Family members and friends of the late Modupe Temitope Dada, the wife of Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), gathered in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, October 19, 2026, to celebrate her life, share fond memories and honour her enduring legacy, two years after her death.
The gathering at her residence brought together loved ones who recalled their personal experiences with the deceased, describing her as a loving, compassionate and forgiving woman whose kindness and influence continued to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
The event was officiated by Pastor Femi Paul, Head Pastor of Grace Assembly Church, who encouraged the family to celebrate the life Modupe lived and draw strength from their faith rather than allow grief to overshadow her memories.
“We will not mourn her grave like unbelievers. We know that she has moved to the next level,” Pastor Paul said, adding that death was an inevitable part of life.
He prayed for the family, asking God to grant them strength, grace and favour as they continued to adjust to life without their beloved wife, mother, sister and friend.
Modupe Temitope Dada, nee Baruwa, born on May 5, 1976, was a respected banker and AFRIMA’s Vice President.
At the time of her death, she served as a Branch Manager at Keystone Bank Limited. She died at Duchess Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, on October 19, 2024, following a brief illness.
Speaking at the gathering, her husband, Mike Dada, paid an emotional tribute to his late wife, describing her as an extraordinary woman whose forgiving spirit and genuine love for others made her special.
“Modupe was an angel in human form. Her capacity to forgive was extraordinary, and I have never seen anyone with that level of forgiveness. God was truly merciful to me by bringing her into my life. When I look back at the kind of person I was many years ago, I know that having her as my wife helped me become a better person,” he said.
Dada, who is also the Managing Director of PRM Africa Marketing and Communications Limited, said his wife taught him valuable lessons about patience, understanding and showing love and respect without expecting anything in return.
He admitted that the two years since her death had been difficult, particularly as he adjusted to the emotional and practical responsibilities of raising their children and managing the home without his partner.
Dada also reflected on the painful period surrounding his wife’s illness, recalling the 48 days she spent in a coma before her death. He said the experience had deepened his appreciation of family, the realities of grief and the importance of valuing loved ones while they were still alive.
“I have been thinking about writing a book to document this experience, including the 48 days of pain, the loss and everything the experience has taught me. I believe there are lessons in this journey that may help other people understand grief, appreciate their loved ones while they are still alive and learn to show love more genuinely,” he said.
Family members and friends also took turns recalling their fond experiences with Modupe, sharing personal stories that highlighted her generosity, compassion, forgiving nature and the special relationships she built with people around her.
