ON Friday, October 7, 2016, the remains Chief (Mrs.) Olubunmi Christiana Ayoka Famuyiwa were committed to mother’s earth in Lagos. Prominent dignitaries, drawn from every facet of the society defied the heavy downpour, as they turned out in large numbers to pay their last respect to the famous society matriarch of the Nigerian social establishment. Mama Famuyiwa (nee Banire) died on Monday, 15 August, 2016, at the age of 65. Mama Famuyiwa was the widow of Chief Benjamin Kashimawo Famuyiwa (a.k.a Bencash), the popular politician and businessman. She was also the mother of Folasade ‘Bencash’ Famuyiwa, a top manager at Sterling Bank, one of Nigeria’s most notable female bankers and a prominent society lady.
The funeral rites of the popular matriarch of the Lagos society began on Thursday, 6 October, with a Service of Songs, Christian Wake-up and Lying-in-State, which was held at 2 Bencash Close, Dopemu, Lagos. The funeral service took place on Friday, 7 October, at The Cemetery Chapel, Ikoyi Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos. This was later followed by the Internment, all the Ikoyi Cemetery. A grand reception then followed at the Havilah House of Event, Oniru Estate, Off Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island. On the bandstand to entertain the guests was Queen Ayo Balogun.
Mama Nike, as she was fondly called, was born on July 7, 1951, to the family of Mr Liasu and Mrs Abebi Banire, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. She attended Ansarudeen Primary School, Ago Ika, Abeokuta, and Ikatedo Modern School, Ebute Metta, Lagos. A trained nurse, Mama Nike got married to her husband in 1972. Their marriage was blessed with five children – Abiola, Folasade, Olayemi, Omowunmi and Olaniyi.
Mama Nike was a gifted home maker. She gave up nursing to make time for her growing family. She later ventured into business, to keep herself busy, while raising her children at the same time. Mama Nike’s husband, Chief Bencash, passed away in London many years ago, and it is fair to say that his departure had a monumental effect on her. Mama Nike lived a fruitful life during which she touched countless lives and continued to be the matriarch who provided an anchor for the family and the Lagos social establishment.
The successful turnout of Mama Nike’s burial ceremony bore eloquent testimony to how she was loved and adored by everyone who knew her. The party was one of the best organised events, held in recent times. Mama Nike will be sorely missed by all.