Calls

Iyiola Oladokun, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed a deeply personal account of his early life, stating that his mother, the late Mrs. Alice Oladokun, was advised by others to abandon him during his infancy due to his severe illness. Instead of heeding such counsel, Oladokun recounted how his mother nurtured him with unwavering love and compassion throughout his formative years into adulthood.

These poignant memories were shared by the ex-deputy governor with journalists following his mother's burial ceremony in Ado-Awaye, Oyo State, on Saturday. Mrs. Alice Oladokun passed away at the age of 101. "She was everything to me," Oladokun affirmed. He continued, "When I was a toddler, I was so sickly, and it got to a stage that people advised her to throw this baby away. But her love and compassion made her nurture me until adulthood. God Almighty answered her prayers, and I survived."

Oladokun further reflected on his remarkable health, noting that people often inquire about his last hospital visit. He recounted a recent interaction with a doctor two months prior, who asked if he had ever been hospitalized. "I told him, ‘Not to my knowledge, apart from when I was a toddler,’ and even that did not happen because there was no hospital in Ado-Awaye then," he explained. He attributes his enduring well-being to his mother's profound care: "So when people ask me how I have coped, I believe it is because of the care and nurturing I received as a little child. That care and compassion are still working wonders in my life."

He also highlighted his late mother's staunch faith in him and her belief that he was destined for greatness. "She believed so much in God and in me that He would make something great out of my life. I give glory to God that everything He did in my life happened while she was still alive," Oladokun stated. He also shared a tender moment where he had the opportunity to bid his mother farewell, telling her, "God has been so good to you; release yourself when it is time." He added, "As the Reverend also mentioned during the service, I told her, ‘You have been taking care of me, but God will take care of me and others.’ We were only two biological children, but she raised nearly a dozen of her relatives’ children."

Describing his mother as a welcoming and generous individual, Oladokun recalled that her home was perpetually open to guests. "As a child, my mother warmly welcomed anyone I introduced to her as a friend, whether male or female, regardless of whether I was around or not," he shared. He further illustrated her generosity, saying, "My mother was so generous that, as a beer seller, she prepared grasscutter meat for her customers and never collected money from my friends for the meat."

Beyond her hospitality, Mrs. Oladokun made significant personal sacrifices for her son's education. "She sacrificed her social life for my education to the extent that whenever she was invited to social events, she would simply say, ‘I will join you later.’ I give glory to God because she eventually returned to her social life, and God sustained her until her last day," he recounted.

The APC chieftain also used the occasion to express his prayers for the swift release of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area. "Regarding the situation in the country and what we are experiencing in Oyo State, I believe God Almighty will intervene and grant freedom to everyone in captivity so they can reunite with their families in good health. Were it not for this unfortunate situation, many of my age mates would have attended this ceremony," he remarked.

The funeral service for the late Mrs. Oladokun, who held the title of Otun Iyalode of Ado-Awaye and passed away on February 7, 2026, at 101 years old, took place at Immanuel Baptist Church in Ado-Awaye. The ceremony saw the attendance of numerous dignitaries, family members, and community leaders.

Reverend Edward Alabi of Molete Baptist Church, Ibadan, delivered a tribute, commending the values instilled by the late matriarch in her son. "You may not know Mama intimately, but you know her child; that child reflects the image and values of the parent. Looking at the calibre of people present today, you can appreciate the investment Mama made in the life of her son, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Samson Iyiola Oladokun," Reverend Alabi stated. He added, "You can see the kind of personality he became, as well as the values reflected in his wife and children. This is a reflection of the life Mama lived during her 101 years."

The Reverend further highlighted her impact: "The whole town is agog. Everyone is sharing testimonies of the profound impact she had on the lives of people in Ado-Awaye and beyond, especially in the life of her son, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, who has remained a colossus in the legal profession." He traced Oladokun's career: "From the days of Bola Ige Chambers till today, his influence has continued to tower in the legal community. We thank God for that influence because many of his contemporaries are distinguished judges and Senior Advocates of Nigeria. The calibre of people present today reflects the legacy Mama left behind." Concluding his message, Reverend Alabi emphasized, "It is a challenge to all of us that what truly matters in life is not the wealth or material possessions we accumulate, but the legacy and the good name we leave behind."

Among the notable personalities present were Chief Alake Adeyemo, former Oyo State Deputy Governor and APC state Chairman; Chief Ayo Afolabi, APC South-West Publicity Secretary; Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, former Chief Justice of Nigeria; Dr. Wasiu Lam-Adesina, an APC governorship aspirant; the Alado of Ado-Awaye; Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, the Aseyin of Iseyin; and Hon. Niran Alarape, former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, alongside other distinguished guests.