Olajumoke Ale: Tribute To A Life Of Service And Wisdom
ABIODUN KOMOLAFE
Life, a “transparent pearl” (Shan Sa), is often recognized for its fleeting nature: “a flash of a firefly in the night” and “the little shadow which runs across the grass” (Crowfoot). Yet, Henry Longfellow offers a contrasting wisdom in age, noting: “as the evening twilight fades away, the sky is filled with stars, invisible by day”. This layered perspective, balancing life’s brevity with its eventual wisdom, echoes the Psalmist’s essential prayer: “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”.
The passing of Mrs. Josephine Olajumoke Ale (née Ogidi) on August 7, 2025, isn’t just a loss for her family; it’s a moment to reflect on what dedicated public service truly looks like and the extraordinary foundation it built for a generation. Ale’s life serves as a powerful argument for recognizing and reinvesting in the backbone of our nation: the committed, frontline civil servant.
Born on October 2, 1945, Ale dedicated her life to a path of profound community impact. After completing her vocational nursing and midwifery training in 1968, she embarked on a remarkable career that spanned medical institutions across the trenches of Kwara, Ondo, and Ekiti States. Through her tireless commitment, she personified the highest ideal of the Nigerian Matron before her exit in 2008, bringing skilled and compassionate care to even the most underserved towns.
Ale’s service spoke to a critical, forgotten truth: the quality of our public health system hinges not just on policy, but on personnel. Her ‘healing hands and compassionate spirit’ comforted countless lives in Labour wards and communities, demonstrating that local commitment was irreplaceable. In an era where brain-drain cripples our hospitals, we must re-examine how we support, incentivize, and celebrate those who choose to stay and serve where the need is greatest.
Beyond her professional life, Ale’s family life offers a compelling blueprint for successful parenting, a model that should be taught and promoted across Nigeria. Widow of the late Matthew Fadahunsi Ale, she was not just a supportive wife but a force of nature in guiding her children to “enviable status in their diverse endeavours”. This wasn’t accidental! The success was rooted in intentional, disciplined and consistent nurturing.
Olajumoke Ale was known by many names: Mama Ale, Aunty Jose, Eye Olu, Mama Nurse, Mama Senior, each reflecting a different facet of her remarkable personality.
While on this earth, the signature of life – defined by strength, courage, determination, perseverance, and inspiration – was vividly expressed in Ale’s journey, making her life the truest embodiment of purposeful existence. The fact that Eye Olu, even in retirement, did not experience the “old age poverty or penury associated with retirees in Nigeria” proved that parental sacrifice and discipline, not just wealth, are the keys to intergenerational success.
A woman of powerful integrity, Ale was one of the most talented brains of her generation. She was resolute, committed, always going out on her own terms. Her life was marked by immense courage and a deep sense of patriotism. Mama Senior lived a simple, humble and frugal existence. Her sharp wit, mental fortitude, and undeniable connection with the people were a huge catalyst in setting her apart.
Mama Ale never lost her principles. She was never rancorous but loved her family. She transformed herself and her community in terms of moral investments. In reflecting on her life, we are reminded that the impact we have on others can transcend our lifetime, inspiring future generations to live with purpose and compassion.
Ale’s life encompassed an accommodating spirit, which allowed her to embrace and stoically endure the inevitable twists and turns of life with a Christian disposition. Mama Nurse needed no grand political stage nor towering monuments; her legacy was quietly but profoundly etched into the hearts she healed and the lives she elevated.
The story of her life is also a strong, silent argument against cynicism and resignation. It is a powerful reminder that the true wealth of a nation lies in the character of its people and the selfless work of its servants. Her death also teaches us salient lessons about our transient nature, a fundamental truth that we must confront without fear or despair.
C.S. Lewis was right: “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure”. Ale’s memory will forever be a treasure, inspiring the living to live lives of purpose, service and love.
Her mortal remains were laid to rest in Igogo-Ekiti yesterday, October 3, 2025.
Olajumoke Ale is survived by her children: Mrs. Funke Fashesin, Professor Omonike Ogbole, Dr. Olubunmi Ade-Ojo, Mr. Deji Ale, Mr. Kunle Ale, Mrs. Bosede Babatunde, and Mr. Gbenga Ale.
She is also survived by her sons-in-law: Mr. Oludiran Fashesin, mni; Professor Godwin Ogbole; and Professor Idowu Ade-Ojo; and her daughters-in-law: Dr. (Mrs.) Labake Ale, Mrs. Temitope Ale, and Mrs. Ejiro Ale. She was also blessed with many grandchildren.
Aunty Jose was predeceased by her son-in-law, Mr. Olumide Babatunde.
May the Stone of Israel grant rest to Mrs. Josephine Olajumoke Ale’s soul and comfort her family!
May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in our time!
*KOMOLAFE wrote from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk; 08033614419 – SMS only)
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