Mama Felicia Jolade Fakinlede was the epitome of love, care, and discipline. I grew up to know Mama by her standards and principles. Felicia Jolade Fakinlede was perhaps one of the most enigmatic and yet fascinating cultural women I know. I developed an historical affinity with Mama; I was motivated by her selflessness and her extreme dedication to work and service to humanity. My childhood days were memorable for the ways she handled difficult situations. I recall one of the few stories my mother told me, especially when I was just 3 years old. I fell down from the staircase at her house at 80, Oyemekun Road, Akure. I was severely injured, and my mother panicked for my safety. While my mother was still worried about the bruises I sustained, Mama picked me up and cleaned me. In fact, she told my mother not to worry, as she insisted that I stay at her house for some weeks until I finally got healed.
My grandmother was determined to inconvenience herself by ensuring that her children and grandchildren did not suffer in any way. I remember a primary school promotional examination I wrote at Oyemekun Grammar school in 2004, We had series of examinations running concurrently as at that time and while the examination was ongoing I was extremely famished, Mama had heard from a friend that she saw me at Oyemekun, she left her house and unknowingly brought me food to eat, I was called at the examination hall that someone was asking for me, I was not expecting an external person since I was anticipating to leave the exam hall quick to get something to eat, surprisingly my grandmother showed up with a bowl of yam and stew, I hurriedly ate the meal prepared for me, Mama was just Godsent at that moment, she was ever ready to ensure that I was fine. I learned a lot from her. Mama was very sensitive and smart. I still recall a time when we would visit the clinic together for medical checkups. The doctors were always amazed at the ways she paid detailed attention to her prescriptions and was articulate in her description of the drugs she was told to take. Her courage was undaunting; she was fearless and bold with her decisions. Mama never hid her feelings and was vocal about them.
Her parting words were brief and simple; she was after a harmonious life and collective contribution. I was actually thinking of making another sumptuous meal for her when I received news of her death. You are indeed my hero, and I love you.
Adieu Mama