Osi-Balogun of Ijebuland, Otunba Adegboyega Adesoye, pays emotional tribute to his mother-in-law, Alhaja Hamdalat Ayoka Sosanya, who dies at 99
Adegboyega Adesoye Mourns Mother-in-Law Hamdalat Sosanya at 99
By Lukman OMIKUNLE
The Osi-Balogun of Ijebuland, Otunba Adegboyega Adesoye, has paid an emotional tribute to his mother-in-law, Alhaja Hamdalat Ayoka Sosanya, popularly known as Aya Araga, following her death at the age of 99.
Alhaja Sosanya reportedly passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, after a brief illness, leaving behind children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members to mourn her death.
In a heartfelt tribute titled “A Tribute to My Dear Mother-in-Law, Alhaja Hamdalat Ayoka Sosanya (Aya Araga),” Otunba Adesoye celebrated the late matriarch’s remarkable life, describing her as a woman whose years on earth were defined by grace, wisdom, strength and an enduring legacy.
The respected Ijebu traditional titleholder said her death was a profound loss to his wife, the entire family and the many people whose lives she touched during her nearly century-long journey.
Reflecting on her longevity and the generations she nurtured, Adesoye wrote: “Today, I join my beloved wife, the entire family, and all those whose lives you touched in celebrating a remarkable life of 99 years.”
He described her 99 years as a rare privilege and a testament to a life filled with meaningful experiences, family bonds and lasting memories.
“Mama, your journey on earth was one of grace, wisdom, strength and enduring legacy. You were blessed with the rare privilege of witnessing almost a century, leaving behind beautiful memories and generations who will continue to cherish your name,” he stated.
Adesoye further paid glowing tribute to her contributions as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, noting that her influence would remain firmly embedded in the lives of the generations she left behind.
“As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, you were truly a priceless matriarch who left an indelible mark on the sands of time, and you will forever be missed,” he added.
The late Alhaja Sosanya was the mother of Otunba Folashade Adunni Adesoye, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jewellery Affair and wife of the Osi-Balogun of Ijebuland, Adegboyega Adesoye.
Her other surviving children include Engineer Solape Araga Sosanya, Alhaja Bukola Alli Balogun and Engineer Sheikh Muyi Araga Sosanya.
Since news of her passing emerged, friends, associates and well-wishers of the Adesoye family have continued to identify with Otunba Adegboyega Adesoye, his wife, Otunba Folashade Adunni Adesoye, and the wider family, offering condolences and paying tributes to the deceased.
Alhaja Sosanya’s death marks the end of a remarkable 99-year journey, but her memories, family values and legacy are expected to endure through the generations she nurtured and the many lives she touched.
