by Olutayo Irantiola

It has been a harrowing moment since 5th June, 2023, when Professor Opeyemi Isaac Ajewole, popularly called Ìrókò, passed. Quite an unfortunate incident that the country’s various security agencies have not unravelled.

The memories of the days shared with him at their former Orogun residence on Tokunbo Ojo Street kept flooding my mind. I learnt Mathematics at no cost from Mama, Aunty Yemisi Ajewole nee Oluleye, ate, played, and got scolded, amongst others. All these strengthened the family bond!

The ever-playful, jovial and lively Baba is gone just like that! He was always full of energy. In fact, from his look, he had a hefty build.

It all feels like yesterday that he joyfully took on the role of guardian, driver and co-traveller with my younger brother, Olugbenga Irantiola, while he was lecturing at the University of Ado-Ekiti before he returned to his alma mater, the University of Ibadan.

As the demands of growth caught up with us, too, we were a few miles apart, but we never forgot those who impacted us for good in our formative years.

Our fallen Ìrókò has gone the way of all mortals! You have become an Elder in death to many. Ìrókò stood out for us in the forest of humans, and nothing will take away his noble qualities!

Ìrókò Bàbá, Ìrókò ni Bàbá Igi, Ìrókò ti ṣe tiẹ̀, ódigbére