Tribute to Ambassador Ronke Adefope

By: Yinka Arisekola Alao

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” –  1 Corinthians 15:55.

AS we are gathered here today, I flew over three thousand and 26 miles (3026) to come and witness this day, a day of tribute to our dear sister in faith, aunty, mother, our very own Ambassador, ma. I came to represent two of my fathers. One who has passed away (late Alh Abdul Azeez Arisekola Alao) and the other, who facilitated my presence and very much alive and kicking (Baba Oba Otudeko, Kabiyesi of Idi Ishin and environs, may his days be long, odun a jinna sira won Baba, Aamin). By virtue of all present here today and the amazing testimonies we have heard all evening, it shows an amazing life, full of grace and dignity of our mother, Ambassador Ronke Adefope, ma.

Who are we to query or question God? For verily, every life has its appointed time and every life must taste death. I remember one of late Aare’s (Alh Abdul Azeez Arisekola Alao’s) death anniversary, Ambassador Ronke told me that ‘di dun ni iranti olododo’ – sweetness is the remembrance of the truthful one(s). My dear Ambassador ma, as we celebrate your life and pay tribute to you, we also give thanks to Almighty God for a life well lived ma. And, may I add that I also came to represent myself and my siblings who grew up calling you “Aunty Ronke” and later on in life as Ambassador, ma through our father as she fondly calls him “Egbon mi”.

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My father would have been proud of how you carried on the baton of leadership with the elites of this great city of ibadan and state to support, advise and give elderly counsel to our current Governor, His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde. To all that she has left behind especially my dear friend and brother, Bibby and my wonderful sister Tara, it is my prayer and those that are here today that the Almighty God will not forsake you, HE will not abandon you and that there is no fear for you as Mama has simply transitioned to a higher realm. May we all be comforted from the words of the scripture which promises a future where there will be no more death, sorrow or pain (Revelation 21 v 4).

For in Tara, we shall see your infectious smile again and in Bibby, we shall remember your gentleness and kindness to all that surrounded you. You were a mother to us all in life and in death, we all have come together to celebrate you ma. Good night Omo Mama Omolewa, Aunty Ronke (Aare’s caucus), Onitemi, Baba Oloye Lekan Alabi, Odun a jinna sira. Aamin. Besto Aunty Irene, aku ara feraku.

Sleep well ma, my dear Ambassador, your one and only “Yisa Darling”

•Arisekola Alao writes in from the United Kingdom.