By Kolapo Lawson
(This tribute is on behalf of my wife, Adeyinka and myself.)
When Alaba married my uncle, Kehinde (the younger brother of my late father, Chief Adeyemi Olusola Lawson), no-one could have predicted that this young unassuming lady would go on to live a life that would impact thousands and who would end up being one of the most prominent women in Ogun State, nay, in Nigeria.
It seemed she was in a hurry to do everything. First, she set about the creation of a fine family: her first son Akinola arrived on the 16th May 1968, quickly followed by Olaoluwa on March 22, 1970. Babalola arrived on July 5, 1971, Bolaji on November 1, 1972 and Oluwarotimi April 9, 1974.
By the age of 23 she was already a mother of five boys. She instinctively sensed her duty to bring up and educate these boys in such a manner that they would grow into well balanced adults who would in future contribute their quota to humanity and looking at them now you can see that she succeeded admirably.
Unfortunately the relationship with my Uncle Kehinde eventually broke down irretrievably and they both went their separate ways.
Years later, Alaba was fortunate to find love again which produced her sixth son, Oreoluwa who arrived on the 14th May 1984. He too is now a fully responsible citizen and family man.
Alaba believed in and practised traditional values of respect, kindness, family and selflessness. Although the boys are technically my first cousins, she taught them to be so respectful that they call me their Uncle until today and they call my sisters their Aunties. She herself called me Uncle although she was only one year younger than me. An admirable mark of respect for the family she married into.
She was never far from my Mother, Chief Mrs. Ibidunni Lawson, always bringing her presents: the biggest fish you can imagine, yams and all sorts of foodstuffs. For me, one of her most moving gestures was just a few months ago when she already knew of the severity of her illness.
When she learnt that one of our sons would be getting married, she presented us with a vast quantity of material which we could give out as gifts at the traditional wedding, showing her thoughtfulness and generosity to the last. Her exploits in business, commerce and education are already well known.
As a young mother, she was of great assistance to my late Father in the distribution and marketing of Top beer, fighting against multinational brands to make Top beer one of the most popular brands at the time. She invested her rewards in education, setting up the Lawson Schools in Abeokuta which today offer education from nursery through primary to secondary levels. It is no doubt the most successful chain of schools in Abeokuta.
Of course, she made sure that she had the right qualifications for her venture into education having gone to England to obtain a diploma in the famous Montessori method. She joined the Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce and her dynamism propelled her to the top as the President of the Abeokuta Chamber of Commerce. She did not stop there: her crowning achievement was to be elected the first female President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) one of the most prestigious positions in the Nigerian business environment. We were at the inauguration ceremony and could see how happy she was.
One should not forget her cultural and political impact. Many a Kabiyesi and Ogun State Governor learnt never to take her lightly and her acquisition and defence of her Iyalode title is the stuff of legend. I can also testify to her willingness to fight for the cause of others if she felt they had been wrongly treated and I am forever grateful for her support when I had a run-in with an Ogun State Governor.
So it is time to say goodbye to Alaba Lawson. Our Lord Jesus Christ has been quoted as saying: ‘In my Father’s House there are many Mansions.’ Telling us that this Earth plane is merely one of many in God’s wonderful Creation. We come here, we strive to fulfil the purpose for which we have been sent and at the time of destiny’s choosing we depart to continue our journey in another Mansion.
To Alaba I now say, ‘farewell, do not look back, seek the hand of the Lord through the many helpers that stand beside you and continue onwards and upwards towards the luminous heights’.
To those left behind, her six sons, make her legacy shine, pursue the virtues she has instilled in you and remain proud sons of your mother.
My wife and I wish you well.
