My Mama Abigail Sofowote...has gone!
Ever since I met my Mama Sofowote exactly 31 years ago (Jan - Feb 1990) at the Christening /dedication ceremony of Oluwatumininu (‘Tumi ) Siwoku, in London, my mama Sofowote (65 years old then) never changed physically at all!
She remained the same intelligent, dutiful, loyal, benevolent, loving, caring, virtuous, generous, selfless, God-fearing, prayerful, great source of blessing, best friend, sweet mother, awesome grandmother, adorable great-grandmother and Mother of all Mothers...
She did not waiver a second in her faith and trust in the Lord despite all the challenges she went through since I met her. My Mama was a fighter, a soldier and an overcomer.
I was fortunate that Mama met my biological mother during one of Mama’s trips to Nigeria. Mama came back to the UK and advised me to go home regularly to visit my parents. I heeded Mama’s advice in February 1997 and visited my parents in Nigeria. Didn’t realise that would be the last time I would see my parents as they both passed away 6 months after my visit. They both died 17 days apart. What a time!!! Thanks to Mama Sofowote’s advice, otherwise, I would have been inconsolable!
Fast forward, Mama Sofowote and myself became closer with the passage of time and I’m sure there was no single month that we didn’t communicate in the last 20 years even when we were on different continents. That’s how close we were.
Mama introduced me to her biological children as their younger brother (from another mother) . Mama made sure she attended all our significant milestone celebrations. Mama never failed to send Christmas gifts to my children every year. Mama was a generous giver. She was one of a kind.
In her twilight years, Mama would call me and consult me for counsel on issues bothering her. Mama would call on FaceTime without wearing her glasses. She would read her messages without her glasses. How blessed can one be!!
My Mama Sofowote recorded a glowing 6 minutes video where she dressed up specially to sing, pray and wish me a wonderful 60th birthday celebration in January 2021 just exactly 10 days before her transition to heaven...it’s as if she waited for my birthday. I will forever cherish that video recording.
Mama had always told me that, when she’s ready to depart from this world, it would be accompanied by praise and worship until she transits to the great beyond. This was exactly how it happened. Mama was blessed with the gift of prophecy.
I could go on and on ...
I learnt a lot from Mama Sofowote. I will surely miss my Mama in a million.
My family will miss her too.
We always cherished her visits and telephone calls.
Mama has gone back to her maker. Her mantra was “Do good always”. She practiced what she preached until her last moments...
I pray for strength for all of us that she left behind in this sinful world.
May mama’s soul find peace and continue joyful celebrations in heaven.
Mama Sofowote’s life is worthy of emulation and great celebration! A beautiful soul has left us.
Peace ✌️
Your son,
Olufolahan Ajanlekoko