By Kayode Emola
They say that behind every successful man is a strong wife; and our daddy, Professor Banji Akintoye, is no exception. It is therefore, with a great sense of loss that I announce the passing of Mrs Julia Akintoye; our mummy in the Yoruba nation struggle.
Not many people knew her personally, nor had the opportunity to meet or interact with her. Yet for those of us, who did have encounters with her, however brief, she greatly inspired our Yoruba nation’s struggle. She committed the later part of her life to the cause and dedicated her resources, wherever she could, to furthering the struggle for Yoruba sovereign country.
I had the opportunity to first meet Mummy Julia Akintoye in 2022, at their house in the Republic of Benin. Her dedication to our struggle was extraordinary as she attended every virtual meeting her husband was having, sitting side by side with our daddy and contributing her own wisdom to the conversations. When it became necessary to ask to raise funds, she would be the first to say that she would pay her own contribution, even when we told her not to worry about money.
She loved the Yoruba people dearly and dedicated her time wholeheartedly to see that the Yoruba nation is freed from the shackles of Nigeria. On speaking with Prof. Akintoye this morning, he told me that Mama’s very last words to her husband were that he must not allow our Yoruba people to continue suffering in Nigeria. Now that she is no longer with us, those of us left behind must ensure that we do all we can to see that her desired Yoruba nation becomes a reality.
Mama Akintoye was a true warrior, who did not constrict her focus to herself and her immediate family in the Republic of Benin. She constantly dreamt of a free and independent Yoruba nation where every citizen is rewarded according to their handwork and service to the nation.
Though she will not physically enter the nation with us, her spirit will continue to strive alongside us until the coming of the Day of the Lord. We pray that Mama will have peaceful rest wherever she may be, and for God to grant both her immediate family and the entire Yoruba family the fortitude to bear the enormity of this loss.
Her departure leaves behind a husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members, who are currently feeling the profound emptiness of her absence. It takes great courage to bear the loss of a loved one, and we hope and pray that God will bring succour to the hearts of those who succeed her.
As we prepare for the final burial and funeral rites, I would like to use this opportunity to thank those who have risen to the occasion, offering support to the immediate family during this grief-laden season. I pray that God Almighty, in His infinite mercies, will come to our aid during this time of need. Amen.
