First Female Army General from Egbaland, Muftiat Akiyode, Laid to Rest in Ibadan

By Adewale Owoade

The death has been announced of Rt. Brigadier General Muftiat Toyosi Akiyode (rtd.), of the  Nigerian Army, who passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the age of 64, after a brief illness.

She was laid to rest the same day at the Military Cantonment Cemetery, Ibadan, in accordance with Islamic rites.

In a statement signed by Mr. Kamar Toye Akiyode , senior brother, on behalf of the Akiyode Family in Abeokuta, Ogun State, it was disclosed that Brigadier General Akiyode was a distinguished officer of the Nigerian Army, who last served at Bonny Camp, Lagos, before her honourable retirement from active military service.

Toye Akiyode, a one time editor of Vanguard newspaper, said late Brigadier General Muftiat Toyosi Akiyode (rtd.), was widely respected for her professionalism, discipline, and trailblazing contributions to the Armed Forces.

The late Brigadier General is survived by her son, Abidemi Abdulfatai Akande, who is based in Australia, and her daughter, Mrs. Tomilayo Shukrat Falana, who resides in Lagos.

Her passing is deeply mourned by her extended family, including the family of her late father, Alhaji Chief Y. S. G. Akiyode, of Ntoji Compound, Isale Ijeun, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The family of her late mother, Alhaja Chief Mrs. Sidikat Akiyode (née Gbadamosi Adedoja), of Oloosa Igbonna Compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan; and her maternal grandmother’s family, Late Alhaja Rabiat Olorunkemi, of Sobaloju Compound, Osogbo, Osun State.

‎Late Brigadier General Muftiat Toyosi Akiyode holds a historic place as the first female General from Egbaland, a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Al-Jannatul Firdaus. Āmīn.

‎A former Minister of Sports and special Duties, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, also the Mogaji of Oloosa Igbonna Compound Popoyemoja ,Ibadan, who is an uncle to the Late army officer described her as respectful, focused, gentle and compassionate that will  forever be missed by the family