Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has disclosed that late former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs.) Olutoyin Olakunri, helped to actualise his dreams as the civilian President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007.
He also called for the resolve of all Nigerians to ensure that the great labour of love exhibited by the late chairman of Education Trust Fund was not allowed to go in vain.
Obasanjo in a condolence letter to the husband of the deceased, Elder Simeon Moronfolu Olusola Olakunri (SAN), a copy of which was made available to newsmen on Monday, described the late stateswoman as “Ever resourceful, trustworthy and conducting herself with humility, dignity and decorum, ‘Toyin has left an indelible mark in her national assignment at the Federal level and various facets of the private sector.
 “When I needed to put together a strong team of individuals, who understood my vision and mission for the Nigeria project and could help actualise my dream as the civilian President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, ‘Toyin’s name just couldn’t escape the list of such individuals.
“Through her distinguished public service as the Chairman of the Education Trust Fund, she was a tremendous help to me and I enjoyed every bit of her advice and support. Her reflections and piercing insights and insistence for truth and accountability could not but inspire anyone close to her. ‘Toyin also earned the recognition and admiration of many of her compatriots across the length and breadth of Nigeria. She was a dutiful and hardworking fellow and gave her very best to the end in the service of her fatherland.
Obasanjo added, “As we mourn the passing of this illustrious daughter of Africa, we must resolve that her great labour of love shall not be in vain. While I pray that God’s strength, His bountiful blessings and perpetual guidance shall remain upon you and the entire family as you brace for the reality of the permanence of her absence, I also pray that God will crown her soul with the joy of paradise.”
Obasanjo’s full condolence letter reads:
Dear Elder Olakunri,
MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE
​It is with a deep sense of personal loss that I wish, on behalf of my family and on my own behalf, to commiserate with you and the entire members of the Olakunri family on the passing of your dear wife, Chief (Mrs.) Olutoyin Olakunri, fondly called ‘Toyin by me.
​On occasions like this, it is indeed difficult to find the appropriate words to soothe the anguish of the irreparable loss. She was arguably your dearest and closest relative, who served variously as a public servant, women’s champion, teacher, confidant, counsellor and pillar of strength to you throughout her lifetime. But we must encourage you to accept the inevitable with faith in God’s unfailing love according to His will and purpose.
​Your beloved wife has gone to her Creator as we all must go some day. We thank God for her exemplary life, the precious love you shared with her and her many beautiful acts of Christian duty and love that will live in people’s minds and hearts. For me, in particular, your late wife was somebody I knew very well with very fond memories of her national service under my watch. When I needed to put together a strong team of individuals who understood my vision and mission for the Nigeria project and could help actualize my dream as the civilian President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, ‘Toyin’s name just couldn’t escape the list of such individuals. Through her distinguished public service, as the Chairman of the Education Trust Fund, ETF, she was a tremendous help to me and I enjoyed every bit of her advice and support. Her reflections and piercing insights and insistence for truth and accountability could not but inspire anyone close to her. ‘Toyin also earned the recognition and admiration of many of her compatriots across the length and breadth of Nigeria. She was a dutiful and hardworking fellow and gave her very best to the end in the service of her fatherland. ​
​It must also be on record that ‘Toyin’s influence transcended Nigeria. She stood shoulder-to-shoulder with other notable personalities in Africa and was well respected among her counterparts from within and beyond the shore of Nigeria.
​The finality of ‘Toyin’s passage is painful, especially as she would still have a lot to contribute to her family, her community, the entire nation and indeed, Africa, but we can draw solace that she lived a very responsible and caring life. Indeed, her manners and conduct while alive will continue to linger in our memories and serve as a source of inspiration.
​Ever resourceful, trustworthy and conducting herself with humility, dignity and decorum, ‘Toyin has left an indelible mark in her national assignment at the Federal level and various facets of the private sector.
​As we mourn the passing of this illustrious daughter of Africa, we must resolve that her great labour of love shall not be in vain. While I pray that God’s strength, His bountiful blessings and perpetual guidance shall remain upon you and the entire family as you brace up to the reality of the permanence of her absence, I also pray that God will crown her soul with the joy of paradise.
