By Lanre Arogundade
For the first time in over nine decades, only Professor Taiwo Olowokure will cut the birthday cake today as his other half, retired Bishop Jacob Olabode Kehinde Olowokure transited into the celestial realm in May this year and would be buried at Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State on October 19.
Ordinarily, it would seem a tough one, but if the strong faith and strength of character that distinguish the Olowokure twins – until few months ago Nigeria’s oldest male identical twins – is anything to go by, Prof would cheerfully perform the ritual.
Advertisement
To order your copy, send a WhatsApp message to +1 317 665 2180
I was surprised that he was the one who took the responsibility of taking Bishop’s body to the mortuary that fateful day in May. I was surprised the more when the driver passed the phone to him and he spoke clearly, betraying no emotion as he thanked me for the call and prayed that I too would live long.
It is another matter however how household folks will get used to not seeing the twins eat together, wear the same clothes, pray together, throw banters at each other, etc.
To say the Olowokure twins have lived an exemplary life full of grace might be an understatement. Born in Abeokuta in 1929 they became orphaned at the age of 9 and thereafter faced tough times. The tough in them got going however such that they excelled in their chosen endeavours.
The Taiwo rose to the pinnacle of academics as a Professor at the University of Maiduguri before relocating nearer home to Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State.
The kehinde was also initially in the education sector as school Principal at Ado Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti before becoming a full-time clergy rising to the position of Venerable at All Saints Anglican Church, Ogbonkowo, Ondo and later the higher position of pioneer Bishop of Ikare/Akoko Diocese of the Anglican Communion.
Happy 95th birthday to Daddy Prof and happy posthumous 95th birthday to Daddy Bishop.
