By Veritas News Desk | May 4, 2026
Families, friends, colleagues, and community members gathered in Ilorin over the weekend to pay their last respects to the late Mrs Esther Asipade, who was buried on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, 2026, at her residence on Taifarounbi Street, Off Awolowo Road, Aderoju, Tanke, Ilorin.
The two-day burial ceremony drew a large crowd of mourners from Ifelodun Local Government Area and across Kwara State, reflecting the wide influence and deep affection the late matriarch commanded in her lifetime.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LGA, Alhaji Femi Yusuf, and former Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Abdufatai Ahmed, popularly known as Maigida, Hon Theophilus Apere, Amb Anjorin Babatunde [Former Ekiti LGA Chairman Aspirant] .Also present were traditional leaders, religious clerics, political associates, women groups, and community development unions who came to honour a woman many described as a pillar in her community.
The atmosphere at Taifarounbi Street was solemn yet celebratory, as speaker after speaker recounted the peaceful, respectful, and loving nature of Mrs Asipade. Testimonies from associates and family members painted a portrait of a mother whose life was defined by service, humility, and compassion.
“Mama Esther was a mother to all,” said one family friend during the wake. “She settled disputes quietly, fed those who had nothing, and taught her children to respect every person, regardless of status. Her door was never closed to anyone in need.”
Colleagues from her working years recalled her discipline and integrity. Community leaders in Tanke and Ifelodun highlighted her contributions to local initiatives, particularly those supporting women, children, and the vulnerable. Several women’s groups noted that she often provided counsel and financial support to young mothers and widows, without seeking public recognition.
Religious leaders who officiated at the burial rites described her as a devout woman who lived her faith through action. Prayers were offered for the repose of her soul and for strength for the family she left behind.
The burial proceedings, which began on Friday with a service of songs and tributes, culminated on Saturday with interment at a reserved corner of her residence. The decision to lay her to rest within the family compound, sources said, was in line with her wishes and a reflection of how central she was to the home she built.
As the final prayers were said, emotions ran high. Sons, daughters, and grandchildren of the deceased, many of whom travelled from within and outside Kwara State, continued to mourn the passage of a matriarch they called the glue of the family.
“She was our strength, our adviser, and our peace,” said one of her children, fighting back tears. “It is hard to imagine home without her voice, but we are comforted by the lives she touched and the legacy she left.”
The Executive Chairman of Ifelodun, Alh Femi Yusuf, in his condolence remarks, described Mrs Asipade as “a mother whose values helped shape responsible citizens.” He urged the family to uphold her legacy of unity and community service.
Former Governor Abdufatai Ahmed also paid tribute, noting that Kwara had lost “a quiet builder of society.” He said the large turnout was evidence that “a good name, not wealth or office, is what truly gathers people.”
Community members who spoke to our correspondent after the burial said Tanke and the wider Ifelodun area would feel her absence. Yet, they agreed that the testimonies shared during the remorseful gathering were proof that Mrs Esther Asipade lived an impactful life worthy of emulation.
She is survived by children, grandchildren, and a host of relatives, mentees, and beneficiaries of her kindness.
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