The Woman of Steel: Omolayo Adesida’s “Grit” Built a Legacy

February 13, 2026 Lifestyle Desk

LAGOS — In an era when women were often confined to the background, Mrs. Omolayo Deborah Adesida was clearing forests to light up Nigeria.

Today marks exactly 35 years since the passing of a woman described by her family not just as a matriarch, but as a “trailblazer of grit.” As the Adesida dynasty marks this significant milestone, they reveal the untold story of a woman who executed heavy-duty government contracts and whose tragic death in 1991 directly birthed a medical mission.

The “Woman of Steel”

While many remember her as a loving mother, her son, Dr. Adeniyi Adesida, paints a picture of a formidable industrialist. Moving beyond her early days as a typist at the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Adesida established herself as a government contractor with Ogbeyo Circle. She did not just sign papers; she executed grueling projects, including clearing forest paths for electricity pylons to connect states to the national grid. “You were a trailblazer,” Dr. Adeniyi notes. “A woman of such grit that you executed government contracts… my mission is to be a carbon copy of your selflessness.”

The tribute takes a poignant turn as the family addresses the circumstances of her departure. Mrs. Adesida passed away following a surgery—a tragedy that redefined the future for her son. Her death became the catalyst for Dr. Adeniyi’s career in Anaesthesia. “I chose a career in Anaesthesia because I wanted to understand what took you away from us,” he revealed. Today, that decision saves countless other lives, turning a family tragedy into a societal gain.

For her husband, Prince Jacob Oteyade Adesida, the loss remains fresh even after three decades. He remembers her not as the contractor, but as the partner who “made life seamless.” He recalls their 1983 wedding—a rededication of vows—as a highlight of their union. “You were the light that led me back to Christ,” Prince Jacob wrote. “You supported me to pursue my City and Guilds Certification even in adulthood.”

Her daughters—Ms. Olaide, Mrs. Adenike, and Mrs. Adeyinka—and son Prince Oluwaseun describe a woman who mastered the balance of toughness and tenderness. She stayed awake nights to prepare meals and study with Oluwaseun for his WAEC exams. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who never met her, she remains the standard. “Our answer is always the same,” Ms. Olaide says. “‘Your grandmother was the ultimate role model.'” Thirty-five years on, Mrs. Omolayo Deborah Adesida is proven to be more than a memory; she is the “invisible hand” still guiding her successful children.

Prince Jacob Oteyade Adesida

“Omolayo, you were more than a wife; you were my sweetest friend, my sister, and the light that led me back to Christ. Your dedication was the foundation of our home, and your heart was wide enough to accommodate all your siblings with unwavering support. I remember with joy our second wedding in 1983—a rededication of our love when the church ordained me as an Elder. You made life so seamless for me that I was able to pursue my City and Guilds Certification even in adulthood. From your days as a typist with the Ministry of Justice to your successful restaurant business, you worked with dignity until your well-deserved retirement. Thank you for the gift of our children: Segun, Adenike, Adeyinka, Adeniyi, Olaide, and Oluwaseun. Your legacy lives on in our many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rest well, my dear.”

Dr. Adeniyi Adesida

“Thirty-five years ago today, the world became a bit colder when we lost you. You were a mother whose sacrifices knew no bounds and whose faith in Christ was unshakable. You were a trailblazer—a woman of such grit that you executed government contracts, clearing forest paths for electricity pylons to connect states. Your death was the reason I chose a career in Anaesthesia; I wanted to understand what took you away from us after a successful surgery. Though the answers remain elusive, my mission is clear: to be a carbon copy of your selflessness. My wife, Odemero Edna, your grandchildren, and your great-grandchildren all celebrate the woman they know through our stories. Goodnight, Mama, until we meet again.”

Ms. Olaide Adesida

“Three and a half decades have passed since you left us, yet you left behind a wealth that money cannot buy: dignity, love, and a firm foundation in Christ. Through your business, Ogbeyo Circle, you impacted lives in ways that remain unforgettable. Today, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren ask questions about the woman you were, and our answer is always the same: ‘Your grandmother was the ultimate role model.’ We miss you deeply, but we carry your peace with us. Sleep well, Mummy.”

Mrs. Adenike Adesina

“To the woman who gave me life and taught me the value of resilience: 35 years without you has not dimmed the light of your influence. As a mother, you showed us that strength and gentleness could coexist. I carry your lessons in my heart every day, and though you are no longer here to see the family grow, your spirit is woven into everything we do. Thank you for being our pillar. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.”

Mrs. Adeyinka Ikon

“Mummy, today I remember your smile and the quiet grace with which you handled life’s challenges. You were a woman of profound faith, and that faith has been our guiding star since 1991. You taught us the importance of family and the beauty of a life lived for others. Though 35 years have passed, the void you left remains, but so does the pride of being called your daughter. Sleep on, beloved Mother.”

Prince Oluwaseun Adesida

“My mother, Mrs. Omolayo Deborah Adesida, was the definition of devotion. She was a sacrificial giver who remained patient even in the face of provocation, always mirroring the character of Christ to both friend and foe. She intentionally built prayer and faith into my consciousness and that of my siblings, ensuring we were anchored in the Lord from a young age.

I will never forget her grace; whenever she faced an attack or unfair treatment from anyone, her famous response was always, ‘Oluwa saa nu fun ee’ (God have mercy on you). She chose mercy over malice every time. I recall with love how she stayed up with me, preparing extra meals and supporting me through my WAEC exams, ensuring my siblings and I were always positioned for success. Today, I celebrate you alongside my wife, Fola, and our children. Your investment in us continues to yield fruit. We love you, Mummy.”