PIUS ADE BABALEYE (PAB)
*“To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.”*
The National Headquarters of The Apostolic Church, LAWNA Territorial Headquarters, Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos, was filled to capacity and beyond on Friday, as family, friends, ministers of God, community leaders, and well-wishers from all walks of life gathered to bid farewell to a beloved matriarch, Deaconess Comfort Oluwasayo Olotu.
The atmosphere was one of reverence, reflection, and celebration — the kind reserved for a life that was lived in full obedience to God, with selfless love for humanity. The church auditorium overflowed with people whose lives had been touched by “Mama Olotu,” as she was affectionately called. The turnout itself spoke volumes about the kind of woman she was: a builder of people, a woman of virtue, and a quiet but impactful force in the Kingdom of God.
Deaconess Olotu was the devoted wife of Pastor Felix Olotu, one of Akungba’s most respected spiritual leaders within the LAWNA Territory and across Nigeria. Though Mama hailed from Ife in Osun State, her connection to Akungba and her tireless hospitality toward its sons and daughters made her one of their own.
In the moving service, officiating ministers described her as a woman of “prayer, strength, humility, and compassion.” Taking his sermon from 1 Corinthians 15:15–16, one of the ministers reminded the congregation that “Mama has done her part, and it’s time for us, the living, to be prepared for eternity.”
Mama’s first daughter rendered a deeply emotional tribute, describing her mother as a “golden gift to the family, to the church, and to Akungba land.” She called her a “praying machine,” a “mother of many children — both her own and those she adopted with love.” She shared how Mama would make any friend of her children feel like family and would not rest until that person had accepted Christ.
Mama’s son-in-law emotionally described her as “the best thing that happened to me,” saying he could not tell the difference between Mama and his biological mother. “She was everything to my family — a guide, a provider, and a gift,” he said.
Pius Ade Babaleye (PAB), who spoke on behalf of Akungba indigenes present, highlighted Mama’s humility and unwavering hospitality. “Even though Mama wasn’t from Akungba, once you mentioned Akungba in her sitting room, the next thing was food, love, and welcome,” he said. “She never questioned you. If Baba Olotu was not even around, she would host you, feed you, and still give you money for transport — sometimes as much as ₦5,000 — depending on where you were headed.”
PAB also noted how the various regions of Lagos where Baba and Mama Olotu served — Ipaja, Agege, Oshodi, among others — were places where Akungba indigenes always felt at home because of Mama’s warmth and openness.
A senior elder of the church summed it up best: “It is good to be good. Look at the multitude that came to honour her — the crowd alone is a message. Mama lived well.”
After the church service, the celebration of life continued at the event centre, where food, music, and dancing followed — not out of sorrow, but in honor of a woman whose life had been a blessing to many. Laughter and memories filled the air as attendees reminisced on Mama’s kindness, laughter, and the countless ways she had uplifted those around her.
Indeed, Deaconess Comfort Oluwasayo Olotu’s transition is not a loss, but a glorious homecoming. Her legacy will remain alive in the hearts of her biological children, spiritual children, and the many lives she touched through her ministry of love and service.
*May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.*