Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Tunde Lemo, has been thrown into mourning following the death of his mother-in-law, Rachael Adediran Coker, who passed away at the age of 94.
The late Deaconess Rachael Adediran Coker, widely respected for her contributions to Christian service, education and community development, reportedly died after what family members described as a fulfilled and impactful life devoted to humanity and God.
According to a statement made available to Premier World News, Deaconess Coker was born on April 24, 1932, in Asigidi, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, to the family of Pa Abel Adekanu Osoyade and Madam Emily Adebowale Osoyade.
She began her educational journey at St. Stephen’s African School, Asigidi, before completing her Standard Six education at St. John’s African School, Oke Agbo, in 1948.
In pursuit of greater opportunities, she relocated to Lagos in 1949, where she secured employment with J.A. Ajayi Brothers after months of determined job searching.
Her interest in administrative and secretarial work later led her to Olusola Commercial Typing Bureau, where she met her future husband, Mr. Obadiah Olutosin Olusola Coker.
Beyond family life, Deaconess Coker became known for her passion for child education and moral upbringing.
She established a Montessori school that later expanded into a private educational institution offering daycare, nursery, primary education and coaching services.
She was also deeply committed to Christian ministry.
After giving her life to Christ during a revival service at a Christ Apostolic Church in 1968, she became actively involved in church activities as a chorister and Sunday school teacher.
Her spiritual journey advanced further when she attended GAC Bible College between 1990 and 1992 before being ordained as a Deaconess in 1999.
In 2000, she was appointed Vice President of the Good Women’s Fellowship, where she reportedly mentored several women in faith, discipline and service.
Family members described the deceased as “a disciplined, compassionate, prayerful and virtuous woman whose life reflected integrity, sacrifice and unwavering faith in God”.
Her passing has also drawn sympathy from church members, associates and admirers who remembered her as a strong matriarch and committed educationist whose influence impacted generations of children and families.
She is survived by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family members.
Premier World News gathered that the Christian wake for the late Deaconess Rachael Adediran Coker will hold on Thursday, May 28, 2026, while her burial ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026.
Her death marks a painful personal loss for Tunde Lemo and the entire family, as tributes continue to pour in from different quarters in honour of her remarkable life and legacy, Premier World News reports.
