Wole Soyinka's Daughter Buried In Ibadan

The remains of Iyetade Soyinka, daughter of the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, was yesterday interred at Ultimate Gardens, a private cemetery in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, amid sobs and eulogies.

Iyetade died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan on December 28, last year.

The burial was witnessed by her two daughters and siblings Dr Olaokun Soyinka and Mrs Moremi Soyinka-Onijala.

Earlier, a burial service was held for her at the Chapel of Resurrection, University of Ibadan. In attendance were Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; former Cross-River State Governor, Donald Duke; wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola; and wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunke Amosun, among others.

In his sermon at the occasion, the presiding minister, Rev. Olufikayo Oyelade, reminded the people of the vanity of life and the importance of showing interest in the lives of other people, which he said Iyetade exhibited in her lifetime.

He also called on the congregation to be of good courage, saying that the deceased had only completed her mission on earth.

Rev. Oyelade said: “For believers, death is not the end but an end to a journey. To those who do not believe in God, life on earth is best. But for Christians, death is gain. We gain an immortalised body and have escaped all the sorrows that the world has in it. We gain a better body that cannot be sick or die.

“Iyitade can’t battle with sin again; she is free. Death is real and there is no way one can stop it. So why do we continue to live as if we are not going to die? No matter how long we stay on earth, we will stay longer in heaven.”

In his tribute, the deceased’s older sibling, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, who is the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, said although his sister’s death was painful, the passing would make him a better person.

He said, “It (Iyetade’s death) has reminded me of this quote: ‘Our time on this beautiful earth is limited and we should seize the opportunity of a loss, to forgive, share, explore and love.’ I will do this. It is how I will honour her memory.”

The deceased’s sister, Moremi Soyinka-Onijala, described Iyetade as a brilliant and the most intelligent person in the Soyinka family.

“She was very passionate about justice, truth, development, peace and human rights. My sister was very compassionate and was often the defender of the underdog,” she said.

Iyetade’s children, Oreofe and Adeoto Omolaolu, said the death of their mother had robbed them of a true friend, guardian and comforter, but took solace in the belief that their mother would rest in the bosom of God.

In her tribute, Oreofe wrote: “You were always there for advice, guidance and assistance whenever the need arose. Mom, no matter how I write and write, it can never adequately describe just how much I miss you.

“You will be forever and ever loved by us. But I know that God has His reasons for everything. I am happy that you are now resting in heaven without worry about the cares of this world. I know that you will always be watching over Adeoto and me.”