There are some things that you never imagine is possible-I never thought it possible that my dear sister, Morenikeji Oludotun Adepoju nee Agbaje would ever not be with us. ‘Keji as she insisted we call her, when everyone called their egbons ‘Sister’ or ‘Aunty’ was there when I was born and I assumed she would be there whenever I would leave this wicked world. She was my big sister, my only sister from our parents, the only female amongst us and fortunately, the oldest in our household.
I eventually decided on my own volition to call her Aunty Keji, not because of any convention or tradition but because she earned it.
The loss of our mother in 2004 was shocking and for me destabilizing and just when I think I had finally weathered that shock, our sister, Morenikeji has left. It is a devastating loss, and it is not something I was ever prepared for. Now we do not have a mother anywhere o!!! Our two mothers, Margaret Ojuolape Agbaje aka Raliatu Olokun is with God in heaven and Morenikeji Oludotun is also with God in heaven. She was KEJI, they were a pair; now they are our pair of guardian angels in heaven. OYE OLORUN!
I do not know where that expression came from. OYE OLORUN. It is not an expression I ever recall using as a matter of habit or even infrequently. But that is the expression I have comforted myself with since March 6, 2023. I think the Holy Spirit sent those words to me to comfort me that he understands. That he is in control of everything. That his purpose will never be denied or left unfulfilled. Oye Olorun!!!
My sister was truly an angel. She has always been. Throughout her life-very loving. Very sacrificial. Very giving. Always giving. Extremely hardworking. Never tired. Rarely angry. Always forgiving. Always strong. Always smiling. Always good. I have no recollection of ever seeing my sister sad, unhappy, or sick until God decided to take her away. I don’t ever recall her saying she was unwell, or in hospital except she went to deliver her three lovely babies, who are now very responsible adults, she always kept on going. She opened her secondary school just a few months ago, and then told me of her next project….she always was doing something. I do not know of any more enterprising woman!!!
Morenikeji I think couldn’t help herself but give of herself for others. She was good in her essence; love in her essence; giving in her nature. She was perpetually reaching out to people, helping people, drawing people near to herself, giving to others. I think God has called her to rest and peace. I thank Uncle Deroju and Damilola, Ronke and Tomiwa for their strength. When Ronke called me that her mummy was in hospital, I left what I was doing there and then, and went to the hospital because she had never called sick. I thank God that we all left whatever we were doing; wherever we were in the world, physically and virtually and congregated by her side. It was the only time she was summoning our care. I thank God everyone-Bolaji, Bidemi, Toyin, Bori, Femi, Fatai, everyone rose to the occasion but it was not enough. God really wanted her to rest.
Morenikeji Agbaje. Morenikeji Adepoju. The most reliable person in the world. Sun re o! Awa o ni iya mo o. Sugbon Olorun wa pelu wa! Oye Olorun.
