Rest in peace
I’ve always felt incredibly blessed, not just for having a father-in-law, but for having someone I could proudly call “Dad” without a second thought. Calling him my father-in-law never quite fit, so in our family, we playfully settled on “Dad-Ilorin” for him and “Dad-Ogba” for my biological father; same for our Mums. It just made things easier.
If you think you’ve heard the best storyteller ever and haven’t met Daddy, think again! His knack for recalling dates and events is only outmatched by his immense love for family and community. With him, everyone’s a friend—he has a way of making you feel like you’ve known him forever. Visiting Ilorin was always exciting, not just to see him and Mummy but also to indulge in the mouthwatering pounded yam and egusi soup with all the trimmings at one of his favourite spots. And, of course, there was always a stash of chilled malt in the fridge, ready for you!
His relationship with his wife was nothing short of inspiring—a true example of love and partnership. When you saw Daddy, you didn’t even have to ask about Mummy; she was always just a few steps away. They were inseparable.
We’ll miss him dearly—his calls, prayers on special occasions, and his insightful takes on the news and politics. Almost every day since he left us, Tiwalade, my wife, has soliloquized, “So, I won’t see my Daddy again?” It’s only half the story, though, because we all know it’s really, “So, I won’t see my Daddy again… for now.” For now, we hold on to the hope we have in Christ.
Rest in peace, Dad. We’ll keep your memory alive and cherish every moment we had with you.
Boye Oloyede, Son-in-law
