+What Their Beloved Daughter Said About Them
The story of the life and times of late popular Ibadan couples Pa Samuel Ajisafe Morakinyo and Madam Sidikatu Stella-Arike is full of lessons to the younger generation and those to come. The couple lived exemplary lives worthy of emulation by all and sundry.
Pa Samuel Ajisafe Morakinyo died on 28th June, 2021 at the age of 80 while his beloved wife, Madam Sidikatu Stella-Arike died on 18th July, 2021, 20 days after, to join her husband. The union between the lovely couple brought forth 5 lovely children; Mrs. Toyin Adeniyi who is based in the UK, Dr. Mrs. Bukola Akande, Engineer Biodun Akinwunmi, Mrs. TayÍ Dahunsi also based in the UK and Mrs. Funmilayo Adeyemi.
Pa Samuel Ajisafe Morakinyo Akinwunmi popularly called “Baba Glory” was born on 14th March, 1941 in Olokemeji, Ogun state to the family of Rev. Elijah and Mrs. Dorcas Akinwunmi both late. Pa Samuel after his primary, secondary and tertiary education worked with the Nigerian Water Resources as a Higher Technical Officer between 1963 and 1966. He left and joined Overup and Partners Consulting Engineer as Senior HTO in 1966. These were places he worked before he began his own business. It was this period that the hardworking Akinwunmi met his loving life partner, Late Mrs. Sidikatu Akinwunmi.
Mrs. Sidikatu Stella Akinwunmi fondly called “Iya Orisun” was born on 17th July 1948 to the family of Late Alhaji Muraina Durodoye Ayinla Ayeojenku (Foko) and late Mrs. Oyinade Sabitiyu of Gege in Ibadan. After her Primary and secondary education in Ibadan and Ijebu Ode respectively, she got married to her heartthrob and their love story continued till death. In 1967, Madam Stella furthered her education after marriage as she attended the School of Health Technical, Ikeja where she got qualified to practice as a Pharmacy Technician. She was later posted to the General Hospital, Adeoyo Agbadagbudu, Ibadan.
The couple shared a lot in common and they sacrificed a lot to keep the fire of love burning. In her lifetime, Madam Stella’s deep love for her husband made her convert her religious belief from Islam to Christianity. Hence, she was named Stella.
Mrs. Akinwunmi was so committed to her husband and dedicated to the well being of the family that she had to resign from her well-paying job to be with her lovely family. She didn’t stay idle as she opened a supermarket and Pharmaceutical store called Orisun Iye Patient Medicine Store in Abebi, Oniyanrin area of Ibadan. She also ventured into different businesses which fetched her money to support the family.
On that fateful day when death came in to snatch Pa Samuel from his loving wife, Madam Stella was in deep shock and was weighed down. She kept echoing “I love my husband, Sam, I love my husband, Sam!! She couldn’t bear the loss of her dead husband. She, therefore, waited to mark her 73rd birthday before joining her love a day after.
Speaking on what the children of the deceased would miss about their parents, the first child of the family, Mrs. Toyin Adeniyi affirmed the kind of love between them. She told City People the many lessons she has learnt from her dad and mum love story. Below are excerpts from the chat:
What will you miss about your dad and mum?
I miss their prayers that is all I can say. I so much love them. They prayed every day for us; for me and I cherish them a lot. Visiting me in the UK every now and then; seeing their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, you know telephone calls; my mummy will send a long text message to say her prayers. My dad will send me WhatsApp messages, prayers every day. In fact, I miss that. It is just like a dream that they have gone to rest in the lord.
What’s your most remarkable moment with them?
There are lots of remarkable moments that I had with them. There was a time they came to celebrate with me when I had my last child and they were invited to the UK. Seeing their great-grandchild and again for them to visit the UK for the first time it was a great moment. Thereafter, they started coming frequently. I cherish those moments.
How would you describe the love between your parents?
My mother, she’s truly a Ruth born in the linage of David because she has displayed it in the heart and everyone has seen it. So, she has the spirit of love and humanity. I remember Ruth said to Naomi; “wherever you go I will go. Your people will be my people” and that is exactly what my mother has displayed throughout her lifetime that she married my dad. Because of my dad, she resigned from her profession so that she can face her husband and her children. Not lots of women will do that. She’s a virtuous woman. And my dad as well; humble father, caring, loving father, charismatic, handsome with lots of things to say about them.
What lesson have you learnt from your parents’ lifestyle?
I have derived a lot; to be humble, charismatic and to be prayerful and friendly with people. My dad and mum showed us what true love is all about and we, their children are already imbibing some of their principles and they are working for us in our respective families. To my mum, Iya Orisun, I would say Good night and rest in peace together with your loving husband “Sam” as you used to call him, till we meet to part no more!
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