Ajoke mi, as I grew to fondly call you, I have visited this page virtually everyday since it was set up but it has been so difficult for me to put into words, what I have felt over the past few years and especially in the past couple of weeks; but I write I must as you were such a woman of faith and impact that your life deserves to be shared about and celebrated.
I recall seeing you a couple of times over the past 15 - 20 years, anytime you came to Lagos and worshipped at church. We were not really close but your younger sister Bunmi was (and still is) a dear friend and was one of my bridesmaids at my wedding and she it was who brought us close to each other. I had shared my idea with a few friends, including Bunmi, to set up a prayer group via BlackBerry messenger and once the group was set up, Bunmi had mentioned your name and told me how excited you were about the group and your desire to join. I recall the various challenges you had with your phone and how eventually, the Women of Prayer group reached its maximum capacity. I recall having to set up Women of Prayer 2 because of you and trying severally to add you to the group and we kept experiencing technical issues we couldn't resolve,but you did not give up, that was how determined you were to join the group. It was during this time that you and I became fast friends, getting to know each other, and getting to the point where we were able to chat about anything and everything. Shortly after, a space opened up in WoP1 and in you came. Your presence and evident faith challenged many in the group and your sense of humour was never far away. You were so easy to talk to and even across thousands of miles your effervescence, your exuberant and lively spirit, your warmth and fierce love for God came through so clearly.
Ajoke, you were a soldier, a prayer warrior, and a selfless woman through and through. Even in your pain, your thoughts and prayers were about your children, down to the person hired to take care of them while you sought treatment in far away India. Your prayer was for your husband, that God would strengthen him and encourage him as he managed the home in your absence. Your prayers and even our conversations were about your Mum and siblings and though you were going through so much pain and you were open about how you were feeling, still you wanted to shield and protect your loved ones from the distress of watching you go through the pain. Your thoughts and prayers were always of others. Yes, you wanted to live, and even then, it was to spare your loved ones pain.
Ajoke mi, I shall miss our anything-anywhere-any-hour-of-day-or-night chats where we shared our struggles and cackled over some private joke or other, exchanging experiences of marriage and parenting and where we chatted about your career plans, you asked for advice and shared your dreams. I recall one of our last conversations, where we excitedly discussed in detail what you would wear for your renewal of vows on your anniversary, not knowing you would go home just a few days later. I shall miss calling you for us to pray together over the phone. It's amazing to me to think that we probably only met in person a couple of times - such was your ability to connect with people.
Ajoke Omo Oba Aganilagbatan (the daughter of the King who saves completely), Omo Oba Ara (the daughter of the amazing King) - these were the names you gave yourself - the Women of Prayer 1 prayer group will not be the same without you but I am at peace because you told me you had made your peace with God and totally surrendered to his will. I was afraid that you had not reached that point but you assured me you had and only asked, in your characteristic selfless manner, that I (and of course our other Women of Prayer) look out for your siblings. To me, this means you were at peace because your Lord was beside you every step of the way.
Yes, my friend, you did not live long, but you lived well. You touched lives and your legacy lives on even with the disciples in the Bangalore church of whom you were a part throughout your treatment. As one of the sisters said, the Lord has taken you to a place without pain.
I thank you for being a part of my life and for living out the statement 'faithful and joyful in affliction' for indeed you personified this. I thank our Heavenly Father for bringing you into the lives of all who knew and loved you. As you are laid to rest today, I ask him to strengthen your husband, your two beautiful children, your mum, your siblings, fellow believers, colleagues and friends.
To Him be all the glory now and ever more. Amen.
Sleep on my friend till we meet again at the feet of Jesus.
