It was a solemn yet celebratory atmosphere at the Apostolic Faith Mission, Ibala, Ilesa, as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to honor the memory of Madam Grace Abeni Dada, mother of UK-based accountant, Prince Sunday Adeniyi.
Mama Grace Abeni Dada, who passed away on July 5, 2025, at the age of 83, was buried on Friday September 26, 2025 amidst tributes that reflected a life of humility, love, and service to God and humanity.
Pastor Michael Adeniyi, the first son of the family, described his late mother as a woman of unshakable faith whose life was built on prayer and service. He noted that her decision to follow Christ, despite the cost, laid the foundation for the family’s spiritual growth.“Mummy was more than a mother; she was a prophetess in her own right. Her prayers were like walls of fire around us. She taught us to love God, to serve Him faithfully, and to hold on to righteousness, no matter the challenges. Her life was her sermon, and her humility was her crown,” he said.
He further recalled how his mother combined discipline with love, raising her children in the fear of the Lord while also showing compassion to neighbors, church members, and strangers alike. “She was firm when necessary, but gentle at heart. She made sacrifices we may never fully repay. Even in her last days, she was still praying for us, still reminding us to stay rooted in Christ. That is the heritage she has left us,” Pastor Michael added.
One of her children, Prince Sunday Adeniyi, described his late mother as “the truest embodiment of her name—Grace in every sense.”
He recalled her bold decision to follow Christ from a devout Islamic background, a choice that reshaped not only her destiny but also the path of her entire lineage.
“Mummy didn’t just raise children—she raised destinies. Her home was a refuge, her heart a sanctuary, and her prayers a covering. Even in her final moments, gratitude never left her lips—her last song was, ‘O Lord, I am very grateful.’ She left us no riches, but far greater treasures: a godly legacy, a good name, and an example worth emulating,” he said.
Funke Omoragbon remembered her as a guiding star, shelter, gist partner, and everything to her. She said being by her side in her final moments was both the most painful and most precious gift. “Holding your hands, whispering words of love, and watching your peaceful smile as you sang your way home to Jesus are memories I will cherish forever,” she noted.
Esther Adeshina described Mama Abeni Dada as a woman of love, strength, and faith whose prayers were a shield for her children and grandchildren. “Though my heart is heavy, I am comforted knowing you are in the loving embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ, free from pain, and I rejoice knowing you held to His promises till the end,” she said.
Kemi Shina-Olaoye said her late mother was her strength, best friend, counsellor, and greatest supporter. “Your love was limitless, your words were healing, and your arms were always open to comfort. You showed me how to be strong, selfless, faithful, and kind. I will miss your voice, your laughter, your prayers, and the way you always knew what to say when life felt too heavy,” she added.
Alaba Adeyemi said “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Madam Grace Abeni Dada (Mama Sunday) who was like a mother to me from childhood. She was a true prayer warrior and a woman of great faith, whose kindness and devotion touched everyone around her. Her legacy of love, prayer, and service will never be forgotten. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may God comfort the entire family during this time of loss.”
BIOGRAPHY OF MADAM GRACE ABENI DADA
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” – Psalm 116:15
Madam Grace Abeni Dada was born on June 6, 1942, into the illustrious Akorede family in Okesa, Ilesa. Her father, Imam Abdullahi Akorede Onikepe, was the first Chief Imam of Ilesa, a man deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship and tradition. Her mother, Madam Jolaade Akorede (née Aponlese), was the daughter of Oba Owa Aponlese, adding royal heritage to her lineage.
Among the many children born to Imam Abdullahi Akorede, Madam Grace was the last child and last daughter, fondly called Abe-be-ni—“the one who is cherished.”
Raised in the Islamic faith, her early life was marked by discipline and devotion, but God had ordained a greater spiritual calling.
In the 1970s, she encountered the Apostolic Faith Mission, Ilesa, where she surrendered her life to Christ, receiving salvation, sanctification, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Her conversion was not without cost, as being the daughter of a revered Islamic cleric made her decision a threat to her safety. But with unwavering conviction, she embraced her Christian journey and took the name Grace, which became the essence of her walk with God.
As a committed member of the Apostolic Faith, she joined the choir and actively contributed to the building of the church auditorium.
Her transformation became a beacon of light within her family, leading many loved ones to the same faith she so boldly embraced.
Her life was a living epistle, embodying Matthew 25:37-40. She fed the hungry, clothed the needy, and welcomed strangers. Many regarded her as a spiritual mother, intercessor, and counsellor. She raised her children in the gospel, but her influence extended beyond her household to many who found in her a pillar of faith.
On July 5, 2025, with her children by her side, she peacefully transitioned into the eternal rest of her Savior, her last song being: “O Lord, I am very grateful, for all You have done for me. Thank You, Jesus.”
She is survived by her children—Pastor Michael Adeniyi, Prince Sunday Adeniyi, Mrs. Grace Olubunmi Oloyede, Mrs. Victoria Olubunmi Adeyemi, Mrs. Florence Olutoyin Oke, Mrs. Janet Olufunke Oloyede, Mrs. Deborah Abiola Oni, Mrs. Dorcas Adepeju Olowolafe, and Mrs. Julianah Oluwafunmilayo Omojola—along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many spiritual children.
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