Gbenga Aroyewun is a big Publisher in the Media industry. He is the Publisher of OBANTA Newsday, the monthly magazine on the review of Events in Ijebuland. He has been publishing since 1990. A few days back the accomplished media man who is popularly called Ajigi and who is well known all over Ijebu buried his mum, Chief (Mrs.) Olaide Afusat Aroyewun (Mama Sawmill) who died on October 17, 2020.
Below, he and his family members pay tribute to Mama as they reveal what they will miss most about Mama Sawmill.
Who will call me now? “Be de wa, ile ti su ma bo nile” where are you now? Night has come, Come back home in time. This has been the telephone conversation between my mother and I on phone on daily basis. There is nobody that will tell me this now. I thank Allah for giving me the privilege of taking care of my mother in her old age for about twenty-five years. She is stuck to my memory when I look at myself going through another stage of the mother and child relationship. I thank Allah for her life which was a life well spent. She lived for almost forty thousand days (40,000 days) on earth to the will of Allah Almighty, that had a hand in her life before she passed away at age 97. A practicing and devout Muslim, generous to the family and Muslim organisations.
My dearest mother you have passed on to glory and we are therefore in a season and time of celebration of a worthy life full of emulation that you lived. You were a paragon of selflessness and an embodiment of sacrifice. Your persevering and enduring spirit is beyond belief. You loved your home and lived for your family. You poured without let up all grains of care and affection in your heart on your children; our education, progress and general wellbeing were always on your front burner. Mama you were such a caring daughter to your father and you loved your siblings, You were very close and good to both your paternal and maternal families. You touched so many lives that came your way. I thank God for the gentle spirit and massive giving heart that He deposited in you. It is indeed a time to celebrate with reminiscence the life of an amazing woman but more comforting is the assurance that the host of heaven are having a bigger celebration of your homecoming. Good night ma
Mr Gbenga Aroyewun (Son)
EMBODIMENT OF lOVE
My mother in law was an embodiment of love, patience and hard work. Mama took me as a daughter always counseling me and teaching me patience. One has to thank God for her transition at such a ripe age of 97. Mama had a wonderful old age with the cares everyone would wish to enjoy. The Lord granted her a full long life to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I will miss you, miss your advice. Sleep well. God bless your soul. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Mama love
Mrs Folake Aroyewun (Daughter in law)
LASTING MEMORY
Grandma with the gift of years comes the treasure of knowing that there are many who love you dearly, the memories you’ve made with us will last forever. The tenderness you’ve shared with us will never fade, the most wonderful gift you could ever give is the special part of you that now lives in each of us and the truth your love has taught us can only be strengthened by the gift oftimc. Rest in peace Grandma
Ololade Aroyewun (Granddaughter)
“GATES OF MEMORIES WILL NEVER CLOSE”
This is not the time for a review of literature. Death changes everything! Time changes nothing… I will miss the sound of your voice, your regular and timely telephone calls to ask after me, my wife and children (at that age of yours) and the wisdom in your advice. This is truly a time where my faith is being tested. It has not been easy to accept the death of my Mum. While I am sure that she is in a much better place, it has been difficult to let go. My mind still talks to you. My heart still looks for you. My soul knows you are at peace.
Bolaji Aroyewun (Son)
THE GRANDMOTHER WHOM I LOVE
Dear Mama Sawmill.. after my mother you come next. You were everything to me. Your advice, your stories, your jokes and everything I will never forget. There are so many things you did for me that I cant be listing here . .I love you so much and I will always miss you.
–Tobi Bello Grandson
THE SPARKLING SOUL THAT LIGHT UP OUR WORLD
It is only on very rare occasions that the Almighty sends down a sparkling soul to light up the world. My first memories of Mama was when we lived in flat 16 in LUTH. Mama was such a bright light that just lightens up everyone she touches. I loved her visits so much so that any time she was about to leave, I would cry incessantly saying “I’m following you”, “I’m following you” This promptly earned me the nickname “I’ll follow you”.
Mama Fetuga as I fondly called her, was a sparkling soul that will be sorely missed by all. The bright light of your soul is irreplaceable. The world would be a dimmer place without you. While our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the knowledge of your peaceful transition to eternal rest with the Almighty. The night I learnt of your passing I looked up in the sky and the stars were bright and shining. One particular star stood shining brightest of the bright. Sun re Mama … Sun re o
Dr. Femi Banjoko Minnesota USA (Cousin)
CARING AND LOVING MOTHER
My dear Mama, thank you for being such a wonderful, caring and loving mother to me. You treated me specially, you were so good to me Mama, I remember when you came to do “Omugwo” for all my children, you did everything for me, you stayed and looked after me, woke me up in the morning with hot pap mixed with Milo (l enjoy my pap mixed with Milo till today, she taught me 0). Mama, you were the epitome of love and care, an amazing hard working woman, beautiful inside and outside. I will miss you Mama, especially the gisting part. She loved gisting and we would talk and talk. ….. May your lovely soul rest in peace, Amen.
AdeyinkaAroyewun (daughter-in-law)
TO A LOVING GRANDMA
I fan ideal perfect master plan was a woman, it will be Mama. Mama was loving, caring, hardworking, blunt, honest, a home builder, disciplinarian, a devoted Muslim, and a community builder. She was a strong woman all the days of her life, mentally alert and very sharp. Mama was a beautiful soul in and out, had an amazing sense of humour and always taking care of all around her. There are so many memories I have with Mama from my primary school days at Ita Osu to my university days in Ijebu Ode. Mama was a great teacher, an influence in my life, I learnt many skills and lessons about life from her and her stories. She was a great woman who possessed a wealth of life knowledge. I will really miss you very much Mama, I’m thankful for my mind that remembers you and my spirit that feels you. The love and care she showered on her children and grandkids were special. May we never forget her love, kindness and grace. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Babajide Aroyewun – Grandson
WOULD BE ON OUR MIND ALWAYS
You truly were a special woman Mama (as I fondly call you). You may have passed on, but your memories would always live on within us. I always look forward to the way you recite my oriki any time you see me. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care, concern and show of love. Wherever you are, I know you are in a much better place. Rest in Peace Mama. I will never forget you.
From YewandeAwobona – Granddaughter
MY INDEFATIGABLE GRANDMOTHER
A rare gem, you were a special and remarkable woman. Mama was a combination of warmth and kindness, laughter and love. Growing up with you, you had a strong desire for education and helping everyone. My grandma, my storyteller, you were embedded with strong and accurate memory. Mama always paid attention to Politics in Nigeria and everywhere in the world, My friends were usually baffled any time they come around to VIsit. You never gave up on us, everyone we loved was your friend and the ones we dislike you also dislike, and when the family fell apart, you united us again. The best lesson Mama left us is with her virtue of strength. Even with some of her health challenges especially towards the end of her journey in life, she faced it with optimism and so much strength. Mama, I adore you for this.
Mama through trials and tribulations a strong heart is what you have given me. Mama is witty, classy, fashionable, graceful and forever loved. Rest well Grandma Olaide And to all of us let us keep working United, that’s all Mama ever wanted to keep her legacy alive.
Yinka Aroyewun (Grandson)
MAMA WAS UNIQUE
Mama, as we fondly call her was a very unique woman and even though she lived a fulfilled life, her loss will be felt deeply by many. Mama played a big part in my childhood even till my adulthood and I can remember sitting in her kitchen tasting her dishes especially “Ikokore” and her sending me drugs for my catarrh which occurred quite frequently then. Mama taught me the essence of family and love as she was just not a grandmother but a teacher and a guardian. Mama has passed on but her memories will live on in all of us and those she has touched with love, wisdom and the beauty of her soul. Thank you Grandma for the memories, sacrifices, care and love you shared with me. I’m grateful and thankful that you were my Grandmother. REST I PEACE MAMA ITA OSUN. Love Forever. ..
Opeyemi Adelaja (Grandson)
ONE IN A BILLION MOTHER
Maaami Mrs Olaide Aroyewun a.k.a Mama you are one in a billion mother, Mother like you are hard to come by. You are a loving & caring mother. You are very intelligent, sharp, neat, & brilliant. Infact till your old age you read without glasses you love giving I really like the character in you. Anyone that comes to you will not go empty handed, My gist partner you advise me on how to live a good life I thank God that I was there for you during your old age and even up ti1l the time you passed away because you stood by me when I needed you during my child bearing. I will never forget you Adeiu! Adeiu my dear mother
Mrs Adelaja (Daughter)
AN AMAZING WOMAN WITH A BIG HEART
Mama was everything a grandmother could be and more. She was an amazing woman with a big heart. She played a great part in my childhood; always there to encourage and support me. It was when I grew older, that I truly understood and valued all those things she taught me. I remember when I got terribly sick some years back, she came to visit me, sat on the bed, and took care of me without even thinking I could infect her. She was very generous, always giving back from what she receives. Mama will always tell me how beautiful it is that I got to learn a new skill to add to my education. She even got me a sewing machine just to encourage me to be industrious. I enjoyed speaking the “ijebu” language which I learnt from her by just sitting and listening to her speak. She used to think I was making fun of her, but I loved how it always put a smile on her face. Sometimes, she will call me on the phone for just 15 seconds just to check on me. I had great memories with you Mama, and I will forever treasure all these memories of you in my heart. Adieu Mama.
Titilayo Adelaja (Granddaughter)
AN EPITOME OF lOVE
We celebrate our dearest Mama! We celebrate longevity! Though we wish you could stay a little more but we submit to the supremacy of the immortal God. You were blessed to see your great-grandchildren. You always extend your generality to them at every opportune time. You were indeed an epitome of love. Your memory in us is blessed! We’ll miss your finely-toned accent, your goodwill and your kindness. We love you Mama even in death.
Oluwabunmi and Samuel Olugbenga Granddaughter & husband
MAMA WAS SO GOOD
Mamaaaaaa” as fondly called by all of us especially her grandchildren! Ever since we were little kids, mama always took care of us. She would come to Lagos and stay with us. One thing I noticed was that she did everything differently. It was so impeccable! I remember when I was to resume at ISI, she took me to the market, bought my boarding house materials, took me to a tailor, and ensured that it was sown right. Mama was 81 at the time! Her energy and strength were unimaginable, there was nothing mama couldn’t do. She even made the black soap that I took to school. Anytime, we go visiting, she would never let us leave the same way we came. She would pack something, sweets, drinks, agbodo fish, black soap, if! start to list it out, this leaflet won’t contain it. When I remember the memories I had with my grandmother, I smile, I’m happy. Mama was so good, she shared her love and kindness to everyone around her. I’ll miss her! I pray she rests in the Lord.
From Kanyisola Aroyewun – Granddaughter
CHERISH MEMORY
Grandma has always been there for all her grandchildren from birth till she left. I am grateful for the impact she made to my life, even supporting my career. I will miss her and cherish all my memories of her.
From FemiAroyewun – Grandchild
SPECIAL WOMAN
Granny Aro is what I call her. Strong, enduring and wonderful. You truly were a special, special woman! You may have passed on, but your memories would always live on within us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love and everything that you have done for us. We know you are in a much better place. I will be ever grateful and thankful for all the love you showed us. Rest in Peace Granny, we love and miss you so much ..
Frank & Yetty – Grandson
GOODBYE TO AN ANGEL
Mama the dignified, the cheerful mama who was loved by everyone. She loves everyone and cares for everybody, even if it remains #500 and you come for food, mama doe n’t mind giving it to you. And mama doesn’t lack anything. Alhaja Olaide Afusat Aroyewun (also known as Kunnopon or mama sawmill). If one was talking about Mama. Mama was a good example of a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. Mama was a perfect role model for one. Mama calls me her last two letters of her name “de’s” apart from Ayomide. Mama is named Olaide most of her grandchild daughters name end with “de’s “Ararnide, Olamide, Ololade” and the last one which is me Ayomide. She call us the “Des” because our name end with “de”. What do I and Mama do together? We read newspaper together, gist together, teaches me how to cool, watch ews together, sometime and pend time together. What do I and mama have in common? We don’t like dishonesty, backbiting and we love saying “persecuting one is not by killing with weapon only, but what per ecute most is backbiting, gossiping about you. Mama was neat, straightforward, brilliant and natural. Mama was also a good pharmacist because when my dad felt sick, she gave my dad drugs and the drugs are expen I’ve that she prescribed for my dad, I was amazed. In short, my grandma is like my angel, but since it was her time to go I
have no other choice to say a big goodbye to mama. Mama also had a great life, a woman God granted 97 years on earth. It is a wonderful privilege to be her grandchild. I love you Mama but God loves you most. It is time for you to rest now. I pray that God gives eternal rest and may Almighty God showers Mama’s pathway with abundant mercy. Sleep well Mama.
Aroyewun Ayomide Granddaughter
HER SPIRIT AND STRENGTH LIVE ON
Zainab, Zainab, as she fondly called me, she always advises me on the expectations and challenges of life. She would talk on the role I am expected to play on within the family. The love I have for my grandma is unique. Allah must have given thi grandmother to us to make us well rounded and better human beings. She played a big part in my childhood and I can remember so many times sitting in the kitchen and tasting the dishes, she prepares with special love. Showing me how to cook her delicious meal (Amala with Bokonisha) that I will one day pass down to my daughter and son. She taught me a lot about love and the meaning of family. We will miss our grandma but her spirit and strength live on in each of us and in the life that he touched. She lives on in me and in all those who have been touched by the love strength, conviction, wisdom and beauty of her soul.
Love you grandma Olaide Afusat Aroyewun. You truly were a special woman! You may have passed on but your memories would always live on within us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, you are in a much better place, I will forever be grateful and thankful that you are my grandma. I pray may Allah gives her Aljanat Fridaus, Rest in Peace
Aroyewun Oluwaseun
Grand-daughter
Mama; my rare gem
You are a caring and loving grandma. [ never knew you would leave so soon, your death is still a shock to me.
Who will call me Jumah now? Who will I disturb for brand new naira note? How my heart aches at your demise. You took everybody as your own, as loving as you are, you would never spare the rod and spoil the child. You were a great disciplinarian, Mama was a rare gift of life as she was very vast and knowledgeable in every topic open for discussion. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. You will always be treasured Mama. With a cheery smile and a wave of hand, Mama has wandered into eternal rest. Mama your Oluwafunmilopeda Jumah will miss you so much. Mama has fought and conquered Glory to God for a life well spent. I love you Mama but God love you more. Rest in peace MamaAdieu
Aroyewun Oluwafemi
(Grand son)
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