Dare Babalola
Abibat Banjo Dolapo Ilori, aka Awele Alagbo, the daughter of Fuji maestro, Kollington Ayinla, has shared the near-death experience of his father and his recovery journey.
Speaking on a postcard hosted by the Kola Olootu Live, the businesswoman said his father could do nothing by himself during the trying period.
The musician, who was in a coma, scared his family and loved ones, Awele disclosed during the interview.
She revealed that Ayinla was in a coma for seven days before his miraculous and sudden healing.
Describing it as the most memorable period in their family, Awele said, “When he was sick, he didn’t eat. I was hopeful but some people lost hope. I have an older brother named Samson who was encouraging me to keep my hope alive that he will bounce back. We cried together and consoled each other. Brother Saheed also encouraged me.
“It’s the will of God that kept him to date, some people died a few days after a coma.”
She further described her father as a “calm person,” who is not a “troublemaker,” but stressed that his personality in the house is different from what people see outside.
She said, “You will know him better when you go close to him. He is patient and I doubt if he has up to four friends although he is friendly. He doesn’t keep grudges, he shows his emotions instantly and if you apologise, he lets go of his anger easily. He doesn’t fight.”
She noted that the best day in the life of their family was when the patriarch came out of the coma.
Her words, “The day he came out of the coma was one of the best days in the life of our family, we were happy and thankful to God.
“His influence opens doors for us even when he is not present at the place. As his children, we get VIP treatments in places they almost reject us so we want him to stay alive longer.”
Narrating how she was notified, Awele said, “I went home to make food for my older siblings so I dropped my phone then my driver told me I had a call, when I answered the call, my brother, Samson, told me to start coming saying my dad was awake and wanted to see me. I was initially scared until he said he was calling for me. We were very happy. On the third day, he started eating, he loves it when I feed him.”
On whether the children will support the 76-year-old music icon marrying a new woman, Awele said, “He is still young, we will support him if he wants to marry a new wife”.
For Awele and family, polygamy breeds not hatred or envy.
“I see Alhaja Salawu Abeni almost every Sunday, she is my mother and loves me dearly. She doesn’t joke about my case. My family is a united one, we love ourselves despite being polygamous.”
