‘The Real Tabitha’ How Mr Eazi’s mum touched lives before her death

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

“Live your life in such a way that you’ll be remembered for your kindness, compassion, fairness, character, benevolence, and a force for good who had much respect for life, in general.”
This famous quote by Germany Kent embodies the life and legacy of Pastor Mrs Ifeoma Edith Ajibade.

Wednesday evening was an emotional on as friends, family, and well-wishers gathered on Wednesday, April 9, to honour the life of Ajibade, mother of Nigerian singer Mr Eazi. The late matriarch was remembered not for her fame, but for her strong faith in God, and benevolent acts that has changed lives.

Among the guests at the event were Temi Otedola, Mr Eazi’s partner, and other members of the Ajibade and Otedola families. They were joined by community members and beneficiaries of the late Ifeoma’s generous heart.

At just 61, her death left a void and indelible mark in the lives of those that have benefited from her selfless acts, wise counsels and motherly role not just to her children alone but to many who crossed her paths. Truly, sweet is the memory of the righteous.

In a tribute by her eldest daughter, Dr. Yemisi Ajibade, who gave  who described her mother as the true definition of love.

“She lived for love—not ordinary love, but the God-kind of love,” Yemisi began. She recalled growing up in a home filled with food, not for luxury, but to feed strangers, neighbors, and the hungry.

“She’d buy bags of rice, beans, and garri not for parties, but for people we didn’t even know. Our house was Tabitha’s House,” Yemisi said, referencing the biblical Dorcas. “She taught us to measure food for the needy without needing permission.”

Inspired by her mother’s lifestyle, Yemisi later founded “Tabitha’s House”, a ministry to help the vulnerable. “But I didn’t know I had always lived with the real Tabitha which is my mother.

“She practiced Christianity, not as a religion, but as a lifestyle,” Yemisi emphasized. “She believed everyone had a divine purpose, and she would remind you every day: ‘You are made for more,” she said.

Ajibade‘s second son, Oluwatobi Ajibade, described her as a relentless encourager. “I was the stubborn one,” he said. “But no matter how far I strayed, she would find me, pray for me, fight for me. She was my lawyer, my advocate.”

He added that her understanding and non-judgmental nature helped him believe in himself again. “Even when I gave up on myself, she never did.”

Beyond her children, the testimonies revealed how far-reaching her kindness was.

David Isaac, a boy picked up from the street, shared how Ajibade changed his story. “She paid for my WAEC, my GCE, and even my university acceptance fee. Today, I am an engineer and a photographer because of her,” he said, fighting back tears.

Her neighbour, Mrs. Modupe Jackson, also paid tribute. After losing hope of furthering her education, it was Mrs. Ajibade who supported her until she graduated with a degree. “She restored my dream,” she said.

The service was filled with hymns. Some of the worship songs she loved was beautifully rendered by Ethan Otedola.