Tribute to Gboyega Aruwajoye

      As my   cell  phone  rang I picked  it and looked at the Calling Line Identification . It was very unusual for the caller to call  at that unholy hour.  The caller was not strange but the  voice was unusual for  he was not in high spirit as he used to be . He  now spoke in hushed  tone .His voice was cracking  and shaking , infact his voice was  hoarse and his words  were incoherent .  ”Babalawo of the Nation I called you last night  but you  switched  off your phone. Brother Gboyega  passed on last night”, the caller said. I responded  ”Repeat what you said Lobo  , and he repeated it as he now  spoke in Owo dialect ”i brother Gboyega Aruwajoye Chief  Oloja  ti ku o”, he then burst into tears . I screamed ”Whaaaaaaat?”.  I then switched off my phone.

        I was devastated . I was rattled. I was dumbfounded. I was shocked. I began to sweat ( in the cold weather) like Christmas goat who sighted  a kitchen  knife.

           I screamed  ”Ah! akuko ko l’ehin Omokunrin”. I broke down and wept. I could not sleep again. I   could not call Lobo Agaun my friend who passed the information to me   to ask him questions . I could not do anything . I was furious and within a second I  was temporarily insane. I visited the loo six times  thinking it was a bedroom. I  ran out looking for the car key . I dashed out calling Ronnie to open the garage having forgotten that  she has  gone to work and the car was not in the garage while the key I was holding was not a car key but door key. I thought of driving  to the family house at Owaluwa  to sympathize or commiserate with the family  but I later  discovered where I was .Haaa, this is not Owo , Owo is far  from here .Kai , this is America !.

        So Gboyega died in America here . Mo gbe! So we don’t know where death would meet us?. Gboyega who has just buried his older brother about eight months ago. Gboyega who became a Chief eight months ago. Gboyega the man we used to  call and hail as  Oloja  in Egbe Omo  Owo Association in St. Louis . Oloun Olodumare oo, Death you are wicked.

       I looked at the stupid Month of March .The March did not march  on very well. The March did not match our thoughts. The March  reminded me the Ides of March . The March reminded me how everybody was marched to  ‘prison’ in the month of March no thanks to the pandemic Coronavirus.  The March that that did not match any good thing. The March that used machete on everybody . No, this is one  death too many . Yes , ”your  turn is on the way is what death whistles into everybody’s ears”  (tire mbo , tire nbo n’iku nwi]. I wept  like a baby.

   John Donne  said it all that Death be not proud , though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful,for thou art not so,For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow,Die not, poor death ,nor yet canst  thou kill me. One day , yes  one day the gragra of this monster called Death will  be put to death one day.

            

Ika ni iku , odaju si ni pelu

Iku a pe eni a npe

Iku a pe eni ti npe ni.

Ika ni iku , iku ni ika ninu jojo

A ni se , oloriburuku ni iku

Alejo oran  nla ni Iku

Alanitiju ni Iku

Iku a wo’le  wuye , igbe a ta

Iku a mu omo ikoko   lo

A mu Omo  lo, a fi  Baba ati Iya sile

Sugbon kini kan ni mo mo daju saka o

Lojo kan, ani lojo kan Owo a te iku

Iku paa paa yio   ku

    No, he did not die from this pandemic called Coronavirus as rumour began to spread and people were asking the nature of  his death. I know this very well. He has been sick for a while and anybody could fall sick. Infact sickness will not announce itself while death too will never tell you he’s  on the way.

   I remember when the late Chief sighted me the first time in St.Louis in an Hotel where the World Council Association of Owo Indigenes  held their Convention two years ago  , he  cried  ”Babalawo of the Nation ,Bobo T, T Bobo where is your opele, where is your Ifa?”he jokingly asked   and added  ”thank God you are here your talent will be rewarded here. Don’t worry you will enjoy your stay”  .When the story of Dele Udo’s  was published in Nigerian  and foreign newspapers;  Reunited after 37 years   of which World News Day  published and received loud ovation , Gboyega  and Agaun celebrated it alongside with my wife at African Palace for  they knew the lady, Angelle Udoh who patronizes African Palace Restaurant in St. Louis .That was when  I started adjusting to the environment

  Few months ago when  he arrived from Owo after the Olowo of Owo’s installation, he spoke glowingly about the royal father, he asked me to come have an interview with him, he  swore  and said ”Olowo did not collect a dime from  me , sincerely speaking  I appreciate him”. Gboyega was rich in manner, he was a man full of ideas.He was witty .He was a lover of people and he was loved too. He would never  talk ill of anybody instead he would say ”settle it, settle it” and that is all.

     

Agaun and Chief Oja

  He is now free , free from all struggle after all did a French proverb not say ”Life is like an onion that one peels crying ”, he is no longer peeling onion, crying . He has joined the Saints. All the struggle  has ended , he no longer struggle like us -the living , and who knows the next person to answer His call, so Marcus Aurelius was not wrong in his words that ”The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing”.

Gboyega is no more in debt , he has been freed while the living continue , he has transformed or metamorphosed to the spiritual world and  it is the living  who are still in debt as the Book of Common Prayer of Church of England is quoted ”In the midst of life, we are in debt”.

Gboyega, Agaun and Babalawo of the Nation

Did Samuel Johnson not say ” It matters  not how a man dies , but how he lives?” Chief Oloja lived well.No man has ever reported him of any fraudulent activities. His yes was ‘yes’ while his no was ‘no’.

”Babalawo of The Nation please tell Ronnie to let us  meet at African Palace or should I come and pick you up?”, he asked many times .And at African Palace he would ask me and Ronnie, my wife to eat, drink and be satisfied. One day he told us why he stopped taking alcohol . ”You see a Police officer  stopped me , and I stopped . Later I remember that if  I should  smell alcohol it will be a big trouble , since then I had stopped taking any alcoholic drink ”, he said and continued the story ,” You see when  I stopped the engine and when he was coming towards me  I  sped off. I was surprised that he did not run after me”.

The Olunaun of Unaun ,Prince Olanrewaju Abegunde burst into tears on phone , he said ” Gboyega was a star, a loving friend ,  kind, humble and full of simplicity, he   could not hurt a fly . He struggled   to make a living legally in America .He was a very successful man . He maintained his dignity and protected the Aruwajoye  family name. Yes , that is Gboyega for you”.

He was full of  stories .The last time we met was when I went to  see him at ‘Home’ where he was being treated, he summoned courage and said he would be okay .Infact he was bubbling but Aisan lo see wo , a ko ri t’Olojo se.

Ronnie loved him so much that  she always called him to African Palace to  dance , she said ” He knows how to dance our American dance , he could dance and  he dresses very well ”.Gboyega would tell me that ” this Ronnie your wife is a special woman , you are lucky to have met her type ”

And the question I am asking is ”So they will bury that handsome man with white beard? .So his glittering skin and white teeth will no more be seen?. The jokes are no more ? .Well, we are all going the same way but only at different time .

  Rest on Oloja , and keep on smiling after all  we will all return home whether we like it or not for the world is like a market place, where you purchase your goods and must compulsorily go back home no matter how late.

For Aruwajoye his smile would be dearly missed by all especially in St.Louis here in America where the words of George Burns come into action that ”Happiness is having a large  loving family in another city” .

  Bode Fadeyi wrote ” I have known him for over 50years right from Owo in Ondo state , he was always full of life , very lively as there was no dull moment.He was always ready to help.He would be greatly missed”.

 Pastor Omiye wrote ”Its with heavy heart and great sadness but with perfect submission to the will of  God  that we announce the sunset of Chief Adegboyega  Aruwajoye on Sunday March 29,2000, May his gentle soul rest in peace”.

Princess Kehinde Olagbegi Osinkoya wrote ” May his gentle  soul rest in peace” Adesoji Olateru Olagbegi  typed  ”Rest in peace Gboyega”. Pharmacist Bayo Ogunmolawa too  prayed ”May his soul rest in peace and may our Lord Jesus Christ comfort  his friends and  family”

Dr. Layi Olagbegi with heavy heart   wrote ”Rest in peace.”

For the family and friends let us give him a befitting burial, it is sure we shall all go one day ,after all Marcus Tullius Cicero says it all that ” the life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living , his memory lingers on in our minds”.

God giveth and He taketh.Yes , he  has an aged mother , but what do we do? .If he had become insane or in vegetable state we would be praying for him saying if …..and if he were still alive we would not be at ease seeing him groaning in pains. Let us take consolation in John 3:16 that says For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish , but have everlasting  life.

Adieu Chief Gboyega Aruwajoye we shall meet on the the resurrection day. Sleep on and rest well .

Author: Taiwo Abiodun

I am a blogger . taiwoabiodun.com and TAIWOABIODUN.BLOGSPOT.COM

35 thoughts on “Tribute to Gboyega Aruwajoye”

  1. May his soul rest in perfect peace. I saw him last in 1980 when i was in Owo. He was a very close friend of Akin and we lived in the same neighborhood then. What a sad news!
    The rest of that are still alive have a duty. Let’s give our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ so that we can have eternal rest.

  2. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  3. Because estrogen is a steroid hormone and thought to have a proliferative effect on breast cancer tumors, limonene may be able to play a role in reducing estrogen levels dapoxetina comprar online Several studies have evaluated the short and long term cost effectiveness of oral semaglutide

  4. В условиях большого города доставка еды стала неотъемлемой частью обыденности. Многие жители мегаполиса ценят удобство, которое она предоставляет, позволяя не тратить время на походы в магазины. В последние годы доставка еды — это не только способ быстро перекусить, но и незаменимая услуга в жизни busy людей. Рынок доставки предлагают разнообразие блюд, что делает этот сервис особенно актуальным для людей, ценящих комфорт и вкус. Без мгновенной доставки сложно представить жизнь в мегаполисе, где каждый день приносит новые задачи и вызовы.
    https://fungi.pl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=17539

  5. Наряды оберегает от низких температур и жары, но и выражает характер. Некоторые подбирают одежду, чтобы чувствовать себя уверенно. Некоторые считают, что, какое впечатление они производят, поэтому стиль становится инструментом самовыражения. Помимо этого, правильно подобранный наряд помогает в нужной обстановке. К примеру, строгий стиль подходит для работы, а свободная одежда идеальны для отдыха. Как видно, стиль играет роль в каждодневных ситуациях.
    https://ufa-town.ru/interesnoe/view/brendovaa-odezda-i-obuv

  6. Грузоперевозки в Минске — выгодное решение для организаций и домашних нужд.
    Мы организуем доставку в пределах Минска и окрестностей, функционируя круглосуточно.
    В нашем парке автомобилей новые грузовые машины разной мощности, что дает возможность учесть любые потребности клиентов.
    Грузоперевозки Минск
    Мы обеспечиваем квартирные переезды, доставку мебели, строительных материалов, а также малогабаритных товаров.
    Наши водители — это профессиональные эксперты, отлично ориентирующиеся в дорогах Минска.
    Мы обеспечиваем оперативную подачу транспорта, бережную погрузку и разгрузку в указанное место.
    Подать заявку на грузоперевозку можно всего в пару кликов или по контактному номеру с быстрым ответом.

  7. GameAthlon is a renowned online casino offering exciting casino experiences for gamblers of all backgrounds.
    The platform offers a huge collection of slot games, live dealer games, card games, and betting options.
    Players are offered fast navigation, stunning animations, and intuitive interfaces on both computer and smartphones.
    http://www.gameathlon.gr
    GameAthlon prioritizes security by offering encrypted transactions and reliable RNG systems.
    Reward programs and VIP perks are constantly improved, giving players extra incentives to win and have fun.
    The helpdesk is available 24/7, helping with any inquiries quickly and professionally.
    GameAthlon is the top destination for those looking for entertainment and big winnings in one reputable space.

  8. Мы предлагаем аренду автобусов и микроавтобусов с водителем крупным компаниям, малого и среднего бизнеса, а также физическим лицам.
    Услуги транспортировки пассажиров для организаций
    Организуем комфортную и безопасную поездку для групп людей, организуя заказы на свадебные мероприятия, корпоративные встречи, познавательные туры и все типы мероприятий в регионе Челябинска.

  9. В грядущем году в мире моды ожидаются интересные тенденции. Дизайнеры делают ставку на естественные фактуры и необычные силуэты. В цветах преобладают глубокие оттенки, при этом кричащие детали тоже в почете. Модные дома сфокусированы на объемных дополнениях. В моде ретро нотки и авангардный подход.
    http://www.aadd2.net/vb/showthread.php?p=1137595#post1137595

  10. Swiss watches have long been a benchmark of excellence. Meticulously designed by world-class artisans, they seamlessly blend tradition with innovation.
    All elements embody unmatched attention to detail, from intricate mechanisms to premium finishes.
    Owning a timepiece is a true statement of status. It stands for timeless elegance and heritage craftsmanship.
    Whether you prefer a classic design, Swiss watches offer extraordinary reliability that lasts for generations.
    https://mobilion.ir/forum/index.php?threads/at-the-identical-time-because-the-specifics-of-the-season-7.169912/#post-172162

  11. 2015年10月31日より2週間限定のイベント上映、および有料配信され、同年11月26日にBDとDVDが発売された。 2016年11月19日より2週間限定のイベント上映、および有料配信され、同年12月9日にBDとDVDが発売された。 2016年5月21日より2週間限定のイベント上映、および有料配信され、同年6月10日にBDとDVDが発売された。 2017年9月2日より4週間限定のイベント上映。原画設定集]』アスキー・原作者である安彦良和が、約25年ぶりにアニメ制作に総監督として関わった。原作最終話の掲載号においてアニメ化を発表。

  12. Оформление сертификатов в России является важным процессом обеспечения безопасности товаров.
    Этот процесс гарантирует соответствие установленным требованиям нормам и правилам, а это оберегает потребителей от некачественных товаров.
    сертификация товаров
    Также наличие сертификатов способствует сотрудничество с заказчиками и открывает перспективы в предпринимательской деятельности.
    Без сертификации, не исключены штрафы и ограничения при ведении бизнеса.
    Таким образом, получение сертификатов не только требованием законодательства, но и важным фактором для успешного развития бизнеса в сфере торговли.

  13. This portal offers a large variety of video slots, ideal for both beginners and experienced users.
    On this site, you can discover retro-style games, feature-rich games, and jackpot slots with amazing animations and realistic audio.
    If you are a fan of minimal mechanics or prefer engaging stories, this site has something that suits you.
    http://www.kubmarket.ru/pikantnyj-skandal-vokrug-trampa-poyavilis-novye-podrobnosti/
    Every slot can be accessed 24/7, right in your browser, and well adapted for both PC and mobile.
    In addition to games, the site includes slot guides, welcome packages, and user ratings to guide your play.
    Sign up, spin the reels, and get immersed in the thrill of online slots!

  14. 3D printing revolutionizes prosthetics and implants. The iMedix Medical podcast showcases patient-specific medical devices. Biomedical engineers demonstrate customization benefits. The future of personalized medicine is here—explore with iMedix health care!

  15. This portal provides access to a large variety of online slots, ideal for different gaming styles.
    On this site, you can explore traditional machines, new generation slots, and huge-win machines with amazing animations and realistic audio.
    If you are looking for easy fun or love bonus-rich rounds, this site has what you’re looking for.
    http://ukkbs.ru/zapasy-na-zimu-5-sposobov-sterilizacii-banok-dlya-konservirovaniya/
    All games is playable 24/7, with no installation, and fully optimized for both PC and mobile.
    Apart from the machines, the site features helpful reviews, welcome packages, and player feedback to enhance your experience.
    Register today, jump into the action, and have fun with the excitement of spinning!

  16. Здесь представлены слоты платформы Vavada.
    Каждый гость может подобрать слот на свой вкус — от классических игр до новейших разработок с анимацией.
    Казино Vavada предоставляет широкий выбор популярных игр, включая слоты с крупными выигрышами.
    Любой автомат запускается без ограничений и подходит как для компьютеров, так и для мобильных устройств.
    игровые автоматы вавада
    Вы сможете испытать атмосферой игры, не выходя из любимого кресла.
    Навигация по сайту понятна, что обеспечивает без труда начать играть.
    Зарегистрируйтесь уже сегодня, чтобы почувствовать азарт с Vavada!

  17. On this platform, you can access a wide selection of casino slots from top providers.
    Players can enjoy retro-style games as well as feature-packed games with vivid animation and exciting features.
    If you’re just starting out or a seasoned gamer, there’s always a slot to match your mood.
    play aviator
    Each title are ready to play 24/7 and designed for desktop computers and mobile devices alike.
    You don’t need to install anything, so you can jump into the action right away.
    The interface is user-friendly, making it quick to explore new games.
    Register now, and dive into the world of online slots!

  18. Сайт BlackSprut — это хорошо известная систем в даркнете, предоставляющая широкие возможности в рамках сообщества.
    Здесь предусмотрена понятная система, а визуальная часть простой и интуитивный.
    Гости выделяют отзывчивость платформы и жизнь на площадке.
    bs2best
    BlackSprut ориентирован на приватность и безопасность при навигации.
    Если вы интересуетесь инфраструктуру darknet, BlackSprut может стать удобной точкой старта.
    Прежде чем начать рекомендуется изучить информацию о работе Tor.

  19. at web, except I know I am getting familiarity all the time by reading thes pleasant posts.|Fantastic post. I will also be handling some of these problems.|Hello, I think this is a great blog. I happened onto it;) I have bookmarked it and will check it out again. The best way to change is via wealth and independence. May you prosper and never stop mentoring others.|I was overjoyed to find this website. I must express my gratitude for your time because this was an amazing read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I’ve bookmarked your blog so I can check out fresh content in the future.|Hi there! If I shared your blog with my Facebook group, would that be okay? I believe there are a lot of people who would truly value your article.|منشور رائع. سأتعامل مع بعض هذه|

  20. Платформа создан для нахождения вакансий по всей стране.
    Вы можете найти множество позиций от уверенных партнеров.
    Мы публикуем предложения в разнообразных нишах.
    Удалённая работа — выбор за вами.
    Как стать киллером
    Интерфейс сайта удобен и подходит на широкую аудиторию.
    Начало работы не потребует усилий.
    Хотите сменить сферу? — начните прямо сейчас.

  21. Текущий модный сезон обещает быть насыщенным и инновационным в плане моды.
    В тренде будут свободные силуэты и игра фактур.
    Модные цвета включают в себя неоновые оттенки, создающие настроение.
    Особое внимание дизайнеры уделяют тканям, среди которых популярны объёмные украшения.
    https://orlandomagicclub.com/read-blog/6136
    Возвращаются в моду элементы 90-х, в свежем прочтении.
    На улицах мегаполисов уже можно увидеть трендовые образы, которые поражают.
    Следите за обновлениями, чтобы создать свой образ.

  22. This website, you can find a great variety of casino slots from famous studios.
    Visitors can try out traditional machines as well as feature-packed games with vivid animation and exciting features.
    Even if you’re new or an experienced player, there’s always a slot to match your mood.
    slot casino
    The games are instantly accessible round the clock and optimized for PCs and tablets alike.
    You don’t need to install anything, so you can start playing instantly.
    The interface is user-friendly, making it quick to find your favorite slot.
    Register now, and dive into the world of online slots!

  23. Приобретение страховки при выезде за границу — это необходимая мера для финансовой защиты отдыхающего.
    Документ гарантирует медицинскую помощь в случае обострения болезни за границей.
    Кроме того, полис может предусматривать покрытие расходов на возвращение домой.
    carbox30.ru
    Определённые государства предусматривают предоставление документа для въезда.
    Без страховки обращение к врачу могут стать дорогими.
    Получение сертификата до поездки

  24. Выигрывай бабло в лучших казино! Обзоры слотов, акции, советы для победы! Подписывайся
    Казино онлайн: секреты, тактики, промокоды! Поднимись с нами! Только честные обзоры.
    https://t.me/s/official_izzi/629

  25. I used to think medicine was straightforward. The pharmacy hands it over — you don’t question the process. It felt safe. Then cracks began to show.
    Then the strange fog. I told myself “this is normal”. Still, my body kept rejecting the idea. I read the label. None of the leaflets explained it clearly.
    kamagra 100mg side effects
    It finally hit me: health isn’t passive. The same treatment can heal one and harm another. Side effects hide. And still we keep swallowing.
    Now I question more. Not because I’m paranoid. I track everything. But I don’t care. I’m not trying to be difficult — I’m trying to stay alive. The lesson that stuck most, it would be keyword.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *