Tribute To Madam Dupe Majekodunmi

 

 

I have known “Mama Nike” all my life but there was a long break when she left for England at a very tender age. My recollection is that it was my father, Chief J.K. Randle who doted on her that accompanied her to her new school and foster parents in a strange environment. That she coped exceptionally well is a testimony to her resilience and strength of character.

In a sense, she grew up to become a proper English lady – a far cry from our common origin at 22, Ricca Street, Okepopo, Lagos. Her sister Teju was four years younger and their brother Adeyinka was also four years younger than Teju while I was seven years younger than “Mama Nike”.

My recollection is that she got married to her heartthrob Mr. Sekoni, a lawyer in London and between them they had three children Nike; Dupe and Toun before returning to Lagos.

Read Also: Nigerian Army Gives Fresh Update On Recruitment Exercise

They lived at Cemetery Street, Ebute Metta. In between, I had left for London and on my return in 1969 she was a well known name as a broadcaster in addition to being a senior officer at the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank [NIDB] now known as the Bank of Industry [BOI], where she had established an enviable reputation for integrity and professionalism. She had become a single mother with the huge task of looking after three children.

Over the years I interacted with her extensively mostly about family matters. I found her counsel invaluable and I always accorded her the highest respect even though I did not always share her point of view. She was very much involved in the affairs of the Estates of her late mother (my aunt) Mrs. Abigail Majekodunmi; her late father, Chief Adebiyi Majekodunmi; late Madam Maria Jose (our grandmother) and our late grandfather Dr. J.K. Randle.

Last year, we met thrice in London and again on 17th December 2021 in Lagos at my father’s 65th Anniversary Thanksgiving. She had only just returned from London. For her to pass on a week thereafter is a huge shock especially as she was in good spirits – singing, dancing and enjoying herself enormously.

It is indeed a matter of deep regret that 2021 extorted from us the loss of two sisters – Madam Teju Jokosenumi and Madam Dupe Sekoni (both of them nee Majekodinmi).

Mama Nike was feisty, combative and indefatigable until the very end.

What was most remarkable about her was that she bagged her master’s degree at the age of seventy years.

Also, in her own special way she was a devout member of the Methodist Church but was always mindful that she had roots in Egbaland and Isanlu in addition to Lagos.

May the Almighty grant Nike, Dupe, Toun and Tunji the fortitude to bear the painful loss of their beloved mother and my cousin.

Bashorun J.K. Randle, OFR, FCA

Click Here To Watch Our Video: