Ijaw Nation, CAKASA, WEMA, POLARIS bank, others pays tribute, consoles the Ikoli family.
The first daughter of late Ernest Sesei Ikoli, Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli, is dead. Ikoli was the first African Editor of Daily Times, and one of the foremost nationalists that fought for Nigeria’s independence. She was 93 years old.
Madam Ikoli is the mother to the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Bayelsa State, and a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State, Chief Anthony George-Ikoli SAN. She died on September 2, 2025 and would be buried on Friday November 28, 2025.
Condolences have continued to pour in for the Ikoli family over the eventful life of their matriarch.
The Chairman of CAKASA, Chief Christopher A. Alabi, in his tribute described Madam Ikoli as a great mother. “No doubt, the transition of our dearly beloved matriarch had left a great and indelible void in the hearts and minds of not just the immediate family but anyone who had had a rare occasion to meet her. The outpouring of grief and emotion over her transition is a clear affirmation of her personality as an embodiment of virtue and nobility. She showed love without expectation to all, cared for others without conditions and touched lives in innumerable and invaluable ways’’.
Chief Alabi urged the Ikoli family not to grief but find strength in the remarkable life she lived. “Mama Elsie Ajayi Ikoli was a rare gem. She personified selflessness, altruism and service to humanity. What a life well lived, a legacy superlatively delivered. She would be sorely missed, but we are not without hope. And so, it is well said that albeit ‘’ nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower’’. Let us grieve no more. But find hope and strength that whatever our worries and cares may justifiably be on account of her glorious transition. We must give them over to God for He cares for us. God’s care closes every void. His comfort soothes every pain and His love trumps every loss”, he concluded.
Similarly, WEMA Bank extended condolences to Chief George-Ikoli and other members of the family on the passing of his dearly beloved mother.
In a letter signed by Business Development Manager, Olaniyi Saheed and Zonal Manager, LM, Lucky Imoisilli, the bank expressed solidarity with the family during the period of mourning.
The letter stated: “As a team, we are deeply saddened by this loss and understand how difficult it is to part with a loved one. Please accept our deepest sympathy and we pray that God grants you and your entire family the strength and comfort you need during this time and may her soul rest in peace’’.
In the same vein, Polaris Bank extended sympathies to the family of Elsie Ajayi Ikoli. The bank in a letter by its Relationship Manager, Nta Henshaw and Branch Manager, Cibuzo Ogbonna acknowledged Elsie Ajayi Ikoli’s contributions to the growth of the family.
The letter stated: “It was with deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of your dear mother, Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli. On behalf of the Management and Staff of Polaris Bank, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time;
‘’We understand that the loss of a mother leaves a void that cannot be easily filled. May you find strength in the cherished memories you shared with her and may her legacy of love and guidance continue to comfort and inspire you. Please be assured of our thoughts and prayers as you go through this period of grief. We stand with you and wish you and your family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss’’.
The leaders of the Ijaw Nation also expressed grief over the demise of Anthony George-Ikoli’s mother, Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli. The statement by the Lagos State Chairman, Tonye Leonard Harry and State Secretary, Elayelagha Golden Ambakaderemo commiserated with Anthony George-Ikoli over the demise of his beloved mother, Mrs. Elsie Ajayi Ikoli.
The Ijaw leaders paid their deepest and heartfelt condolences, saying that the prayers of the Ijaw people are with Chief Anthony George-Ikoli and his family at this difficult time. “Our prayers are with you and the entire bereaved family because of this irreparable loss. Though a painful exit of a good mother, God loves her more. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and may you find comfort and strength during this difficult time’’.
The statement urged Chief George-Ikoli and his family to draw strength from the mother’s illuminating attributes of honesty, discipline, resilience and joyful spirit. ‘’Her sweet memories will forever be etched in our minds” the statement added.
The Ernest Ikoli Foundation highlighted Madam Elsie’s professionalism, and apprenticeship in nation-building with her role as Executive Assistant to her father, Ernest Ikoli, First Editor of Daily Times, Publisher of African Messenger, President of the Nigerian Youth Movement, one of the founders of Action Group (AG) and representative of Lagos in the Legislative Council.
She moved with quiet precision behind the scenes of history. While Ernest drafted editorials that stirred the conscience of a colony awakening to freedom, Mama Ayo kept the rhythm of his days — managing correspondence, organizing schedules, shielding one of the activists of Nigeria’s political history from distraction”
Well known as a tireless and cheerful woman who could be counted on, the statement said Elsie avoided the spotlight and focused on Ernest Sissei Ikoli throughout his long political career.
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