Joseph Obayomi, Tope Alabi’s father, has gone to rest at the age of 89 but his singer daughter and family members ensured that he was given a befitting burial.
The wake-keep and praise night service for Pa Obayomi, who passed on December 16, 2019, took place on Wednesday at his residence in Oshodi, Lagos, while the final burial was held on Thursday.
In a tribute to her father, Alabi noted that even though she didn’t grow up as the smartest kid, her father didn’t forsake her.
“I remember how receptively slow people thought I was; how overbearingly unassuming I was. I remember how stubborn I was too. Despite my receptive attitudes, I didn’t project the character of decency when I was growing. I would jump at any available ‘bolekaja’ and off I would go,” she said.
“I remember becoming a thorn in your flesh Daddy, when I chose to join a theatre group. Your expectation was that I would start working after college but I joined the Nigerian Theatre Practitioners as an itinerant actor, going from one film location to another with or without invitation. I remember how it was almost impossible to believe that I would be a source of blessings to my parents…But I can’t forget that despite your chastisement and frustrations, you still prayed for me anytime you wanted to pray, telling God what you wanted me to become…”
