…A MOTHER OF ESTIMABLE VALUE – ELDEST DAUGHTER
By Okosun Dennis
The late Princess Rebecca Ehovbayi (nee Madojemu) Aikhomu has been eulogized by families, friends and in-laws as a woman that lived an exemplary life of service to humanity and in the service of God.
Describing her as a woman of a generation that understood that leadership is not only a privilege, but a responsibility and responsiveness, the Executive Governor of Lagos state, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu said that the late Dame Aikhomu lived a life that bears testimony to patience, humility, selfless service, and generosity, that is deeply needed in our society today.
The Governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin during a Commendation Holy Communion Service held in honour of Late Dame Aikhomu on Friday, 30th January, 2026 at the Cathedral Church of the Pentecost, Festac Town, Lagos.
In his tribute, the Governor reiterated that Dame Rebecca Aikhomu’s life was full of remarkable journey “marked by faith, dignity, and enduring service.”
He explained that her generosity, influence and care were not limited to her family but exuded unfathomable influences that resonated in the church and in her community.
“Beyond her family, her influence has been felt in the church, in the community life, and in the example she has set for younger generations, especially women, who look to her story as proof that character, consistency, and faith are the virtue and evidence of a Godly Christian life.
She was a “God-given to her generation. We celebrate not only the length of her years, but the depth of her impact and the clarity of her witness,” Gov. Sanwo-Olu further eulogized her.
In his sermon titled: “Salvation: How do I know that I am Safe?”, delivered by the Rt. Reverend Ebenezer Ajayi Adewole, of the Diocese of Lagos Southwest, (Anglican Communion), Cathedral Church of the Pentecost, Festac Town, Lagos noted that as human beings, we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.
Therefore, the cleric called on the congregant, children of the late mama and guests that the best of our intention cannot satisfy God hence we must live a life of service to God and humanity.
The Diocesan, Rev. Adewole stated that the only weapon that we have that can save us is for us to “confess him as the Lord and Saviour,” stressing that when we do that, there will be a clean break in one’s life with the past.
In his message that he further broke down into three parts noted that, “You will have a growing relationship with Christ through the ministry of God and your life will become a service to God and humanity. By that, you will become a minister to humanity.
“The woman lying here lived a life of service to humanity, that is what she represents.
In his tribute, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who was represented by the Admiral Superintendent of the Navy, Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, observed that the Nigerian Navy would miss Dame Aikhomu’s wise counsel, her rich knowledge of Navy history and all the warm advice she has been giving to all the past and present Presidents of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association.
Speaking about the legacies of her mother, whom she described as “a caring mother; a woman of estimable value, the eldest daughter of Aikhomu, Susan said she will miss her “care so much” and “discipline” she inculcated in the children and the “love and passion” for the family.
On his part, the elderly statesman, Chief (Dr) Ezekiel Ainabe, (the Ojomo of Ekpoma), who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kohi Engineering Limited said “Mama was so good. A consummate woman, full of kindness and service to humanity. We have just lost a gem.”
The well-attended commendation service had all the creme de la creme of the society including military men, captains of industry, business mogul and police officers.
Notable among them were the son-in-law and Commander, NNS Beecroft, Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel.
Others include the Commander, 9 Brigade, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, who was represented by DCP Adesina Lawal, the Commander 651 Base Service Group, Nigerian Airforce, Air Commodore M.A Imam, former Chief of Naval Staf, Vice Admiral Afolayan, former Fleet Commander, Western Naval Fleet, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Mohammed-Katsina.
The remains was later conveyed in a motorcade to the airport enroute Benin City and would be buried in Esan land in Edo state, on Saturday, 31st January, 2026.
Dame Rebecca Aikhomu, was 85 years old, and was the wife of the former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Federal Republic of Nigeria, late Vice Admiral Augustus Aikhomu. late Rebecca Aikhomu served in the Nigerian Army where she retired as a Captain. She is survived by children and great grand children and in-laws.
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