Late Pa Shittu
In a poignant display of love and respect, the quiet town of Itapaji, nestled in Ekiti State’s northern region, was transformed into a sea of mourning as thousands converged to bid farewell to a son of the soil, Mr Kolawole Shittu, a stalwart who lived a life of unyielding purpose and unwavering commitment to truth.
As the somber procession wound its way through the town, the air was thick with eulogies, each one a proof to a life that touched countless hearts. The departed was a shining light, a beacon of hope who illuminated the path for others, even as he walked in the shadows of adversity.
“My dad was more than just a son of Itapaji; he was its heartbeat,” said Ademola Shittu, his eldest son, his voice trembling with emotion. “He taught us that truth is not just a virtue, but a way of life. He stood tall, even when the winds of fear and intimidation howled, because he knew that a life without integrity is no life at all.”
A brilliant mind, Mr Shittu’s pen was mightier than the sword, as he wielded it with precision to challenge injustices and advocate for the marginalized. His love for his people knew no bounds, as he reached out to his kinsmen, offering guidance and support whenever they needed it.
His visit to Mr Peter Adebayo, the only Itapaji indigene in America at a time, was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his people. “He took pictures with me and came back to Nigeria with the good news of the epochal visit,” Adebayo recalled, his voice filled with gratitude. “He was a builder and lover of his people, always looking for ways to uplift and empower them.”
Erinfolami and wife of the deceased, Mrs Shittu
As the date of his burial spread, faces that had long been absent from the homestead reappeared, drawn by the gravity of the loss. The town’s elderly residents, who had once benefited from his counsel, wept openly, mourning the departure of a champion who had fought tirelessly for their welfare.
Olufemi Erinfolami who traveled from the United States of America to attend the burial has this to say: ” Here lies a truthful, very disciplined, brave and selfless father of all with many golden marks dotting his existence. He is a patriot to the core, a very amiable father with uncommon love and passion for the well being of his community and the people. People like him comes once in a century. We will all miss him.”
“Kolawole Shittu was a warrior of our time,” said a local elder, Venerable Peter Oladiran, his voice heavy with emotion.
“He fought through life to get the best for his community, and his legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come,” he said
As the casket was lowered into the grave, the crowd erupted into a thunderous applause, a fitting tribute to a man who had lived a life of unwavering truth and service.
The night may have been dark, but Mr Kolawole Shittu’s life was a shining beacon that would continue to illuminate the path for his people, long after he was gone.
