During the colonial era in Lagos, Lady Oyinkan Ajasa (later known as Lady Oyinkan Abayomi) was born to Sir Kitoye Ajasa, the first Nigerian to receive a knighthood from the British, and Lucretia Olayinka Moore, a princess of the Egba royal family, on March 6, 1897.
Her educational journey began at the Anglican Girls’ Seminary in Lagos, where she completed her studies in 1909. She then pursued further education at the Young Ladies Academy at Ryford Hall, Gloucestershire, and later attended the Royal Academy of Music in London in 1917. Upon returning to Lagos in 1920, she took on the role of a music teacher at the Anglican Girls’ Seminary.
It was during this period that she met and married a lawyer named Mr. Moronfolu Abayomi, whom she deeply loved. Tragically, he was assassinated just two months after their marriage, leaving her heartbroken and vowing never to remarry.
However, when Dr. Kofo John expressed his desire to marry her, she presented him with a unique condition: he must change his name to her late husband’s name, Abayomi. Surprisingly, he agreed to her terms, married her, and became known as Dr. Kofo Abayomi – a decision that would later earn him widespread recognition.
In a photograph capturing a moment from their shared life, Lady Oyinkan Abayomi is seen attending a social function in Lagos with her husband, Dr. Kofo Abayomi.
Indeed, love can inspire extraordinary sacrifices.
Peoplesmind
