Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Alhaja Princess Rafatu Ademinure Awofisayo (Nee Ademiluyi)

The children of Alhaja Princess Rafatu Ademinure Awofisayo joyfully celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of their beloved mother, who peacefully passed on at the remarkable age of 102. Her final funeral rites are scheduled for Saturday, 11 April 2026, in Ile-Ife. Born into royalty, Alhaja Rafatu Ademinure Awofisayo was a distinguished daughter of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ademiluyi Ajagun Lawarikan I, the Ooni of Ife, of the Otutu Royal Compound, Lafogido Ruling House, Ile-Ife, and Olori Elizabeth Odunlade Ige Ademiluyi (née Olagbaju) of Baba Igbimo Compound, Olopo, Ile-Ife. Her early educational journey began at the Salvation Army Elementary School, Ile-Ife, in 1929. Following the transition of her father in 1930, she continued her studies at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church Elementary School, Aiyegbaju, Olopo, Ile-Ife. During her formative years, she was nurtured in the values of diligence and enterprise under the guidance of her mother, engaging in trade involving mats, kolanuts, and palm oil—skills she carried into adulthood with admirable commitment. In 1942, she married her beloved husband, the late Alhaji Jimoh Elutide Awofisayo, a respected farmer and cocoa merchant from Akeru’s Compound, Ilode, Ile-Ife. On her wedding day, she embraced Islam, adopting the name Rafatu in place of her baptismal name, Janet—a decision that marked the beginning of a deeply devoted spiritual journey. A woman of profound faith and unwavering devotion, Alhaja Rafatu Awofisayo performed the holy pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca and Medina alongside her husband in 1985 and again in 1990. Her steadfast commitment to Islam earned her widespread recognition from faith-based organizations both within Nigeria and internationally. Her contributions to the Muslim community were further acknowledged through several prestigious Islamic chieftaincy titles, including: Iyasuna, Ita Agbon Mosque, Ife Land Iyalaje Adeen of Ife Agbesinga Adeen of Ife Ajinawo Adeen of Ife Otun Iya Adeen of Ife Igba Keji Iya Adeen of Ife Iya Adeen of Ife She also held the distinguished traditional title of Iyale Akeru Oriyangi, Ilode, Ile-Ife. Until her passing, she served as the Matron of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Ife Central Mosque, where she remained a pillar of wisdom, guidance, and service. Alhaja Rafatu Awofisayo was widely travelled, visiting her children and grandchildren across Europe and the Americas. She was deeply cherished for her wisdom, generosity, grace, and enduring strength of character. She is survived by her children—Prince Felix Awofisayo, Prince Albert Awofisayo, Mrs. Silifat Gbemisola Hamed-Adekale, Prince Martins Awofisayo, Evang. Idowu Mako, and Mrs. Sherifat Raheem—alongside numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and an extended family who continue to uphold her legacy. Her life was a shining testament to faith, resilience, service, and love—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.