Dear Papa,
We will miss you very much. Here at Ikate, we experienced the bonds of family, the commitment of a Father to his wife, his children and his children's children.
You are a Patriarch of inestimable value. You came through, passed once, but you live forever in our hearts. What can we say of you that has not been said in the lives of the ones you now leave behind. You raised a legacy in us through your visible passion for Christ. Your love for your savior was apparent in the daily devotionals.
We all remember it now. A tradition that will live forever, etched into the permanent place in our soul. Our memories relieving your call to worship, your reliance on your lord - our shepherd. All in our native language, sounds of rejoicing from our tongue - Yoruba.
Baba Ikate (sighs) from afar all many could see was eccentric, rash, disciplinarian, authoritarian. But up close, I got to see the purpose, your heart. A passion to do right, to uphold order, to protect, to preserve, to show love through unwavering discipline and consistent values. You are indeed father to many. I see this example lived now day to day: do right, always, not for social commendation, but for eternal account. We hold your values close.
We will miss you Baba. We miss you Mama. Husband of One. Father to many. Mentor to all. Sleep on. Till we meet again, at the feet of Christ.
Your grandson and grand-daughter,
Tolulope (Morayo) Olugboji and Jessica Douglas