Oyebanji Samson Oluwatobi: A Cacophony of Destruction
For the most irreplaceable best friend
Dear SOT,
Today, on the anniversary of your birth, I have been thinking about you a lot. I can’t believe you’re these years old today! Boy, you are old; but, make no mistake, in very good condition. 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 am 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 wouldn’t have 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 brother you have been, and that is me. I’ve been lucky enough to have you around for twenty-odd years and I couldn’t imagine my life without you. You are the greatest gift that 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 that caused you to go from being the baby of the family to the first child when you were younger. So, you did what all big brothers do with annoying little brothers: 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). First of all, it is our shared sense of humor. We both think we’re pretty funny, which is good because sometimes other people don’t. You have always added an ironic twist to a story or enjoyed the outrageous. I still laugh when I think of the naughty fights we’ve gotten into.
As I thought about my lifetime of memories with you, there are several stories from our childhood that kept coming back to me. I think it’s because these stories, of you as a child, show what a wonderful man you would become.
The only story that I will share, is actually that day, sometimes in the early 2000s, when he talked about traveling to all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria, I was so surprised by his sudden movement and unbridled enthusiasm that even today the memory of still persists. Today, you are still that guy, excited to travel, 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, you continue to be attentive and caring, especially to the 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 together this page to recognize 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 trouble, to offer perspective and humor, kindness and help. We are all very lucky, 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 to write, I will never be able to 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!