My Father, The Visionary Who Shaped My Path!
Baba, I write with tears. The thought of never seeing you again on this side of the planet is incredibly painful. The tears keep coming. I never prepared for this day; I never wanted to. I’ve gone down memory lane, and I can’t find a single fault in you. Someone advised me to cope with my grief by focusing on the negative side of you or any wrongs you may have done to me but I told him I’ve been trying hard to find one, and I haven’t found any.
You loved and cared for my siblings and me, providing us with opportunities that many rarely get. I can still see the marks from the soles of the pair of sandals you bought me in college. I could always spot them. Apart from me, only one other student—-whose father was educated and well-to-do at the time-had the same pair. I had textbooks when some couldn’t even afford school fees. You gave me the best!
I remember your counsel each time I called; ‘submit to authority, respect your husband, forgiveness is the glue in marriage!’ Only my father does this! What a privilege to have had you as my father! What a blessing you were to me! A man of honour, a man of his word, a man of iron constitution-a man unshakable in strength and resolve- unbending, unyielding, uncompromising, forthright, a true patriarch!
Your love for God was unparalleled! I can still see you with the cotton wool on your eyebrow going to church on Sunday despite having had an accident the previous day; nothing could deter you from your Maker, not even an accident! You never missed church, even in old age, you were never late to church. My first memory of your piety as a child was seeing you often on your knees in prayer, both by your bedside and in the pew. You entertained missionaries; I still cannot forget the elegant dinnerware with which mama served the missionaries. To date, I have not seen anything that compares with it; you gave God the best!
The opportunities you provided for me are what have brought me to where I am today. You inspired me to be a writer. That act of giving me pocket money while in secondary school played a key role in shaping my path. The pocket money allowed me to make choices about books that enriched my imagination and creativity. You also motivated me to become a professor. I remember your response when you were informed that I had earned a doctorate; you said; ‘She wants to become a professor’. Though casual, that comment was the motivation for me and I kept praying you don’t leave before this dream is realised and I thank God, He answered my prayer.
You were my first bible-the decisions you made, which I didn’t understand as a child, became clearer when I gave my life to Christ. There were times, I had to check myself when I see how you lived. I’ve often wondered how you knew and lived out the bible when you couldn’t read it! You were a crusader, you fought for others. You were the family’s doctor; your prescriptions were never wrong. You were the family’s priest, ensuring that we follow the path of God. Above all, you were my father; Faithful, Assertive, Truth-worthy, Honest, Exemplary, and Reliable!
Baba, I boasted so much about you; I would tell people with pride; ‘my father will not allow that.’ I still do, even though you’re gone. Now that the testimonies are pouring in, I will continue to carry your legacy forward. The event of Monday 17 March came all too soon! I thought we would still have the privilege of having you around. Honestly, I didn’t want this day to come, but only God is immortal. I am consoled by the fact that God showed you mercy. This has always been my prayer for you.
There is no better place for you to be than in the presence of your Maker, whom you adored, and who loves you so much!
It’s so hard to say goodbye! Continue to bask in God’s presence.
Professor Angela Ajodo-Adebanjoko
(‘Angela Mama’ as you fondly called me).
(Daughter)