On Friday, August 16, 2024, a few minutes before 7 p.m., my beloved grandmother, Mama Rafatu, returned to her Creator. Her passing marks the end of an era in my life, but her legacy will continue to live on in the values she instilled in me and the countless lives she touched.
From a very young age, I found myself in her care. After losing my father early in life, it was Mama Rafatu who took up the responsibility of raising me. She earned the trust of the entire family, and she made a promise to mould me into a good man. Alhamdulillah, she kept that promise. Her guidance, love, and discipline were the foundations upon which my life was built, and for that, I will forever be grateful.
One of the most significant contributions she made to my life was ensuring that I received a proper education – both Islamic and Western. She believed that knowledge was a crucial tool for navigating life’s challenges, and because of her, I was able to pursue my education up to the postgraduate level. Despite the many distractions that could have led me down different paths, Mama Rafatu was adamant that I should focus on my studies. She even discouraged me from engaging in any trades, crafts, or sports. I still vividly remember the day she came home with pictures of Nigerian civil war veterans, claiming that they were footballers who had been abandoned after injury. The fear this instilled in me was enough to abandon any dreams I had of playing football or any contact sport.
Mama Rafatu raised me with values that have become the pillars of my character. She taught me resilience, patience, dedication, empathy, leadership, and trustworthiness. These lessons have guided me through life’s ups and downs and continue to shape who I am today. The values she imparted to me are not just personal traits but responsibilities that I now carry forward as a husband and father.
As I reflect on her life, I am reminded of the void she leaves behind in our family. My wife, Ronke , and our children—Aisha, Abdullah, and Abdullateef—will miss her greatly. She was an integral part of our young family, and her presence made our celebrations and festivals special. It is difficult to imagine Eids without her, but I find solace in knowing that she left us with a lifetime of memories.
It is now a fair exchange: she raised me as a Muslim, and in return, I gave her a befitting burial in Islam. My heart is filled with gratitude for my mother and her siblings, who all honoured Mama’s last request—to let me handle her remains. I am equally grateful to our family and friends who stood by us during the burial process. Their support was a great source of strength in these difficult times.
Mama Rafatu was laid to rest at the Muslim Cemetery in Eleekara, Oyo, in accordance with Islamic rites. I was deeply moved by the turnout at her burial, a testament to the lives she touched during her time in this world. Her departure was peaceful, surrounded by her progenies at her bedside, witnessing her passage to the world beyond.
As a devout Muslim, she upheld the tenets of Islam throughout her life, and in her passing, we honored her wishes by adhering to the same principles. Islam forbids certain cultural practices such as prayers after three days, seven days, or any other periods afterward. Today marks the third day of mourning, and I do not expect any guests beyond this. However, I ask that you keep her in your prayers whenever you come across this tribute. Mama Rafatu lived a fulfilled life, and it is my hope that she finds eternal peace in the hereafter.
Allahumo Aghfirha, wa arhamha kamo robayyanie sogirr.
Good night;
Èsùú Òjò
Ọmọ Omolángidi ọ̀wọsọ
Ọmọ bàtà tó dùn lóyè.
Títíloyè ọmọ Afọlábí Ọmọ Táíyélolú Ìwọ̀n lọmọkùnrin dára’amọn,
Ọmọ Aílúmọ̀ ọmọ Ọ̀já.
I love you and I will continue to miss you, Màmá Òkè Ọlọ́là!
Opéyemí Rasaq
19th August, 2024
14th Safar, 1446
