A Tribute to Yemi
I am totally in shock and trying to make sense of your sudden death. I am just recovering from the loss of a close friend and four others. You were the one the first person who called to console me when I lost my close friend in January 2021, which turns out the last time we spoke, though we daily exchanged WhatsApp messages, I even received some messages the eve of your passing away.
Yemi, I have known you all your life, you were my " aburo" your mum and my mum were childhood school classmates, best friends and Qyinkan’s Godmother. When we were young both families spent holiday periods either at Ibadan or Lagos. As students in the UK, both mums will lease adjoining apartments for us/siblings at Xmas.
You were so passionately dedicated and devoted to your mum, Oyinkan and your daughter, Tara. In particular, you had this special bond with your mum. I remember when Susan & Tara relocated to London, you were torn apart in deciding whether to remain in Nigeria or move to London.
When your mum was seriously ill, you & Oyinkan brought her to London. I witnessed the extra mile both of you went through, not only to make her extra comfortable, but got her the best physicians in UK to address her illness. When the prognosis appeared fatal, both of you did not give up but transferred her to South Africa on the advice there was a renowned specialist. Yemi, when your mum passed away, I noticed you went downhill and I don’t think you fully recovered. You are now united with her.
On your return to Nigeria after graduation, you stayed with us in Lagos. We later teamed up and leased my mum's property. As housemates I recall fond memories, we worked hard and party like mad. Reviewing some of your portfolio, I had an opportunity to value you as an excellent, creative, outstanding, professional and articulate Chartered Architect. After a couple of years, I went back to the UK but we kept in touch, you stayed with me when in London. You also raised the toast at my wedding in 1989.
Yemi, you have been a reliable and wonderful aburo, our time together was memorable, I will miss you a lot but now you have found peace with the creator.
Adieu my brother.