Iyetade Apampa, Soyinka’s Daughter Buried Amidst Eulogy

The burial service for the daughter of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Iyetade Soyinka, was held on Friday at the Chapel of the Resurrection, University of Ibadan, with the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State, Donald Duke, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola, and wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunke Amosu amongst those who were in attendance.

Iyetade’s remains were interred at the Ultimate Gardens, Ibadan. At the funeral service, 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 life. He also called on those present to be of good courage, saying that the deceased had only completed her mission on earth.

He said, “For believers, death is not the end but an end to ajourney. To those who do not believe in God, life on earth is best; but for Christians, it is different, 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 andthere is no way one can stop it. So why do we continue to live as if we are not going to die again? No matter how long we stay on earth we will stay longer in heaven.”

In his tribute, the deceased older sibling, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, whois 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: ‘Ourtime 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.”

Sister of the deceased, Moremi Soyinka-Onijala, described Iyetade as abrilliant and the most intelligent person in the family of Soyinka. “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 oftheir mother had robbed them of a true friend, guardian and comforter, but took solace in the belief that their mother would rest in the hands of God.

Eldest of the two, Oreofe, said in her tribute that, “You were alwaysthere 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.”

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