Rodamade, the author's mother, passed away at the age of 98. In the days following her death, the author reflected on her remarkable life and the impact she had. She was described as kingly, bold, and highly intelligent with a presence that could not be ignored. The author recalled special memories from childhood of her mother's love that lit a candle of mutual love between them. Throughout her long life, Rodamade remained healthy with all her organs and faculties functioning until the end. The author gave credit to four people who supported and ensured her wellbeing. Now in the afterlife, the author says "God loves you" to his departed mother, wishing for her soul to find repose and her

1. Sweet mum goes home
When I sat beside her hospital bed for an extended period on July 20, 2018, I knew the time had
come whenthe falconwill nolongerhear the falconer. I rubbed my hands over her face, traced her
tribal marks and said “I love you”. As it was to be, less than 24 hours later, Rodamade exited this
world for another and the next sight was her lifeless body in the mortuary.
An avatar that she was, there had beennodull momentsince herdeath. Early morning rain as soon
as her death was announced signalled divine ambience. Then hell became empty as all the devils
came down.The windsblew andthe stormsraged.But when the enemy rose like a flood, the Spirit
of the Lord raised a standard against him. By her death, the old dispensation has ended with its
historic possibilities and a new order must begin. In the words of Steve Jobs, founder of Apple
Computers, (1955-2011) “deathis verylikelythe singlebestinventionof life.Itislife’schange agent.
It clears out the old to make way for the new.”
Withthe volumeswritten andspokenabouther, youwonderif anythingneedsto be added. But the
princess from Iragberi was not an ordinary woman. Kingly, princely, bold, audacious, magisterial,
very intelligent and highly resilient; Moradeyo was not a person you can ignore, she simply had a
presence.Wisdomwashercostume, withawardrobe full of proverbs,deepandwittysayings,which
she deployed masterfully as fits the conversation.
Although birth began at birth, some spectacular experiences with her motherly love while I was
about8-10 yearsoldstrucka chord inme that litup a candle of mutual love that shone brighter and
brighter until her final exit. Her life was a lesson in outgrowing contradictions, triumphing over
adversity and overcoming obstacles. That though weeping may tenure a night; it cannot stop joy
when it comes in the morning. The end of her life was indeed better than her beginning and her
patience paid off.
One remarkable testimonyof God’sgrace in her life was that all through her 98 years + on earth, all
herorgans and faculties were still functional. She neverneededeyeglasses, hearing or walking aids;
had no degenerative diseases like blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes or cancer. Her verbal
facility was still versatile and her mental acuity was undiminished; never a memory snap or loss.
Cooperating with the grace of God in her life in this regard were four persons: Daddy Jonah and
Daddy Adewale, of whom she said never went to work any day until they confirmed she was well.
Nextwas her sister and bridesmaid since 1940s, Mama Ore, who supported her all through her life
time. The most illustrious was Dotun, my junior brother, who defied all currents to ensure her
wellbeing. To these four, garlands, trophies and accolades.
While she wason thisterrestrial plane,mylastwordstoher were “I love you”.Now inthe celestial, I
say “God lovesyou”. May the soul of my departed mumfind repose in the Lord, may her dreams be
fulfilled and her legacy established.
Rodamade adieu, sisi Olukayode o digbose o, Adunni omo Akinpelu, sun re o.