Olori Anthonia Aduke Falabi JP is a legendary woman who was born on the 6th of June, 1944 and died on the 21st of August, 2021, and was buried on the 22nd of September, 2021. She was a legend who saved her generation and the ones to come.
Olori(Queen) Anthonia Falabi was born and nurtured by her parents, Pa and Madam Oladoyin Ibrahim Sangotade Ajala. Her father was a cocoa farmer and her mother was known as Iya Eleko because she sold ‘Eko’ (solid pap). As a growing child with good characters, she always helped her mother in hawking Eko and helped her father in the cocoa plantation. Aside being an hardworking person, she was also an athletic person. She served God as a prefect among the young ones that coordinated the cleaning of the church and its environs.
Madam Anthonia after her secondary school gained admission into St. Agnes Teachers Training College, Maryland-Ikeja, Lagos. In 1967, she got married to Prince Olatunde Falabi, whose father was a King of Ikire; who later became King Oba Olatunde Falabi, Lanbeloye III, Akire of Ikireland. After the successful completion of her grade two teacher’s training college, she was registered and certified as a professional teacher at St Gabriel’s Modern School, Mokola Ibadan. She was transferred to many schools in Ibadan before she finally followed her husband to Lagos on his appointment at R.T Briscoe Motors. There, she continued her teaching in St. Mary convent school and later got transferred to St. Peter Anglican Primary School, where she voluntarily retired as the head teacher on September 1, 1982. After she retired, she became a farmer, managing Oba Falabi's poultry farms, as he became an ex-official member of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, under the leadership of Rtd. Olusegun Obasanjo as the president of the association.
Oba Olatunde Falabi made some testimonies about his Queen. He said “My Olori Anthonia Aduke Falabi was a strong and supportive woman. I could remember that she was the first to be attacked spiritually when the race to the race started, on the sixth year on the throne. I was also directly attacked, and fortunately for me, I had my wife who made it possible for me to recover and stand strong. Memories of her, made the news of her demise even harder for me to bear. She parted her way when the siege was over."
On the 22nd of August 2021, Olori Aduke Anthonia Falabi JP was buried and the thanksgiving service was held on the 1st of October, 2021 at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ikire Provincial Headquarters, Behind Ikire High Court, Ikire, Osun State. Lots of royalties as well as other dignitaries where in attendance.
One of the children, Pastor Jide Falabi expressed his happiness. He said "Mama lived a meaningful life and there is no regret about her, the family and children she raised and the other people’s life she impacted in the society". He also added that one of Olori’s achievement is that she served God well and so she is definitely resting in the Lord's bossom. Pastor Jide Falabi expressed his appreciation to all members of the family and friends that have been of support in one way or the other. He prayed that God grants everyone good life ahead.
Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, Pastor (Olori) Anthonia Falabi JP, born in 1944, and passed away on August 21, 2021. We will remember her forever.
Family Tributes
Oluwanifemi Falabi
Olori ANTHONIA ADUKE FALABI JP (Grandma)
We can shed tears that she is gone or we can smile because she has lived, and I join everyone on Earth to celebrate her good works here. Thanks for making me understand I'm a Queen and there is a certain way Queens behave.
Foluke Okanlawon
From Opeyemi Adesokan:
May your soul Rest In Peace and I will see you again one day.
“Grandma passed away”
The three words felt like dagger to the chest, knowing that you are gone. But I know you will never be forgotten. I know for a fact that I will never forget you and how much... read more
Olawumi Fagboyegun
Olori was a force to be reckoned with. From my childhood memories, I remembered her to be a disciplinarian, she would scold you when you don't behave or dress well to church, she would advise and put you in the right way to go. I asked my mum what she had to say about olori, she said mama loved so well, a lover of God, and would always come to your rescue when ever you needed her help.
May all your accomplishments and works of your hands never be forgotten.
We pray that God grants the family left behind grace to bear the irreparable loss. Rest on her Royal Highness Olori Akire of Ikire land. May you continue to rest in the bossom of our Lord.
Olawumi