One of the first few women politicians who were part of the grassroots politics in the Second Republic under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Chief Mrs Osoba-Coker (JP) is dead.
The octogenarian died in the early hours of Sunday 17th January 2021 at the ripe of 80 years.
According to her eldest daughter, Mrs Iyabo Isholo who spoke to Somolu Newspaper said, mama died in her sleep on Sunday after a brief illness.
Describing her mother, Mrs Iyabo Osholo (Nee Coker) said her mother was such a rare gem, discipline and caring mother who loved and care about people around her.
“My mother respect people and would never look down on anybody be it man or woman, young or old. She gave her all in the political arena hence, her contributions to the development of Somolu cannot be underestimated. She was committed, dedicated and championed many church projects that saw the light of the day. She was a good Christian that served God well till the end. We’re going to Miss’s her no doubt”.
Mrs Ogundiran (Nee Coker), the deceased last born in her voice described her mother as a compassionate and accommodating mother who often see a good thing in what others are doing.
“My mother was a religious, straight forward and detribalized personality who always ensure people are in good frame of mind. Very jovial and understanding woman of repute”.
Chief Mrs Florence Olufunmilayo Osoba-Coker was born in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state on 15th of March, 1941 into the Christian family of late Pa. E.O and Madam J.O Osoba who were among the first set of people to accept Christianity in Ijebu-Ode.
She started her education career at St. Anne’s Saviour’s School, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo state. After her secondary school education, she worked briefly with Census Office, Lagos before she travelled to England.
She settled down in London to study at Casio College in Watford with the following organisations: London Clinic at Harvey Road, St. John’s Hospital in Batterseqa, General Post Office at Gerrad Road, London, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Portland Place and Cavendish Square and Gordon Blue Cookery School as a lecturer.
Having stayed in London for some years, Chief Mrs Osoba-Coker developed an interest in Marketing of ladies, men wear, Mothers care product for babies which she started on returning to Nigeria. She floated her own outfit called Kabway Nigeria Limited, Rama Nigeria Ltd and Flo Fun Catering services.
Mrs Osoba-Coker joined politics in the ’70s and was persuaded by her Ward Chairman, Late R. Tanimowo to run for the councillorship in ward B2 Somolu. She won the election and became the first lady councillor among the thirty (30) councillors.
Thereafter, she was appointed the Education Supervisor between 1979 to 1983. Since then, she has been in the forefront as far as Nigeria politics is concerned.
She held and belongs to several political/social-cultural group in Lagos state which includes Women Leader for Somolu SDP, Treasurer, Lagos State Omolere Ladies group, Chairperson, Alliance for Democracy Pathfinder, Somolu LGA, and member, Progressive Women Association, Somolu LGA.
Chief Mrs Osoba-Coker was honour with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Oluomo of Somolu and happily married with children. grandchildren and great-grandchildren
