Tribute from WICOBA
Ayoola, we're all lost for words, totally confused and so shocked that we've been robbed of what to say. In fact robbed is how we feel because you've been taken away from us all in such a cruel and sudden way.
Yes we are all eventually going to go and you with your un-shaking faith would never be shy of facing your maker - but so soon? Lord we know how much Ayo loved you. Never a moment would she let pass with family or friends without sharing a word of testimony to encourage or inspire.
That was you all over Ayo, always giving, always sharing and loving.
Your smile was a constant. Like a 2,000 watt bulb it would light up a room. You radiated happiness and positivity, even when in pain or without much to smile about. Not many knew the depths of your pain or suffering, the physical trials you were going through. Yet you bore it all with a smile. "Let me sort out this leg, sort this all out and we'll have all the time in the world," you said.
You've left too soon Ayo and there's a gaping hole which no one can fill. Everyone is unique, but you had your own brand of sweetness, your own brand of humour. You liked to laugh and brought sunshine into people's lives. Never a dull moment could be had with you around.
It's hard to write about you in the past tense, Ayo, because it's painful to think you will no longer be around. You will always be with us though and your spirit forever part of us.
Yet if it's painful for us, how much more must it be for your darling husband and three children who you doted on and loved so dearly. So too your siblings and dear mother who you leave behind. There was no secret what a force you were in the family. A void is now left behind.
Ours is not to question God, but as we gather together as ICOBA wives, 'why?' reverberates among us. Our husbands have been together for 40 years and we came together and deepened the bond. You had such plans, hopes, dreams and visions about how our children - the next generation - should know themselves. You were a driving force in strengthening our connection with our Sisters back home. What was that about Dubai??? That's what you did. You built bridges, forged unity and underlying everything was love.
You showed love to us all on an individual basis and we each have sweet memories of our personal connections with you. That's the most painful thing. Each of us had different plans, so many things we still wanted and planned to do. Joining you as you celebrated your children's graduation, tying our geles when attending our children's marriages, celebrating our 50th birthdays.
Ayo you were only 50! You've gone too soon.
We love you so much Ayo, but guess it's for us to accept that God loves you more.
WICOBA London, February 2016