My dear cousin Kemji. It has taken me a while to come to terms with your departure from us and that is why it has taken me so long to write this message.
Being cousins of a similar age, we have always shared a bond and right from our younger days, I always looked at you almost as my own brother despite us residing across the ocean. We didn't always keep in touch but when we spoke, it was like 2 lost brothers who found each other again and interacted like we've never been apart. What hurts me most however is how we became even closer over the past 6-7 years! Technology gave us the opportunity to keep in touch and grow our brotherhood even further. It really started by you attending my traditional wedding in South Africa! For you to make such an effort to come all that way to witness, participate and support me....is something I will never forget and I knew again from that day that Kemji was really more than just a cousin to me! Our bond continued to grow from there and even further when I had kids! There are little things in life that people do and it's not until they are gone, you realise how valuable they are. Whenever I shared a picture or video of my kids on "WhatsApp", without fail, Kemji would respond to every single post to check in on how the kids were doing! I didn't think anything of it initially until maybe a few months ago and again it just reminded me that you are more than just a cousin.
Kemji, my heart is broken further because the last few months, our friendship and brotherhood went to even greater heights and we spent weeks before your passing in regular conversation about everything! Life, marriage, kids etc. I was actually waiting on you to respond to my last (extremely long) WhatsApp message knowing that you had exams to tackle but I was happy to wait so we can pick up where we left off. It wasn't to be. I'm left with the thoughts of how our bond would have continued to grow over time and the hope of you finally meeting the kids you always checked on so they can see this loving uncle who cared so much for them.
As I look through the tributes on this website and I think of my own experience with you, it is really clear that you were more than just a cousin, a friend, a brother, a nephew, a son to everyone you came across. Your nature had a way of giving more to people and that's a unique quality that a lot of us do not have.
We were lucky to have you Kemji. Lucky in many ways because you persevered through some of the most difficult adversities and still thrived, still gave each of us that positivity that got you through and we really felt it. So we were lucky! You served your purpose cousin, you touched the lives of everyone you encountered and for that we celebrate you and ensure you that your name, your legacy will live with us forever. My kids will grow up to know everything about uncle Kemji and I know that myself, your parents, brothers and wider family will forever keep your name alive.
We will love you forever Kemji. Rest well, thank you and thank God for the privilege to share these years with such a positive force as yourself.
Love always. Your cousin.
Chib