Kofo Abayomi: A Nigerian Who Changed His Name Just To Marry A Widow In 1930

In the colonial era of Lagos, Lady Oyinkan Ajasa (later known as Lady Oyinkan Abayomi) was born on March 6, 1897. She was the daughter of Sir Kitoye Ajasa, a prominent Yoruba aristocrat and the first Nigerian to be knighted by the British, and Lucretia Olayinka Moore, a princess from the Egba royal family.

Lady Oyinkan received her education at the Anglican Girls’ Seminary in Lagos, graduating in 1909. Following this, she continued her studies at the Young Ladies Academy at Ryford Hall, Gloucestershire. In 1917, she furthered her education at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Returning to Lagos in 1920, she took on the role of a music teacher at the Anglican Girls’ Seminary.

During her time in Lagos, she encountered Mr. Moronfolu Abayomi, a lawyer, whom she fell deeply in love with and subsequently married in 1923. Tragically, just two months after their marriage, Mr. Abayomi was assassinated in court, leaving Lady Oyinkan devastated and resolved never to marry again.

However, when Dr. Kofo John expressed his desire to marry her, she presented him with a unique condition – he must change his name to her late husband’s name, Abayomi. Remarkably, Dr. Kofo John agreed to her condition, and they were married, with him adopting the name Dr. Kofo Abayomi.

The story of Lady Oyinkan Abayomi and Dr. Kofo Abayomi stands as a testament to the lengths people will go for love. In a picture capturing a moment of their life together, Lady Oyinkan Abayomi is seen attending a social function in Lagos alongside her husband, Dr. Kofo Abayomi.