Mrs.Taiwo Esther lbironke,fondly known as lya lbida,lived an extraordinary life defined by resilience,love,deep faith,and an unwavering commitment to family and community.Born on
April 5,1910,in llaye,llesha,she entered the world as one half of a set of twins to the family of the late Ajayi Ogidiolu of Isare and Agbejola of ljebu-Jesa,devout Christians and dedicated farmers.Tragically,her twin passed away shortly after birth,and in a further twist of fate,she
lost her mother while still young.Her mother's final request,to care for her younger sister, became a sacred responsibility,one that Mrs.Ibironke embraced with maturity far beyond her years,
Early Life and Education:
Growing up in a time when education for girls was rare,Mrs.Ibironke was fortunate to have a
father who believed in the value of leaming.She received formal education up to Standard Three,balancing her schooling with work on the family's farm.This foundation of discipline,hardwork,and adaptability would go on to shape the rest of her life.
Marriage and Family:
Mrs.Ibironke's journey through love and partnership was marked by both joy and sorrow.Her
first marriage lasted ten years and bore no children before her husband passed away.In 1949,
she was remarried to the late Pa Michael lbironke,a highly respected and successful merchant,
through the arrangement of her elder brother,the revered Pa Olatunbosun.She became the ffth and last wife in a harmonious polygamous household and was blessed with three children: Adebanke Adeyinka,Mojirade Fagbulu,and Babatunde Ibironke.Over the years,her legacy
expanded to include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Career and Entrepreneurship:
After her second marriage,Mrs.Esther transitioned from farming into trading,becoming a close
assistant to her husband in his thriving business.She learned the intricacies of commerce through hands-on experience:buying,selling,negotiating,and managing logistics.However,her husband passed away in 1956 when she was heavily pregnant with their last child,Babatunde.
His name,meaning "Father has returned",symbolized the profound sense of continuity and hope she held onto during this difficult time. By practice,her husband had typically provided capital for each of his wives before taking
another.Sadly,Mrs.Esther never received this support,and after her husband's death,she found herself financially vulnerable.Determined to provide for her children and rebuild her life, she embarked on a brave journey to Ibida in Niger State,Northern Nigeria,a place that would
later become inseparable from her identity and earn her the affectionate nickname "lya Ibida."
In Ibida,she took on various odd jobs,including cooking,cleaning,and hair plaiting,to raise
enough capital to start a trade.Despite the cultural shift and physical distance from her children whom she left under the care of her stepwives,she received unwavering support from her polygamous family,a testament to the love and unity within their household.
Rise as a Merchant:
Over time,Mrs.Ibironke built a thriving trading business.She specialized in selling traditional
goods like kolanuts,bitter kola,kuli-kuli,locust beans,palm oil,and more.She traveled extensively between Ibida and llesha,growing her trade with determination,wisdom,and grit.
Her efforts paid off;she eventually established her physical store in Atakumosa Market,llesha, educated all her children,and built a house of her own.
Her resourcefulness and enterprising spirit left a lasting legacy,instilling the values of diligence,
independence,and excellence in her descendants.
Faith and Personal Life:
Beyond her business acumen,lya Ibida was a devout Christian and passionate lover of Christ. Her faith was her anchor through life's trials and triumphs.She was known to attend early moming church gatherings faithfully,finding strength and serenity in prayer and worship.Her
home was a refuge of peace and love,always open and welcoming to her children, grandchildren,and neighbors alike. She was celebrated for her intelligence,generosity,and nurturing spirit.Her wisdom guided
generations,and her prayers became the backbone of her family's success and unity.
Legacy:
Mrs.Taiwo Esther lived an inspiring 115 years,a life marked by sacrifice,grace,and quiet but
powerful leadership.Her story is one of transformation:from a young orphan and farm girl to a
beloved matriarch,successful merchant,and woman of unwavering faith.
On June 28,2025,lya Ibida passed peacefully,leaving behind a legacy of love,perseverance, and purpose.She is deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the honor of knowing her.
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