St. Paul's Church, Breadfruit during the Memorial
EKO HOT BLOG on 21st May 2023, the Anglican Communion held a solemn memorial service at Saint Paul’s Church Breadfruit to pay tribute to the late Chief Mrs. Victoria Abayomi Oluyemisi Odofin-Ogunmefun, a remarkable individual who passed away on March 29, 2022. Regarded as a titan by those closest to her, the service celebrated her life and legacy.
The memorial service was attended by Reverend Stephen A. Okenile, the Curate of the ceremony, as well as visiting priests Reverend Canon Johnson B. Olajana and the Ven. Ayodeji O. Bamikiya.
Prominent figures within the Anglican community, including Venerable Julius Oyetunde Oyediran, the Vicar and Archdeacon of Lagos, and the Rt. Reverend Dr. James Olusola Odedeji, the supervising Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos, were also present to pay their respects.
The atmosphere of the service was set by a choir led by Mr. Lekan Abiodu, who served as the organist and choir master for the memorial. They opened the ceremony with a poignant hymn that reverberated through the church, evoking a sense of reverence and reflection.
A reading from the Bible, specifically 1st Thessalonians Chapter 4, verses 13-18, served as a reminder to the congregation and the family of Chief Mrs. Victoria Abayomi Oluyemisi Odofin-Ogunmefun to find comfort in the passing of a loved one, rather than being consumed by continuous mourning for those who have transitioned to the afterlife. The poignant words offered solace and a sense of hope.
Throughout the service, the choir led the congregation in hymns that uplifted spirits and allowed for introspection. A heartfelt bidding prayer was offered for the Ogunmefun family, calling upon divine strength and support during this difficult time.
Late Chief Mrs. Victoria Abayomi Oluyemisi Odofin-Ogunmefun fought a lengthy battle with cancer, enduring over a decade of struggle. Born on February 24, 1958, in Lagos, she was the daughter of the late Chief Victor Oluwole Odofin-Belo and the late Reverend Olufunke Adenike Onabanjo, who passed away in 2016 and 2020, respectively.
The Family of the Late Chief Mrs. Victoria Abayomi Olayemisi Odofin-Ogunmefun
Chief Mrs. Victoria Abayomi Oluyemisi Odofin-Ogunmefun obtained a Law degree from the University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University), graduating with a Second Class Upper Division in 1980. She received accolades as the best female graduate and the best student in Company Law.
Following her studies, she completed a one-year course at the Nigerian Law School, joining the Supreme Court of Nigeria in July 1981 as a barrister and solicitor.
After completing her youth service as State Counsel for the Cross River State Ministry of Justice in Calabar, she secured a position in the Federal Attorney-General’s office as a federal counsel in Lagos, serving as an assistant Legal Adviser. She then worked in various legal positions between 1983 and 1986, including as a legal officer for the International Bank for West Africa, Nigeria Limited, and later for the Great Nigeria Insurance Company in Lagos, where she held senior positions, contributing to the development of their legal department.
The Curate
In 1991, Chief Mrs. Victoria Abayomi Oluyemisi Odofin-Ogunmefun relocated to the United States. She spent ten years serving as a senior case worker with the New Jersey State Department of Children and Families, making a significant impact on the lives of many.
Chief Mrs. Victoria Abayomi Oluyemisi Odofin-Ogunmefun is survived by her husband, Chief Aderemi Ogunmefun, and three children. She also left behind a brother, four sisters, and her Aunt Mrs. Ebun Lawanson (nee Odofin), creating a loving and supportive extended family.
Tributes poured in for the late Mrs. Ogunmefun, honouring her as a devout Christian with an unwavering faith. She was known for her jovial nature, warm welcome, and endless kindness.
Late Chief Mrs. Victoria Abayomi Olayemisi Odofin-Ogunmefun
The Reception
Fond memories were shared by her former classmates from Molusi College, who remembered her thoughtfulness and dedication, particularly in composing heartfelt birthday messages to be the first to wish them well.
As the memorial service concluded, the congregation prayed for the eternal repose of Chief Mrs. Victoria Abayomi Oluyemisi Odofin-Ogunmefun’s soul, wishing her continued peace in the afterlife.
Her remarkable life and the impact she made will be cherished and remembered by all those whose lives she touched.
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