Major institutions and community leaders across Nigeria have expressed profound grief over the passing of Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli, who died peacefully at her Lagos residence on September 2, 2025, at the age of 93.
CAKASA (Nigeria) Company Limited Pays Tribute
In a condolence statement, the Chairman of CAKASA, Christopher A. Alabi, described the late matriarch as “a great mother and an embodiment of virtue and nobility.”
“On behalf of the Board, Management and entire staff of CAKASA (Nigeria) Company Limited, we mourn the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli, who slept peacefully in the Lord on September 2, 2025. What an irreplaceable loss,” the statement read.
CAKASA extolled her selflessness and devotion to humanity, noting that her life was a living testimony of service, compassion, and unwavering faith.
“She cared for others without condition, touched lives in innumerable ways, and left behind a legacy superlatively delivered. Though we grieve, we find solace in the knowledge that she rests in the Lord’s glory.”
The company encouraged Chief Anthony George-Ikoli (SAN) and his family to draw strength from her life of faith and service.
WEMA Bank Sends Condolences
In a message jointly signed by Olaniyi Saheed (Business Development Manager) and Lucky Imoisilli (Zonal Manager, LM), WEMA Bank commiserated with the family over the passing of their matriarch.
“As a team, we are deeply saddened by this loss. We pray that God grants you and your entire family the strength and comfort you need during this time. May her soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement read.
Polaris Bank Expresses Sympathy
Similarly, Polaris Bank extended its condolences to the Ikoli family, describing Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli as a woman whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
“The loss of a mother leaves a void that cannot be easily filled. May you find strength in cherished memories and may her legacy of love and guidance comfort you,” read the statement signed by Nta Henshaw (Relationship Manager) and Cibuzo Ogbonna (Branch Manager).
Ijaw Leaders Mourn a Matriarch
The Ijaw National Congress (INC), Lagos Chapter, expressed deep sorrow over the demise, noting that the prayers of the Ijaw Nation are with Chief Anthony George-Ikoli and his family.
In a joint statement signed by Tonye Leonard Harry (Chairman) and Elayelagha Golden Ambakaderemo (Secretary), the INC praised Mrs. Ikoli’s virtues of honesty, discipline, resilience, and joyful spirit.
“Her sweet memories will forever be etched in our hearts. Though her exit is painful, we take solace in knowing that God loves her more,” the statement read.
Lagos Residents Pay Their Respects
Residents of Alaka Estate in Lagos also joined in mourning. In a condolence statement signed by Mr. Chukwuemeka Ugwu (Chairman) and Mrs. Kemi Awe (General Secretary), the community described her death as “one of life’s most profound sorrows.”
“We stand with you in solidarity during this period of bereavement. May God grant your mum eternal rest and your family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
A Life of Quiet Service and Unyielding Grace
A separate statement by the Ernest Sissei Ikoli Foundation paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Ikoli, describing her as “a woman of the altar, industry, and unyielding grace.”
Born under the golden skies of Kaduna on June 24, 1932, she served as Executive Assistant to Ernest Sissei Ikoli, the pioneering journalist, nationalist, and founder of the Daily Times, African Messenger, and Nigerian Youth Movement.
“Mama Ayo moved with quiet precision behind the scenes of history — managing correspondence, organizing schedules, and ensuring that one of Nigeria’s founding voices never lost his rhythm,” the Foundation said.
The statement recalled her industrious years with Abbott Pharmaceuticals, where she worked as a leading distributor during the company’s formative years in Nigeria.
“She treated every delivery as a divine assignment — a woman who turned duty into destiny, grief into gospel, and labour into love.”
Faith, Fortitude, and Legacy
Following the loss of two of her children, Mrs. Ikoli deepened her service in the Salvation Army, Marina Corps, where she became Welfare Keeper of the Home League Unit.
“She believed holiness resided not only in prayer, but in purity of preparation,” the Foundation noted. “Her hands that once balanced ledgers and lifted crates now folded altar linens with reverence.”
She also led the Nembe Women Society (Lagos Branch), nurturing unity among Niger Delta women in the diaspora.
“She did not merely lead — she mothered. She did not merely organize — she sanctified,” the statement said.
Final Reflections
Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s worldview, sculpted by sweat and scripture, reflected her creed: “Do it yourself, Do it well, and Do it now.”
“Her altar remains spotless. Her name — Elsie, meaning ‘God’s Promise’, echoes in every life she lifted.
