On this day one year ago, my beloved father, the Asiwaju of Igbo-Ora Land, said his last words and completed his impactful 89-year sojourn on earth. In the early hours of August 28, 2025, he answered the call of his Creator and embarked on the journey from which no mortal returns. One year has passed, yet the memories of that morning remain as vivid as though it happened yesterday.
In the last 365 days, there has hardly been a single day when I have not remembered you, Daddy. There are moments when I still instinctively wish to hear your voice, seek your counsel or share with you the things happening around me. Your physical absence created a void that time has not been able to fill. Yet, in the midst of the pain, I am comforted by the knowledge that you lived a life that mattered and left behind a name that continues to command respect.
Daddy, you were not merely my father, you were my mentor, adviser, confidant, closest friend and greatest supporter. You corrected with love, encouraged without reservation and guided us with wisdom born out of experience. Many of the principles by which I navigate life today were planted and seriously instilled by you. Your voice may be silent, but your teachings continue to speak within me.
Your life was a reflection of the truth that a good name is better than riches. You invested yourself in God, family and humanity and today, the respect your name continues to command is a reflection of the life you lived.
Today, I remember not only the father I lost, but the caring man that the world lost. I remember your kindness, your generosity, your humility, your discipline and your unbridled commitment to the wellbeing of others. I remember the countless people who found hope, encouragement, opportunity or direction through you. Those memories are painful because I miss you, but they are also beautiful because they remind me of how blessed we were to have you.
I sincerely appreciate every member of our family who has stood firmly with us throughout this difficult year. I also appreciate all the traditional rulers in ibarapa land, sons and daughters of Igbo-Ora and Ibarapa, your political associates, friends, mentees, colleagues, as well as members of the various social and religious groups who have continued to demonstrate love and support to our family. Your presence has reminded us that a life devoted to others lives forever, its impact continues through the people it touched.
Daddy, death may have taken your physical presence from us, but it cannot take away your legacy. Your children remain committed to upholding the values you instilled in us, protecting the honour of your name and ensuring that the good you started continues through us.
One year later, I have come to understand even more deeply that we do not truly measure a man’s life by the number of years he spent on earth, but by the footprints he leaves behind. Your 89 years were not merely years lived; they were years invested in God, family, community and humanity. Though your journey on earth ended on August 28, 2025, the values you represented continue to live and the lives you touched continue to tell your story.
Today, as we mark the first anniversary of your transition, I just want to remind you that the children and wife that you left behind are doing well as we feel your presence every day.
May the good Lord forgive your shortcomings, accept your good deeds and grant you eternal rest. Until we meet again, where we shall part no more, you will forever remain in our hearts and memories.
