On Thursday, May 8, 2025, kakalistiq.com reports that the tranquil neighborhood of Owolabi Giwa Street in Oke-Oyinbo, Epe, Lagos State, was filled with warmth, reverence, and solemn remembrance as family, friends, and dignitaries gathered for the Service of Songs in honor of Late Elder Mrs. Margaret Amuni: a woman remembered as “adorable, compassionate, philanthropic and charitable.”
The event, held at her residence, was more than a traditional farewell. It became a heartfelt celebration of a life that touched generations. The gathering attracted notable figures, including Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University; Architect Wasiu Anifowose, former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development; Professor Oke from LASU; retired TG/PS of Education District II, Mrs. Anike Adekanye; TG/PS of Education District IV, Prince Segun Oshinaike; and High Chief Muniru Badru Atepete.
Also in attendance were Sir Edward Adeneye, Professor Femi Adeogun, Mr. and Mrs. Jimi Ahisu, Badagry Local Government Council Manager Mrs. Asokere, Supervisor for Agriculture Hon. Taiwo Towolawi, and the Lay President of the Methodist Church, Badagry. Other dignitaries included Hon. Prince Bayo Apena, Engr. Olanrewaju Odejayi, Dr. Adefuye, and representatives from the Adefuye, Ahisu, and Amuni families, alongside ANCOPSS members from the Shomolu Zone.
Throughout the evening, tributes flowed with emotion and gratitude. Professor Fagbohun described Mrs. Amuni as a LASUITE who gave birth to many children who added value to the institution. “Mama was a comforter,” he said, recalling visits with her alongside her son, Barrister Olayinka Amuni, former Registrar of LASU. “All of us will miss Mama in different ways. Mama’s life is a lesson. What are you doing to contribute to the people around you? Whenever you leave, your deed will be discussed. Let’s be careful, death is inevitable,” he reflected.
Architect Wasiu Anifowose shared deeply personal memories, fondly referring to her as “my wife” within the Anifowose family, a term of endearment earned through decades of closeness. “She’s a dedicated mother to all and a woman of substance. Mrs Margaret and my wife are club members of the famous Elegant Women’s Club of Epe in the 80s,” he noted, underscoring her status as both social icon and unifier. He recounted her vibrant role during Eid celebrations, particularly her yearly preparation of the local delicacy ikokore. “She took over the dishing of ikokore yearly, but would be missed this year as Ileya approaches,” he said.
Barrister Olayinka Amuni, who joined the service via Zoom, offered moving words about his mother’s irreplaceable role as matriarch and spiritual guide. “Our mother is a mother like no other. She gave her all, including her life. She mediates and helps us resolve knotty issues. Whenever you call her, you’d leave smiling, and she was the epitome of unity among her children,” he said.
He further praised her fortitude and devotion to her family. “She was a good wife, she stood by our father, a kind unseen. May God strengthen us now, it’s a difficult time for us all,” he added.
Spiritual leaders also bore witness to her steadfast faith. Pastor Ishola Oluwabunmi of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Living Stone Parish, Epe, remembered her as a cornerstone of the church community. “Her dedication can be seen through her regular jottings and note-taking during church service. She supported the upliftment of our parish by helping to source funds for the procurement of Church instruments and also sold the idea of obtaining loans for other developmental needs and fulfilled her financial obligation,” he said.
Mrs. Kayode, speaking for the Ahisu family, praised her generosity. “Despite our status as a working-class, she would distribute cash envelopes to us whenever she visited,” she recalled.
The Adefuye family recognized her as a peacemaker within the complexities of Eko-Ijebu relations. “She taught us patience and resilience in marriage. A good example to us in the family, irrespective of our Eko or Ijebu background.”
To Mrs. Victoria Adepoju, Mrs. Amuni was more than an aunt: she was a guardian figure who stepped in after her brother’s death nearly four decades ago. “Since our father died 39 years ago, she has been taking good care of us and was a vital moral compass to us,” she said.
Mr. Tajudeen Adekoya summed up the collective sentiment simply and sincerely: “She’s a good woman.”
Mrs. Oluwayemi expressed how Mrs. Amuni stood by her with unwavering support, more than her biological mother, especially her guidance during prayer vigils. Another widow from Idimu shared how Mrs. Amuni regularly sent her food items each December after the loss of her husband, showing kindness that transcended bloodlines.
The Service of Songs did more than memorialize Elder Margaret Amuni: it unveiled the depth of her legacy. A woman who bridged religious divides in a predominantly Muslim community, she unified families and uplifted neighbors with quiet strength and constant grace. As the night drew to a close amid celebrations, it was clear that her life left more than memories: it planted seeds of love, unity, and resilience that will continue to bear fruit for generations.
