Mama Victoria Monisola Adeleye, born in Igbajo to Pa Abraham Dada and Mama Adetutu Ruth, was the eighth child in a family of twelve siblings. Her early life was marked by a strong foundation in education, nurtured significantly by her brother, the Late Professor Emmanuel Akande Tugbiyele. She commenced her academic journey at Baptist Day School, Igbajo, proceeded to Baptist Girls High School, Agbor, from 1956 to 1960, and completed her A-levels at Hussey College, Warri, between 1962 and 1963. Mama Adeleye graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan in 1968.
Her distinguished teaching career began with a tenure at Baptist Girls High School in Oshogbo, where she also served as a house mistress. After university, she taught at Kiriji Memorial College in her hometown, Igbajo. Mama Adeleye later joined Christ High School in Ibadan, teaching notable students including Professor Onakoya. Her career progressed at Ibadan Boys High School, and she eventually became Vice Principal at Mt. Olivet High School in Ibadan.
Mama Victoria Monisola Adeleye was married to Edward Olajide Adeleye, and they had four children: Olumide, Oluwarotimi, Adenike, and Adebanke. Following their relocation to Ondo State, where her husband contributed to state development, Mama Adeleye continued to excel professionally. She is survived by her children and their spouses – Olumide and Modupe Adeleye, Oluwarotimi and Mofoluke Adeleye, Adenike and Adedapo Adesiyakan, and Adebanke and Ayodele Fajana – as well as numerous grandchildren.
A woman of strong faith, Mama Adeleye was a pioneer member of St. Anne’s Church and later a devoted member of the RCCG House of Glory in the United States. Her church involvement included roles in evangelism, children’s department coordination, and leadership of house fellowship. She was also a committed member of various clubs and societies such as the Business and Professional Women’s Club, Igbajo Friendly Sisters, Ladies Club 12 Akure, Ladies Christian Circle, and the Mother’s Union. Notably, Mama Adeleye was one of the founding members of the Governing Board of Igbajo Polytechnic, reflecting her commitment to education and community development.
During her tenure in Ondo State, Mama Adeleye served as Vice Principal of St. Louis Girls Grammar School in Akure, alongside her esteemed Principal, Sister Philomena McGuiness. After the passing of her husband at the age of 40, Mama Adeleye continued to distinguish herself professionally. She became Principal of Akure City College in 1984 and subsequently served as the Founding Principal of St. Helen’s Unity Girls Secondary School in Ondo in 1985. A decade later, she was posted to Ijo Momo High School in Akure, from which she retired in 1998.
In her later years, Mama Adeleye relocated to the United States, where she maintained strong faith and community ties. She found great joy and fulfilment in her membership of the RCCG House of Glory, deeply cherished by the congregation. Mama Adeleye’s enduring legacy is one of empowerment; she raised strong, productive, and highly successful women who have become outstanding professionals, mothers, and leaders globally.