•Mama Ikoli
NTIENSE WILLIAMS, Lagos reporting
A strong comrade of The Salvation Army in Lagos has been buried in grand style.
Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli, fondly called Mama Ikoli, died at age 93.
The Frontier reports that Mama was a daughter of the late Chief Ernest Sissei Ikoli – a renowned Nigerian politician, nationalist and pioneering journalist who played a significant role in the attainment of Nigeria’s independence.
Her journey home was marked with a Service of Songs at Citadel Tower, Victoria Island, on Thursday, November 27, 2025, followed by funeral service held at The Salvation Army Lagos Central Corps on Friday, November 28, 2025.
The funeral was conducted by the national leaders of The Salvation Army, Nigeria Territory – Commissioners Friday and Glory Ayanam (Territorial Commander and Territorial President for Women Ministry), supported by other Officers of the largest denomination known internationally for its humanitarian services.
Mama Ikoli’s life was a testament to her faith and service to God and humanity. Born in 1932, she dedicated herself to The Salvation Army, serving in various capacities particularly at Lagos Central Corps.
Her selfless service, financial support and moral guidance earned her the respect and admiration of all who knew her.
During the funeral service, testimonies flowed about the life and times of the deceased.
“She was a total packaged woman of God with a strong character and natural beauty of the Ijaw Race of Bayelsa State that shone until her old age”, said one of the guests in a chat with The Frontier.
She was a recipient of the highest honour from The Salvation Army Nigeria Territory with a special award from the Territorial Commander for her devoted service to God and humanity.
In his Message to the large congregation, Commissioner Ayanam said, “We are all testifying that Mama Ikoli was a good woman. We remember her today as a good Christian and a devoted Salvationist, she lived a life which was in line with the scriptures. She has finished the race, she is no longer with us here, her soul has gone to be with God. She has been Promoted to Glory. I ask you, what will you be remembered for when your own time is up? As Christians we have to live a life which is pleasing to God, we must shun sin so that on that last day we shall receive our crown of glory”.
The funeral ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries from Lagos and Bayelsa states alongside her family members including Mrs Patience Anengiyefa IKOLI, Chief Anthony George IKOLI (SAN) former Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice of Bayelsa State, Mr Edward Diete Ikoli, Ms Doreen Omunguta Diete – Koki, Mr Ikenna Oguike, her In-law and wife of the former Vice President Mama Chief Dr Mrs Ellen Ekwueme, HRM Oba Rafiu Ishola Balogun – the Elejinron of Ejinrin Kingdom, Chief Barr Odein Ajumogobia (SAN), Mr Tunde Arogunmati, and many others.
Also present were Officers, Soldiers and Friends of The Salvation Army, with the Band and Songsters Brigades warming the jam-packed hall with soul-lifting musical renditions.
