08/04/2026
đď¸ In Loving Memory of Mama Emily Olaboye đď¸
We honour and celebrate the life of Mama Emily Olaboyeâa beloved mat weaver, teacher, mentor, and a true custodian of our heritage.
Mama Emily was more than a mat weaver; she was a steady voice of wisdom, a guide, and a pillar we could always rely onâeven long after she retired from active weaving.
Whenever we found ourselves stuck on a project, a call to Mama would always bring clarity. Her suggestions were not just helpfulâthey were precise, thoughtful, and transformative.
In 2024, while working on plain pink mats, we struggled to achieve the exact shade we envisioned. After several attempts at mixing dyes, we reached out to her. In her usual calm and assured manner, she told us there was indeed a specific pink dye, gave us its exact name, and even explained how to confirm the shade before dyeing. That single conversation changed everything.
On another occasion, when we encountered a challenge while she was out of town, she asked that the mats be brought all the way to her in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State.
Within minutes of seeing them, she resolved the issue, and the mats were on their way back to Ogotun-Ekiti. That was Mama âsolution-oriented, generous with her time, and always willing to help.
Her impact was widely recognised, and she was honoured by the Ekiti State Government for her outstanding contributions to mat weaving in Ogotun-Ekiti on 1st October 2014.
Beyond her skill, Mama had a heart that gave freely. In 2018, at the wedding of our Creative Director, she surprised us by making a special, one-of-a-kind mat as a giftâan act that deeply touched us and endeared her to us even more.
Mama was hardworking, excellent in her craft, and a true abiyamoâa loving and devoted mother who held her children close and raised them with strength and care.
Her skill, knowledge, generosity, and quiet strength will be greatly missed. Her behind-the-scenes support, her wisdom, and her presence cannot be replaced.
Yet, we are gratefulâgrateful for the privilege of learning from her, working with her, and being guided by her.
đď¸ âThe Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.â â Psalm 34:18
As she is laid to rest today, we pray for comfort for her family, strength for our community, and grace to continue the work she was part of.
Rest well, Eye Seri.
Your legacy lives on in every mat, every lesson, and every life you touched. đ¤
From all of us at Estera Concepts.