Veteran journalist, Olu Akerele, loses mother

Prominent community leader and woman activist in Osun State, Victoria Ademidun Aarinola Ibironke, has died, her son, Olu Akerele, has said.

She was 96.

Mrs. Ademidun passed on April 8, 2016 at the Wesley Guild General Hospital, Ilesha, after a brief illness.

The deceased was well-known in her K29 Ogbon Idio Street, Ilesha neighbourhood for her philanthropy and care of the underprivileged.

A devout Christian, she was known for always giving a helping hand to neighbourhood kids to ensure they didn’t drop out of school for lack of fees.

The late Ademidun Ibironke was the mother of Olu Akerele, a veteran journalist and media consultant.

Mr. Akerele was also a former political aide to the late multibillionaire businessman and politician, Moshood Abiola, who won the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Mr. Akerele said his late mother encouraged him when he dug into the trenches with the late Mr. Abiola to ensure the realisation of the presidential mandate Nigerians freely gave to the business mogul.

Apart from Mr. Akerele, the Mrs. Ademidun is survived by eight other children including Mr. Oladiran Ibironke, Mrs Oladunni Ogunmuyiwa, Mr. Bode Ibironke, Mrs Moji Nureini, Mrs. Toyin Ojo, Mr Tope Ibironke, Mrs Bimbo Ogunnisuru and Mr. Sogo Ibironke several grand and great grand children.

The late Mrs. Ibironke will be buried at a date to be announced later by the family.