Once upon a time there were two cradle friends who were brought together by the Almighty God. They were so close that their fathers also got to know each other. They shared Frendship and Love and visited each other’s houses regularly in a large town called Ibadan.
They went to the same primary school, Sacred Heart Convent School Onireke, from around the age of 6 years and went to the same secondary school, Loyola College Ibadan. Whilst they did not attend the same university, they reminisced about and enjoyed regularly the lovely journey God had permitted them to share together and rekindled their proximity in the last 10 years. Sadly everything comes to an end one day! But does it really?
I still see you regularly and remember vividly your everlasting smile, which reminds me of you honesty and utter friendliness. The way you handled the trials and tribulations of life, has been exemplary and I have learnt so much from you.
Your memory of our great teachers, Mr Desmenu and Mr Odunjo and the discipline and studiousness they imparted in us is what every person should have the opportunity to share, particularly these present days of failing discipline. I will never forget the day you reminded me of the late Brother Isagba’s speech in 1969 when he reminded us Loyolan’s of our pride and said we will not succumb to pressures of proximal Girls Schools, ‘God in Heaven Loyola First On Earth’- This was recently reiterated by Brother Pat Utomi at the last Loyo Day in London. We laughed regularly about Celingo Mucheche when he said- ‘When I say Matilukou you putty more’ and ‘ Malomo am I so small that you cannot see me?’
Bola you made me enjoy music, in particular the Saxaphone of Miles Davis. In fact, you made me purchase various CDs of his-I remember your vivid description of the music in these. You loved music so much that you revamped your entire music system with State of the Art technology to enhance the soul of the music. You loved Fela, including his works with Kula Lobitos, and made various recordings for me which I will cherish till the end of my life.
When you confirmed you were getting married to Omolola, my Wife and I were filled with joy. We had been waiting for this day for a long time. The perfectionist that you are meant you waited until you made the right choice and we your friends are grateful for allowing us to witness this. You made the right decision as she has lived up to your high expectations.
Bola we had so many plans but you were so much in a hurry you could not wait. But of course we are close friends and I will continue on your behalf whilst you look after us down here from up there.
Bola I still continue to pick up my telephone to call you as we always did. I cannot forget the Thursday morning I telephoned you and the vigour that was in your voice. Now I accept that the Almighty God has requested a cessation of this mode of communication and has allowed for a spiritual one. Though I had wanted more of the former, I cannot question the authority of my maker, the almighty God.
Bola you were such a strong person, such that when you were not well, most of us never even knew. For this, I will forever respect you even more.
We will continue our conversations and laughter regularly as our separation is not permanent but just a ripple, as our souls go on forever.
Rest in Peace Bola.