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Truly, it was with a very and the most rude shock that the news came that you re gone Babami! I got confused momentarily, I was temporary insane, but strong hearted as usual. I moved straight to the mortuary where I got the ruddest shock! I was confronted with the sour reality that BABAMI is no more. I saw my dad, I mean my loving and lovely father laid lifeless in the morgue. A sharp pain pierced my heart. I felt a vary deep and excruciating pain in my soul. I realised that Babami has departed! I realized that Babami has deserted me! I realised that Babami has left me painfully unannounced , I realised that no one to caution me again, that that there is no one to call me on the first day of every month and wish me well, no one to pray each time i return from any trip. With this better reality, I broke down in bitter tears. I refused to be consoled . I cried my self out! I felt empty! I felt lonely ! I felt life is being so cruel to me to loose Babami at a time like this when I most need his counsel, guidance and mostly his prayer.
After all the bitter heartedness, cry and uncontrolled emotion, I realised that rather than mourn Babami, celebrating his life and time would be a better option more so that there are too numerous reasons to celebrate him:
1. Babami died devoted christian: On his bed was his bible carefully placed beside the pillow (at the fore). This is indicative of a communion with God. Babami taught us( the children) the ways of the Lord. As he would attend morning devotion with all of us every morning. He made us realise that tithing is a commandment of God that must be obeyed. I have never seen him swear and he would never place curses on anyone.
2. He taught us hard work. I remember when he summoned me to the hut in his farm in 1989, he then counseled me that his observation of me had revealed to him that I wouldn’t do well as a farmer as I do not possess the strength to make a good farmer. He went further to state that he would rather admonish me to face my books as that is where my success lies. I kept that advise and am happy he did. Babami would pay our school fees on the first day of resumption.
3.He taught us honesty: Babami called me into his room one day and got my right hand sliced with razor blade because I stole torch light bulb. He had gladly done so to my big bro and sis who did similar thing in the past. I stopped stealing because of that bad experience.
4. He taught us discipline and respect : No younger offspring of Babami would have the audacity to call his big sis or bro by name without adding ‘bro or antie’. You are sure to receive a dirty slap amidst other sundry punishments.
5. Babami taught us to be loving, kind and kind hearted. He would always cook more than necessary in the farm just because he wanted to make provision for other people in the farm. He would bring the remaining yams home for other people especially children to enjoy.
6. Babami was a committed community development enthusiast: He would be mostly remembered for his unrivalled effort at mobilisation of people during the construction of the community secondary school.
7. He did not die young After all. He is survived by wife, children, grand children and great grand children.
In all of these, I see a father who came and had done his bit and left. I see a man who rather than being mourned should be celebrated for a life well spent. I see a man who made, nurtured and kept good name and legacies for his children. I see a man who would forever be remembered for his role in community development and for his love for children and people around.
I promise to keep those promises I made to you. Rest on Babami!
Babami I celebrate you!!!
– Olorunsuwa Elija Ola
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