By ‘Bilesnmi Abayomi
The first daughter of the late Mrs. Irepitan Abolanle Martins, aka Mama, Kemi, said her deceased mother is her lucky chairman.
She made the remarks on Thursday while speaking to our correspondent during the wake-keeping service held at her deceased residence in Arowoye, Mushin, area of Lagos.
She said, “My mom is the best mother in the whole world because I used to call her my luck charm. She’s so adorable. She’s nice to everybody around her. In fact, everybody loves her because she has many children and mothers, even though sometimes we think she doesn’t like us.
“She has plenty of kids. This one will come and say, My mama, my mama. Sometimes I ask her who gave birth to this one again. She’s such a wonderful mother and I know she’s resting in peace now.”
She admonished those whose parents are still alive to take good care of them.
“You know that your mother is still alive; worship your mother, your little idol after God. Your mom, not even only your mom, but your parents, takes care of them. I just call her Mama when I’m broke because I don’t have any money. She will pray. Once she prays, I will get a surprise. I will get many, many surprises. That’s why I usually call her my “lucky charm.” Don’t just tell her that everything will change if you tell her.”
Commenting, the deceased son, Olubode Martins, said, “She’s kind, lovely , and friendly. She does help people near and far, both male and female. Her helping hands have no boundaries.
He added that people should take care of their mothers, especially when they’re getting old. Always be around your parents. It’s very good,” he noted.
Aderonke Gbadebo, “She’s my foster mother. She’s a mother everyone could wish and pray to have. You taught me to be generous and God-fearing. She treated everyone like her biological children. Adieu, Mama.”
Kemi Martin’s friend, Egbeja Folashade, had this to say about this Mama: “Mama is a very good woman. The first time I met her, there was this good spirit that attracted people to her. She can contact the people whenever she wants. She always has the spirit of giving, always wants to know what’s going on in your life, and when we go to meet her about our marriage and about our things, she will encourage and advise you, tell you to please and endure.”
According to her, “Mama will never advise you to leave your husband. Go this way or go that way Mama will always advise you to keep on trying; don’t give up. She’s a good woman who is always willing to give—for that everyone loves her.
“I am proud to call her my mother anytime, any day. That’s mama just for you, a wonderful woman. “May she continue to rest in the Lord,” Folashade prayed.”
The Prophet Joshua Olaniran, of Christ Holy Ghost Wonderful Church, Adamo, Ikorodu, who conducted the wake service, said Mama is a good Christian.
He said, “I’ve known her since 2010. She’s an actively caring and loving mother to all. She’s a good Christian. That’s the reason why I am here. I wouldn’t have been here because I just finished my marathon prayers last Sunday, but when I heard about her death, I knew it was incumbent on me to join in mourning and celebrate her exemplary lifestyle with the bereaved family.”
While advising both Muslims and Christians to serve God diligently and obey the law , he urges them to be God-fearing, kind-hearted, and generous like the late Mama.
The remains of Mama, who died at the age of 70, were interred at Atan Cementary, Yaba on Friday, while guests were entertained at New State High School, Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos.