Oyebanji Samson Oluwatobi: A Cacophony of Destruction
For the most irreplaceable best friend
Dear SOT,
Today, on your birth anniversary, I have been thinking a lot about you. I can’t believe you’re these years old today! Boy, are you old; but, make no mistake, in very good shape. Today, we mark this important milestone and let you know how special you are. Thank you for always being the brother I need, even when I’m 1000 miles away. I know I can always count on you to make me laugh. I consider you one of the most important and constant people in my life, and honestly I would not do it any other way.
I am sure you will receive many notes and cards from family and friends to commemorate this important birthday, but only one person can tell you what a great big brother you have been, and that is me. I’ve been lucky enough to have you around for twenty-something years and I couldn’t imagine my life without you. You are the greatest gift life has given me, and I am so grateful to have grown up with such an enthusiastic and life-loving brother.
Our relationship started off a bit shaky. After all, I was the intruder who turned you from being the baby of the family to your first child at an earlier age. So, you did what all older siblings do to annoying younger siblings: You found ways to torment me.
However, as young adults, we find many commonalities. We both have a reverence for books and, of course, we enjoy writing (but I do as you). First of all, it’s our shared sense of humor. We both think we’re pretty funny, which is good because sometimes other people don’t. You’ve always put an ironic twist on a story or enjoyed the outrageous. I still laugh when I think of the naughty fights we’ve gotten into.
As I was thinking about the memories of my life with you, there are several stories from our childhood that come to mind. I think that’s because these stories, about you as a child, herald the wonderful man you would become.
The only story I will share is actually that day, sometimes in the early 2000s, when you talked about traveling to all the geopolitical areas of Nigeria, I was so shocked by your sudden movement and unbridled enthusiasm that even today the memory of it still lingers. . Today, you are still that guy, excited about traveling, excited to go somewhere new, and still generous in spirit.
Throughout your life you have been a good friend to many people, but no one has appreciated your friendship more than I have. Today, he continues to be considerate and caring, especially with children, whether through the champions of Jesus Embassy (Blessing Arena) or the Ajape fan.
SAM, you have crossed that threshold into another era of your life. I put this page together to acknowledge what you have done with your life and how proud I am to call you, my brother. All my life you have been a constant source of support, whether in times of joy or times of trouble, to offer perspective and humor, kindness and help. We are all very fortunate, the four of us, to have each other not only as brothers but also as friends. Wanting to spend time together and savor every moment. And in part, that’s because of you, the first son, the “olori-ebi” who holds the four parts together.
As much as I love writing, I can never find the words to adequately express how much you mean to me. I just know that I love you with all my heart and that you have been a very positive influence in my life. I am very lucky to have you as an older brother.
Happy birthday, Oluwatobi!