My first encounter with Mama was at a party in her house for Koin & Ola in Suru-Lere perhaps in 1978. I was invited by Ola and the party was full and even me, my ebullient self, was tucked quietly away, and she came round to see if I wanted anything to drink or eat. How she could find time to notice a resigning young man in all that noise sipmly blew me away. She was an engaging woman who adored her children and made sure her house was a home to all who came in. We and particularly you the kids, Olijay, Dara, Koin Yemika and of course her darling Sir will miss her, but heaven has gained an angel. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
Charles Iyore
Newlyn
10 Wood Lane
Darenth
Kent DA2 7LR
| Biola Agbaje |
A truly "sweet Mother" |
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Jimi and I met mummy in 1975 when our friendship with her childeren started. She immediately adopted us and enveloped us with her gentle nature, genuine interest in our welfare and of course, her tasty food!
Isara became for us a haven to which we went with weary minds and bodies every christmas, returning to Lagos fully fortified with wonderful memories, sumptous feasts every day and mummy's famous juice! Mummy actually put us in the same room for the 20+ years we have been visiting Isara! Every year as we left, there would be five equal portions of assorted "things" (raw foodstuff,cake,fruits etc) for her children to take away. The fifth portion was always ours.
When Jimi cast his net into political waters, I needed someone with whom I could share some particular fears I had, who would give me advice based on shared experience. Naturally I turned to mummy. I never did thank her for all she shared with me over long conversations on the phone.
Mummy's love for, obedience and submission to Daddy was TOTAL.We saw this reciprocated in his equal devotion to her.As a couple,they have been a living reference point for me on marriage.Her love for each of her children was wondrous to behold.Her pride in them shone forth, even to the last days where she regalled the nurses in hosptal with stories of their accomplishments.
I grieve for mummy. The Bible tells me I'm allowed to, but I'm also happy I can write these truths about her.
ETERNAL REST
I met Mummy in 1982 in Boston about the time of Konyin's commencement exercise at Harvard University. Her warmth and infectious affection was easily descernible but it was the generousity of unconditional invitation that I visit and stay with the family in Lagos that I later availed. She was a truly, a remarkable woman. Too kind, too generous and often too forgiven to have made any remarkable success in commerce. Besides her children and that had come to include me were her priority over all else.
Mummy has certainly ensured her place amongst angels and engraved her memories in the hearts and minds of many of us. May the Almighty Allah grant her eternal rest She would be surely missed.
