BROTHER ZACHEAUS: U LEFT A VOID
Severally, I took up my pen, when invited, to write a farewell tribute on you Brother Zacheaus. It later dawned on me that this was a great assignment I had to accomplish and fulfill for my family, AlobaDynasty of Ijebu-Jesa. Yes, writing out some words I just have to join together to make a story. So, what do I write or not say about BrotherZac. Really, there is something I must say out to accomplish and wriggle out of this onerous task. I would be doing so in fulfillment of your status as the great-grandson of the first daughter of the great-grandpa of AlobaDynasty.
Therefore, sir, allow me relate, what I can consider my first "indirect'' encounter with you, without ever meeting you in life. Or having any inkling that we shared some identical blood in our veins. So it happened. You might not realize how it played out in my mind then. If you did, you are now taking the secret away with you.
Back in my courting years as a student, you played a "clandestine" role promoting what could have led to a marital life of two innocent beings. Because of your proximity to the other gender, certainly, without you knowing it, the aftermath of the suitors' affairs could have ended differently as fate could have had it. Bros, we never discussed or mentioned this in later life when we eventually met in same house at our great uncle's house at Ebute-Metta. It was a brotherly task you, unknowingly performed, with love, responsibility and enthusiasm. Remember, I said previously we had never met before. Thank you brother for that great sacrifice of yours wanting to be a match-maker of two aspiring future couple. You played the script effortlessly--focusing on making a success of it.
That act of yours is enough material to forge a plot of a television love script. I am eternally grateful and appreciative of this. The other gender, reading this, will share same script with me on this premise. Why there was no mention of it in our various brotherly chats is beyond comprehension as fate would have it.
The later affinity, sprouting out in our relationship, blossomed when your caring attitude manifested when you took it upon yourself, not minding being my senior to initiate exchange visits between our two homes away from family members at Ebute-Metta. Whenever you felt it's been a while we last saw ourselves when fate brought us near each other in FestacTown--some ten/fifteen minute-walk apart--you were close by prodded by brotherly love. The following scenario vividly showed who you were as a brother's keeper. Suddenly, a knock or two on our gate would herald in an august visitor, with your amiable spouse in tow. Both of you were exemplary characters that modern marital duo should emulate. You were like June and July. The brotherly love you exhibited since we knew ourselves was immeasurable and will linger on.
It was as if destiny has another role to play in our lives when fate, unknown to us, with the Almighty GOD's push brought us together again when back home your residence at Ijebu-Jesa was planted just opposite the third house down the road away from our own villa. Baba GOD's hand in this scenario is awesome. Who else was around, BrotherZacheaus? With the demise of our senior brothers, we all looked up to you for leadership--a role you creditably performed whenever we sought for guidance. "E se pupo" sir. We appreciated all you stood for. While we shall miss your happy new month chats and greetings adorned with prayers/wishes, some of the national networks will experience depletions in their monthly tills/intakes. This a reality many here present share with me.
Your sudden departure, to us, was sore but we are consoled that GOD loves you more. The void you left, with your passing on, will be difficult to fill. Please, tell them over there about where and how you left off. Thank you brother for a life well-spent. Thanks to the lovely off-springs you left behind for creditably playing an enviable role in your life. Despite all odds, the children stood by you, your GOD was with you and you scaled through it all like a Rock of Gibraltar. Thanks to Jesus for being there for you.
On behalf of the entire AlobaDynasty of Ijebu-Jesa, world-wide, who love you in thoughts and deeds, I wish you save journey as you go to rest in the bosom of GOD, your Creator. Say hi to all relations who left before you.
Sleep on brother, father, grandfather, friend to all. ADIEU!!!
--Bola' ALOBA