Kaleidoscope of life and times…..
By Bianca Ojukwu
The Ikemba, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during his lifetime, and in jovial mood would at times, recall a death pact he had with the now late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
Apparently, both men, who shared a special bond and friendship had agreed, during one of their lighthearted moments, that if one died before the other, no matter in which part of the world they might be, the survivor of the two must show up before the departed friend is buried, and call his name. If that voice could not rouse him, then that would be final validation that death is fact.
I thought it was an amusing story, and nothing more.
One can only then imagine how jolted I was when on the morning of the funeral of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu a long retinue of vehicles pulled up at our residence. As the visitors walked in solemnly, I was astonished to behold the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, in company of Prince Arthur Eze, and Chief Austin Ndigwe, who was then known as Uzu Awka.
‘Where is my friend’?, the Emir asked. Bewidered, I gestured towards the Ikemba’s private library, where he was lying in state. The Emir advanced to the partition and halted, obviously overwhelmed by what was before him. It was a tender moment as I heard him softly mutter….’Emeka’ .It was as if, in that split moment, he had hoped that this was a mirage, but alas, his cherished friend had gone the way of all mortals, on that journey from which there would be no return.
Forlorn, he withdrew.
It was at that point that I realized that what had appeared to me as a joke, or at best, mere talk was indeed real.
Emir Ado Bayero remained present through the extensive funeral events of that day. He died in 2014, the longest reigning Emir in the history of the Kano Emirate.
The glory years of this country was shaped by men who cherished friendships, who showed up for each other in times of adversity, and who wore the crest of honour like a breastplate, irrespective of tribe or creed.
May their noble souls continue to Rest in Peace.
On this Anniversary of the death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the trumpets are raised in tribute to this poignant demonstration of the promise and potentials that this nation can hold.
