Early Life
Mama, Olori Alice Abeni Ogunmokun was born on 22/04/ 1933 to Pa Adewale Alabi and Ma Asabi Comfort Adewale of Ola-OluOwa Clan house, Osupa in the ancient City of Ogbomosho. Her early upbringing was a humble one being born to a farmer and a trader mother. From a young age, Alice was loved by her parents and surrounded by her hometown vibrant colours and rich culture. However, her life took a new turn when she given over to an aunt in Job, who had no children of her own, to be raise like her own. The family tradition of child fostering was active even going back then. It’s a practice supports given to women who are unable to conceive and have children of their own; her siblings and close relatives would lovingly offer to give her one or more of their children to raise as her own. This was done to ensure that the woman did not feel the pain of barrenness. Also, done to provide her with the opportunity to experience the joy of motherhood as well as to strengthen the bonds within the extended family. This was the destiny of the young Alice when she was given out to her mother’s sister in Jos at 5 years old.
Whilst in Jos, young Alice had no opportunity for a formal education, unfortunately, since her aunt was also a trader like her mother and like many other parents during that era her aunt did not prioritise the girl-child education, however, young Alice was determined to make the most of her circumstances. She learned the value of education and hard work. She went on to self-taught herself how to read the bible in Yoruba which she used to navigate her younger life with perseverance. Alice spirit remained undaunted. At the age of 12, Alice returned to her parents who had relocated to Ogbomosho. It was there that she discovered her passion for the traditional Adire clothes trade. Her mother, a skilled trader, procured the vibrant Adire fabrics from the bustling city of Abeokuta, and Alice eagerly assisted her in the business. As Mama Alice grew into her teenage years, she began to attract the attention of many men in the community.
However, she remained focused on her mother’s trade, finding fulfilment, purpose and direction in the vibrant colours and intricate patterns of the Adire fabrics. Despite the allure of suitors, young Alice remained dedicated to her work, finding joy and satisfaction in the artistry of the trade.
Some Happiest Moments
Like the African woman that she was and during her era, she was very happy when she found the one, she loved and he went to her parents to asked their hands in marriage. Mama Alice got married in the year 1954, she stated that it was the best day of her life because she married to someone she loved, a beautiful tapestry of joy, fulfilment, and expectation. Her happiness radiated from the depths of her soul, as she found contentment in the love and companionship of her husband, Prince Adewale Moses Ogunmokun of Iperindo in Ilesha. With a heart full of love, peace, and joy towards her husband who was educated. Then through the perseverance in supporting her husband and her creative nature, Mama Alice went on to a sewing school where she learnt to sew. She would fondly say “I was nursing Adebisi my third child when she enrolled herself for a rigorous three years training” Alice graduated from her vacation and became a seamstress owning a shop.
As a grandmother, she finds joy in watching her children raise their own families, and become a source of wisdom, support with unconditional love to them. And as a great-grandmother, she is filled with pride and happiness as she sees her family grow and flourish through the generations. She expresses this joy through the warmth of her smile, the sparkle in her eyes, and the deep sense of fulfilment that comes from knowing that her legacy will live on through her descendants.
Mama Alice joined her daughter in the United Kingdom over three decades ago. Whilst in London she became known as granny, warm and loving to family and friends. And to the glory of God, she maintained a good health well over her 90s stay in the UK. Mama Alice was a pillar of support and a blessing. This was not just to her immediate family but also to extended families, friends and even her neighbours. There was a time when some of her daughter’s friends would get into child care difficulties, Mama Alice would be the one that comes to their rescue. Today some of the people are present here and have become like blood families and maintained a long-lasting friendship with her family.
Furthermore, the majority of those children that she helped to look after and picked up from schools have gone on to become parents in their own right. Mama Alice was such an integral mother in the life of many people who have crossed her paths, she had taken care of them with utmost love and affection.
My mum Alice loved the Lord from her youth and she loved people. There had been time that mum would come by me just because she wanted to be part of the soul winning outreach at Winner’s Chapel. It does not bother her whether it is raining or sunshine - sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Giving out leaflets to the people on the street, she finds it very satisfying. Mum had a very tender hearted, she would visit her friends in their home and at the hospital and with always a present in her hands she loved giving. Mum was well known at the church where she worships and had a lot of spiritual sons and daughters who loves her very and many of them are present here today. In just over two years ago mum began to be tormented by stroke but yet mum was resolute in her faith in the Lord!
Alice, “granny” passed away on 25th January 2026, she would have celebrated her 93th birthday in April 2026 however, mum was ready, and had no pain, she was peaceful as she made a glorious transition on the morning. She said to me that there are three angels, who were standing next to her waiting to take her to sleep this happened on the 21th December 2025, of which I said to her to tell them that she was not ready and to give them the reasons why she was not ready. She was repeating this after me. I think that, that childlike request was granted to her as she made her glorious exit five weeks later to her father and maker. Mummy was a courageous force and I loved her to bits! Rest at the feet of the one who knows you before you get into your mother’s womb! Hallelujah…Amen and Amen.
My mother Alice, will be sorely missed by all her children Aduke, Adebisi, Ademola, Adebukola; her grandchildren and great grandchildren.