Irene Oghogho Agbonwaneten

Irene Oghogho Agbonwaneten (Mrs.), nee Osunbor was born into the esteemed families of late Chief Samuel Donald Oyevbimina Osunbor hailed from Idu village in Orhionmwon local government area of Edo state. Her mother late Deaconess Esther Enokharueze Osunbor nee Airuoyuwa hailed from Oluku in Edo state. Her maternal grand-mother Abonrienrien was the daughter of Izedonmwen Ero n’Urubi. Her paternal grand-mother Etuohon was the daughter of Ezomo n’Uzebu. She was born June 21, 1972 at Sokponba road in Benin City, Edo State and she died November 17, 2018.

She had her elementary school at Arinze Primary School in Benin City and started her secondary at Niger College Benin City while she lived with her older sister. She later proceeded to Lagos to live with another older sister. While with “Sisi Stella” she attended Shepard Hill High School (Baptist Academy) Obanikoro, Ilupeju in Lagos State. After her secondary education, Irene got admitted to the famous Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, where she studied and graduated with a diploma in Business Administration. Irene with her interest in education decided to take her education further. She gained admission to study law at the then Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State. From where she graduated from the faculty of law. While in school, Irene’s older sister, Pat Osunbor who had played the role of a mother to her direct siblings, against all odds made sure Irene and her younger siblings graduated from school and succeeded in their endeavors.

Married into the Agbonwaneten family in 2001, she proceeded to the United States to join her husband Mr. Festus Agbonwaneten in 2001. She was role model to every woman, she was focused, meek and articulate. She was diligent and handled everything with so much dexterity. She was a darling wife to her husband and a loving mother to her children. Her love for her family not compromised in anyway. She met and attended to their needs lovingly. While in the United States, she was diagnosed of cancer at its terminal stage. Against all odds and norms she still succeeded in her endeavors. She had unlimited love and kindness. She did not fail in her commitment to God, her maker. Hence, she lived a victorious life. She had an unshaken faith in Christ Jesus and she was a proof.

Irene was very hard working and industrious. She was selfless, very determined and ambitious. She was a fighter yet sued for peace. She was a lover of God and man and was at no point ashamed to profess God’s love for her. She was a lover of children and helped raised many. Among the lullabies she sang them was “You are my sunshine” when indeed she was the actual sunshine. Her capacity to care knew no bounds and was attested to by many who cross her path. She was surrounded with so much love and was praise personified.

She gave hope to so many letting them know that one should not be defined by one’s adversity. She constantly had a beautiful and relaxing smile on her face which so much so was contagious. Her husband’s love for her is immeasurable and so also her children. Irene, your sojourn here on earth cannot be forgotten. Go home to your maker where eternal rest await you. Although your death was sudden, we are consoled that your kind and gentle soul has gone to rest with the Lord. Eternal rest grant her O’Lord and let perpetual light shine on her till we meet to path no more. You will continue to hold a special place in our heart.

She is survived by her husband, Mr. Festus Agbonwaneten, her 3 children Oduwa Agbonwaneten, Osayuki Agbonwaneten and Uhunoma Agbonwaneten. She is also survived by many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends who all loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed.

Fare thee well Iye-Mommy!