The city of Ilesa, Osun State, was thrown into mourning as family, friends, colleagues, and students gathered to pay their last respects to a retired headmistress, Mrs. Dupe Omowumi Bello, who sadly died during her retirement ceremony.
Mrs. Bello, aged 60, was laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, after a solemn Christian service held at her residence in Ilo Ajegunle-Ijesa, Ilesa.
The late Mrs. Bello, who had recently retired as the headmistress of the School for the Physically Challenged, Enu Odi, Ilesa, collapsed and died on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, right in the middle of her retirement party.
What was meant to be a joyful day of celebration and thanksgiving for years of dedicated service turned into a day of sorrow and confusion for everyone present.
Eyewitnesses said that Mrs. Bello arrived at the event full of life. She participated in a lively musical procession with drummers leading her into the hall. She danced joyfully, smiling broadly, and many at the event cheered her on, unaware that tragedy was about to strike.
“She was smiling and dancing. Everyone was filled with joy; no one anticipated what would happen next,” an eyewitness said.
The mood changed drastically when she was called to take her seat at the high table. According to those present, she suddenly looked uncomfortable and showed signs of distress.
“She looked fatigued, like she was struggling to breathe,” a guest said. “People rushed to assist her immediately.”
First aid was quickly administered, and efforts were made to stabilize her condition. When her situation worsened, she was rushed to the nearby Ijesaland Geriatric Centre. From there, she was referred to Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, but sadly, she was pronounced dead on arrival.
News of her passing spread like wildfire across the hall. Many guests, overwhelmed with shock and sadness, left the venue in disbelief. The ceremony, meant to celebrate a life of service and dedication, ended in tears and mourning.
The late Mrs. Dupe Omowumi Bello was born on April 21, 1965, at Wesley Hospital, Ilesa, which was part of the old Oyo State at that time. She hailed from Ejemu’s Compound, Iperin, Ila Orangun.
She was the daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Iyanda Abidoye and Princess Comfort Adenihun Abidoye.
For her early education, she attended St. Matthew Anglican Primary School, Isedo, Ila Orangun. She then moved on to Ila Grammar School, Igbo Ileke, Ila Orangun, for her secondary education between 1979 and 1983.
Driven by a passion for teaching, she proceeded to Igosun Teachers College in Kwara State, where she earned her Grade II Teacher’s Certificate.
In 1988, she married Mr. Tajudeen Bello and settled with him in Ilesa. She began her career as a teacher with the Osun State Government in 1990.
Never one to relent in her pursuit of knowledge, Mrs. Bello went on to earn her Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, in 1996. She later attended the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, in 2011 to deepen her knowledge and skills, especially in special needs education.
Showing great commitment to her professional growth even towards the later part of her career, she bagged her Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.A. Ed) in 2023.
Her remarkable journey in the education sector saw her promoted to headmistress of the Special School for the Physically Challenged, Ilesa, in 2024. She served with passion and dedication until her retirement in March 2025.
Beyond her professional life, Mrs. Bello was a devoted Christian who served God with all her heart. Friends and family members said she worked tirelessly in the church and even went on to establish a ministry to spread the word of God.
She is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren.
At her burial ceremony, tributes poured in from former students, teachers, family members, and friends. Many described her as a caring, loving, and hardworking woman who gave her all to the service of humanity.
Speaking during the funeral service, a family member said, “Mama lived her life in the service of others. She loved her students deeply, and she worked hard to give them hope, especially those living with disabilities.”
Another mourner recalled how Mrs. Bello supported many families in Ilesa, helping children who otherwise would not have had access to education.
The atmosphere at the burial was heavy with grief. Tears flowed freely as her body was lowered into the ground. Christian hymns and prayers filled the air as loved ones committed her soul to the hands of God.
In a city like Ilesa, where teachers hold a special place in the hearts of the people, Mrs. Bello’s death on such an important day was particularly painful.
Her death also highlights once again the need for more attention to health issues during stressful events like ceremonies and public functions. Though she showed no signs of illness before the event, the sudden nature of her collapse has left many wondering about the hidden pressures people carry even when they appear healthy.
Her colleagues at the School for the Physically Challenged described her as a “pillar of support” who was committed to giving every child, regardless of their condition, a fair chance at education.
