Princess Rhoda Adenike was born on the 21st November, 1949 to the Royal Family of Oba William Adetona Ayeni, of Olutojokun Compound, Iperin, Ila Orangun and Princess (Olori) Rebecca Adebuoye Ayeni of Orolotimoye Royal Family, Asaoni Ora-Igbomina. She has indeed descended from two major Yoruba Royal Families.
Her father, Oba William Adetona Ayeni, Ariwajoye 1, Orangun Ile-Ila (1967-1999) was a retired army of Second World War, a politician and a furniture maker as well, while her mother was a trader who was also good at weaving and knitting.
Princess Durowade as her father fondly called her grew up and lived with her parents untill 1959 when her uncle, Hon. Joseph Oladapo Fakayode took her to Ile-Ife to continue her primary education and later return to Ila-Orangun where she completed her primary school education at St. Matthews Anglican Primary School, Ila-Orangun.
Her mother, Late Princess (Olori) Rebecca Adebuoye Ayeni was called to glory not quite long after her primary Education.
Princess Rhoda educational journey was tedious. In 1963, her Uncle, Ezekiel Oladijo Fakayode (late) took her over to Ikirun to further her Modern school education at African Modern School where she obtained Modern School Certificate in 1967.
Princess Rhoda Adenike lived shortly wih her father’s friend, Pa. Raji Afolayan (Late) of Oloje compound, Aran-Orin in Kwara State after which she gained admission to St. Loius Teacher’s College in far north, Zonkwa (near Jos) now Kaduna State. Unfortunately, she was unable to finish there as a result of Biafra war. She worked briefly as auxiliary teacher in Iresi and Ila-Orangun afterward.
Because of her father’s insistence to further her education, she secured admission to Teacher’s Training College, Ikere Ekiti in Ondo State and obtained her Grade II Certificate in 1977. In her bid and quest for knowledge, she enrolled in Part-Term N.C.E. at Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun and graduated in 1992. In year 2000, she obtained B.Ed in Social Sciences from Federal University of Uyo (affiliated to O.S.S.C.E, Ila-Orangun). She taught in various Schools in Ikirun and Ila Orangun for several years and voluntarily retired from active ervice in 2006 due to health challenges.
Princess Rhoda Akande is a devoted Christian and a lover of her Maker. She is a member of many social and church groups:
• Matron of Boys Brigade and Girls Guide in St. Mathew Anglican Church, Isedo, Ila-Orangun.
• 2nd Assistant secretary, National Council of Women Society (NCWS), Osun State Branch.
• Member, United Sisters Association, Ila-Orangun.
• President, Busy Bees Society, St. Mathews Anglican Church, Ila-Orangun.
• President, Bevy Associate, Ila-Orangun.
• President, Market Women and Traders Association, Ila Local Government (First Iyaloja of Ila-Orangun).
She is blessed with doting and caring children (both male and female) among whom are Prince Abimbola Bolarinwa, Pastor Olajide Bolarinwa, Abiola Bolarinwa, Omotayo Akinwale, Omolola Akande, Dr. Majek Akande and Mobolaji Akande.
Upon all the challenges she faced in life, (Chief) Princess Rhoda Adenike lived a good life. She was a bridge builder among her brothers and sister as well as a good friend to all her children and grandchildren.
Iyaloja Rhoda Adenike was an inspiring soul, always there for all who came to her with their troubles. Her home was open to everyone, and her hospitality made them feel important. She was the most loving, humble, compassionate, understanding, family-orientated woman and one of the most beautiful souls one could ever meet.
May her gallant soul continue to rest in peace.
