The Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, HRM Oba (Dr) Adegoke Olu Adeyemi, mni, JP, Arugbajoye II, has joined his ancestors to signify the end of an era. He died at 82. That was my King. He was the symbol of my cradle and the custodian of my cultural heritage.
The finality that comes with death and the reality of the permanent absence of the deceased makes death an unequalled event that reminds man that only God is wise. The wisdom of man is subject to the life in him, which only God gives. God gave and God took. Goodnight, my brother.
The man, Akintayo Oluwadare, grew up under unusual circumstances that toughened him. Life threw him lime and he made a lemonade out of it. He became a man before he was truly a man. He was the compass in our family, through whom we navigated tough terrains. He was so convicted of his belief that he could not fail. His was intentional about what he wanted.
Dear brother, we wanted you to live but your death at 63 could not have been a tragedy because it was a life lived on purpose. You were the freest human being because you lived life on your own terms. Your impactful life was long enough.
Give flowers to your loved ones when they can still smell it. A thousand bouquet at the gravesite are just a part of the funeral. Celebrate life for all that it is worth because grief has no short cut.
If you find meaning in my writing, it is because I had a purpose. Purpose without direction can be a journey without a mission. Akin Oluwadare Snr gave me a direction to find my purpose when I was too young to take decisions. He was the father I know and now he’s gone.
Dreamers are thinkers. Thinkers are dreamers. Some people are good at thinking, some are good at planning but some are better at implementing. It is rare to find a thinker who is also good at planning and execution but you can be all combined, if you believe.
The Catholics have a new head, he is Pope Leo XVI. The choice of the new Pope beat the prediction of pundits. The white smoke billowed earlier than pundits expected. The smiles and softness of the new Pope signals hope and peace to the world.
Can you preach at your funeral? This is not an invitation to death, neither is it a death wish. It is just a harmless question that speaks to your self-examination to know how true you are to yourself in a world where truth hibernates in exchange for societal acceptance.
Any sacrifice you make to befriend comfort is worth it but whenever you find yourself in the same room with comfort, ensure you have the key to the door to prepare for your gentle walkout before your romance with comfort becomes your comfort zone.
Akin is an inspirational writer and author. He has published three books. He is a teacher and trainer. Through his daily teachings, he has helped a lot of people discover their potential.