Former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, has confirmed the death of her mother, Barrister (Mrs) Grace Onaiwu Omoigui, aged 83 years. According to her, the late matriarch died from complications arising from multiple gunshot injuries from an armed robbery attack in Benin City on her way from Guaranty Trust Bank, Sapele Road branch.
A statement issued by eldest child of the deceased, Dr. Nowamagbe Austin Omoigui, said the family was heartbroken by the untimely loss but comforted by the understanding that “this is the Lord’s way and our mum is resting peacefully in His bosom”.
The statement said: ”Mama G, as she loved to be called, fought a gallant fight to live but the Lord decided that her time on this earth was done.
“She leaves behind a legacy of love to one’s neighbour regardless of cost and personal sacrifice.
“Even in the face of unprovoked attack, she did what she does best: rightly question the indefensible actions of the armed robbers as she felt it was wrong.”
Omoigui was born on December 28, 1933 and her life spanned several professional careers, starting as an educationist and former Vice Principal of Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Benin City, and later becoming a lawyer and retired Magistrate in the Lagos State Judiciary.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Surveyor Daniel Aiyanyo Omoigui and her children – Dr Nowamagbe and Moira Omoigui; Dr Sota and Helen Omoigui; Ifueko M Omoigui and Asishana Okauru; Eghosa and Eunice Omoigui; and Nosakhare Omoigui; and grandchildren, Ikponmwosa Omoigui, Ighiwiyisi Omoigui, Ayrton Omoigui, Iyegbekosa Omoigui, Izevbokun Omoigui, Grace Omoigui, Isiuwa Omoigui, Iyare Omoigui, Noe Ter Avest Omoigui, Iriagbonse Omoigui, Anni-Arie Omoigui, and Nete Okauru.
The deceased was born at Akure, Ondo State on December 28 1933.
Her early and adolescent development was therefore in the caring hands of her late good father (to whom she was much endeared to), her step mothers and her grandmother – Iyeye with whom she spent a greater part of her childhood. She grew up active, dynamic, aggressive and highly motivated for success.
Married on August 2, 1958 to Mr. Daniel Aiyanyo Omoigui, the retired Surveyor General of the Federation, Mrs. Omoigui has successfully combined an active working life with building a successful home. Their marriage is blessed with five children – four boys and one girl, who individually have succeeded in life in their various fields of endeavour. a testimony to the strict and focused upbringing they received from their parents.
Grace Onaiwu Omoigui started her working life as a Grade II teacher – a product of St. Agnes College Maryland, Ikeja in December 1955.
Over time, she developed herself and acquired additional qualifications which include: NCE in Chemistry/Biology (1967), BSc Education/Zoology (1974); LLB Hons (1985); BL Nigerian Law School (1986).
In her first career as a teacher, Grace Onaiwu Omoigui taught in various primary, secondary modern schools in the old Western Region – Benin, Okene, Ogbomosho and Ilorin.
In Lagos, she taught in the Old Government School, Okesuna; Eko Boys High School, Mushin; Holy Child College, Obalende and the Federal School of Arts and Science in Victoria Island (where her students fondly referred to her as ‘Mummy’).
She was posted to the Federal Government College Benin as Vice Principal in 1990 where she retired after thirty-five (35) years of Public Service on July 31 1992.
In her second career as a lawyer, since her retirement from Public Service, Grace Onaiwu Omoigui practiced under experienced Senior Advocates of Nigeria – Messrs A.O. Eghobamien of Benin City, Edo State and Prof A.B. Kasunmu of Lagos, Lagos State.
She served as a Magistrate and Chairman of the Rent Edict Tribunal in the Lagos State Government Judiciary from where she retired a second time around as a result of attaining the statutory retiring age of sixty-five (65) years.
She was a Director in the firm of ReStraL Ltd, and spends her time mostly providing service to her husband, children, extended family and friends in any capacity that is of benefit.
