Chief (Mrs) Modupe Mojisola Williams

Born in Lagos on July 13, 1924 into the Pearse family, Chief (Mrs) Modupe Mojisola Williams JP was the first daughter of George Babatunde Pearse, the Otunbade of Itesi who was the son of Jameson J. Pearse of Ereko and Alakoro and whose brother was S. H. Pearse of Oke Olowogbowo.

Her Isale-Eko connection through her grandmother Princess Dorcas Olamijuwon Esinlokun (Odunsi), mother of George Babatunde, with the family base at Idunmota lane, Isale-Eko. Her mother was the late Eyiyemi Olakintan, Nee Abraham of Ita-Kose.

Modupe Mojisola had her early education at the Anglican Girls School, Lagos and later at Ishagamu Girls High School as a boarder. She trained and qualified as a Midwife at the Massey Street Hospital from 1941 to 1944.

In 1945 Modupe Mojisola and the Late Cornelius Akanbi Williams, a distinguished Chemist and Druggist, were joined in Holy Matrimony and lived in Port Harcourt for the next twenty-one years.

On getting married she became a full housewife. She soon got restless and wanted to exploit her catering potential. She established a catering business that was a huge success. That outfit was a landmark in Port Harcourt and it endeared her to all lovers of good food. She will long be remembered by them all who fondly called her “Mama Porta”

On the death of her husband in 1964 she return to Lagos. She joined the Nigerian Ports Authority in 1966 and was appointed catering officer. She retired from NPA as an Executive  Catering Officer in 1984.

Modupe Mojisola was a lady in every conceivable manner, loving and caring. Her charity and the will to help and support those in need and her many virtues were recognized when in February 1989 she was honored with the princessly title of Aladeniwa of Lagos (i.e her crown possess’s moral qualities). This noble status she demonstrated in her regular appearance in full chieftaincy regalia at Sunday services at the Cathedral, to the admiration of many.

Modupe Mojisola before her demise, was a member of several Women’s Organizations and Associations including Lion Club, Red Cross and YWCA.

As a practicing Christian she was very active in church societies, some of which include the Women Guild Auxiliary,Cathedral Missionary Society.

She had five children, Olufunmilayo, Ibironke, Adekunle, Ayodeji and Adeniyi.

Undoubtedly her endearing love for each and every one both old and young, friends and relative alike will long be remembered. Her unassuming stance, towering personality and very liberal disposition had commanded respect for her noble status.

She will be missed and remembered as the pillar, the great Hercules who held together the bounding chain of the family. ADEIU!