Emmanuella Ropo still can’t believe her dad has passed on. She and her 6 siblings are still in a state of shock.The remains of late Chief Stephen Gboyega Odebiyi who slept in the Lord on 4th of May 2021 at the age of 81 will be laid to rest on the 10th of June 2021.
Citypeople can authoritatively reveal what Emmanuella will miss about her late dad.In her tribute,Emmanuella wrote:
Baba mi, Oroki omo olukojiya, omo aparokosola, omo enikanre, Ajanaku Sun bi oke Erin wo, Orun re o, O di gbere, o darinako o tun d’oju ala….little did I know your 80th birthday celebration was a preview of how your demise will be and saying goodbye to us all …
You requested for the Catholic last rite, took the last sacrament, sang your best hymns, went to bed and passed away in your sleep. I miss you with every ounce and atom in me, your exit is my SCAR. I miss your jovial nature, your humour, your love, candid advise and your pure heart of gold. There are not many men in this world like you.
You groomed and nurtured me with love , You treated everyone the same irrespective of social status, personality, class and what have you. I learnt so much from you yet I didn’t tap enough from your vast wealth of knowledge.Your passion for law and justice was all running in your veins. Blunt , vocal, knowledgeable, firm and fair in all circumstances. A thousand words is not enough to describe you nor pen down the sadness I feel inside.
I pray for your soul today just as I do ever since the Lord called you home, that your soul find eternal rest in the Lord. I’m comforted because you are in a better place and watching over us. You taught me how to play the games of life and their rules, Oluwo itesi has gone to the great beyond, the mighty OROKI that stands tall and proud of his status, the daddy of thousands of achievers, the scout master of many explorers, the history master of our generation, The Scion of the famous Odebiyi Clan of Itesi.
Abeokuta …Adieu! A devoted Catholic commited family man, community mobilizer and leader who’s respect for culture and tradition is second to none. Am so sure my late mother Chief Mrs Hannah kikelomo ODEBIYI will be waiting at the gate to receive her ever loving husband. Grief is the price we pay for love, Many people long for a father’s love. I had it and i have it still, am paying the price for having a great father, I got the wonder, the joy, the tender moments – and am getting the tears at the end….. reminiscing the unforgettable sweet childhood memories at Itesi.
The loss of my father will always sting. You have been there for me, no matter what bad choices I might have made… you lovingly repaired my broken spirit, helped me plot a new course, and set me free to fly on my own once again. There is no greater love than that. It pains me each day I remember that a Rare Gem is no more but am consoled by this fact that you left sweet spots for joy, happiness and prosperity and there is another fellowship in heaven and there we shall meet to part no more.
You will always be special to me, and no matter where life takes me, I’ll remember you with love. you will be my forever inspiration and icon. Even in death, I love you unconditionally. Orun ire o. Baba mi. Oluwo Asape Ola. Itesi Oroki, ma j’Okunrun, ma j’Ekolo, ohun ti won nje l’ajule orun ni ko ma a ba won je. ADIEU baba mi, omo erinjogun ola.
Chief Mrs Emmanuella Ropo Adewale
