Honoring a Life of Love and Legacy

Oko Mi Dada, Olowo ori mi ,

How do I begin to say goodbye to the love of my life? How do I put into words what my heart can barely carry?

I remember it like yesterday — that fateful day in Mushin when our eyes first met. It was love at first sight, and I knew deep in my spirit that my life had changed forever. From that day, you became the rhythm of my heart and the peace my soul longed for.

We dated for nine beautiful years, and against all odds, I chose you. Many voices around me had opinions, warnings, and doubts… but I followed my heart, because I knew where peace lived — it was with you. And I have never, not for one second, regretted that decision. You were my first love, and you remained my only love.

In 1974, we started this journey as husband and wife. And for over 50 years, we walked hand in hand, side by side, through everything life threw at us — together. You were not just my husband; you were my best friend, my confidant, my prayer partner, and my covering.

You were a complete gentleman — loyal to the core, honest to a fault, and full of grace and wisdom. You were a man who truly loved — and oh, how you loved me. Your love was evident in your words, your actions, your sacrifices. You gave everything — everything — for our family. You laid your life down daily, quietly, consistently, lovingly. You were a true family man, a good man, a rare man.

We built everything together, brick by brick, moment by moment. In you, I found a home. In your arms, I found safety. In your prayers, I found strength. And now, in your memory, I find purpose — to continue to hold on to the values we shared, to keep the fire of our love burning until we meet again.

It is hard to imagine life without you, Jimi. The house feels empty, and so does my heart. But I find solace in knowing that you are resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know you’re on the right side of eternity — where there is no more pain, no more struggle, only peace everlasting.

Sleep well, my love.
Oko rere.
Baba dada.

Awonrin Ayase Ayoga.
Omo Adigun.
Omo aborun fo.
Omo abolorun so oko ohun,
Omo amooyan ninu agbe soro
Omo oni-isu nla oroguro be
Omo gbese gbese ti se obirin oyin.
Omo olobi poro poro Aroko.
Omo oni yan okan, ki yan eji.
Omo ato si pono, fo obirin loyun
Omo aworo, Omo Adigun
Omo Aworo subu domi omi Aworo nu, Aworo ta pa erin kerere.
Ko se asesi, ko se omo elomi ni.
Aworo a gba Aja, agba ugbo, agba Akuko honhonhon.
Omo ayorun bo loojo.
Omo Olowoyalumo.

You may be gone from this earth, but you will never be gone from my heart.

I will not mourn like unbelievers, for I know we shall meet again at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ on the day of resurrection.
As it is written:

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
– 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (KJV)

Continue to rest in peace, my love.
Forever Yours,
Omoyeni Agbi