Mary Eniola Adefioye (Nee Gbajobi) was born in 1933 into a devoted Cherubim and Seraphim family of the Eternal Sacred Order.
She was born to Late Madam Abigail Ojuolape Gbajobi and Late Pa Ezekiel Gbajobi of Igbore, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Her birth was regarded as miraculous. After years of waiting for a child, her mother remained steadfast in prayer despite pressure to seek alternative solutions.
According to family accounts, her mother dreamt that Jesus placed a baby girl in her arms and instructed that the child should be called Oluwabunmi.
Even before her birth, family members fondly referred to her mother as “Mama Olubunmi.”
She received her early education at St. Paul’s Primary School, Igbore, Abeokuta, before continuing her secondary education in Lagos.
From a young age, she displayed compassion and a desire to care for others, which inspired her pursuit of a nursing career.
Her life reflected the biblical example of Timothy, being raised in the fear of God and remaining steadfast in her faith throughout her life.
Driven by excellence and service, she travelled to England in 1962 to further her nursing education.
On April 6, 1965, she was admitted into the General Nursing Council of England and Wales as a Registered Nurse.
Putney Hospital, London
Weir Maternity Hospital
Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital, London
King's College Group Hospital, London
She also worked at:
Mercy Hospital, Lagos Island
General Hospital Lagos
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
In 1979, she established St. Mary Nursery School, Aguda, Surulere.
Through education, she helped nurture and shape the lives of many young children, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to developing future generations.
Although she was never formally ordained as a prophetess by the church, she possessed remarkable spiritual gifts and a deep commitment to God’s work. For many years she devoted herself wholeheartedly to ministry, prayer, counselling, and helping people through various challenges.
She served faithfully in several leadership positions within the church including:
Captain, Good Women Band
Former Captain, Mary Band
Former Captain, Martha Band
Matron, Spiritual Health Centre
Matron, David Band
Member, Council of Pastors
Her influence extended throughout the Surulere Sub-Headquarters Church and beyond.
Fearless
Compassionate
Prayerful
Straightforward
Faithful
Selfless
God-fearing
She never compromised her faith and consistently demonstrated purity, godliness, and unwavering devotion to God.
Late Rev./Snr. Mother in Israel Olubunmi Mary Eniola Adefioye lived a life defined by grace, faith, sacrifice, and service.
She was known for her deep commitment to God, her compassion toward people, and her ability to nurture and encourage those around her. She believed strongly in the value of family, unity, integrity, and purposeful living.
Throughout her lifetime, she became a source of strength and encouragement to many individuals and families. Her home, words, and actions reflected kindness, wisdom, and genuine care for humanity.
She dedicated herself to building lives, supporting people spiritually and emotionally, and inspiring others to walk in faith and love. Her impact extended beyond her immediate family, touching communities and generations of people who encountered her.
Mama’s life reminds us that true greatness is not measured by material possessions, but by the lives touched, the love shared, and the positive legacy left behind.
Even after 25 years, her memory remains a blessing and her influence continues to inspire meaningful acts of compassion, unity, and service.
She lived with humility, kindness, and compassion toward others.
Her unwavering faith in God shaped her life and inspired many around her.
She devoted herself to helping, encouraging, and uplifting people.
Her impact continues through the lives, values, and generations she influenced.
As part of this 25th Memorial, we are committed to caring for the elderly and strengthening community spaces that uplift lives.
Your support—no matter how small—will help us create lasting impact and continue a meaningful legacy.
This 25th memorial is not only a time of remembrance, but also a continuation of the values Mama stood for.
Through the memorial, book launch, and geriatric project, we seek to honour her memory by extending care, compassion, and support to others—especially the elderly and vulnerable within our communities.
We believe that preserving her legacy means continuing the work of love, unity, empowerment, and service that defined her life.
Every contribution, prayer, and act of support helps keep this vision alive for future generations.