why we hardly get international some times national recognition, TON
observes. Recently, a Chinese man of 116 years passed on and the
world recorded him as the oldest man. But there is someone in
Nigeriaolder than him.
Mrs. Juliana Abebi Shodiya, nee Oketoogun, helped win converts for a
church when it was built in 1901:
Funmi Salome Johnson of National Mirror was with this ancient woman
recently. Her report…
She doesn't speak the English language but she speaks fluent Yoruba.
She is not lettered but no one can take away her noticeable
intelligence and lucidity.
Mrs. Juliana Abebi Shodiya, nee Oketoogun, a centenarian, is no doubt
a Christian. And this is obviousin your first encounter with her.
Although, there is no record to provethe date of her birth, it is
clear from her utterances about history and past events that she
should not be less than 120 years old. This makes her one of the
oldest in Agege-Ogba axis of the city.
In her ever vivacious manner, she ushered us into her humble abode
located at garage bus stop behind a popular eatery on Agege/Ogba road,
Agege, close to the palace of the Ologba in Lagos.
Incidentally, a set of twin boys who are gospel singers live close to
her and she is very fond of them. On sighting one of them, Madam
Juliana started singing their praise in the Yoruba language, "Taiye
Kanyin, ijo lese eyin naa le o wo ra yin" meaning Taiwo and Kehinde,
remain merry because you will take care of yourselves.
While speaking with Saturday Mirror, one of her neighbours who
preferred to be simply addressed as Godwin from Delta State, who has
lived with her in the compound for over 10 years revealed more about
the old woman Madam Juliana.
"I have been living in this compound for over 10 years. I was living
with my brother but when he died, I decided to still live here. I have
known Mama for over 10 years that Ihave lived. I have never seen an
old woman like this one. She is so friendly and yet so energetic.
Her memory is so sharp and she is still very agile. At first I could
not believe her age but with the many stories she told me about
herself, I can tell you that she is not less than 120 years old" he
said.
According to mama's grandson, Gbenga Oyewale who is in his early
fifties, he is the first born of mama's second child who died years
ago.
Although Oyewale could not specifically say what Mama's age is, he
gave it as 120 years adding that she (Mama) told him of how she
invited people to start attending the Holy Trinity African Church when
it was founded in 1901. "Although Mama is from Owu in Abeokuta, her
farm which is peculiar with Egba people is in Abese in Ifo Local
Government Area of Ogun State.
She is very popular in Abese because when she was much younger, from
the stories I have heard from her, she was itinerant trader called
'Alajapa' in the Yoruba language."
Oyewale further disclosed that for somany reasons, she is grateful to
God for mama's life. "One would expect that at this old age; Mama
would be senile and would not be able to do anything by herself. But
she bathes herself and brushes her teeth on a daily basis with no
assistance. She goes to the toilet unaccompanied; she knows where the
toilet key is and she would go there any time sheis pressed.
She warms her soup herself and does things without assistance and she
is so healthy. She is really blessed" Further investigation, revealed
that out of the four childrenof Madam Juliana (two boys and two
girls), only two are alive.
Oyewale continued: "Mama has two boys and two girls namely Agbeke
Oyewale nee Shodiya, Femi Shodiya, Laja Shodiya and Toyin Shodiya the
last born who died at the age of 13.
My mother, Abeke Oyewale nee Shodiya who was the first child died 22
years ago at the age of 70. UnclesFemi and Laja Shodiya are still
alive and are married with children but they seldom come to see Mama
and that is causing her great pain" HRM Ibrahim Sanni Bamidele Ashade,
the Ologba of Ogba land who ascended the throne over 12 years ago,
said that he has known Mama Eleko as she is fondly called since he was
a child adding that Mama is a blessing and that they all pray to be
like her inold age.
"Mama is a very special person to us all and I can tell you that she
is the oldest person in Agege Ogba right now. I have known Mama since
I was a child and thank God for her life. She has indeed aged very
gracefully," the monarch said.
Oyewale also recalled the zeal Mama cultivated souls for God. "She is
so passionate about God and she is indeed a strong believer. She is
one of the foundation members of The Apostolic Church in Ijaiye Ogba
in Lagos.
Up to now, they still bring her holy communion at home because of her
inability to go the distance of the church regularly like she used
to." Oyewale further explained that one of the very first things she
would askyou when she has an encounter withyou is whether or not you
attend church regularly....
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