I first met Daddy Isaac Adebayo Owolabi sometime in 2007, if my memory serves me well. His eldest daughter, Folakemi and I became colleagues and friends in 2006 and our organization assigned us the same mentor to help us settle into the work environment. I knew him to be a hardworking, successful man who instilled those same virtues into each of his children. He was a proud teacher. It is no surprise that all three of them are distinguished achievers…and I mean every word of it!
Both him and Mommy were encouragers – they pushed you to be the best that you can be, with advice and prayers. I recall that I bought my first furniture – a set of white plastic chairs – on credit from Mommy’s shop when I was striking out as a bachelor on my own in 2010. There were so many other fun times with Daddy. I remember the pride on his face when he walked into my office in 2017 where I then worked to conclude a transaction, not knowing I was the Manager. I naturally extended him every courtesy I would extend my father and only God knows how many people, he told the story of the VIP treatment! It just showed how appreciative he was of little things – traits that are fast eroding today. He got to show me off on the two or three occasions that I went to All Souls Church School when he was the Principal, and I was equally impressed with the way he was respected and liked by staff and students alike. I remember asking him why he left if he was so liked, but in his characteristic manner, he told me that there was a time for everything. He was a deep thinker. How he remained so totally committed to family in Iresi and colleagues in Ijebu Ode still beats my imagination to this day. He was self-less to a fault, always giving of himself to others.
I remember making a last-minute call to him and Mommy at Muritala Muhammed Airport the night I was traveling abroad for further studies and the happiness they felt on hearing the good news. We talked often and it was always a pleasure hearing his jokes.
But by far the most important experience I ever had with him (and the last time I saw him by the way), is when I came to Nigeria for New Year 2022 and I went to spend whole day with him and Mommy. I maintained a low profile for the visit to Nigeria because of COVID and other reasons but made it a priority to visit Daddy and Mommy Owolabi. My wife had malaria so she could not join us. I wanted her to rest so my two boys and I went to say hi to him and Mommy. He was on his way back from Ijebu Ode and so joined us at home later and we had the time of our lives. He enjoyed having my boys around and we all had Mommy’s terrific lunch and took pictures that day. Daddy even had a selfie stick! Lol. Even Folakemi was not aware I was in Nigeria but we surprised her with the pictures we took. I remember her response: ‘This is oppression!’ It is one encounter I will cherish for the rest of my life. He took much pride in the accomplishments of his children and their friends as well as new additions to the family. A power dresser who was social media savvy, he loved children to a fault. I remember seeing his very last post on Facebook was congratulating Folakemi on a recent accomplishment at work.
Much as we would like Daddy to be around very much longer, I take solace in his words to me some years ago – ‘there is time for everything.’ Baba Owoo, you came, you saw, and you conquered. Your time is up. I pray that the Almighty comforts Mommy K.D, as well as my siblings – Folakemi, Oluseye and Oluseyi. May God grant them to grace to bear your loss.
I can say without a doubt that my life is better because I came across a man called Isaac Adebayo Owolabi. Rest in peace, Daddy, and see you on resurrection morning.
Eyitayo Olaleye,
Waterbury, CT, USA. September 14, 2022