Bamidele Rachael Ikuenobe

Within the lineage of the esteemed Patriarch and Sage, HRH Akpebhugie, of Ogie-Uhe of Uhe Royal Quarters of Ugboha Kingdom of Edo State, Nigeria emerged a lineage of royals including HRH Gabriel Ehizogie. From HRH Gabriel Ehizogie, came HRH Peter Abhulime oftentimes abbreviated to Abu.

Princess Bamidele Rachael Ikuenobe J.P., born on August 28, 1942, in Ibadan, hailed from the union of HRH Peter Ehizogie Abhulime- of Ugboha, Edo State, and Madam Funmilayo Deborah Ogunmola of Igede Ekiti, Ekiti State. She wedded Mr. Ambrose Ikuenobe on March 27, 1961, at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Benin City, a bond that endured until his passing on November 28, 2006.

Educational and Professional Journey:
Mama Ikuenobe, JP, completed her West African School Leaving Certificate in 1972 from City Grammar School in Benin City and attained her Teacher Grade Two Certificate in 1987. Her teaching odyssey commenced in 1976 at Our Lady of Apostle Private School in Yaba, later transitioning to Our Lady of Apostle Primary School in Benin City in 1991. After 24 years of dedicated service, she retired from teaching in 2000. Post-retirement, she ventured into trading sundry items in Benin before embarking on a journey to the United States of America.

Community Engagements:
Mama’s altruistic spirit led her to join the Nigerian Red Cross Society in 1989, where she served as a P.F/Aider. She actively participated in various groups and societies, including the Ugboha Progressive Union (Women Wing), where she served as President, and the Esan Friendly Ladies Society. She moved to the United States where she was an honorary matriarch of Esan Community of Georgia. Throughout her life, she held several esteemed positions in social and cultural organizations, notably within the St. Augustine Catholic Parish in Benin City. She was a member first at St. Dennis Catholic Church Bariga and later St. Dominic’s Catholic Church Yaba and finally Our Lady Mother of Queen Badore Ajah, all in Lagos. She became a member of Christ our Hope Catholic Church Atlanta Georgia and St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Lawrenceville Atlanta, Georgia. USA.

Recognition and Achievements:
Mama received numerous accolades, including the Dedicated Service Medal from the CWO Lagos Archdiocese Lekki Deanery and a Lifetime Achievement Award from CWO Our Lady Mother and Queen Catholic Church Parish, Badore Ajah, in 2023. Additionally, she was honored with an Excellence in Teaching award by the Class of 1989 of OLA Private School, Yaba.

Personal Attributes:
Affectionately known as “The People’s Princess,” Mama Ikuenobe was cherished for her empathy, humor, kindness, and humility. Her magnetic personality and zest for life earned her various endearing nicknames reflecting her warmth and charm. “The People’s Princess” Mama Ikuenobe had an immense personality. She was humble, jovial, fun to be with, friendly, accommodating to both members of her family and in-laws. There was never a dull moment with her. She personalized relationships and radiated Happiness everywhere she went and interacted with everyone regardless of status. Due to her nature of being a people’s person, she had many nicknames; Ikues International, American mummy, Mummy Benin, Mummy Gbogbo Ero, fashionable mummy, God punish devil, mummy fine girl, mama Africa, Egbefuere etc.

Legacy:
Mama leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion, survived by her two biological children, Emilia, and Evelyn, along with numerous Godchildren, adopted children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She departed peacefully on January 14, 2024, in the USA, surrounded by her beloved grandchildren, leaving behind cherished memories and an indelible mark on all who knew her.