Gbenro Adesina
It was indeed the celebration of a life beautifully spent when the children, family, friends and well-wishers converged on the ancient city of Fiditi in Oyo State for the burial of Pa Emmanuel Oyelayo Shittu Iterogba on Saturday November 20, 2021.
Pa Iterogba died on September 24, 2021 at the age of 89.
The funeral service at the First Baptist Church, Fiditi, was presided over by Reverend Dr. D. Ola Ojoawo, the Minister – in – Charge, who urged everyone present to live a life that is pleasing to God as a day like this is coming for everyone.
In tributes to the deceased, the eldest son, Olusegun Adebayo Iterogba said, “Even though he was aged, I did not know his death will come so soon and when I close my eyes, the image of my father is all I see. The summary of our togetherness to his exit lingers on in my mind. It is a memory that even death cannot erase”. His wife, Bisi said, “I will miss his Monday and Thursday calls, calling me Olori Iterogba”.
His daughter, Kehinde Iyabode Aikomo, who reminiscence on how their father took them (the children) to and fro their primary school from Mushin to Surulere in Lagos, also eulogised the Late Pa Iterogba. She said, “He was loved till death and he knew this. He died a happy man and this I am grateful for”. Her husband, Hon. Femi Aikomo also stated, “Baba was a special father to me and I wish he could stay for ever. Baba will always remain in my heart”.
The last child of Pa Iterogba, Idowu Olufunmilayo Ogunkalu, showered encomium on him saying, “You were such a beautiful and kind hearted father to me. You loved me with a difference and that you never compromised till the very end. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to care for you till the very end. As a dutiful daughter, I’ll still care for you even in death”. Her husband, Segun Ogunkalu also added, “Daddy, you will surely be missed. Losing you was no fun, but no doubt, we find solace in the fact that you lived a beautiful and fun filled life”.
Pa Emmanuel Iterogba was born on August 23, 1932 to late Pa Salami Akano Iterogba of Ajiboso Compound, Fiditi and Late Madam Moyinola Amoke Iterogba of Omodeni Compund, Fiditi. He was the second of five children.
A successful business man, Pa Iterogba was married to late Mrs. Victoria Olunike Iterogba, and their wedding of over 50 years, was blessed with five children and many grand children.
