“How Time Flies” is an idiomatic expression to communicate a surprise at how quickly time passes. But for me, it’s different. Yes, it’s three years today Sunday July 26, 2026, since the clock stopped ticking for you when you suddenly flew away into eternal glory. Your life’s journey ended, a beautiful story ended abruptly. For me, and your siblings, time has stood still as every passing is filled with thoughts and memories of you.
I wish it were possible to negotiate with God, our Creator, at the point of taking you away, I would have asked Him to take me instead because I know I would be leaving your siblings in safe hands. You effortlessly and responsibly stepped into the role of a father figure at the demise of your daddy in 2018. You were gentle, caring, selfless, compassionate, sacrificial, and above all, God-fearing. The way you handled the inheritance left behind by your father, giving them all up for your siblings, left me in awe. You were a rare breed and a special gift from God. Really, He takes the best.
My love, the family has not been the same since you left. A lot has happened that has rubbed salt on our injury and aggravated the pain of losing you. The mercy of God, the tender-loving care of your siblings and the unwavering support of your friend, Marvin, has kept me going though I am still dealing with the trauma and accompanying health challenges.
How proud and excited you would have been to preside over the marriage of your baby sister, Adesuwa! The preparation for the introduction ceremony in December last year was not without some high drama from the larger family, a needless one if you had been around. But God prevailed. It turned out that what I was looking for in Sokoto was right inside my sokoto (trouser)because your younger brother simply took his rightful place as Oloriebi. It was a beautiful ceremony. To Him be all the glory.
The hand of God is upon your son, Ogo-Oluwa, and your adopted twin boys, James and John are also doing well. They have written their WAEC and look forward to gaining admission into any tertiary institution. Their family has also been great, always in touch.
The Elects Ministry church and the Izirein family have been awesome. Our loss is as well their loss. Pastor Sam Izirein accompanied me last year to your resting place at the Benin Vaults and Gardens to pray and lay a fresh wreath. Your tomb was also upgraded to withstand any weather condition and enhance its aesthetics.
The Izuagies too have continued to uphold us in prayers, ever showing concern about the family’s wellbeing. Of course, Mama B has remained a sister from another mother, showing so much concern and watching out for me in my grief.
Your friend, Emmanuel Mshelia has remained a part of the family and has become a son to me. Of course, your brother in Yola, Mr. Godwin Rufus and his wife have stuck with us in these past three years despite the distance.
There is a lot to say which the heaviness of my heart cannot permit now. The tears flow freely as I recall our last few months together not knowing then that God was giving us the opportunity to bond together the more to create unforgettable memories. Looking back, I cherish those memories and the divine privilege.
And God, in His mysterious ways, gave me a son-in-law, Ayoola, who reminds me every day of you. You both have a lot in common – calm, playful, generous, and this – loves good food, just like you. At times, his childlike display when he enters the kitchen and salivates when he peeps into the pot at the soup, stew or beans porridge I just made, exactly the way you used to do, makes my heart ache and cry inwardly. Interestingly, you share the same month, and very close birth dates. While you were born August 2nd, he was born August 3rd.
My dear, no word can express how we miss you and wish that the dead could come visiting and return. The reality of eternal separation makes the pain even more agonising and unbearable. Yet I take solace that you are in a better place free, from the pain, suffering, deprivations and betrayals that often define humanity.
In honour of your memory, Pastor Sam is leading church members to your graveside to pray and lay another wreath. You deserve all the flowers for the joy you brought into our family, the love you gave to all unconditionally, the lives you impacted, and the sacrificial kingdom investments you made.
I love you, son, Apostle of the Most High God. With a heavy heart and total surrender to His unquestionable will, I wish your gentle soul continued eternal repose in the bosom of the Lord Your God who found you worthy to be a labourer in His vineyard.
Like Apostle Paul, you fought the good fight, you finished the race and kept the faith. I can boldly and proudly say that there is laid up for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to you on that Day. (2 Timothy 4: 7-8)
Mrs. Adekunbi Ero
