When Iyiola and I became friends we’d always go straight from the lobby into his room to play games. So I never really got to know Baba until I would wait a bit to hang out with him. He seemed so cool and he’d be watching soccer or some shows.

Babs, as we called him, was always so supportive and caring.

I remember in 2019 once we spoke on the phone and he asked after my mum, she wasn’t feeling too well. Baba drove to the house within the hour and demanded that we go to the hospital. He waited with us and brought us back, even went round the crescent because I had dropped my phone in the sienna. 

I’ll miss our coffee and ‘bitters’ sessions. Babs loved coffee of all kinds, I’d drop by sometimes  to have some and we’d talk. We also loved bitterleaf juice, ruzu bitters and bitter gourd. We unlocked a new level of bonding when he had to switch up his diet! He’d call me ‘babalawo’ when I’d go extreme with some of my infusions . 

I’ll miss our fist bumps, banter and his ability to respond to every single silly question I would ask. Seeing Grandbaba interacting with Tara. Watching Man U matches with him “ lukakuu “ . Most especially his “ you ehhhn “ after he hadn’t seen me in a while.

Thank you for the most pleasant memories.

He was a rock to so many. I pray we all find solace in the fact that Baba lived life, fully! And we learn to spread joy with everyone we encounter, because that’s how every interaction with baba felt! You left with a smile on your face and in your heart.

Love you Babs, Till we meet again.

❤️

All I can say now is that may his soul rest in peace.