A tribute to our mother

The first Mujidat Ayoni died after two years but resurrected back in me. My mum! May her soul rest in perfect peace. A mother she was. So painful she had to go that way. She just didn’t deserve it. Did I expect her demise that day or even so soon? Never! Yes, she had been ill. She had lower lumbar sclerosis which affected her mobility and caused her intense daily pain. She had this for about 13 to 15 years but she managed it while moving in and out of hospitals, home and abroad, herbal homes of various kinds and various specialist ‘gbajues’. Yes, this and a few other ailments she had but they were all being controlled. So, there was no inkling that death was imminent until two months ago when she had ischemic attack. I noticed the signs and she was rushed to the hospital. Not believing the poor and wrong diagnosis at the general hospital, I moved her to Igbobi the next day where she was correctly diagnosed and treatment commenced. We were asked to come back on Monday but because of time and distance, I took her to a private hospital. She was admitted for a week and discharged but with continued treatment. Back home, we engaged a herbal doctor to complement the treatment; there was improvement.

Her last moments

After that Saturday she had another episode of the attack, we commenced treatment and started exploring further options. It was the report of this I had just given her on a fateful Tuesday morning that she would be very fine just like other survivors I had met. I told her they had assured me that they would take us to where they were treated as soon as we are ready; therefore, we would observe her current treatment till the following Wednesday. All these I told her that morning to lift her spirit. She just gave me that smile that had become common with her in those last days.

Thereafter, she asked me to get her a chewing stick and her toothbrush as had been her habit. When she was done, I cleaned her up and told her to get ready for have her bath. She simply told me to get her a particular chair outside which I politely told her she didn’t need it. She asked again and I ignored it. It was while we were at this that her maid came in. She again asked for the chair for which the maid went to get it. I pulled her up and placed her on the chair. We carried her towards the bathroom but paused halfway in the passage. All of a sudden, she started gasping. “What’s this? Mummy! Mummy! Pls, don’t do this,” but there was no answer. All we got was fierce widening of her eyes with profuse sweating all over her face plus a limp and motionless body. In a second, I let out a distressing sound. “God!” I exclaimed. “This is it”. I quickly sent the maid to call for help and we rushed her to the hospital.

We were referred to a general hospital but we decided to stop on the way at LASU Health Centre. It was there the doctor examined her and announced that she had passed away. We turned and went back home. In accordance with Islamic rites, she was buried that day.

May her soul find peace in the Lord. We wish she would stay more with us. We wish she would get very well and enjoy more of the fruits of her youthful labour unfortunately; she pealed the melon but didn’t enjoy it. Sickness would not let her. It is a pity. May her soul find perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord.

Mujidat Ayoni Agbabiaka

Iya Alani, Iya Ayoni, Iya Ajike, Iya Ayinde- the human rights activist. A friend to all but an enemy to the oppressor. She stands for the voiceless and speaks her mind, no matter whose ox is gored. My super woman of exceptional dexterity! Super coordinator and the life bridge of the family. Her love for her family is to a fault. She thinks nothing but unity of her family. She would say, E se ra yin lokan – “Be united”.  Olohun Oni se ni omo iya awusa – “God would not make you to build a shield around you like the seeds of walnut of same fruit but can’t see one another.”

Whenever anyone brings complaints about the other, rather than blame anyone, mum would say, Olohun o da wa dogba (God created us differently, hence the reason for every human behavior; therefore, you should not be angry at others for any misdeed), an analogy that has kept me going. Although she was not lettered, she was vast with happenings around her. Living close to the Lagos State University (LASU) was a burden for her during the time the activities of cult members were so common. Tell her, “Mummy, they just killed one student,” she automatically breaks down in tears and you would be wondering if she knew them. Every student was her adopted child. For students living around, she freely gives out her oil or other condiments to support them in school. Though uneducated, your dream for education was strong mum. You were only not fortunate to have gone to school but you wanted us all to bear the light of education both western and Islamic. You would tell me, “You should be a doctor”! Ask her why and she would say, “You have the guts of doctors.”

 She was the first female of her mum just like me. She shoulders the responsibilities of her siblings with utmost devotion. She wanted me to be the replica of her late elder brother who was a doctor whom she never ceases to mention.

Her giving spirit

I could remember a night when a woman approached her as we were about leaving the market for home because she needed money. Mum didn’t hesitate to give her the money meant for our feeding. For all these and many more, I beseech Allah SWT to honour your soul, grant you mercy and place you among the exalted in the day of kiyamoh. When I was faced with oppression in every subtle way, I remembered that you would raise your voice against the tyrant, and then I would find my voice again. I shall forever remember your legacies; I shall ensure that your dream of a doctor child comes to be In Sha Allah. It may be late for my generation, but the coming generations would fly the flag. Till we meet again mummy- Modinat Ibironke Agbabiaka (Nee Ayanwale)  sun re ooo.

Sekinat Folashade Agbabiaka

Sweet mother! I will never forget you; you were the best thing that happened to me. You were my soul mate, my companion, my best friend. You left this sinful world without saying goodbye. We love you but Allah SWT loves you more. May you be granted entry into aljana firdaus aamin. Miss you mum.

Abdulwasiu Oladimeji Agbabiaka

Africa’s world-best ever known! The love she got for me being the last born of the family was endless. She was the most disciplined and most independent woman; never wanting to bother anyone. Her impact still dwells in me. I will forever miss you sweet mum. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

She was survived by children and grandchildren. May aljanah firdaus be her final abode. Aamiin.

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