TRIBUTE: Mrs Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka: Goodnight Dear Sister!!

April 29, 2013

As I woke up to the reality and finality that our elegant stallion has exchanged earthly existence for eternal dwelling in God’s presence, it dawned on me that God had the final say. To Him be all the glory for a beautiful, purposeful and exemplary life!

I began to ponder on this woman of strength and verve. A lot of words came to mind; beauty, elegance, forthrightness, hardwork, honesty, punctuality, panache, dashing style, comportment, brilliance, intelligence, commitment, determination, strength, purpose, generosity, loyalty, articulation, charisma, and God fearing. There are not enough words to describe the ‘Moremi’ of our time. As Professor Mobolaji Aluko put it, “she was a class act”.

She was a Deputy Governor who understood her role and played it perfectly. She is a role model per excellence! She was always impeccably turned out in appropriate attires and she spoke fluent and impeccable English. She made us proud any day. She is a woman who knew how to balance humility without incurring humiliation. She gave service without appearing like a servant. She was a woman of grace, beauty, elegance and style.

She understood the Ekiti agenda of her shared mandate with our Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi and she played her role as scripted. She knew how to be his deputy without impeding his style. They were perfect for each other. I never saw her disagree with her Principal in private or public. She complimented him appropriately. She was excellent. She knew how to mobilize support for every good cause lining behind her boss. She kept his confidence, she was never flippant by any stretch of imagination. She never walked ahead of him even in a casual stroll. Perfect decorum was her middle name.

Mrs FUNMILAYO ADUNNI OLAYINKA was a lesson in the ideal way to serve as a deputy governor. Some of her virtues were: punctuality – she never goes late to any event or meeting. Hardwork- she puts in 120% such that she never suffers fools gladly. Discipline – she comports herself with the grace befitting a lady. Detailed – her attention to details meant she never went to a meeting unprepared; she combs through every inch of the STB – state tenders board documents. Archiver – she follows through on every assignment. She plays like a man and wins like a lady. She is not a woman given to making excuses or frivolities. She never says she can’t but how she can. No wonder she fought valiantly to the end. Courageous and brave, she held on till her last breath.

She was a great woman of faith. When I remember her, the scripture that comes to mind is: 2 Timothy 4: 7-8 , ” I have fought the good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing”.

So long, farewell, safe journey and goodnight till we meet to part no more at the feet of our Lord and Saviour – Jesus the Christ.

Dr. Eniola Ajayi
Honorable Commissioner for Environment, Ekiti State.

 

Last modified: April 29, 2013

One Response to " TRIBUTE: Mrs Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka: Goodnight Dear Sister!! "

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