A queen departs leaving sweet memories

This is the story of an impressive irrepressible Queen Esther Foluke Fasiku who departed this terrestrial abode in a blaze of Glory.

On April 17, 2021, a light was extinguished with the passing of Olori Esther Foluke Fasiku, one of the giants in the educational sector.

The late Queen Esther Foluke Fasiku was until her untimely death, the wife-(Olori) to His Royal Majesty, Oba Adewumi Ajibade Fasiku, the Elekole of Ikole Ekiti and the paramount ruler of  Egbe-Oba Kingdom.

She was born in 1953 to the late Pa Joshua Adebayo Ojo Aroso and Mrs. Felicia Aina Aroso of the Aroso family of Asin, Ikole Local Government of Ekiti State.

Olori started her early education at St. Peter’s Anglican Primary school, Ikole Ekiti. Upon completion of her primary school education, she gained admission to the Ausar-Ud-Deen High School, Ikole Ekiti for her Secondary School education. Thereafter, she proceeded to Teachers Training College at Usi-Ekiti and later on to the Nigeria College of Education, NCE (now Technical),Akoka-Yaba, an affiliate of University of Ibadan, Ibadan. In further pursuit of knowledge, the late Queen also did a Part-time programme at the prestigious University of Lagos, where she studied Education and obtained her Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).

Her first primary place of assignment was A.U.D primary school, Erinjinyan Ekiti. She also made a huge impression on students when she taught at Messiah Modern school, Ijero Ekiti, lgbobi Sabe School at Fadeyi, Lagos, lkosi High school, Lagos.

She also imparted those that came across her at Oluwalogbon Primary School and at Maidan Primary School, Agiliti, Mile 12, Lagos State.

Olori Esther Foluke Fasiku was well known for her active role in sports at A.U.D. High School, Ikole Ekiti as well as Teachers Training College at Usi-Ekiti. At a time when she was slightly indisposed at AUD and had to stay at home, the school management had to recall her to school so that she could participate in the state athletics competition. She was fondly called the “AROSCO PELE” due to her excellent performance in sport activities. She represented the whole Ekiti Province under the old Ondo state in the 72-yard race and won first position. In 1973, she represented Ondo state in Southwest Nigeria and came back top.

Her prowess in athletics/sports earned her so many accolades and recognitions.

Olori Esther Foluke Fasiku’s exploits in sports endeared her to sports-loving people of the schools where she worked, the Divisional Education Board and the Administrative Headquarters at Akure and this helped facilitate her transfer, in good time, to Lagos State in 1980 to join her husband – Mr. Adewumi Ajibade Fasiku.

Olori Esther Foluke Fasiku worked for 26 years in the teaching profession and rose to the rank of Headmistress before she retired in 1998. In her quest to expand the scope of her profession, she established her own private school in 1996. Olori Esther F. Fasiku is the Proprietress of Foluade International Nursery and Primary School and Foluade High school in Agiliti, Ketu, Lagos.

In 2007, she was conferred with the title of ‘Yeye F’iwagboye’ of Ikole Ekiti by the late monarch HRM (Oba) Adekeye Adetula (III).

She became Olori to the present Elekole of Ikole Ekiti in April 2011 when her husband was installed the Elekole of Ikole Ekiti by the people of Ikole Ekiti and the Ekiti State government headed by His Excellency Governor John Kayode Fayemi.

Her openness, humility, cheerfulness, integrity and good conduct earned her the respect and acceptance of people around her. She loved God and dedicated her life to the service of Almighty and humanity.

Olori E.F. Fasiku believed in the home front and played her role without blemish in affairs involving her family. She was a loving wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister and Aunty. Her husband (Elekole) described her as loving, loyal, trustworthy and God sent.

The late queen would be missed by many for her kindheartedness, generosity and tolerance.

Her journey in life took her through the continents of Africa, Europe (London) & America (U.S.A).

She was an epitome of beauty, benevolence, simplicity and devotion to God.

Until her demise after a protracted illness, she was also a bridge builder.

She is survived by an aged mother, a loving husband, children, and grandchildren.

Sun rê o, Mama rërë

Sűñ rê o, Abîyāmô tòótò

Kí Ölórūn f’òrûnkę .

Ömö olójà Orí mí ni t’owu

Ömö olódò Orí ku ja yun

Ömö olódò Öjà a bi gi gorogoro

Ömö ölödö àrogùró bë

Ömö ëlëran yì ba kan kö b’ogun kan yin gba isu

Ömö a şha réré gbéja s’örun bíka nímìrò.

Ömö a sèyìn ögbà súlè ìkòyí.

Ömö ödö ölöjá

Ömö a sörūn dirin gbá kun.

She will be buried on August 6, 2021, at her country home, Ikole Ekiti.

• Osho is media consultant to Elekole.

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