I have a long stretch of story that people can
learn from the 42 years of contact that was before the exit of Revd W.O.
Omolola. In 1962, when Bro Johnny Okesiji and Bro W.O. Omolola were
seminarians, Bro Omolola sent Bro Okesiji to help buy a wristwatch from Ibadan. On getting to Ibadan, the wristwatch was
much cheaper than the amount Bro Omolola booked for it. LITTLE DEEDS SPEAKS FOR
LONG.
In the month of May 2002. I was almost stranded in
Ilorin. I asked
the mechanics at Agbo-Oba of the location of First
Baptist Church,
Ilorin. They
consented and described the place. When I got there, I told him I was John
Okesiji'’s grandchild. He asked me a few questions. With trust, he made me feel
at home, Abel and I became friends immediately. I passed the night and got home
to tell the story of how I passed the night. That was how I had the Omolola’s
as my guardians in Ilorin.
Just as if nature was expecting this little gift,
he blessed Sis Inaolaji with a job at Oyo town. Although Revd Adedapo, Revd
Omolola’s friend and colleague in the seminary, stay in Oyo she stayed with my
grandparents. How glad I was knowing that THE WORLD IS A MINI STAGE. She will
enjoy the largesse just like I am getting from her parents here. However, her
stay was brief but I learnt a lesson: THE SAME STONE THROWN HIT SOMEONE OF YOUR
HOUSEHOLD SOONER OR LATER.
January 2005, Revd Omolola retired honourably from
the services of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and the pastorate of FBC, Ilorin. I felt like an
orphan for ten months that I spent behind in Ilorin. I had had friends but they were
inadequate to do what this family did, I realized I was becoming an adult. I
learnt a lesson DO WHAT YOU CAN DO WHEN YOU ARE AVAILABLE AND WHEN YOU ARE NOT
WE FEEL YOUR ABSENCE.
In 2006, I was challenged to start the collation
of my Grandpa’s biography. I sent my cousin Tobi Ewekeye to get to the
residence of Revd Omolola at Oshogbo
and he got his contribution for me. If I had not attempted to ask, he would
have gone with what he knows about Revd Okesiji. His handwritten piece I value
so much now. I learnt another lesson; DO NOT LEAVE TILL TOMORROW WHAT YOU CAN
DO NOW, NO PROCRASTINATION.
I have celebrated with the Omolola’s at least four
times; I have been absorbed into this family. Egbon Lolade is truly a big
brother. Let’s come togther to take care of his lovely wife. She prayed
endlessly for him, stood by him through thick and thin, a mother indeed,
blessed among women! I had learnt from the years I was not yet conceived, lest
since I was born, learnt from meeting people and learnt more at someone’s
depature: rest well, great soldier and father, Revd William Oladiti Omolola.
Olutayo IRANTIOLA
For Revd J.A. Okesiji
and family
3.45A.M, 10th May, 2007