And the news came! Brother Wahab is dead! First, it was like a dream before it became a reality. For those of us who knew you as a loving, lovable, sincere, steadfast and wonderful man, it was not only a rude shock, but something that was hard to come to terms with.
We have been crying. We have been mourning and yet the uncompromising hands of death have refused to release you. As a very close cousin that I know, one of your great attributes was that you never feared death and that was the hallmark of your strength in confronting issues that many dreaded.
Even in death, I can see your triumph over this dreadful phenomenon (death) that makes all human beings, irrespective of their status tremble and beat them hollow. I can see you telling us not to cry. I can see you telling us to wipe off the tears from our eyes. And I can see you assuring us that you are in the best place and that we shall meet again and to part no more.
Brother Wahab, today we celebrate your life which represented several great attributes. As an apostle of social justice, you never feared to confront the truth and tell it the way it is no matter whose ox is gored. That part of your exemplary character unequivocally bestowed on you the greatest wealth on earth and will continue to serve us all as a great source of inspiration.
It is indelibly on record that you extended your love of family to everyone with whom you had contact during your sojourn on earth. I have no doubt that God will find you a very comfortable place in His bosom.
May God Almighty grant your family the fortitude to bear the grave loss. We take consolation in your legacy, deeply rooted in sincerity of purpose.
Adieu, Ovbioba N’ Ugbague.
Emmanuel Okunmwendia (Osifo)
Your cousin and Publisher, www.alltimepost.com
Boston, Massachusetts.
