F.A.O

F.A.O

Falilat Adedoyin Owolowo (F.A.O): daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, princess, chief, hajjah, etc. My first cheerleader! My Sweet Mother: the nurturer, comforter, and pamperer. The punctualist, trainer, and stickler. The mediator, stabliser, and peacemaker. The well-wisher, supporter, and encourager. The generous, kindhearted, and loving. Words cannot fully capture the magnitude of your impactful essence. You lived a good and exemplary life worthy of emulation.

Breaking News 

The evening of Thursday, 16/10/25, I received the news of the transition of my dear mother. Following the immediate bereavement and solid bonding with my wife and kids, I was in full throttle mode. My phone was "off the hook" with condolence calls, texts, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc. And the planning was ongoing as well - video call across four continents with my siblings. Since my Mum was to be buried the following day on Friday, 17/10/2025, the exigent task was getting to Lagos, Nigeria the fastest way possible. A very close friend of mine - Man like Jojo, drove to my place. Good thing he did because I was in a discombobulated state. You plan these scenarios in your head a million times, but when reality hits, your plan is out the window! I didn't even know what to pack! Dashed out the house heading towards the airport on a hope and prayer. There were no flights available online that suited the exigency. I called Virgin Atlantic and was fortunate there was one seat available. However, I was informed that had to be at the airport on time. The flight was scheduled for 10:30pm and the ETA on the car satnav was before 10pm.

Miracle at Heathrow Terminal 3

Eventually, we arrived at Terminal 3, and it looked completely deserted! Then we saw some Virgin and airport staff all packed up and ready to go home. I told them my Mum died today and I need to bury her tomorrow! They all said everyone is checked in, and the flight is closed. A lady said I should speak to their manager. A much older man came and requested my passport. The ticketing system was rebooted and it showed I was taken off the flight manifest as a no-show! Because I purchased the ticket late, it was too late for online check-in. Anyway, the manager made some calls and said I am indeed a very lucky man. He told them to print my boarding pass. And the staff said there's no more boarding pass paper! Some paper suddenly appeared from somewhere! I got my boarding pass, and I was handed to a lady who took me through a special access route with an elevator and swift security check apparatus. 

I was repeatedly told to run! And ran I did! At some point, I had to look down at my feet to confirm if I was  actually the one running or something else was carrying me along, fast! When I got to the boarding gate, it was locked! I said to myself, I didn't come this far, to only get this far! Suddenly, an airport staff appeared from nowhere and opened the glass doors for me with his special key. I went through and boarded the airplane! When I eventually sat down in my allotted seat, I thought about everything, and it all felt surreal. 

The Burial

Landed Lagos the next morning and had to move straight to Ogun State almost immediately. I got to the hospital morgue and saw my beautiful mother with a smile on her face. It felt heavenly.

My Mum had planned her burial to a T! Among other things, she had prepared the clothes she wanted to be buried in, and a detailed list of beneficiaries of charitable donations. More importantly, she emphasized no after party or gathering for prayer on specific days, i.e., 8 days, 40 days etc. She considered all that unnecessary cultural innovations. So the entire funeral was concluded on Friday, October 17, 2025, as she wished.

I am grateful to all those who showed up on short notice. And I appreciate every form of support. Too many people to mention; from family and friends. May God reward you all specially and specifically.

My Dear Mother, you have finally joined your first and only love - your loving husband, and great Dad, M.B.O Owolowo Sr, 29 years later!

May the duration of your intermediary existence in the incorporeal realm be peaceful. May you be raised among the righteous on the Day of Resurrection. May your Creator ease your path to paradise: Ameen. 

Peace Be Unto You My Dear Mother, Falilat Adedoyin Owolowo (F.A.O): February 16, 1936 - October 16, 2025.

PS

Track Credit: I Look I See by Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens. This was one of my Mum's favourite tracks. I shared the song with her again recently and she was elated. She prayed that as I have gladdened her heart, God will do the same for me.

M.B.O