1964 - 2026
Mrs Ogunde passed from death to life on Easter Sunday, 5th April, 2026 at the Harley Street Clinic, London, surrounded by her family.
Olayinka Adejoke Ogunde (nee Adetunji) was born in Lagos on 29 May 1964 and grew up in a close, leadership-minded family with siblings Sade, Segun, and Olumide. Educated in Lagos (Our Lady of Apostles and Methodist Girls’ High School), she earned a BA in English (University of Lagos), completed NYSC as a newscaster, and later obtained a postgraduate diploma and Master’s in Mass Communication.
She married Oluwemimo Ogunde in November 1986 and had three children—Olawunmi, Adekunbi, and Oluwafifehan—and grandchildren. Professionally, Olayinka rose in advertising (Promoserve, Magnum Gold) and founded Goals and Ideas Limited in 1999. She trained many young practitioners and served on industry bodies including AAAN and APCON.
In 2006 she founded Edumark Consult to professionalize private primary and secondary education. Through Edumark she started WATFON (We Are The Future Of The Nation), the Entrance Exam Guide, School Finders, the TOSSE education exhibition, and the Concerned Parents and Educators Network (CPE), which grew into a large advocacy and support group. She also coordinated the Adopt-a-School (C.R.E.E.D.) initiative in Lagos.
Committed to leadership development, she trained under John Maxwell in 2017, led alumni and professional groups, and ran Yinka Ogunde Consulting. A devout Christian active in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, she served in many roles and led welfare and counselling at Trinity Temple Parish, Ikoyi. Olayinka died on 5 April 2026.
She is remembered as a loving wife and mother, a respected professional and education innovator, a committed Christian , and a servant-leader whose initiatives impacted schools, parents, teachers, and the advertising industry.
She was a loving and dedicated woman of God whose kindness, strength, and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a strong believer in the unity and prosperity of Nigeria and the transformation of the education sector. Her memory will forever remain in our hearts.
Adu Racheal - The announcement of your passing still left us in shock, but you will forever remain in our hearts. Thank you for your impact on our lives. Rest on ma. May your good works continue to speak after you and may the Almighty God keep and protect the family you left behind In […]
Lizzy Akemu - we will miss you warm smiles and your amazing dance steps …you were an amazing person filled with so much love.. keep dancing with the angels 💝. We cherie every moment we were given with you 💋
Bosede Olusola-Obasa - Thank you ma for sharing your life so graphically and intensely. Thank you Jesus!
Judith Olusola Soile - My darling Sister/wife, words cannot express how saddened and heartbroken I’ve been since I received the news of your demise. The dance we danced in church that day we saw last didn’t show me any weakness in your face. You were so vibrant as usual. That was the picture of yours that […]
Abosede Osarumwense - Senior Yinka,you were a great leader,a woman with a heart of gold, beautiful in and out. OLAOSA will surely miss you,we will miss your dancing steps. Sleep on ma
idongesit ufot - Pastor Yinka Ogunde was more than a woman of faith; she was a shining light whose life radiated love, compassion, creativity, and uncommon generosity. Her presence carried warmth, energy, and joy that inspired everyone privileged to know her. She lived intentionally, pouring herself tirelessly into causes that brought hope, dignity, and transformation […]
Aduke Obey - Pst Yinka was an extraordinary woman with so much warmth and strength. Her life was a beautiful reflection of selflessness, generosity, and genuine love. As a friend and sister, she carried people in her heart and never hesitated to show up when needed most. “Sis what do you think, were your expectations met?” […]
Osebi Ufot - I remember we lost our mums almost at the same time. She was so caring towards me as if she was not bereaved as well. Pastor Yinka had a way of making you feel special, and was always willing to contribute her ideas when required. She was indeed a joy to have around. […]
Victoria Okaula - A Tribute to Pastor Olayinka A Wemimo Ogunde My Head of Ministry (HOM), my mentor, and a great vessel of God. It is so painful that you left us so early. I never imagined that your trip to the UK would end with your body being brought back home. The reality still feels […]
Kaoli Olusanya - Tribute in memory of late Mrs. Yinka Ogunde, MD Edumark Consult KITH & KIN EDUCATIONAL SCHOOLS (KKES) IKORODU has established relationships and enjoyed the services of Edumark since 2010. KKES faculty staff have benefited directly in capacity building and impacted the students performance outcome in learning and in character. Early April 2026, the […]
Enoch Olisa - Dear ma, From Concerned Parents and Educators (both via the Facebook group and in-person events), to TOSSE, and to my other personal interactions with you ma, you’ve been an awesome leader. Thanks for being down-to-earth, thanks for being accessible, thanks for being caring, and thanks for remembering the little details. I remain optimistic […]
Ayodele Ibojiemenmen - I finally summoned up courage to write. @“Ayo,” as you fondly call me, you never allowed me to miss out on any Edumark program or celebration. I am a proud beneficiary of your numerous seminars and initiatives. You have achieved so much in the education sector that I sincerely looked forward to the […]
Barr Nike Agunbiade - It’s with great surprise and disbelief that I heard of the passing of Mrs Yinka Ogunde. She was an Icon of Educational Marketing. She was always so cheerful and so full of energy that was quite inspiring. She always had answers to Education problems. Bringing together great minds. Her effort during the […]
Mrs. Funmilayo Aderemi - Mrs. Ogunde is a name that rings so loud in the Education space nationally and internationally. How would I have ever imagined that such a rare gem would be gone so soon. Mrs. Yinka Ogunde, I’m glad the legacy you left will certainly outlive you. You have impacted countless lives and I’m […]
Motayo Iyiola - Tribute to an Irreplaceable Gem .. My dear big sis as I used to call you … What can I say ? You were such a great support and encourager . I admired your bubbly personality and the ability to just gather everyone to a cause and a goal … Such a […]
Afolashade Okesina - You were a rare gem an embodiment of knowledge, compassion, and service. Your legacy is not just in achievements, but in the lives you have touched and transformed. Rest on beloved mama Ogunde. We love you.
Ogaga Omoovie - Dear mommy, words fail me to describe you . You were a candle who was never tired of lighting the paths of others. If selflessness was a person, it would be you mom. How you can relate with everyone is so humbling for me . I remember when I came from Benin to […]
Kesbe International School - It’s still unbelievable …. l can’t come to terms with this new reality. Hmmmm, you went extra for the educational sector. You left a mark that might be impossible to fill. Ma, you were selfless . You would always ask for my daughters during TOSSE so they are either your PA or […]
Obed Atewe - She was dogged, fearless and determined to effect and see a change in the educational sector. CPE has become a legacy that will in a long while continue to impact the education sector of this country and beyond. A lover of God. She once said to me. I will also function as an […]
Adeola OLORUNSOGO-OLUYEMI - Mrs. Ogunde was a woman of virtue and creativity. I was employed as a secretary for both Goals & Ideas and Wemimo Ogunde &Co at the Ikeja office in the year 2003. She approved my application immediately she saw me with the recommendation of her husband. Throughout the years I knew her, she […]
Areola OLORUNSOGO-OLUYEMI - Mrs. Ogunde was a woman of virtue and creativity. I was employed as a secretary for both Goals & Ideas and Wemimo Ogunde &Co at the Ikeja office in the year 2003. She approved my application immediately she saw me with the recommendation of her husband. Throughout the years I knew her, she […]
Bisi Soji-oyawoye - Sisto!!! You were very passionate about Developing Leaders! You invited other coaches to share your platform. Only secure leaders do that! Surely, you will be missed on the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team! Most certainly, I miss you already!!!💔
Bisi Soji-oyawoye - Sisto!!! Unbelievable! But, yeah, Undeniable! Painful, but yeah, Grateful! I am so grateful that our paths crossed – we met as John Maxwell Certified Leadership Team members years back, then become Fellow WIMBIZ Life Members and thereafter we became “Sisters of Life for Life”! We fondly called each other SISTO MI!!! Then gave […]
Gladys Ukonna - There are certain people you meet in life who impact your direction without even realizing it. For me, Mrs. Ogunde is one of those people. I remember a time when I was still figuring things out—unsure of my capacity, unsure of my voice, and even more unsure of what I could truly become. […]
Susan Babatunde-Yamah - This cut is very deep and devastating!😭 My darling sister and friend Mrs Yinka Ogunde . I still can’t believe you’re gone. Your kindness was one of those rare things that made the world feel softer and safer-always checking in, always giving without keeping scores. I carry so many moments with me now: […]
Prince Abdulkareem Kolawole Yusuf - *She conquered at last. Till the last day on earth, Mrs Ogunde was full of humanity and exemplary character that showed us the need to make positive impact on mankind. Rest In Peace Mrs Yinka Ogunde
Mrs.Felicia Abosede “Bose” Peter-Thomas - Yinka Ogunde possessed an energy that inspired everyone around her. We met just as I was concluding my consultancy as a Mathematics teacher, and her encouragement drew me back into active work for several more years. Our meeting in London was both vibrant and purposeful as we discussed pressing issues […]
Obalusi Tosin - It saddens my heart to write this, however in all we take solace in Christ that we will meet on resurrection morning. Mummy Yinka Ogunde thanks for being a mother to all, especially in the education sector, your love for Nigeria is topnotch. CPE will miss you somuch. I pray for the entire […]
Lawal-Emiabata, Adebukola S. - What a great loss it is to the entire educational sector in and out of Nigeria!😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Sincerely, it isn’t how far but how well. Hence, looking back, we should give thanks to God Almighty for His grace and mercy upon her life that made her fulfill purpose, live a very impactful […]
Folakemi Osisanya - How do you write a tribute to someone who is supposed to be writing one for you. Mrs Ogunde’s life was one of service to humanity in various fields, religious, educational, mentoring, and many more. She strode like a colossus in anything she touched. We shall miss her life of impact and dedication […]