FORMER BAYELSA STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL PENS TRIBUTE TO MADAM ELSIE AJAYI IKOLI
The First Senior Advocate from Bayelsa State, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli, on Sunday described Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli as a paragon of virtue, compassion, and elegance.
‘’We will congregate on Friday, November 28, 2025, in Lagos to bid a fond farewell to a luminary whose radiance illuminated our lives for 93 extraordinary years. My mother, a paragon of virtue, compassion, and elegance, leaves behind a legacy that transcends mortal bounds.
In an emotional tribute, the former Bayelsa State Attorney General called Elsie Ajayi Ikoli the epicenter of the family, the thread that stitched them together with love, laughter, and tears.
“Like a sunrise that banishes the shadows, her presence brightened our lives, casting a warm glow that will forever be etched in our hearts. Her love knew no limits, her kindness unbridled, and her generosity boundless. She was the epicenter of our family, the thread that stitched us together with love, laughter, and tears’’.
The foremost lawyer talked about strong emotional bonds.
“As a guiding light, she navigated us through life’s turbulent waters, her wisdom and intuition serving as our North Star. Her unwavering support and encouragement instilled in us the courage to pursue our dreams, to chase the horizon, and to never surrender to the whispers of doubt’’.
The grandson of the fiery journalist and nationalist, Ernest Sisei Ikoli, emphasized the late mother’s principles.
“Her passing leaves a chasm that cannot be filled, a silence that cannot be broken. Yet, even in death, she teaches us the value of living, of loving, and of leaving a lasting impact on the lives we touch’’.
He also emphasized love, kindness, and generosity.
“As we say our final goodbyes, we take comfort in the memories of a life well-lived, a life that continues to inspire us to be better, to do better, and to love without condition. May her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity continue to illuminate our path, guiding us toward a brighter tomorrow’’
He recalled her infectious laughter, warm smile, and her remarkable ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and loved.
‘’We recall her tireless devotion to her family, her friends, and her community, and the countless lives she touched through her selflessness, her compassion, and her unwavering commitment to making the world a brighter, more loving place’’
He also urged Nigerians to emulate her example.
“Though she may be gone from our sight, her memory will remain with us, a blessing to cherish, a legacy to uphold. May we strive to emulate her example, to spread love, kindness, and joy wherever we go, and to honor her memory by living lives that reflect the values she held dear.
Ending the tribute, Ikoli said “Rest now, dear Mother, in the knowledge that your love, your legacy, and your memory will continue to inspire and uplift us. May your soul find peace, and may your memory be a blessing to us all.”
Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli died at her Lagos home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. She was 93 years old.
