News From Nigeria
Preparations are in top gear as the family of First Republic politician, nationalist and pioneering journalist, Ernest Sissei Ikoli, gets set to bid farewell to a woman of profound moral scruples, stickler for hard work and excellence, Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
The burial activities, scheduled for November 27 – 30 in Lagos, are expected to attract traditional rulers, clergymen, business tycoons, top government functionaries, prominent lawyers, public affairs experts, diplomats and media professionals across the world.
Following the demise of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli on September 2, 2025 at the age of 93, the Ernest Sissei Ikoli Foundation released burial plans indicating that the burial ceremonies will take place between Friday, November 27, 2025 and Sunday, November, 30, 2025.
‘’The service of songs is scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at the Citadel, 274, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island by 5:00pm. The funeral service will be held at The Salvation Army Church, 11 Odunlami Street, Lagos on Friday, November 28. This will be followed by internment. The entertainment of guests will take place at The Hall Event Centre, 16 Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island while Thanksgiving Service will take place on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at The Salvation Army Church, Lagos Island’’
The Ernest Ikoli Foundation Statement said Elsie Ajayi Ikoyi was a woman liked by everybody because she had dignity and integrity.
‘’Mama Elsie Ajayi Ikoli was a mother to all, a church servant and a study in humility.
The woman of the altar, industry and unyielding grace was born beneath the golden skies of Kaduna on June 24, 1932″
The statement highlighted Mama Ayo’s intellect, resilience, wisdom and sobriety.
“Mama Ayo’s mind was a boundless library. She devoured books not for ornament, but for illumination — a habit that would later become the quiet engine of her wisdom”
The statement issued in Lagos by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Ernest Ikoli Foundation, Chief Anthony George- Ikoli (SAN), highlighted professionalism, apprenticeship in nation-building and her role as Executive Assistant to the First Editor of Daily Times, Publisher of African Messenger, President of the Nigerian Youth Movement, one of the founders of Action Group (AG) and representative of Lagos in the Legislative Council, Ernest Ikoli.
“Mama Ayo moved with quiet precision behind the scenes of history. While Ernest drafted editorials that stirred the conscience of a colony awakening to freedom, Mama Ayo kept the rhythm of his days — managing correspondence, organizing schedules, shielding one of the activists of Nigeria’s political history from distraction”
Well known as a tireless and cheerful woman who could be counted on, the statement said Elsie avoided the spotlight that focused on Ernest Sissei Ikoli through his long political career.
“In her presence, chaos yielded to order. In her silence, purpose found its voice. She did not seek the spotlight, but stood steadfast in its penumbra — a dutiful woman, an unseen architect of legacy, ensuring that the man who helped forge Nigeria’s voice never lost his own”
The statement recalled the period when the mantle of the sole provider fell upon her shoulders.
“Mama wore it not as a burden, but as a covenant. She became a staff member and major distributor for Abbott Pharmaceuticals during its pioneering years in Nigeria — a time when Similac and Isomil were not just products, but promises whispered into the cribs of a hopeful, growing nation. With grit and grace, she out-distributed her peers, not through force, but through faithfulness – waking before dawn, returning long after dusk, her arms laden not just with formula tins, but with the nourishment of futures. In her, Abbott did not merely find a distributor — they found a disciple of diligence, a woman who treated every delivery as a divine assignment”
Widely respected for her innumerable contributions to the development of individuals and groups in Nigeria and the world at large, the statement emphasized courage in adversity and how life exacted its cruel toll on Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
“The loss of two of her children carved a canyon in her soul — a grief so profound it could have extinguished her. But Mama Ayo did not retreat. She ascended. In the hallowed halls of the Salvation Army, Marina Corps, she entered into a sacred covenant with God — a vow of everlasting service. There, as Welfare Keeper of the Home League Unit, she washed altar linens until they gleamed like morning snow, believing that holiness resided not only in prayer, but in purity of preparation. She folded hope into every crease, ironed devotion into every hem. Her hands, which once balanced ledgers and stacked crates, now cradled communion cloths with the reverence of a priestess”.
The statement emphasized her role in the women’s ministries.
“Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli was a pillar in the Women’s and Mother’s Ministries, where her counsel was sought not for its volume, but for its virtue. And beyond the church walls, she poured her spirit into the Nembe Women Society (Lagos Branch) — gathering daughters of the Niger Delta in diaspora, weaving community from memory, stitching solidarity with stories. She did not merely lead — she mothered. She did not merely organize — she sanctified”.
Blessed with a rich and agile mind, the statement said Mama Ayo’s worldview was sculpted by sweat and scripture.
“Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli believed work was worship, excellence an echo of the divine, and failure not a full stop — but a comma in God’s longer sentence. Like the ant she so admired, she saw the cathedral in the crumb, the empire in the errand. She got up early, humming hymns to the rhythm of responsibility. She taught by presence: “Do it yourself, Do it well and Do it now.” Not as a command, but as a creed”.
The statement lavished praise on her for the quiet revolution.
“Her altar remains spotless. Her hands shape us. Her name — Elsie — “God’s Promise” — echoes in every life she lifted. Rest now, Mama. The Rock you carried has become the monument. The vision you served has become a victory. Well done, good and faithful servant”
Elsie Ajayi Ikoli will be remembered for her restlessness in terms of work and her persistence in excelling. She will also be remembered with respect.
Meanwhile, major organizations in Nigeria have expressed their condolences following the death of Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
Charis Microfinance Bank has described the death of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli as an irreparable loss.
‘’On behalf of the Management and Staff of Charis Microfinance Bank Limited, we wish to express our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved mother, Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli, who slept in the Lord on the 2nd of September, 2025. We share in your grief during this difficult time and pray that God grants you and the entire family the strength and comfort to bear the irreparable loss’’ the bank said in a statement on Monday morning.
The dynamic financial institution also extolled the qualities of Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli and relevance of Lagos lawyer, Anthony George-Ikoli, in the business community and political history of Nigeria.
‘’As our esteemed chairman, your leadership, wisdom and commitment have been instrumental in guiding the bank towards its vision of financial inclusion, sustainable growth and economic prosperity. The values of honesty, accountability and integrity that you embody are a true reflection of the strong foundation and nurturing influence of your late mother. Her legacy lives on through you and the many lives she touched’’.
The bank, according to the statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Obiora Unigwe and the Head, Products & Brand Management, Osasu Steve-Momoh, is deeply saddened by her death.
‘’At Charis Microfinance Bank, we consider ourselves a family, and in this moment of sorrow, we stand firmly with you in solidarity and prayer. While her physical presence will be greatly missed, we take solace in the knowledge that Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli lived a life of grace, faith and purpose, one that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy, and may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace’’
CAKASA (Nigeria) Company Limited also paid tribute to the memory of this role-model who stamped her footprints on the sands of time.
‘’On behalf of the Board, Management and the entire staff of CAKASA (Nigeria) Company Limited, I acknowledge the news of the transition to the glory of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli who slept peacefully in the Lord on 2nd September, 2025. What an irreplaceable loss’’ Cakasa (Nigeria) Company Limited said in a statement.
The statement by the Chairman of CAKASA, Christopher A. Alabi, described Elsie Ajayi Ikoli as a great mother.
‘’No doubt, the transition of our dearly beloved matriarch had left a great and indelible void in the hearts and minds of not just the immediate family but anyone who had had a rare occasion to meet her’’.
The engineering, procurement and construction company highlighted her virtue and nobility.
‘’The outpouring of grief and emotion over her transition is a clear affirmation of her personality as an embodiment of virtue and nobility. She showed love without expectation to all, cared for others without conditions and touched lives in innumerable and invaluable ways’’.
The statement advised Antony George-Ikoli and members of his family not to grieve.
‘’Mama Elsie Ajayi Ikoli was a rare gem. She personified selflessness, altruism and service to humanity. What a life well lived, a legacy superlatively delivered. She would be sorely missed, but we are not without hope. And so, it is well said that albeit ‘’ nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower’’. Let us grieve no more. But find hope and strength that whatever our worries and cares may justifiably be on account of her glorious transition. We must give them over to God for He cares for us. God’s care closes every void. His comfort soothes every pain and His love trumps every loss.
It also reminded Antony George-Ikoli of the roles played by Elsie Ajayi Ikoli in the Lord’s Vineyard.
‘’Thus, as we grieve the irreparable loss, we must take solace in the sublime truth that our sister, having died a worthy daughter of the Lord and servant in His Vineyard, the heavenly hosts are rejoicing to meet her behind the veil of immortality of course.
Similarly, WEMA Bank extended condolences to Anthony George-Ikoli on the passing of his dearly beloved mother.
‘’As a team, we are deeply saddened by this loss and understand how difficult it is to part with a loved one.
In a letter signed by Business Development Manager, Olaniyi Saheed and Zonal Manager, LM, Lucky Imoisilli, the bank expressed solidarity with the family during the period of mourning.
‘’Please accept our deepest sympathy and we pray that God grants you and your entire family the strength and comfort you need during this time and may her soul rest in peace’’.
In the same vein, Polaris Bank extended sympathies to the family of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
‘’It was with deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of your dear mother, Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli. On behalf of the Management and Staff of Polaris Bank, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time’’
The bank in a letter by its Relationship Manager, Nta Henshaw and Branch Manager, Cibuzo Ogbonna acknowledged Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s contributions to the growth of the family.
‘’We understand that the loss of a mother leaves a void that cannot be easily filled. May you find strength in the cherished memories you shared with her and may her legacy of love and guidance continue to comfort and inspire you. Please be assured of our thoughts and prayers as you go through this period of grief. We stand with you and wish you and your family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss’’.
The leaders of the Ijaw Nation expressed grief over the demise of Anthony George-Ikoli’s mother, Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
In a statement on Monday, the Ijaw leaders paid their deepest and heartfelt condolences, saying that the prayers of the Ijaw people are with Chief Anthony George-Ikoli and his family at this difficult time.
‘’Our prayers are with you and the entire bereaved family because of this irreparable loss. Though a painful exit of a good mother, God loves her more’’.
The statement by the Lagos State Chairman, Tonye Leonard Harry and State Secretary, Elayelagha Golden Ambakaderemo commiserated with Anthony George-Ikoli over the demise of his beloved mother, Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
‘’Please accept our heartfelt condolences and may you find comfort and strength during this difficult time’’
The statement by the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Lagos chapter urged Anthony George-Ikoli and his relatives to draw strength from the mother’s illuminating attributes of honesty, discipline, resilience and joyful spirit.
‘’Her sweet memories will forever be etched in our minds” the statement added.
Lagos residents also expressed profound sadness at the passing of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
A statement by the Alaka Executive Committee offered the deepest and most heartfelt condolences to famous lawyer, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli and his entire family.
‘’The loss of a mother is one of life’s most profound sorrows and we understand that no words can fully ease the pain you are experiencing’’.
The statement was signed by the Alaka Estate Chairman, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ugwu and the General Secretary, Mrs. Kemi Awe
‘’We stand with you in solidarity during this period of bereavement” the statement said.
‘’Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate through these challenging times. We pray that the Almighty God will grant your mum eternal rest and provide you and your family with the strength, comfort and solace needed to bear this irreplaceable loss’’.
Nothing exemplifies more about the ad-hoc system than the altercation that took place between the Minister of the Federal Capital, Nyesom Wike and Lieutenant A. M. Yerima a few days ago.
Some persons familiar with the theatrics of Wike may condemn his method but you can see that his heart is in the right place.
A lot of Nigerians suffered damage from ad-hoc military rule and the lack of respect for citizens and the rule of law. This military induced cognitive dissonance makes them accept military abuse as normal. This cognitive dissonance is the reason a lot of people are focusing on the wrong elements in the interaction of the duo.
What took place in Abuja is a microcosm of what Nigerians suffer daily from the hands of soldiers in Nigeria. Ad-hoc system leads to the breakdown of the rule of law and personalization of power.
The prick waving between the officer and Mr. Wike is the result of the imposed military ad-hoc culture. Instead of following the due process of law, it became a competition of who is more important. Instead of legal questions, the arguments become personal.
If Wike was not a minister, the officers would have assaulted him and locked him up in some military guardroom. This is the Nigerian reality. This is why that officer must be prosecuted for being in that place unlawfully.
If Wike was not a minister, the story would have been different and buried.
The years of military rule and their ad-hoc system of governance led to unprofessionalism of the Nigerian soldier and the total disregard for the rule of law.
The average Nigerian soldier seems to think he is above the law. They violate traffic regulations all the time and cause a lot of misery to citizens. They seem to think they have the legal right or duty to arrest civilians.
They should be made to understand that they are not superior citizens, and they are not above the law.
They must stop using their military positions to take laws into their own hands.
You may say the minister insulted the soldier. That is not the point. You may say the soldier was polite, that is also not the point. The question to ask is: why was the soldier there with other soldiers who were armed? Who gave the order for the officer to be there with other soldiers? Why did they go there armed? What was their rule of engagement? Was that the proper method to seek resolution in a dispute between two parties? Why was officer Yerima taking orders from a retired general? What does the uniform code of military justice say about this? Can retired soldiers command active-duty officers to carry out military exercises? Who was paying for the time that officer Yerima was using to do private security for his retired General?
The answer to these questions will tell us how unprofessional and lawless the Nigerian soldier is.
The reason the officer went to that site is to use intimidation to stop the workers from their legitimate duties. This is an illegal act that should have resulted in the arrest and prosecution of that officer.
He left his duty post under unlawful command to assault citizens engaged in their lawful duties.
Due to successive military governments in Nigeria, the average soldier thinks he has the right to arrest civilians. He thinks he is above the law. This is very wrong. They should be disabused of this notion.
They must subordinate themselves to civilian authority. The soldier is not a prosecutor, and he does not have the power to arrest any civilian.
Due to lack of knowledge, soldiers have been engaging in these activities. Some would arrest and detain civilians in military guard rooms which is illegal.
The general who sent officer Yerima does not think he is subject to the rule of law in a democratic society. That is why he decided to take the law into his own hands and intimidate the civilians involved.
We should review the unified code of military justice and see if a retired officer has the right to give order to a serving officer. If the answer is no, then Officer Yerima should be prosecuted for abusing his position.
He carried out an unlawful order from an officer who is no longer in service. He does not have the authority to interfere or interrogate any civilian in their place of work.
We as a nation must condemn what has happened and use this as a teaching moment.
The army must subordinate themselves to civilian authority. They work for us.
While I may be uncomfortable with Wike’ s theatrics, he should never apologize to Yerima. Yerima was there unlawfully and also in breach of military protocol. He should be arrested and prosecuted.
This will serve as a deterrent to soldiers who think their uniform is an emblem to intimidate and harass Nigerian citizens.
DR AUSTIN ORETTE WRITES FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS