Dearest sis Kofo… Mamalistic as I fondly call you. It’s still so difficult to accept that I won’t hear your beautiful voice again and that smile will now only be a memory. Thank you for all that you did to ensure we never stepped out of God’s ways; thank you for being a supporter; thank you for celebrating me at every point I’m at; thank you for embodying true Christianity. I am grateful to God that our paths crossed and that I was one of yours. Thank you for all the things you did when I didn’t have a job to ensure I didn’t have a mental breakdown; thank you for insisting I remained the financial secretary and trusting that I’d not spend money that’s not mine (that’s a lesson I’m still using years after). The last message I received from you was that you love me; I know it; I hope you felt loved by me too while you were on this side of eternity. Till we meet to part no more, Goodnight my sister.... Collapse

kofo was a truly beautiful soul, always thoughtful and kind, making everyone feel valued.” “I’ll always remember one of our deepest, most meaningful conversations; it touched my heart and I’ll carry that memory with me forever.” “I also remember when I moved from New York to Florida, how she and her daughter went out of their way to make sure my daughter received a birthday gift.” “That kindness meant a lot to me and it’s something I’ll never forget.” “I’m forever grateful to have known her, even if just for a small chapter of my life.” “Her warmth and generosity will always stay in my heart.” “Rest peacefully, Kofo... Collapse

Kofoworola, my dear friend, my sister and such a precious part of my growing-up years. It is still so difficult to believe that you are no longer here. Whenever I think of you, I cannot help but smile because there are so many beautiful memories attached to your name. And, of course, I cannot talk about you without remembering how I always teased you about your name. I would jokingly say, “Kofoworola — she did not use money to buy Ila!” It was one of those silly jokes I never seemed to get tired of making, and you would just look at me and smile. You were such a calm, peaceful and gentle person. You were never the one getting into trouble. In fact, you were almost always on your best behaviour, while I seemed to be the one being called out for punishment! Somehow, you managed to stay away from trouble whilst I was busy giving everyone reasons to remember my name. I remember when we were shipped off to Mayflower Secondary School in 1994. We were so small, so young and, if I am honest, quite insecure. But we had each other. We were brought together by our mothers but our friendship was uniquely ours. We attended classes together, went to the dining hall together and did almost everything together. Our bunk beds were on top of each other, and we had my sister there to guide us as we found our feet and gradually made other friends but we always had each other’s backs. Those early years were about so much more than school. They were about growing up, learning to be independent, finding our confidence and navigating life away from home. And having you beside me made that journey a little less frightening and a lot more memorable. Over the years, life took us in different directions. We went on to live different lives, experience different things and create our own stories. But some friendships are not measured by how often you speak or how frequently you see each other. Some people become a permanent part of your story simply because they were there during a very important chapter of your life. You were there, Kofoworola! You were part of my childhood. You were part of my Mayflower story. You were part of those precious years when we were young girls trying to find our way in the world, and I will always treasure the memories we made together. It hurts deeply to know that you have gone ahead of us. There are memories I wish we could revisit and conversations I wish we could still have. I wish I could tease you again about your name and hear your response. I wish we could sit together and laugh about those days when we were just two small girls trying to make sense of this big world. But although you are no longer here with us, you will never truly be gone. You live on in the memories we created, in the stories we will continue to tell, in the hearts of everyone who loved you and, most especially, in my heart. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for those beautiful school days. Thank you for being the calm, peaceful, ever-smiling Kofoworola I will always remember. From childhood to wherever life took us afterwards, I am grateful that our paths crossed. I am grateful that our mothers brought us together. I am grateful that, when we were small, young and unsure of ourselves, we had each other. And even though you are gone, a part of you will always remain with me. You may be gone from our sight, but you will always remain alive in my heart. Rest peacefully, my dear Kofoworola Abeni.... Collapse

Sis Kofo (Mama) as you were fondly called. You were a calm, gentle loving person. You are an embodiment of Grace and I still celebrate that same Grace now and always. God rest your soul MAMA.... Collapse

I still can bring myself to believe I will be writing this. You embodied so much Grace, love and charisma. I know you are in a better place now but we will miss you dearly. Rest in peace, Sis. Kofo 🕊️🤍... Collapse

Sis mi, as you fondly called me , I still can’t believe you have transitioned home. I mean it was only a few weeks ago we were comparing hotels and planning summer vacation together . It still breaks my heart to know that vacation didn’t happen as planned. I keep going back to our WhatsApp chats and wondering if you are truly gone . I still remember telling you in our last chat how you are one of my favorite persons to chat with . I even gave you best sticker of the year award 🥇. You laughed so hard and sent me more stickers and asked me to save them. You were such a delight to talk to, Sis Kofo . You were love personified, and I can’t get over how you would always say . Mo love yin gannn , or mo kan fe show yin ni love ni oh. Gosh! You had so much love to give and I learnt to love even better from being friends with you . Thank you for always having the right words of encouragement. ,you made it a point of duty to gift us a cake or a box of delight every year. I am so grateful that I got to know you deeper when you moved to the USA. You were truly a gift to this world and a living epistle for the world to read. I am grateful for the times we shared. Thank you for the gift of your friendship. I recall all our long conversations and all. Thank you for giving of yourself . I still rock the bag you sent me on my last birthday like it’s the only one I have . Like Pastor Flow said during the service today, everyone is sure you are with the Father. There is ambiguity about that, and that gives me hope. You lived well sis You loved deeply and freely sis You have run your race and finished your course Till we meet again Sis mi. Mo love yin ganni... Collapse

Kofomi, this was what I have always called you. Space and words cannot convey what I have always felt for you, you epitomized grace and godliness in every way, our playful fights- always aiming for my stomach, was something I always looked forward to. When I was told of your demise I felt a physical blow on my stomach which left a pain that I will always carry. You are greatly loved and sorely missed... Collapse

Tribute to Kofoworola Mi, Abeni This was never supposed to be my assignment. In the natural order of life, I always imagined that if anyone would one day stand to speak about me, it would be you. I imagined it would be your familiar voice, sprinkled with laughter, telling our stories, revealing our little secrets, how it has always been you calling me not to forget it’s my wife’s birthday and same on all our anniversaries. I wish it would have been you reminding every one of the bond we shared. I never imagined that I would be the one struggling through tears and a heavy heart to write a tribute for your farewell. I call you Kofoworola mi, Abeni, a name that carries affection, friendship, and family all wrapped into one. Never did I think there would come a day when those words would be spoken only in memory. You were more than a sister to my wife and I. You occupied a special place in our lives, always present with love at every difficult turn, every rough road, and every uncertain moment. Whenever I found myself at a loss, especially when I did not know how to pacify my wife, you were the one I called. You never disappointed. Somehow, you always knew the right words to calm the storm, the right perspective to restore peace, and the right encouragement to keep us going. You had an extraordinary gift for healing hearts. Giving was simply who you were. Caring came naturally to you. You never waited for people to ask before showing kindness. You always had a gift for everyone, and distance was never a barrier. Whether near or far, your love always found its way to us in thoughtful packages, warm messages, and countless acts of generosity. One thing I will never forget was your smile. Even when life weighed heavily on you, you somehow found laughter. You had a way of lifting the spirits of everyone around you, even while carrying burdens of your own. Your joy was contagious, and your love was genuine. Kofo mi, I will miss you more than words can express. You gave us no clue. You showed no sign. You simply left. It feels so unfair Kofo. Your years on earth may have been fewer than we wished, but your life was rich with love. Love for God, love for your husband, love for your children, love for family, and love for everyone privileged to know you. Your legacy is not measured by the length of your life but by the depth of the love you gave so freely. Today, our hearts are filled with questions that only God can answer. Why did you leave so soon? Who will comfort Kola the way you did? Who will nurture and guide your precious children with the same tenderness that only a mother possesses? Who will wipe away the tears that your departure has brought into our lives? Yet even in our sorrow, we hold firmly to the hope we have in Christ. We grieve, but not as those who have no hope. We believe that you have finished your race, that you have entered into the presence of the Lord whom you loved and served. Though your voice is silent, your love continues to echo in our hearts. Though your hands can no longer reach us, the kindness they extended will never be forgotten. Though your journey on earth has ended, your memory will continue to inspire us to love more deeply, give more generously, and trust God more completely. Rest well, Kofoworola mi, Abeni. Sleep peacefully until that glorious morning when we shall meet again at the feet of our Lord and Saviour, where there will be no more pain, no more tears, and no more goodbyes. Until then, you will remain forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered. Sun re o, Kofo mi.... Collapse

Humm, Kofoworola mi Abeni, that's my pet name for you. You have been a wonderful suster I prayed for, you lived a sacrificed life, you're life was short but full of energy. Every week , I wait for your video call, chat, or voice message saying " aunt mi se ewa" Your love over my children, you always call my husband to remind him of my birthday, wedding anniversary so thta i won't get angry thta he forgeot. You covered everyone. , I cant quantify it. You served God with everything in you. You're a good mother to the core,good wife, good sister , good aunt, good friend to everyone that came your way , your caring was just too much. If I complain of anything, you would find solution instantly. I remembered us discussing some course and license, there and there you encouraged me every day to go ahead and do it. How many thing will I say, I'm short of word. It's too sudden and shocking. Kofoworola mi abeni, sleep on. I love you so much sweetheart. Sleep on Jesus name. 😭😭😭😭😭😭... Collapse

Auntie 🤗 Auntie Babe as I call you sometimes. The moment I was told my uncle kola was getting married to an Aunty Kofo … I Loved you before meeting you. And from the moment we met and every moment after that you have not just said you loved me with a genuine excitement but you always showed me love with your genuine smile and hugs and from our chats as well. Anytime I remember you, I always remember your smile and your voice. I Love you Aunty Babe and I always will. “Our big baby and last born” As you call me sometimes... Collapse

Sis Kofo….. Still hard to make sense of this. Your hearty demeanor, infectious smile and energy are some of the wonderful attributes we recall of you, not to mention the famous cakes. We take comfort in the fact that we do not mourn as those who do not have hope. Thank you for your service to God and humanity. May God strengthen and comfort the family left on this side of eternity. Rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus, dear Sis.... Collapse

Ajíbiké mi, From the moment I first saw you standing on that stage, sharing the testimony of how God had brought your mother safely through surgery, something settled in my heart. I remember saying to myself, "That is my girl." After the service, I walked over to the tape stand, trying to appear casual, and said, "Sister Kofo, that was a powerful testimony..." That simple greeting became the first sentence of the most beautiful chapter of my life. The rest, as they say, is history. For twenty years, loving you was my closest experience of heaven on earth. We were destined to journey through life together. Through raging storms and quiet streams, mountain peaks and shadowed valleys, we walked side by side. Hand in hand, we faced the world—and together, we built a home where faith lived, laughter echoed, and love was our native language. Together, we raised champions. Challenge after challenge came our way, but we never surrendered. Every battle became another testimony because I never fought alone—you were always beside me. Life with you was the most exhilarating adventure. You completed me, but more than that, you refined me. Every day, you challenged me to become a better husband, a better father, a better man. We were never perfect, but you made sure we always pursued love more fiercely than pride. You never allowed the sun to set on unresolved hurts. Even when I would say, "Má bínú"—"Please don't be upset"—you would smile and tease me, "Don't just say Má bínú to silence me." But every single time, I meant it. I could never bear the thought of your heart carrying pain, especially if I had caused it. You poured yourself into our children with extraordinary devotion. Night after night, you opened the Scriptures with them, prayed over them, and taught them to declare God's promises with confidence. Today, I understand why. Those seeds are now bearing fruit. The faith you planted is the strength carrying them through this unimaginable season. I never imagined they would need those lessons so soon. I smile through my tears when I remember you asking, whenever we discussed the children, "I hope we are on the same page?" Yes, Babe. We are still on the same page. We always will be. My jewel of inestimable value. Yes, I know you would laugh and accuse me of borrowing Chief Awolowo's famous words—but he simply found them before I did. They have always belonged to you. That is who you are to me. When life became warfare, you were my armour bearer. When victory came, you celebrated louder than I ever could. When I stumbled, you steadied my feet. When hope seemed distant, you became my reminder that God had not finished writing our story. You made our house a home. You made my life richer than I ever imagined it could be. We dreamed of growing old together. We spoke often about the years ahead, about the places we would visit, the grandchildren we would spoil, the quiet evenings we would one day enjoy after our work was done. I still struggle to understand why that dream was interrupted. It does not make sense that you are no longer here for me to hold. Yet every day, I ask God to make sense of what my heart cannot comprehend. Perhaps heaven desired what earth could not keep. Perhaps the God you loved so completely simply longed to bring His faithful daughter home. In these past few days, I have listened to countless stories about you. Story after story, person after person, life after life—you left fingerprints of grace everywhere you went. How blessed I was to experience, every single day, all of those beautiful qualities wrapped into one extraordinary woman whom I had the privilege of calling my wife. Kofo, you were genuine. Your Christianity was never something you performed; it was simply who you were. Others may speak about faith, but you lived it—in the quiet places where no audience existed, in the ordinary moments that only our family witnessed. I can say this with absolute certainty because I lived beside you. I have never known a truer follower of Christ than you. Your life preached sermons long after your words had ended. You challenged me daily to love God more deeply. Perhaps heaven was not taking you away; God just needed an extra Angel. Perhaps heaven was not blocking a way: God just welcomed home one of His finest daughters. These days, my heart seems to live between tears and laughter. I cry until I remember something you said, and then I laugh through my tears, only to cry again. Sometimes I find myself talking to you in the silence, imagining your familiar smile, hearing your gentle voice reminding me of God's promises. And somehow, I still hear you saying, "Kola... Dára... Konyinsola... The Lord is a shield around you, your glory, and the One who lifts up your head." I choose to believe that the faith you lived still speaks. That the prayers you prayed still surround us. That the love you gave has not ended—it has simply changed its address. Thank you, Kofo. Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for our children. Thank you for our home. Thank you for every prayer whispered over our family, every sacrifice made without recognition, every embrace that steadied me, every smile that welcomed me home. Thank you for twenty years that will remain the greatest gift God ever gave me this side of eternity. Until we meet again, my love. Sleep well in the presence of the One you loved so faithfully. Forever yours, Kolawole rẹ Akanni... Collapse