Emmanuel Onosode. 1970– 2023
I am still waiting for someone to wake me up from this nightmare that has turned the much anticipated summer upside down. This one hurts so deep that it will take God’s special grace to snap me back to reality. It is hard to believe that Emmanuel, aka Skojay, a man so full of life and vitality, has left us just like that.
This is certainly one death I didn’t see coming despite the feeling of dread that had been hanging over my head for three weeks before that fateful day. I could not seem to shake off that heaviness in my heart despite all my efforts. By the time the tragic information reached me, it all finally made sense.
Apparently, I had been in a mourning mode for over 2 weeks for some inexplicable reasons. Lessons learnt for the future…never underestimate the power of the inner spirit which we sometimes confuse as gut instincts. Anyone in a similar situation in the future, should immediately go into full prayer and fasting mode to avert possible disasters.
Back to my extroverted, vibrant, humorous and bubbly baby brother who might as well have been my son. It certainly hurts like losing a first child! I always marveled at the way he seemed at ease with the high and mighty and the lowest of the low. Emmanuel blended well with all and sundry.
He might have appeared somewhat unserious to those who didn’t know him well enough but beneath those layers of a natural comedian was a tactical and analytical mind who knew how to get whatever he truly wanted.
Skojay, why have you slapped me in my face by “beating the gun” and leaving so prematurely?——that was not our agreement…
When my immediate younger brother, Spencer was staring death in the face during the height of the COVID pandemic, I pleaded with God, to not only spare his life, but also ensure that none of my younger ones die before me. Thankfully, and to the glory of God, Spencer made a remarkable recovery and I was overjoyed believing that God had accepted my proposal.
Alas, Emmanuel, the last born had to leave suddenly to join our ancestors without even the courtesy of saying goodbye! I have come to accept this unexpected loss as God’s will especially since his final hours on earth seemed to point to his reconciliation with God and those he might have offended one way or another.
As for Chichi, and the lovely children left behind, we will by God’s Grace, ensure that they lack nothing essential for their growth and development. We will continue to uphold them in our prayers and check on them constantly.
Continue to rest well with the Lord, my lively and enigmatic baby brother. It is well.
Your loving big bro,
Ese Onosode.
