Oluwatoyin Anike (nee Osibodu) Odesanya

A Woman of Faith, Grace, Strength, and Love

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Oluwatoyin Odesanya, a beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend. She touched the lives of many with her unwavering faith, boundless love, compassionate spirit, and generosity; leaving behind a beautiful legacy that will forever resonate and live on in our hearts and beyond those who were fortunate to know her.

Born in 1958 to JFK and Esther Idowu Osibodu. She was the 3rd of her mother’s 6 children and grew up in a big household of 36 total children. She attended Ebenezer Primary School in Oke-Ado Ibadan, Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode, Secretarial School in Ibadan, and Federal Technical College Akoka, Lagos – graduating in 1983.

As a devoted wife of 42 years, Toyin met her husband, Michael Idowu Odesanya, whom she fondly called “Dee”, following her Secretariat School while working in Abeokuta, Ogun State. They shared a profound and enduring love. Their relationship, built on the firm foundation of Christ, was a testament to the power of commitment, understanding, and unwavering support. Together, they faced life's challenges with resilience and embraced its joys with unbridled enthusiasm.

Toyin was a loving mother who poured her heart and soul into her children. She embraced her role gallantly as the matriarch of the Odesanya family with unyielding dedication, grit, and grace. She worked tirelessly to ensure that her children were nurtured and had the best opportunities to excel and thrive. She instilled many values – faith, generosity, gratitude, style, compassion, conviction, and strong work ethic. Her unwavering support and guidance provided a strong foundation for her children to flourish and carry on her legacy of striving for excellence and exceptionalism.

One of the greatest joys in Toyin’s life was being a grandmother. Fondly known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, she treasured every precious moment with them, and created lasting memories filled consistently with many gifts, but mostly love, joy, and laughter. Her love, warmth and endearing nature enveloped her grandchildren. She left an indelible imprint on their hearts and will forever hold a special place in their lives.

Beyond her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother, Toyin was a devoted sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend. Her love and fellowship were well beyond her immediate family. She was the eminent expression of compassionate heart and generous spirit, and she embraced all those fortunate enough to know her with care, companionship, and goodwill. She selflessly gave of herself, provided unwavering financial support to many, listened and counselled earnestly, and passionately celebrated life’s best moments with family and friends.

Oluwatoyin was a brilliant businesswoman. She was a visionary highly dynamic serial entrepreneur. She was unafraid to fail and over her lifespan, she built multiple successful enterprises – most recently an international wholesaler before her passing.

Toyin’s radiant soul was nurtured in a Christian household, where she developed a deep-rooted faith that would guide her throughout her life's journey. Her love for God was the cornerstone of her existence, and it manifested in every aspect of her life. A prayerful woman, Toyin unapologetically loved God and her deeply rooted faith was a driving force behind her bigheartedness for others.

As we bid farewell, let us not be sorrowful – let us celebrate Oluwatoyin Anike Esther Odesanya’s life like she’d want us to – remembering her immeasurable impact and the seeds she has sown that will blossom and live on forever.

Let us honor her memory by embracing the values she held dear and continue her legacy.

Mrs. Toyin Odesanya was preceded in death by her parents – JFK and Esther Idowu Osibodu, her brother – Olumuyiwa Osibodu, sister – Bimpe Ojerinola, and brother – Lamiju Osibodu. She is survived by her husband, Michael Idowu Odesanya, children – Oluwatosin, Ayodeji, Morenike [Akande], and Mololuwa Odesanya, her adopted first-daughter – Motayo Orekoya Gbadebo, her daughter-in-law – Lauret Odesanya, grandchildren – Izabella Akande, Morayooluwa and Oluwademilade Odesanya, and her brothers – Oladele Osibodu and Benjamin Babalola Osibodu, and loved dearly by the extended Odesanya, Osibodu, Ojerinola, Orekoya, and Atsegbua families.

Nana, you will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

May your soul rest in Eternal Perfect Peace.