Dauda Arubani Wives
Ofe
Ofe was the senior and most beloved wife of Daudu Arubani Akerejola. Her grandmother was married to the Ruler of Onomo, and her own mother married the Ruler of Oma. Ofe was therefore a princess and as a young princess she was a gem. Fair in complexion, she was simply pretty and virtuous.
As the custom of the olden days was, the noble married a noble. Daudu Arubani, himself a fair and handsome Prince married this beautiful Princes of Onomo. Ofe soon established herself in Eminefo ruling dynasty; and in spite of her important position in the family she was humble, courteous and compassionate. Among the numerous wives of Arubani, Ofe stands out as one whom nobody could speak anything against.
She was the mother of The Ologori, G. Bawa Akerejola, Okoye and Oyinlade, the three that survive of the many children that she had. She loved her children and grand children. He also loved all and was beloved of all. In spite of the fact that Bawa, (whom she called the choicest name “Idodo” - meaning flower) had his own wives, Ofe, would still cook his favourite meals for him especially on Sunday – albeit in the texture he preferred. He addressed him like a child and admonished him when she deemed fit.
There was a special bond between Ofe and his grand children. She gave her own name to everyone of them and never mixed them up. Olushola, Akinwale, Jokotade, are a few names that originated from her.
When the Ologori had problem of rebellion by certain members of the Ogori community in June 1967, Ofe offered her life to be taken in place of her son's. Rather, the rioters responded with praises and encomium for the harmless, selfless and precious woman that she was.
Ofe was devastated by the death of Bawa, her beloved son, but eventually took consolation in her grand children who loved and cared for her, besides the care from Bawa's sisters. She lived 9 more years after the death of the Ologori, and in August 1998, Ofe answered the ultimate call.
Osese
Wife of Daudu Arubani. She hails from Ukpogoro, a nearby Ebira village to the north of Ogoriland. She had Abigail Ereola fir Daud
Osese was known for her energy and industry though which she made great contribution to the economic success Arubani. She traded in "iyin" from locust bean tree and "ogiri" ( a spicy condiment made from cotton seed). Her "ipen" (pasty food made from yam flour) cooked with okra soup had no match.
Osese had a great sense of humour, teasing kids, most of whom she usually gave funny pejorative names. She died at a good age in 1992.
Eniyele Daudu
Eniyele was about the youngest wife of Daudu Arubani. She was light in complexion and very much loved by her husband. Eniyele was an active, industrious and articulate woman. She was careful and cared about every little detail on every issue. She was always an advocate of justice, fairness and would never sweep any issue under the carpet until she was satisfied that justice was done. Eniyele voiced out her opinion, no matter who was offended.
Nevertheless, she was very loving and caring. She was a window to past. She remembered details about events of the past. She had Cecilia Arinola for Daudu after losing several other children shortly after their birth. And after the death of her husband; she was married to Arogun who was a relative of Daudu's (perfectly in order with Ogori custom)and was blessed with Asiyawu – “Makailu's” wife. She also converted to Islamic faith apparently when she married Asiyawu's father who was a muslim.
She was particularly excited seeing her grand and great grand children around her. You cannot but admire the way they love and interacted with her too. Her pounded yam and ekpase were supper. At old age, she was still loved cooking. She was the last of Daudu's wives to leave this world and God blessed her with a good age. She died in 2000. Nevertheless, she would always be missed for her wealth of wisdom.