Babatunji Wusu –
The mother of Odunayo Adekuoroye, the only wrestler from Nigeria who is now qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Mrs. Omotola Janet Adekuoroye, has been laid to rest in Akure, Ondo State.
She was buried in accordance with Christian burial rights, according to a statement made public by Tony Nezianya, PRO of NOC. The Prophetic Church of Nigeria, Mount Beulah Zone Church (PCN) hosted a funeral ceremony prior to her burial.
On October 17, 2023, Mrs. Adekuoroye, 71, passed away. She was buried on December 9 of the same year.
There were accounts of the deceased’s modest demeanor. She had lived well in a number of cities before returning to Akure, Ondo State, including Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, Calabar, Cross Rivers, Enugu, Enugu State, Oturkpo, Benue, and Lagos, where her husband, Most Superintendent General Joshua Akinsanmi Adekuoroye, Minister in Charge, had served in the Nigerian Police Force.
Throughout her life, she was an active sportswoman, so it’s not surprising that one of her well-known daughters, Odunayo, followed in her footsteps and became a famous wrestler who won gold medals at the World Championships, the African Games, and the Commonwealth Games seven times.
Distinguished individuals in attendance at the funeral included Daniel Igali, President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, represented by Mohammed H. Maigidansanma, Secretary-General of the Wrestling Federation, and Engr Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), in the person of Tony Nezianya, PRO of the NOC.
Members of the Prophetic Church of Nigeria as well as representatives from the state wrestling association, led by Mr. Stephen Ogundibie, and the Ondo State Commission, chaired by Otunba Dele Ologen, were also present.
Eulogies were offered in Mrs. Omotola Janet Adekuoroye’s honor during the church service, praising her commitment to her family, her function as her husband’s rock, and her encouragement of her daughter’s wrestling career.
The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel, paid tribute to Mrs. Adekuoroye and acknowledged her commitment to Nigerian sports with words of grief. He underlined that athletes around the nation would still be motivated by her legacy.
The Nigeria Wrestling Federation President, Daniel Igali, also honored Mrs. Adekuoroye and praised her influence on her daughter’s prosperous wrestling career. He gave the family the assurance that Odunayo Adekuoroye will have the Federation’s unwavering support as she gets ready for the Olympics in Paris.
Prayers and hymns were sung for Mrs. Adekuoroye’s eternal rest during her somber interment. At her cemetery, family ones and friends gathered to pay their last respects and say goodbye to a cherished mother, wife, and sports fan.
Mrs. Omotola Janet Adekuoroye’s departure is deeply felt by her family as well as the Nigerian wrestling community. Her impact and encouragement will never fade, and her legacy will serve as an inspiration to the nation’s future athletes.
Her spouse and five children—two males and three women, including wrestler Odunayo—survive the late Mrs. Adekuoroye.
