Late Awuye (AKA Dada) and her first son, Adebayo ‘TK’ Folly-Francis
Hundreds of sympathisers comprising relatives, family
friends, old acquaintances and Togolese
Indigenes in Diaspora trooped out to pay their last respect to arguably one
of the oldest and most popular matriarchs in Lagos.
friends, old acquaintances and Togolese
Indigenes in Diaspora trooped out to pay their last respect to arguably one
of the oldest and most popular matriarchs in Lagos.
Born on June 23, 1948, Late Mrs Elizabeth Awuye Folorunsho-Francis (A.K.A Dada), was a native of Zowla
Zebe, Lak local government area of Togo. She was the last child of her
mother and her father, Toye Viadji,
was a popular monarch in Zebe.
Zebe, Lak local government area of Togo. She was the last child of her
mother and her father, Toye Viadji,
was a popular monarch in Zebe.
A lover of tourism, she had toured countries like Ghana
(where her parents met), Republic of Benin and Ivory Coast. She came to Nigeria in 1967 to live with
her sister at No. 24 Old Yaba Road in Yaba
Local Government area of Lagos.
(where her parents met), Republic of Benin and Ivory Coast. She came to Nigeria in 1967 to live with
her sister at No. 24 Old Yaba Road in Yaba
Local Government area of Lagos.
A young hardworking and delectable lady, she met and fell in love with Mr Folorunsho Francis (fondly called Folivi-Egbonvi or Kwevi) in 1967. Their love blossomed and they got
married in 1969. The union produced a son.
married in 1969. The union produced a son.
L-R: Adebayo (1st son), Mr Folly (hubby), Rebecca (4th child) and
Rita (1st daughter) during the burial ceremony
Unfortunately, tragedy struck three years later; they lost
their first son shortly after relocating to their new home at No. 64A Abule-Nla Road in Ebute Metta.
their first son shortly after relocating to their new home at No. 64A Abule-Nla Road in Ebute Metta.
However, God intervened and further blessed the couple with
six more children (2 boys & 4 girls).
six more children (2 boys & 4 girls).
Dada with Ajago Ekwuevi, her brother-in-law and Rosemary, her second
daughter when she travelled for a town hall meeting to Togo in 2007.
Dada’s hubby during a party to mark Major General Koffi Fidelis’
78th birthday in Surulere area of Lagos two years ago
As corroborated by close friends, the late Dada traversed no
fewer than 28 States in Nigeria and lived all her life in Ebute Metta. From Old Yaba Road, Abule-Nla, lIaje, Moss
street, Ibadan Street, Fagbayimu and back to Ibadan Street where she spent
the rest of her life.
fewer than 28 States in Nigeria and lived all her life in Ebute Metta. From Old Yaba Road, Abule-Nla, lIaje, Moss
street, Ibadan Street, Fagbayimu and back to Ibadan Street where she spent
the rest of her life.
Mama with her great grandson after a Church programme
in May 2016
Until her demise, Dada was a well-known caterer in the community. Amiable and charismatic in
nature, the death of the 71-year-old occurred at Federal Medical Centre, Railway Compound, on January 25 after a
brief illness.
nature, the death of the 71-year-old occurred at Federal Medical Centre, Railway Compound, on January 25 after a
brief illness.
She is survived by her husband, 6 children, 16 grand children
and 2 great grandchildren.
and 2 great grandchildren.
Her burial arrangement programme.
May her gentle soul rest in peace (Amen)
