It was on a Saturday, August 1, 1981 a message came to Lagos from home that my father, PA Zeblon Fadumiye OMOSEBI died at the age of 92.
I did not know the import of the news until when I got home and saw many people inside and outside our family house mourning, it was then I realised I lost my father at a tender age.
He was a leader of the family in my home town, Ilutitun-Osoro, Ondo State and also a Village Head in our village, Ajebandele Oke-Oke, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State where most of his children were born.
What I can remember vividly was that no pregnant woman went to the hospital for delivery when my father was alive.
Once they get in contact with my father, save delivery was guaranteed. No death was recorded of any pregnant woman and no woman was referred to the hospital when my father was alive.
He taught us to be contented with whatever we have and NEVER to envy anyone, at the appropriate time it shall be our turn.
Pa Zeblon was a disciplinarian to the core. None of his children are wayward, this was as a result of high standard of discipline given to us when we were growing up.
Although, I was not matured or old enough to fend for my father while alive, what I could not do for him I did it for my mother who also passed on August 5, 2014.
Pa Zeblon Omosebi, was survived by three wives, 21 children, and many grand and great grand children as at the time of his death.
If I forgot everything, I will never forget his legacies of his bravery, discipline, contentment, honesty and boldness.
He was a man of the people. A progressive whom we were told Chief Obafemi Awolowo paid homage to when he visited Ilutitun-Osoro.
If there is another opportunity, I will still chose him as my father.
The legacies of Pa Omosebi still lingers even after 40 years after, it was a legacy never to be forgotten.
Till that day when we shall meet to part no more, once again on behalf of your children, grand and great grand children , we say adieu for NOW!
Leave a Reply