Esther Olukoya and Emily Ogunde
Nigerian centenarian identical twins
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Esther Taiwo Olukoya and Emily Kehinde Olukoga-Ogunde (both born March 16, 1913, Ijebu-Ode) were centenarian identical twin sisters from Nigeria. They celebrated their 100th birthday in 2013, as Nigeria's oldest twins. At the time, unlike her twin sister, Esther used a wheelchair. They were both traders by profession. Emily was also one of the wives of the veteran actor Hubert Ogunde.[1][2][3] They attributed their longevity in part to heredity (their mother died at age 104) and in part to their choice for a healthier lifestyle (they neither smoked nor drank) and their faith in God.[3] Emily died in September 2013.[1] Esther died in 2018.[4]
Esther Olukoya | |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Occupations | Pastor, Author |
| Organization(s) | Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries |
| Known for | Co-founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries |
| Notable work | Christian literature and teachings |
| Title | Co-founder, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries |
| Spouse | Daniel Olukoya |
Lives and celebrations
Esther and Emily were born on 16 March 1913 in Ijebu-Ode, in what is now Ogun State, Nigeria. They were both traders by profession and attributed their longevity to heredity, a healthy lifestyle free from smoking and alcohol, and their Christian faith.[5] Their mother died at the age of 104, suggesting a strong hereditary component to their exceptional longevity.[6]
In 2013, they celebrated their 100th birthday, recognised as Nigeria's oldest twins at the time. Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun visited them to mark the occasion and honour their centenary milestone.[7]
Emily Kehinde Olukoga-Ogunde was one of the wives of Hubert Ogunde, the pioneering Nigerian actor, playwright and theatre director widely regarded as the father of Yoruba travelling theatre.[8] Emily died in September 2013, shortly after the twins' centenary celebrations, and Esther died in 2018.[9]
