It was an emotional evening on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 as family, friends, colleagues and loved ones gathered to celebrate the impactful life lived by the late Chief Mrs Arinola Susan Rotimi.
She was the beautiful wife of Baaye of Egbaland, Chief Abayomi Rotimi. She herself was a respected High Chief in Abeokuta, where she is the GbegbaAje of Kemta, in the ancient city. She slept in the Lord on 10th July 2021 at the age of 62. Her burial rites started on 24th August 2021, with a Candlelight service at her residence in Ilupeju, Lagos.
At the emotional evening, tributes poured from different quarters and people who narrated how this ever-bubbling society woman had touched their lives. At the event, Praise Chorale Band thrilled with different soul touching songs and hymns. Let’s also tell you that the candlelight service was live on Zoom and people joined from the UK and US to also pay tributes to this loving woman of style.
Present at the event was her husband, her children, members of the Methodist Church Palm Avenue, Lagos, Nigerian Immigration Services Staff, Eco Bank Staff, and several others. Below are some of the tributes at the event:
–Moji Iyamabo.
My dear sister, we loved you but God loves more! I did not realize you were doing send off for us when you spent 6 months with us last year. You will sorely be missed forever! You remind me daily of the words of the preacher in Ecclesiastes 1:2 that vanity upon vanity, all of life here on earth is vanity. We are all here missing you Chief Mrs, and you will be missed forever! Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord until we meet to part no more.
– Rev. Henry Bello
Sister mi as I fondly call you. I wish I could turn back the hands of time to bring you back just to say how much I truly loved you, thou we were always at loggerheads. All I’m left with are memories which I will forever cherish. I’m of the belief that the angels in heaven ti gba ale jo nla and there will be no dull moments henceforth because the ever bubbly mama must wack has arrived. The memories of you will forever linger on in my heart and you will be greatly missed. Sun re oooo….
– Toyin Shoyinka
It was a Saturday evening, after choir practice. I received a text from my Sister Bisi saying “bad news”. I said bad news ke….Sister ke? Dead? How? When?
The finality of death. How does someone who created so much lovely memories now become a memory? You have either met my sister or you haven’t!
She was a force, welcoming, charming to friends and strangers alike. Having people happy around her made her day. You can’t visit my sister and not be entertained, gifted and thoroughly fed. She delighted in giving, helping others, and was such an appreciative person, whether of gifts or time spent.
My sister was a rallying point for the Shoyinka family. She ensured that each member of family was supported at each life milestone whether it was a birthday, a funeral, a birth, or any other family event.
I have fond memories of her….I remember when I along with my Sister Bisi visited her in April, she had organized a “three course meal” starting with fruits and veggies, followed by special amala and then an 8-inch cake to take home! She had such a great time that day and I am so grateful for the time we shared the last 6 months before she passed.
Sister mi, you left too soon but who am I to question God or determine time. I surrender totally to his will. May God have mercy on you and may your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace with the Lord – Amen.
Sister mi, Omo Eshu, Aya Rotimi… Sun re o.
Your Sister
–Moji Iyamabo (nee Shoyinka).
As I am writing again l have to hold tears back. It is still a shock to me but I have to accept that you are gone forever. It is unbelievable. We spoke on Sunday before your departure but who can predict what will happen to him in a second ? Our lives belong to God the creator of heaven and earth. We pray for God’s comfort and peace that paseth all understanding as we go through this difficult time. Amen. I thank God that you didn’t listen to me when you were buying and spending a lot of money. I told you. I said, Arin you were spending a lot of money, you replied.”I am retired. Aderonke if I cannot spend the money now, then when. Thank God you gave yourself to the service of others. You were full of life. No dull moment. I am really going to miss you. I not going to focus on the loss but I will remember the good times we had together. Till we meet again in the bosom of Christ.
– Aderonke Adeyemi Bello
