3rd September, 2023
By Isa Isawade
Condolence messages have continued to pour in for the foremost June 12 and pro-democracy activist, Comrade Awa Bamiji over the loss of his mother, Madam Rafatu Agbeke Oyebamiji.
Madam Oyebamiji, described by the activist as exceptionally caring, passed on at about 6 p.m. on Monday 28 August 2023 in Ibadan.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr John Kayode Fayemi, in his condolence message to the Yoruba youths leader, said: “Awa, e ku ehin Mama o. Olorun a fi Orun ke won. The Lord will give you and the family the courage and fortitude to bear the loss. May she rest well. Amen.”
The ruler of the ancient Kingdom Oru West L.G.A. of Imo State, HRM Eze Dr Goodluck Obi ( JP) has also condoled with Awa Bamiji.
The Eze, who went philosophical consoling Awa quoted William Shakespeare, ” When beggars die there are no comets seen but heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”
“The news of the sudden demise of the amiable mother of one of the foremost leaders of the Civil Society in Nigeria came to me in the Royal Palace like a thunderbolt!
“May Almighty God grant Comrade Bamiji Awa and his entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable and incalculable loss and also grant the repose of the soul of our mother,” Eze Obi prayed.
He asked the bereaved to take solace “in the monumental life and times of your adorable mother on planet Earth,” saying “She came, She saw and ultimately she conquered. Good Night Mama Comrade AWA.”
Prof. Soji Adejumo said: “Profound condolences on the glorious passage of your mum. To live to 96 years is no mean feat. She was a Matriarch and woman of substance by every definition of that word. As an illustrious son and Nigeria’s foremost civil society activist, you must have imbibed your spirit of humanity and positive talents from her.
“At 96 years, she must have touched so many souls and impacted countless lives for positive existence. You are a proof of that as a child off the block. It’s a time to mourn the loss but also a period of joy and celebration that in spite of her glorious years, you survived her.
“Let’s all celebrate a glorious passage and shout for joy to God in gratitude and appreciation of God’s grace and mercies on her life.”
Daughter of the late pro-democracy and Human Rights activist, Dr. Bekololari Ransome-Kuti, who is also an activist, Nike Ransome–Kuti said “Comrade Awa, pls accept my condolences on your mother’s passing. Eyin wan a daa.”
Other eminent personalities who have sent condolences to the bereaved Awa Bamiji and his family are as follows:
“Accept my condolences. May her soul rest in perfect peace.” – Tokunbo Dosumu Awolowo
“Greetings and Peace Profound Awa. So sorry about your loss. May God grant her soul sweet repose. May the Almighty comfort you and the rest of the family. Omo rere a gbeyin eyin naa. It’s well.” – Olumuyiwa Ige for Bola Ige family
“Pls, accept my heartfelt condolences. I beseech Allah to bless her soul with Jannat fridaos.” -H.R.H. Aragbiji of Iragbiji
“Ah! Awa, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the departure of your beloved mother. May you and the entire family have the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. Eternal rest grant unto Mama O Lord.” – Kunle Famoriyo
“Awa Bamiji, please accept my condolences. Eternal rest grant Mama O! Lord.” – Ayo Afolabi
“Haaaa, my powerful Comrade, pls accept my heartfelt sympathy for the irreparable loss of your dear mum.
I pray that may the good Lord give her eternal rest and be with the family she left behind in Jesus’ name. She came, she saw and she conquered. May her soul rest in perfect peace.” -Hon. Adebayo Temitope, Former Personal Assistant the late Sen Ayo Fasanmi
“O ku asehinde Mama rere. Ki Oluwa fi Aljannah Onidera ta won loore, amin.” – High Chief Lekan Alabi, Moye Olubadan of Ibadanland
“Dear Awa, Kindly accept my most heartfelt condolences on the departure of your dear mother. She lived a fulfilled life. She left behind a wonderful son in you and in all her children. May Allah grant Mamma peaceful rest.” – Prof Mark Nwagwu
“Oh! dear Comrade Awa, my condolences.” – Shehu Sani
“May the Almighty Allah rest her soul and grant her Aljanat Firdaous, Allahu Yegfiruhu Allahu Yerhamuhu Allahu Yebhasuhu. Please kindly accept my heartfelt condolences.” -Comrade Alhaji Waheed Lawal, Leader, Osun State Civil Societies’ Coalition
“Sorry for your loss, and congratulations on a great achievement as God answered Mama’s prayer that you will give her this last rite. Please accept my family’s condolence. May God console and comfort you and everyone Mama left behind. RIP sweet mother.” -Elder Olubunmi Oduntan KOB, USA.
“My condolences for the death of your beloved mother. May Allah grant her Aljanah firdaus. Eku oro eeyan. Eyin mama adara.” -Yetunde Amoo, LTV News Editor.
“May her soul rest in peace. Please accept our condolences.” – Rabiu Bankole, Galaxy News Editor, Lagos
“My condolences. May The Almighty bless her soul.” -Gbenga Omotoso, immediate past Commissioner for Information, Lagos State
“Accept my sincere condolence. May Mama’s soul rest in perfect peace.” -Dr Balogun Adewale, Executive Head, Beko Ransome Kuti Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG)
“My heartfelt condolence on this irreplaceable loss.” – Mujaheed Asari Dokubo