Ediagbonya Comfort Ovaisu Otokiti
December 29, 1933-May 13, 2018
Coming Home Service
Ediagbonya Comfort Ovaisu Otokiti, aka Mama Kudi, of Elizabeth, NJ, died peacefully on Sunday, May 13, 2018 at home. She was 84 and was born December 29, 1933 in Benin City, Nigeria to David Oviasu Omokaro and Igharosa Uhumwangho. She was the 6th child of the 17 children that were eventually born to Pa David Oviasu Omokaro. She attended Baptist School in Benin City, Nigeria until 1948 when she left to live with family in Jos, Nigeria.
Comfort married S.L.A Otokiti and together they lived in Bukuru, Plateau State, Nigeria until the mid-60s when they moved back to the city of their birth, Benin City, Nigeria. Together they raised 5 children. Her professional life was in retail and wholesale merchandising from the 50s until the 70s and then culinary endeavors for which she was well known for, especially a restaurant opposite the Nigerian Television Authority, aka NTA, in Benin City, until self-retirement in the early 90s. At the request of family, Comfort moved to the United States in the 90s.
The success of her family and extended family lay upon the shoulders of this loving woman. She would sell the very shoes upon her feet to provide for her family and also willing to give to others. Though her formal schooling ended in 1948, Comfort valued education and saw to it that all her children and the many other children under her care were provided with opportunities and resources to obtain formal education. Mama Otokiti always gave words of encouragement to young people, for both male and female. Even with limited formal schooling, Ediagbonya Comfort appropriated all she had learned and was able to independently read, write and study the Bible, an activity which gave her joy.
Family gatherings would begin with Mama Otokiti leading a prayer circle and every person present (related or guests) would be required to sing a song of praise. And if you were too shy to sing you would be required to just clap your hands and hum along. Every breath was to worship our Savior. This lady of grace and humility became a committed intercessor and spiritual caretaker of family and other loved ones in prayer. Her active service to the Lord, which began in the Baptist Congregation in Nigeria, continued in the United States. The Deeper Life Bible Church of Elizabeth/Irvington New Jersey became her place of peace and praise. She boldly awaited the return of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Ediagbonya Comfort Ovaisu Otokiti was predeceased by her husband, Alhaji S.L.A. Otokiti, son, Dr. Ebenezer Otokiti (wife Anita) and sister, Edith Esosa Ovaisu. Surviving children are Kudiratu Otokiti Kayoma (and late husband), Nigeria; Dr. Victor Otokiti, NY, US; Uyi Otokiti (wife Brigitte), Belgium and Osagie Chris Otokiti (wife Eghera Joy), Nigeria. Surviving siblings are Madam Evbade Oviasu, Mrs. Imuetiyan Musa, Mrs. Gladys Enore Ojo-Igbinoba, Mrs. Esohe Bello-Osagie, Pastor Helen Ovaisu, Mr. Jesurobo Oviasu, Mrs.Omorowa Odigie and Ms. Osahenrunmwen Oviasu. Grandchildren are Joy, Christine, Nathan, Samantha, Adam, Sofie, Ari, Noah, Larissa, Ahmed, Miriam and Zainab and the Kayoma brothers: great grandchildren: Jacob, Liam, Aiko, Shawn),numerous nieces and nephews; Felix, Joyce Iyayi, Osamudiame, Irene, Eguasa, Queen, Dorcas, Joy, Godwin, Ikhaz, Osaretin, Precious, Christian, Jennifer Adesuwa… to name a few and many other family members from many states in the US such as California, Louisiana, Florida ,Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas and several countries Belgium, Canada, England, Ireland, Mongolia and Nigeria.
Ediagbonya Comfort Ovaisu Otokiti will be remembered as a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grand mother, devoted friend and as a gracious prayer warrior. A memorial and service of songs will be held at The Deeper Life Bible Church, 23 South 20th Street, Irvington, NJ 07111, on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 6pm to 9pm. A Graveside Service will be held at the Hillside Cemetery, 52 Lincoln Ave
Metuchen, NJ 08840 on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 10am. Pastor Akanni Oni, Deeper Life Church will officiate services.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Flynn and Son/Koyen Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Deeper Life Bible Church, 23 South 20th Street, Irvington, NJ 07111.