Dr Olayinka Olabisi Olubunmi Solanke

Adieu Aunty Doctor... As we fondly called you.The last of the sages in the Sholanke clan. Rest in the bossom of the Lord... You were so close to my dad. Brother Atanda as you fondly called him, I believe you would both be in a better place above Till we all meet on the resurrection day .

Grandma, we will miss you. Even with the distance between us you always checked in on us, our husbands and children. Through every WhatsApp message, you reached out with love, care, and such deep wisdom. Your love traveled across oceans, wrapping around us like a warm hug every time we received your message. The Rosaries you gave us — we will forever cherish them. They’re more than gifts; they’re a piece of you we’ll always hold on to, a reminder of your faith, your love, and your constant prayers. Thank you, Grandma, for everything. You were a blessing, and you still are. Always in our hearts. Aderinsola De-Souza & Adeola Anukam

My Dearest Yinka, We have been friends for over 60 years. I first got to know you in 1965, when you were in Poland and I in Czechoslovakia both studying Medicine far away from home. As God would have it, we met again in 1972 in UCH, where we both had our housemanship training. Again, we both went to Lagos and you even stayed briefly with my family, before you got an accommodation. I will never forget the day of Muritala's coup; you were the one that went to pick my children from school and kept them safe. Such is the love and closeness we had, very much like blood sisters. When my husband passed away in 2015, you were there for me, and came to Ipetu Ijesa with me. Truly, we have come a long way together, but alas, you have gone!! I will truly miss you, my dear sister and friend. I will miss your candour, your laughter, you beautiful smile and your lovely face. Sleep on, my dear friend, till we meet to part no more. Your friend, Dr Mrs Feyisola Aduke Onawunmi

My Dearest Yinka, We have been friends for over 60 years. I first got to know you in 1965, when you were in Poland and I in Czechoslovakia both studying Medicine far away from home. As God would have it, we met again in 1972 in UCH, where we both had our housemanship training. Again, we both went to Lagos and you even stayed briefly with my family, before you got an accommodation. I will never forget the day of Muritala's coup; you were the one that went to pick my children from school and kept them safe. Such is the love and closeness we had, very much like blood sisters. When my husband passed away in 2015, you were there for me, and came to Ipetu Ijesa with me. Truly, we have come a long way together, but alas, you have gone!!

Mummy Doctor, thank you for your genuine love for the Sholanke Family. You were the MATRIARCH. Your openness allowed many to confide and associated with you. Quite a pillar of strength and support. In our eyes, you finished well and may God grant you the crown of righteousness, Amen. Sun re o Omo Lisabi.

Aunty Yinka (as we all fondly called her) was a constant part of our family. She and my mother, Dr Mrs Onawunmi, first met in eastern Europe where they both studied Medicine; their friendship only grew stronger with each passing year. Her love, sweet smile and laughter endeared her to us all. I always remember her calling me 'Funmi!!!, my doctor!' We will surely miss you, Ma, but we rest assured that you are in the bosom of our Lord, and we shall meet again on the resurrection morning. Sleep on, Dear Mummy. We truly love you. Funmilayo Olopade

My Dearest Mummy, What words could ever express my feelings today? Just to say thank You, Lord, for the gift of her life and for the example she set for all of us. Mummy, you never treated me as just another parishioner, you always held me close, as both daughter, family and friend. You planned family activities with me, laughed with me, and welcomed me into your heart unconditionally. Dr. Solanke continued that tradition, inviting me to family events and always asking me to keep her in prayer. At one family gathering, a relative approached me, genuinely concerned and trying to establish my ties to the Solanke family, simply because of how often Dr. Solanke included me even in extended family activities. But I knew then and I know always that Mummy’s love left no room for doubt. I will never forget your 80th birthday. When it was time for your friends to take their turn for photos, you looked right at me in the crowd and called out, “Valentina, so you’re not my friend, abi?” That moment was so hilarious, yet it was an overwhelming and deep sign of your love and acceptance. Today, I thank God for her life, a life wholly dedicated to His service, poured out in time, talent, and treasure for the Master’s work, a life of devotion to prayer and doing the Master’s will. I find comfort in knowing she rests now in the Lord’s loving embrace, interceding for us until we meet again. Rest well, my sweet Mama, wrapped forever in the bosom of Christ. With all my love and gratitude, Valentina

A tribute to my aunty and my second mother, I write this tribute with a heavy heart. You were everything to me all rolled in one, you were the last link that held the family together. Many at times I felt you were invincible to death but God knows best. You ran your race, a good race at that, i am glad that you are at peace now away from this sinful world. No one can live forever but you lived a good long life which I am grateful to God for. I have to come to terms with the fact that there will be no more birthday greetings, no more calls or missed phone calls and no more advice from you. You will be missed terribly. Rest in peace mum, till we meet to part no more. Lara Bamgbelu