An Icon Had Died

“It is as though an icon had died and is being buried today”. So they said. A burial of a young lady of only twenty three years was graced by some senators and the governor of Lagos state. Although not physically present, the Governor had sent a representative, it was good as the governor being there himself.

Senator Ojo offered money to Lanre’s family as a gift of condolence. It was the same for the Governor. Friends of Lanre who attended, like Actress Timitola and Laura White also gave money to Lanre’s mother. But the woman saw all these as nothing. It won’t bring back her daughter. So she refused their offer.

“The dead cannot be helped with money. I thank you for your condolence! But I cannot accept this money” She had said this same words to everyone who offered her money. It was only Timitola that insisted that she takes the money.

“Mama, Lanre was like a younger sister to me. It would hurt me if you refuse my money”. Timitola had said to Lanre’s mother. So the woman had no choice but to accept Timitola’s kindness. But aside from Timitola, she rejected every other person’s money. Not even the one million naira offered by senator Ojo could phase her. The Governor’s offer did not even move her. She honoured the presence of the Olubadan (King of Ibadan), who had come because of the dignitaries who made themselves available.

“If she was alive, she would have been a proud daughter of Ibadan! May her soul rest in peace”. Olubadan had said to Mrs. Olayinka.

Christian didn’t get to stay for long. Even though sleeping right where Lanre has been laid was all he felt like doing, he just knew he had to return back to Lagos.

He left after talking to Olamide and personally gave words of condolence to Mrs. Olayinka. He had only known Lanre for months, he had loved her for a few months, and he felt torn apart at her death. He could not even dare imagine what her mother must be passing through.

“Chris! Where… *sobs*… where is Kehinde?” Ify asked tears rolling down her cheeks. Christian shook his head. He sighed when he realised the look on Ify’s face.

“He has refused to accept reality. He is suffering more than us. He didn’t just lose Lanre, he lost his child as well”. Christian said. Ify abruptly wipes her year’s with her hand.

“Does he? Does he feel worst? Now?” Ify questioned Christian. Questions she wanted to direct to K, but he was not there to answer.

“Ify, you should calm down. I do not think this is the right time to do this. You are in grief. But you are not the only one. We are all mourning the same person. I’m actually mourning three people Ify”. Christian said. Ify lowered her head.

“I employed the driver who drove Lanre around. I would never have gotten her a car or a driver if I had known it would take their life”. Christian said to Ify.