Renowned TV presenter Oluwatoyin Oki has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Lady Evangelist Dorcas Olufunmike Olorunpomi, on the fifth anniversary of her passing. In an emotional message, she reflected on her mother’s life, legacy, and the profound impact she had on those around her.
Born on October 10, 1950, into the family of Chief Samuel Offo Oladele, the Obagunlu of Aiyegunle Gbedde, and Mrs. Abigail Oladele, Lady Evangelist Dorcas spent her early years in Kogi State, where she began her education at KDJEC (Kabba Division Joint Education Committee School), Aiyegunle Gbedde, from 1958 to 1965. Driven by a passion for service, she worked at a Motherless Babies Home in Igbobiti, Aiyetoro Gbedde, before moving to Kaduna State in 1967 to further her humanitarian work.
She trained as a health worker at the Nigerian Army School of Nursing, Kaduna, and later became the Head Health Attendant at Command Army Records, Lokoja, where she served until her retirement in 2004.
Lady Evangelist Dorcas was also deeply devoted to her faith. As a lead singer and choir vocalist at 2nd ECWA Church in Zaria and Sokoto, she was instrumental in producing several gospel music records. She was also a member of Jesus Melody, a gospel band that later became a family ministry, where her husband played the guitar and piano, and their children provided backup vocals. She composed the popular gospel song “Oun Loba.”
In 2008, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, yet she remained unwavering in her faith. Her resilience, kindness, and selflessness defined her life, as she continued ministering through music and opening her home to family and friends.
Despite her illness, she never wavered in gratitude, and her final words were, “Thank you, Jesus.”
Recalling a profound experience from her mother’s past, Oluwatoyin Oki shared an extraordinary story from her secondary school days, when her mother was pronounced clinically dead after losing a pregnancy. However, she later recounted a spiritual encounter, where she saw a beautiful gate guarded by angels but was told it was not yet her time. She was miraculously revived, with doctors finding tears in her eyes as she returned to life.
In her tribute, Oluwatoyin expressed the deep loss her family still feels:
“Mummy, I know you are at rest now, but your departure still feels too soon. Daddy is still grieving. He refuses to be comforted, as no one could ever replace your humility, obedience, and kindness. Your mother is still here at 100 years old. Mummy, I miss your guidance and counsel. It has already been five years, yet it feels like just yesterday.”
As her family marks this solemn anniversary, they continue to celebrate the unshakable faith, love, and generosity that defined Lady Evangelist Dorcas Olufunmike Olorunpomi’s life.
May her soul continue to rest in peace.
