Dipo. I'm still coming to terms that this news of your passing is not a bad dream or a joke in very bad taste.
You see, The Alabi's were my neighbours for a very long time. Stories of my childhood can never be complete without Bode and Dipo, and of course the rest of the Alabi family...Wale, Yemi and Biola. Baba Bode was our Landlord. We lived in the flat downstairs at 66 Ibadan Road and they lived upstairs. Bode and Dipo were my brothers. We car-pooled to school together, did homework together, played football and other Tom-boyish games with them. We also baked, played Ten-ten and some other sissy games together. When I remember the Alabi's, I travel back in time to a place called "Happy".
Dipo, my little brother from Arigidi-Akoko was gentle and kind, I never saw him angry. We lost touch for several years, but got back in touch with him a few years back. Bode's passing less than a year ago, was a painful exit, this however is numbing. I still spoke to Dipo last year to commiserate with him when Bode passed, he was his usual charming self, asking after my mother and my elder sister Kemi. Oladipo, my brother, my friend, you have been called home too soon. Rest well in the bosom of your maker till resurrection morning.