A Tribute
I first met Aderonke when she enrolled at the university of Ibadan for an undergraduate program in Agriculture. I had gone to visit a then girlfriend who happened to be Ronke’s roommate. My friend was out but I met Ronke and two other ladies. Ronke had welcomed me to their room and promptly began an inquisition. She wanted to know what my mission was and, more importantly, what my plans were for her friend. All this within 5 minutes of introducing myself. I learnt then that she was a strict, no nonsense young lady with a strong sense of purpose. She also had a wonderful sense of humour with which she had disarmed me. I had two choices, refuse to answer any questions and run the risk of alienating her, or answer her questions truthfully and gain an ally. The rest is history. I had hoped we would grow very old together to trade life stories and reminisce about the good old days. That was not to be.
\Aderonke was quick to settle down to her studies and immediately struck me as a very conscientious scholar with a high sense of duty. She was a tireless and devoted worker who soon rose to the top of her class, a status she maintained throughout her undergraduate days. It came as no surprise to me that she bagged a Second Class (Upper Division) B.Sc. degree with Honours in 1985. She promptly enrolled for a master’s degree programme where she continued her excellent academic performance, and her efforts were crowned with an M.Sc. degree of the same University in 1987.
Aderonke’s love for God started a long time ago when she was still a young woman at
the University of Ibadan. She always knew she had God in her corner because she always seemed to prevail no matter what was thrown at her. In sickness and in health, she always called on Him and He always answered. That she would dedicate her life to serving God did not come to me as a complete surprise, it was the logical conclusion of the trajectory her life’s journey had taken. At Covenant Assembly, Aderonke won souls over not by standing at the pulpit every Sunday preaching the word of God, but by the transparent way she lived her life. Indeed, the best sermon anyone could preach is the way they live their life. Aderonke breathed life into everything she touched such that everything she touched and everyone she met was transformed. That is what made her a saint.
To Damola, Eve, Mayowa, Anjola and Tomisin. She will live in your hearts and to live in the hearts of those you love is not to die. I am hopeful that you will all be fine because I know she brought you up well and imparted values that will stand you in good stead. She has shaped and moulded your characters and the solid foundation she has laid down, together with the love of God will take you very far. It is therefore a tragedy that she will not be around to see what she started.
To Strots, the consummate gentleman and husband, the void will resound with echoes and a longing for the love you shared for 37 years. You married well and the three beautiful children you have will be a testament and constant reminder of what true love is meant to be. As well as the treasure trove of memories you both made along the way, from Ibadan to Lagos, to Croydon and then to Chatham. Your heart must be filled with joy at the knowledge that you married an angel.
Aderonke was mother to several children in the Covenant Assembly congregation. The affection she had for members of the congregation and, particularly, the children, was second to none. She faithfully dispensed justice and discipline without fear or favour, and this endeared her to one and all. She was godmother to my son, Timilehin, a role she took very seriously and for which I will be eternally grateful. If Timi ever needs role models to emulate, he’ll always have Damola, Anjola and Tomisin. All our lives have been greatly enriched by knowing Aderonke. She was an inspiration to the future generations. What she thrived at doing was bringing out the best in everyone she came across. Aderonke breathed life into everything she touched. And everything she touched; she made better. She will be sadly missed by everyone she touched, and I will share their grief. We are poorer because we have lost a gem, but heaven is richer because they just got an angel.
A grieving heart never finds the right words to express emotions felt. I am struggling to understand why the good ones leave the race early. There is an abundance of angels in heaven, and it seems that God needed one more.
Adekunle Mosuro.
