Daddy, Fondly Called Grandpa
It is an honour to celebrate the life of a man who had walked this earth as God's faithful servant. Some knew him as Dad; some as a brother; some as leader; some as a competent engineer; people knew him for different reasons. I am proud to know him as a loving father who impacted values and ethics that have made me the woman of God I have become today. Here was a man who came, who saw and who conquered. Many ran the race of life and finished badly but my father fought the good fight of faith, fully trusting in Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
My daddy was beyond handsome; he was beautiful. He was a gentleman with a quiet spirit, principled, disciplined, dedicated, hardworking, intelligent, resourceful, loving, supportive … my father was a great teacher, a role model and more importantly, God fearing.
Let me start by COMMENDING MY PRECIOUS MUMMY - his wife, for having such a great taste and wisdom. She chose Mr Adebayo A Folorunsho, a man who would honour, love and respect her for decades to come and whose love she likewise returned. I am so glad she was by him when he slept. Mummy, on behalf of the children and grandchildren I say thank you. Your choice of a husband has given us the most wonderful, caring and loving father: One we could respect, treasure, and adore; a true papa and grandpa to the 2nd generation. At my last conversation with him, he expressed his appreciation to mummy who had given him a wonderful life and to us the children. In his words, he said, “I want you to thank your mummy for all her efforts, I am grateful ( Bami dupe lowo momo yin ganni).”
Even though married, daddy was ever protective of us. Memories of our time of youth linger still. Daddy was very protective of us ‘the girls’ especially. Due to his protectiveness, we didn’t entertain brothers in our house because the interrogation can be embarrassing for us. Now that I am a parent, I understand why. We joke about it now that our husbands really passed daddy's exam. Daddy, I am so grateful for all your love towards us. As the first born, my husband went through series of interrogations and tests. I am glad that he passed them all.
A lot of memories that make me smile include one where daddy booked an appointment for my hair with ‘momo ile pink’. This I cherish so much and I’m glad my husband follows after him in this area.
My daddy was an intelligent man who wanted us to excel in education. I know of a man that had the set of textbooks we had in school at home, including the syllabus. He was the only one that I know who will rewrite our exam papers and remark them. When on holiday, we had to redo the papers and he will teach and make sure we understood all the ones we got wrong in the exams. Every assignment was scrutinised. What a dad!!
I know of a man who was diligent and very organised. My dad took us to school daily even though we had a driver. He took us to school himself and through my primary school days we were always the first to arrive St Joseph primary school. It was no surprise I became the uniform model for KD green-white-green uniform at the department of education. He taught us the value of time keeping and discipline. During his working life he was always the first to arrive his work place. If only everyone cultivates this culture, Nigeria civil service will be different. What an ICON to emulate; very dedicated and passionate about what he did. His staff knew him for his perfectionist approach to things. An example was whenever the TV at home was on during his working days at NTA. He would observe every detail and you would hear my dad say things like “what are you doing”, “common, move out”, etc. And should the pictures, sound, or something else not improve, within minutes my dad will dress up and go to NTA.
I know my dad as someone committed to his assignment in Church. He cherished his role so much and put in all his best. Going late to church / work was not an option. His saying was, “being late shows you are unreliable and not responsible“. These words shaped my attitude to both God and life.
My dad was a loving / compassionate man. Whilst growing up, our house was open to all and as such we didn't grow up in a nuclear family setting. Despite the large number of people in the house he made sure all of us were comfortable. He ensured that all of us went to school or learn a trade. His heart was for all to excel in all that they chose to do.
My dad was a legend and hero to me; a dad who wanted the best for all. My dad was the only one that looked into my eyes and will say, “this girl is not feeling well. She needs to go the hospital”. What fond memories. Our husbands had to meet certain standards because he wanted the best for us. We had to assure him that these men were different, Thank you for all the plans you had for us. No wonder your seeds are all in the vineyard of God doing exploits for the Lord.
Daddy thank you for the legacies you left for us. Thank you for cheering us on. Thank you for believing in us. I will not forget your expression the day I completed my last course. The joy in your voice was so overwhelming. You are a dad that was proud of his children. Thank you so much
How can I forget one of your sayings “mio fe ki iya jeyin”( I don’t want you to suffer). Indeed your prayers were answered. Esin wa de ibi ti eru koti ni bawa.
Daddy you left so many legacies and also a vacuum that I wonder if we can fill it . But by the Grace of God it is possible. By the grace of God the knowledge of God lingers on in the family and we are grateful that the ‘clapping society’ caught on and today you are blessed with children who loved and feared God; children who are leaders, pastor, deacons, Deaconesses - all in various assignments in the Vineyard of God.
Your love of music has passed on to the younger generation. Thank you for the legacy of music.
I will alway love you and will miss you. But with God on our side we will be okay and I assure you that we will look after your darling sweetheart.
Thank you daddy. All I have left now are the precious memories, which I will cherish.
I love you.
Yinka
