Olufadeke A. Iluyomade

Mrs. Olufadeke Adetokunbo Iluyomade was born on September 29, 1958, in Ibadan, Nigeria, to Dr. Ezekiel Adekunle and Mrs. Agnes Tinuola Ifaturoti. Named "Adetokunbo," meaning "the crown has returned from overseas," she was so called because she was conceived while her parents lived in Glasgow, Scotland.

Fadeke began her early education in Lagos before attending Queens School in Ibadan. She completed her secondary education at St. Louis College in Ikere Ekiti, one of the foremost Catholic girls' missionary schools of the time. Her academic journey continued at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B Hons) degree between 1976 and 1980, graduating with Second Class Upper Honors.

In 1981, she was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos, becoming a Barrister at Law (B.L.). Her thirst for knowledge and ambition led her to the prestigious Churchill College at the University of Cambridge in England, where she obtained a Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in 1982. During this period, Fadeke met the love of her life, Dr. Rotimi Iluyomade. They were married on July 9, 1983, embarking on a beautiful journey together. Their union was blessed with four wonderful children-Adedapo (married to Ana), Olutomi (married to Joanne), Abisola, and Simisola. Over the years, God further enriched their family with the births of her cherished grandchildren-Aniyah, Mayowa, and Adedapo. Fadeke loved her family more than anything in the world and gave equal parts of herself to them all, near and far.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Fadeke fulfilled her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program with the Ministry of Justice in Ilorin, serving in the Deputy State Attorney’s office from 1983 to 1984. She then shared her passion for law as a lecturer at the University of Ibadan Law School between 1984 and 1986. Following her tenure in academia, she joined First Bank of Nigeria PLC in Lagos as a Corporate Counsel, where she served diligently for four years.

When she relocated to the United States with her husband and family, Fadeke chose to pause her legal career to provide unwavering support to her loved ones. Balancing family and profession, she later worked part-time as a legal associate at the Law Office of Maryrose Nwadike for four years and at the Center for International Law and Justice for another four years.

Fadeke's passion for continued learning and her love for legal practice were evident throughout her life. In 2010, she earned another Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in the Law of the United States (LOTUS) from the University of Baltimore School of Law in Maryland. In January 2014, she completed a Certificate in Advanced Arbitration Skills at the A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center at the University of Houston Law Center in Texas, further cementing her expertise in dispute resolution.

Blessed with artistic talent and a keen eye for fashion, Fadeke explored businesses within the fashion industry, including jewelry sales. Recently, she launched "Taffeta," a design line catering to mature, fashionable women.

Beyond her professional and entrepreneurial pursuits, Fadeke was a remarkable woman whose kindness and compassion knew no bounds. She was a mother not only to her family but to all who were fortunate enough to cross her path-whether neighbor or stranger. Her life was a testament to true altruism, radiating warmth, generosity, and an unwavering faith that uplifted everyone around her.

A woman of profound faith, Fadeke guided others not only through her words but through her actions, embodying grace and selflessness. She was a source of joy, a comforting presence, and a beacon of hope, always extending a helping hand and a listening ear. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, in the smiles she inspired, and in the love she so freely gave.

We will hold her memory close, forever grateful for the gift of her presence in our lives. Her remarkable spirit and the lasting impact she left on our hearts will never be forgotten.