By Olivia Ekpe
The news of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s passing at the age of 93 has sent shockwaves of grief across Nigeria, with major organizations, leaders, and residents paying tribute to her life and legacy.
Elsie Ajayi Ikoli, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on September 2, 2025, in her Lagos home, surrounded by loved ones. Her death has left a void in the hearts of many, but her legacy of love, service, and inspiration will continue to live on.
CAKASA (Nigeria) Company Limited, WEMA Bank, Polaris Bank, and other organizations have expressed their condolences to the family, praising Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s remarkable contributions to society.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC), Lagos chapter, and Lagos residents have also mourned her passing, describing her as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and love.
Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to service, integrity, and unity. Born on June 24, 1932, in Kaduna, she was a woman of remarkable intellect, resilience, and faith.
Her work as Executive Assistant to the late Ernest Sissei Ikoli, a pioneering journalist and nationalist, was marked by dedication, diligence, and a passion for nation-building.
As a mother, Elsie Ajayi Ikoli was a source of inspiration and strength to her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have lost a beloved matriarch, but her legacy will continue to guide and inspire them.
The Ernest Sissei Ikoli Foundation, established to promote the values of integrity, unity, and service championed by the late Ernest Ikoli, has paid tribute to Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s life and legacy. The Foundation’s statement described her as a “quiet revolution,” a woman who lived a life of purpose, devotion, and service to humanity.
Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s passing is a reminder of the power of love, service, and inspiration. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and her memory will be a blessing to all who knew her.
Tributes:
– “A great mother, a church servant, and a quiet revolutioist- CAKASA (Nigeria) Company Limited
– “A pillar of strength, wisdom, and love.” – Ijaw National Congress (INC), Lagos chapter
– “A woman of remarkable intellect, resilience, and faith.” – Ernest Sissei Ikoli Foundation-
“A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.” – WEMA Bank-
“A legacy of love, service, and inspiration.” – Polaris Bank
