Mrs. Ogunbamise, Our Principal, My Mother.

On January 3rd, 2012, I received a call from a friend who informed me of Mrs. Ogunbamise’s passing. It was both shocking and unexpected. I remember screaming out loud in my room, overwhelmed by the news. My wife, startled, asked, “What happened?”

“My mom just passed,” I said.

She looked at me, confused. “What do you mean your mom just passed? I just spoke with her a few minutes ago.”

“Yes, you’re right,” I replied. “You spoke with my biological mom. But this one was my mom in school—my principal. I called her ‘Mom.’”

The following day, I reached out to Ms. Kemi Oluwabamise, Mrs. Ogunbamise’s eldest daughter, via Facebook to confirm the news. She responded, confirming that it was true—”Mum passed on to glory yesterday.”

She then asked, “Who are you?” I took some time to explain who I was and shared how much we, her students, loved and appreciated her mother. I expressed our gratitude for her countless contributions to our lives. Mrs. Ogunbamise always wanted the best for us and went the extra mile to ensure that many of us succeeded with flying colors.

The reason for writing this today is the message I stumbled upon while reviewing my archives. It was an appreciation message from Ms. Kemi Oluwabamise to the OSSO ’88 set:

*”Hi! Thanks a lot! OSSO old students are simply a fantastic group. We were simply awed by everything you people did. In fact, I didn’t expect anything more after the Service of Songs. So, when I saw the group at Okemesi, I was lost for words. Then, I saw the souvenirs!

My mum was proud of her students, and even in death, you guys honored her. The God she serves is a rewarder; He will surely reward each one of you in good measure. Please understand my use of ‘serves’ in the present tense: We believe that after the body dies, we continue to serve God in our spirit man.

Please help communicate our appreciation and heartfelt thanks to every old student of OSSO!”*

Messages like this warm my heart and remind me of the enduring impact of our ’88 set’s mission. They inspire me to encourage everyone to keep the flag flying. Thank you all for the love and care you show one another daily.

To those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to address the immediate and urgent needs of others, may God, in His infinite mercy, reward you abundantly.

Thank you, and God bless.

Olaoluwa Oyetuga