By Mike Adeyemi
What makes a person truly remarkable is not necessarily the number of years spent on earth, but the character, courage and authenticity with which those years are lived. Some people are naturally diplomatic, while others are gifted with the courage to say things exactly as they see them. Mrs. Elizabeth Abosede Odeyemi, JP, belongs unmistakably to the latter category. She is, in every sense of the word, a blunt woman to a fault.
There is something refreshing about people who do not hide behind pretence. Mrs. Odeyemi is one of such people. She says what she believes, speaks her mind and does not necessarily decorate her words simply to make them pleasing to everyone. Her bluntness is not borne out of wickedness or disrespect; rather, it is a reflection of her personality—one rooted in honesty, courage and realism.
Turning 50 is no ordinary milestone. It is a golden chapter in the journey of life, representing five decades of experiences, challenges, victories, lessons and God’s unfailing grace. To attain this remarkable age in a world filled with uncertainties is, indeed, a reason to give thanks to God and celebrate the gift of life.
My relationship with Mrs. Odeyemi dates back many years, to the period when she was pursuing her NCE at the Kwara State College of Education. I got to know her through my friend, Henry Erueserare, whose sister happened to be her acquaintance. Life, as fate would have it, later brought us closer in Osere, where she eventually became married to one of our elder brothers from Oro-Ago.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to observe her personality closely, and one thing that has remained unmistakable is her sincerity. Mrs. Odeyemi is a deeply devoted Christian, a woman who takes her faith seriously and tries to live by her convictions. Yet, beneath that calm and Christian disposition is a woman who does not mince words.
She tells you what she thinks, whether you like it or not. She is not the type who will deliberately bend the truth merely to please people. In an environment where some people prefer to be overly diplomatic, sometimes to the point of being hypocritical, her straightforwardness can be refreshing. I would rather have someone who tells me the truth bluntly than someone who hides behind comedy, pretence or changing positions simply to remain in everyone’s good books.
Mrs. Odeyemi is also a bold woman. In every sense of the word, she has stood solidly behind her husband and family. Her husband is a gentle, simple and easy-going man, but those who know Mrs. Odeyemi understand that you cannot deliberately mess with him and expect her to remain silent.
When it comes to defending the people she loves, she does not operate from the gallery. She stands firmly by them. Her loyalty to her husband is one of the qualities that I have come to admire about her. She is unapologetic about her position when she believes she is standing on the side of truth and justice.
My relationship with the Odeyemi family has also grown beyond ordinary friendship. I am particularly close to the family, and Mrs. Odeyemi has, on several occasions, acknowledged me as a younger brother to her husband. Coming from the same Oro-Ago ancestral cocoon, I have fondly nicknamed her “Iye-Oro”, a name that reflects not only our shared roots but also the warmth of our relationship.
Since we became close, she has stood by my family in different circumstances. She has never hesitated to offer her support where necessary and, to the best of my understanding, has always been willing to stand in the gap for those around her.
That is perhaps the greatest lesson in knowing Mrs. Odeyemi: behind the blunt words is a caring heart; behind the boldness is loyalty; behind the frankness is a woman who genuinely wants things to be right. Her personality may not always be convenient for everyone, but it is certainly authentic.
At 50, therefore, Mrs. Elizabeth Abosede Odeyemi is not merely celebrating a birthday; she is celebrating a journey. A journey of faith, marriage, family, friendship, service and the countless experiences that have shaped the woman she has become today.
As you mark this golden jubilee, Iye-Oro, I join your family, friends and well-wishers in thanking God for His faithfulness over your life. May the years ahead be even more fulfilling than those behind you.
May God preserve your life to witness many more glorious years and grant you the privilege of reaping the fruits of your labour. As you step into this new decade, may you enjoy sound health, greater prosperity, peace of mind and abundant divine blessings.
May your home continue to flourish, may your marriage remain strengthened by love and understanding, and may your children and loved ones continue to be sources of joy and pride.
At 50, continue to be the woman you have always been—bold, truthful, devoted, loyal and, yes, blunt to a fault.
Happy 50th birthday, Mrs. Elizabeth Abosede Odeyemi, JP. May your golden jubilee mark the beginning of many more golden years ahead.
Mike Adeyemi is a journalist. He writes from Ilorin -Kwara State