My friend, my confidant, my Nana.
It’s still unreal to me that you’re gone. Maybe it’s a dream, can’t even tell. Thank you for sharing so many lovely years with me, years of fun and laughter.
As your brother referred to you the other day, you were a bridge builder, you touched so many lives which is clearly evident in the unending messages and tributes from everyone. You have been part of all the major decisions in my life to date and it makes me wonder where I go from here.
I will continue to touch as many lives as possible and build many bridges as possible in your honour. This is the message I believe you passed onto me and the promise not to disappoint you.
You were misunderstood by some who did not know you were only exhibiting a rare quality “LOYALTY”. We would often discuss and you’d say to me “Mo ti baso sugbon to ba sope bayi loun se fe se, kini ki nse”.
It always surprised me how you would take the fall for people you loved even when you didn’t really agree with their decisions. You were always willing to sacrifice yourself for others to progress.
I tried about everything I could just to keep you with me a little longer but it is the will of God. I love you VOA and I know you are in Heaven watching over all of us. We promise to do our best to make you proud by following in your footsteps and trying to abide by your principles. You were a builder not a destroyer, you brought people together not tear them apart.
I keep asking myself “what if”? What if I had asked the doctors more questions? What if I had planned that holiday to Dubai? VOA. You touched everyone that you met in ways even they couldn’t comprehend, like a true Princess would. Your LOYALTY to the people you loved was uncompromising as you were ready to give it all up to defend your loved ones; your sacrifice is evident in the stories I knew and I have come to learn in recent times. You could see no wrong in anything I did. You have made me the man I am today and I will stop at nothing to ensure your legacy lives on.
All the important decisions that have shaped me into the man I am today have a lot to do with your advice and opinion. The little talks that we had, how truly close we were. The bridge builder, the philanthropist – in your little way you have touched more lives than you can imagine. You are definitely there in my own HALL of fame as one of the figures I will emulate.
After soul searching for the past few weeks, I realized that you passed on the baton to me, and I will do my part to ensure I pass it on. Your Legacy will live forever.
This is not goodbye but see you later!
GMAMA OF LIFE. Love you Forever,
Your Grandson,
Akin Akinyelure