Elizabeth Emiola Kolade

TRIBUTE TO A DEAR SISSTER-IN-LAW Dear Mama Segun, as I fondly called you - a banker, a teacher and businesswoman. I remember when you had just married my brother. While still working in the bank and waiting to join your husband in America, you stayed quietly in our family house, and became very close to mum, your mother-in-law. There were never any issues until you left to join him. I used to call you my brother’s heart, inspired by your name, Emiola (Emi in Yoruba means “heart”). You truly were my brother’s heart. I recall one incident when I had a misunderstanding with you, and you reported me to my brother. He called me, asked what happened, and after I explained, he said, “haa! I didn’t expect you to react like that to her. If something happens to me or I’m not around, I believe you are the one she can turn to.” This was over 40 years ago. His words touched me deeply. I felt truly sorry, and from that moment, our bond became even stronger. I never once saw or heard you raise your voice. Always gentle, always peaceful – truly a fruitful vine in my brother’s home. You were not just a sister-in-law but like my own senior sister. While we lived in Warri, anytime I needed something in Ada, my husband’s hometown, I only had to mention it to you as I prepared to come home for Christmas or other ceremonies. You would organize everything so perfectly that people wondered how I managed to get things done so quickly and well. Mama Segun, I will deeply miss you. You were a superstar, a darling to me, and I will forever carry you in my heart. You were humble, respectful, and hardworking. Whenever there was something, you wanted my brother to do, and it seemed difficult to convince him, you would confide in me. Together, we would think it through and always find a way forward. Thank you for the Christian upbringing you gave your children. You poured so much into them, and I know that they deeply appreciate it. I also know it could not have been easy been married to a Muslim husband and still raising your children in a Christian way, yet you did it with Grace. Well done. Through your faith and example, you have won many souls in our family. We are grateful, too, for the simple yet meaningful 75th birthday celebration you and your children organized for your husband a few years ago. I thought you would wait for us to celebrate you in the same way and that you would read this tribute while alive. Your health challenge shocked us; as you were one to be ill. Yet you faced it bravely, enduring chemotherapy the complaints never missing your medication. Such strength, such courage. Your passing is so painful for us and difficult to accept. Losing you feels impossible to process. But who are we to question God? He knows and understand far more than we ever can. Our comfort lies in the assurance that you were a devoted Christian who lived her faith and touched lives for Christ. No doubt, your soul is at peace with the Lord, and you are welcome home with joy. Rest well dear Mama Segun. You will be forever missed but never forgotten. Chief Mrs Oyenike Aworanti (Nee Kolade) Yeye Otunba of Ada