Remembering her life
Her Story
A life of love, faith and family
Margaret Monisola Abike Osinaike, née Mofolasayo, was lovingly known as Oshiemama. Her life brought together faith, music, service and family—a journey that took unexpected turns, yet remained rich in love and purpose.
Her beginnings
Margaret was born on 24 October 1935 to Reverend Joseph Adesina and Mrs Ojuolape Mofolasayo of Ile Olukoyi, Iree, Osun State, Nigeria. Her mother was an old student of Idi-Aba Baptist School. Margaret grew up with an older brother, Abiola, and a younger brother, Ademola.
She lost her mother when she was about five years old. Following that loss, she moved in with a British Reverend Sister who worked at the only medical centre in Iree at the time.
Her recollections also honoured the care of her American mentor, Miss Neal C. Young, and the lasting home she found at Idi-Aba in Abeokuta. The school would shape her education, her faith and much of the woman she became.
A home at Idi-Aba
Margaret began at Idi-Aba as a kindergarten child. Her earliest lessons included discovering flowers and learning their names, playing with sand, listening to stories and singing. The Cottage was her first home within the school, and the women who cared for the children became mother figures, especially to those who had lost their own mothers.
Discipline came with love. Daily life had a rhythm of morning devotion, duties, meals, classes, rest, evening study and sleep. Older girls helped the younger children to remain clean and tidy. As Margaret grew, she moved through the school’s different houses and dormitories, each stage bringing greater responsibility.
Idi-Aba prepared her for far more than examinations. She learnt to plan meals, shop carefully, cook, keep a home and serve others with care. Cleanliness, moderation, independence and perseverance became lasting habits. Even the challenge of making a single bucket of water meet several needs taught resourcefulness.
She later wrote:
“I remember her and joy swells in my soul. She gives me happy memories of my early years, courage for the present and hope for years to come. This is Idi-Aba to me.”
Learning, teaching and service
Margaret progressed through her primary education and teacher training, including her Grade III studies in Ife. She became one of the pioneer teachers at Ife, carrying into her classroom the example of the teachers who had shaped her: firm standards, careful preparation, compassion and a determination to bring out the best in every child.
Many of her students went on to successful careers and professions. The education she received became a gift she passed on through her teaching, her family and her service to others.
Her path had once pointed towards medicine, but life opened other doors. The instinct to care remained with her. At Idi-Aba’s infirmary, she had learnt to help people who were unwell; in later life, she continued to care for older people whenever the need arose.
Her years in England
Margaret travelled to England in 1960 and returned to Nigeria in 1970. Those ten years brought new experiences and an important chapter in her family story.
In the United Kingdom, she met and married Prince Folorunso, originally from Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Princess Abimbola Oduola, née Folorunso—lovingly known as Bimbola.
Motherhood became a treasured part of Margaret’s life, alongside the faith, learning and love of music she carried with her.
Love and a growing family
Eight years later, another chapter awaited Margaret. Aboard a ship travelling from London back to Nigeria, she met a charming gentleman who captured her heart: Mr J. K. O. Osinaike.
Their meeting began a partnership that endured until he passed on to glory. Together, they were blessed with two more children: a daughter, IkeOluwapo, and a son, Ibiyemi.
Her marriage also brought seven stepchildren into her life, widening the family circle that would become such an important part of her story.
Over the years, that family grew across generations. Margaret was blessed with a family of 23 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: seven grandchildren through her three children and 16 through her seven stepchildren. Together, they form a cherished part of her enduring legacy.
Her story was more than a tale of two marriages. It was a life that brought together children, stepchildren, their spouses and successive generations—a family shaped by love, shared experiences and lasting relationships.
Working life, business and farming
Margaret worked as Executive Assistant to the Managing Director of National Oil, Marina, until her retirement at the age of 50.
Retirement marked the beginning of another working chapter. She went into the supplies business before eventually settling on farming. With her husband, Mr J. K. O. Osinaike, she established a palm kernel farm in Odogbolu.
The practical skills, discipline and resourcefulness nurtured in her early years continued to serve her through these different stages of life.
A life filled with music
Music was woven through Margaret’s life from childhood. Her teachers taught her songs in class and Sunday School, and she sang with the choir for four years. Saturday nights at Idi-Aba brought music made with large buckets and tins used as drums.
Years later, she composed a song for Idi-Aba because words alone could not express what the school meant to her.
Singing remained a lifelong joy. Whether in worship, fellowship or family gatherings, her voice became part of the memories people carried of her.
Some of the most treasured memories her children and grandchildren share are of waking to her singing. Often it was a hymn, especially Holy, Holy, Holy, and sometimes the greeting they remember most fondly: “Good morning, good morning. I am glad to see you.”
She never woke anyone with a shout, a sharp call or an impatient tap. First came the soft sound of her singing, then a tender hand resting gently on them to ease them awake. It was such a simple, loving habit, yet it left an unforgettable memory: beginning the day with her music, her gentleness and the comfort of being loved.
Faith, fellowship and love
Margaret’s Christian faith was a foundation throughout her life. Through the Sunbeam, Girls’ Auxiliary and Women’s Missionary Union programmes, she learnt the Word of God in stages. She credited Idi-Aba with leading her to the Lord Jesus Christ and teaching her that her life belonged to Him.
Worship and fellowship gave her a lasting sense of community. At school, she and the other students came together as a family, asking God for forgiveness and closing with the song, If I Have Wounded Any Soul Today.
She learnt that there was grace in service and honour in serving faithfully. Those lessons continued through her relationships, her care for others and her life within the church.
Her connection with Idi-Aba also endured. She served as National Auditor of the old students’ association and as a member of the Think-Tank Committee for the school’s centenary celebration.
A heritage carried forward
Margaret gave glory to God for the missionaries and Nigerian teachers who raised, taught and loved her. The foundation they laid continued through her own work and through the family she nurtured.
Her life reminds us that a journey need not follow its original plan to be meaningful. Hers unfolded through teaching, working life, business, farming, music and motherhood—through love found, love cherished and loss endured.
To her family and those who knew her, she remains Oshiemama: mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, teacher and friend.
Her joyful song continues in heaven and will forever remain in our hearts.
This account draws on Margaret’s recordings, published recollections and family memories.