A TRIBUTE TO IYA IBADAN!

As I type this write up, tears stream down...from my eyes, over my nose and down my mouth. As I remember that my grand mum, the final one, the only one I can make any claim to knowing or having a relationship with is no more I can't help but cry, I can't help the tears. My colleague sited right beside me just noticed my change in demeanour, I do not know how to explain the feeling, I wouldn't know the right words to use. Typing just got harder, tears free flowing.

I had a relationship with Iya Ibadan, she brought me up, rocked and cuddled me from infancy through my early years till my late teens. I remember her meekness, her generosity (her greatest fault). I remember the amala, the free drinks...I remember how much she longed for me to be well, to grow up and take care of her.

Iya Ibadan was from Sagamu, she got the name from the fact that she lived most of her adult life in Ibadan. She met her 2nd husband there (my step-grandfather) and settled in Apata Gangan where the husband was Baale. There were not too many Alhajas more popular than Alhaja Amole, iyawo Baale, Iya Oye in that area. She was popular as she ran a little beer parlour in front of her residence, I will never forget my post SSCE vacation in Ibadan back in 1995 (December).

It was during this particular vacation at Iya Ibadan's house that I perfected by smoking, toasting and snooker playing skills. Her house could have been a far cry from the comfort of my parents luxury apartment but with the prospect of a bottomless drink for free (anyone that has had a stint with MacDonald's and British Chinese restaurants would know what bottomless means), a very deep pocket (from sales proceeds) and a daily supply of home made & original local amala and ewedu, who needs a generator or sofa.

I loved her, she always reminded me to have a child for her to nurture before it became too late, I never though it did happen so fast, never thought death did come calling so soon. I have offended her, I deprived her of something she so much longed for!!! IYA IBADAN, I AM TRULY SORRY, PLEASE FORGIVE ME! I know I cannot turn back the hands of time, I don't even want to, I am not in a position to contend with God's will. I can only wish...I actually do wish seriously.

She has left this world for a better place, as Muslims would say, MAY GOD GRANT HER ETERNAL FIDAU... AMIN.

Iya Ibadan, SUN RE O!!!برحمته,