Chief (Mrs) Christianah Monisola Ajulo at 90: A Luminous Life of Resilience and Grace
In the quiet town of Ifira-Akoko, nestled in the rolling hills of Ondo State, a dignified nonagenarian moves with the serenity of someone who has not only witnessed history but shaped it with quiet strength. Chief (Mrs) Christianah Monisola Ajulo (née Adedeji), revered matriarch, respected entrepreneur, devout Christian, and beloved mother of the current Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, OON, SAN, has turned 90.
A celebration of her life is more than a personal milestone—it is the telling of a Nigerian story rich in grit, grace, and the unbreakable will of a woman who defied limitations to leave an indelible mark on her family, her faith, and her community.
Born on March 14, 1935, in Ifira-Akoko, Christianah’s early life was shaped by hardship. The death of her father at a tender age placed her in the care of her mother, Ibironke—a formidable trader in cattle and beef. In a society that placed little value on girls’ education, Christianah’s schooling was brief but transformative. Enrolled in a provincial school in Sapele by a perceptive uncle who saw promise in her, her formal education was cut short by societal expectations. Yet the fire of learning never left her.
Denied the opportunity of extensive schooling, Christianah pivoted to vocational training, mastering the art of sewing. She built a career in textile trading in Ijebu-Ode and later in Ibadan, showing the early signs of a woman whose enterprise would transcend markets and generations. Her flair for business culminated in the establishment of Ti Oluwa Ni Ile Bookshop (Nig.) Ltd—an intellectual haven that not only served Southwest Nigeria but also nourished the curiosity of young minds, including her own children.
Christianah’s bookshop wasn’t just a business. For her children, it was a sanctuary of stories, a launchpad into academia, and a portal into the wider world. Today, her eldest son, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo—lawyer, scholar, and public servant—recalls the influence of her collection of books on his career path and moral compass.
“She is my first law lecturer,” he fondly recounts. “She taught me justice before I read statutes, and integrity before I took any oath.”
For those who know her, Christianah Ajulo is more than a mother—she is a sage. Her life is steeped in the sacred texts of many traditions: from the Bible to the Quran, from Buddhist wisdom to African proverbs. She is known for her deep spirituality, quoting from Proverbs, Hebrews, and Isaiah with a conviction that steadies those around her.
As Iya-Ijo of Christ Anglican Church in Ifira-Akoko, she has long held a venerated place in the spiritual life of her community. A pioneer of the Egbe Ajihinrere evangelism group within the Akure diocese, she led with humility and inspired with action. Her role as a faith leader, especially for women and youth, has made her a maternal figure far beyond her biological family.
Christianah’s influence stretches across generations. Her home has long been a sanctuary—welcoming, guiding, and nurturing. Her sense of justice, her uncompromising values, and her belief in the strength of character have left an enduring impression on everyone who crossed her path.
To her son, Kayode Ajulo, she is “the very fabric of my being.” In an emotional tribute, he recalls the simple wisdoms she dispensed—like advising him to take on some briefs ex gratia, reminding him of service over profit, integrity over applause. Her insight, often bordering on prophetic, has guided major decisions in his life.
“She sees beyond the present, speaks into the future, and guides with an intuition that borders on the divine,” he reflects.
Even as age slows her step, Christianah’s commitment to civic duty remains undiminished. In the most recent gubernatorial election in Ondo State, she insisted on exercising her democratic right, urging her son to drive her to the polling booth and physically lifting her to cast her vote. It was a poignant testament to her lifelong belief that one must contribute to the progress of society, no matter the cost or circumstance.
Christianah Monisola Ajulo is the embodiment of an Omoluabi—a person of character, integrity, and nobility. Her story mirrors that of Nigeria’s unsung heroines—women who quietly moved mountains, shaped generations, and built institutions from the ground up without acclaim.
She did not just raise children; she raised visionaries. She did not just run a business; she built an intellectual ecosystem. She did not just worship God; she lived a life of prayer and principle.
As she turns 90, her life is a mirror of Nigeria’s best hopes and highest values. And as tributes pour in from dignitaries, family, and the community, one truth stands tall: in celebrating Chief (Mrs) Christianah Monisola Ajulo, we are honouring the very spirit of resilience, sacrifice, and faith that holds our society together.
Happy 90th Birthday, Ma’ami.
A mother of nations. A matriarch of light. A woman whose footprints are etched not only in sand but in souls.
