The final rites of passage for the late Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli, the first daughter of Chief Ernest Sisei Ikoli begins today, Thursday November 27, in Lagos. 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.
Although the Ikolis hail from Nembe-Brass areas of Bayelsa State, Mama will be buried in Lagos according to her last wishes.
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.
In a release signed by the secretary of the Ernest Sisei Ikoli Foundation, Mr Ikenna Oguike, and the Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Ikoli, the Christian Wake and Service of Songs for Madam Ikoli will take place on Thursday November 27 at the Citadel, 274 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Time is 5.00pm.
Funeral service takes place at the Salvation Army Church, Odunlami Street, Lagos Island on Friday, November 28 at 10.00 in the morning. The remains will then be laid to rest at a venue to be attended by family members only.
Thereafter, reception of guests will take place at The Hall Event Center, 16 Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Thanksgiving and Outing Service will take place on Sunday, November 30, at The Salvation Army Church, Odunlami Street, Lagos Island.
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”
She was well known as a tireless and cheerful woman who could be counted on, but avoided the spotlight and focused on Ernest Sissei Ikoli through his long political career.
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