OMO BA OLA NINU ILE egungirl. By Elsie Dennis
OMOBOLANLE- meaning, “child met wealth in the house”. Indeed she was born into wealth. Daddy had worked hard in his youth and by the time she was born she lacked nothing. Love was abundant and she swam in it; love was on every side, older siblings, mummy, daddy, uncles, aunties, etc. she was the special one, very special. She was in such a hurry to see the world she stuck out her head on the way to St Nicholas Hospital and mummy had to rush into the nearest delivery place and so she narrowly missed being born an ‘aje butter’
Maybe that’s why she blends so well into any environment- she’s an ‘aje’, whether kpako or butter she go chop am; she tackles life with gusto, with joy and enthusiasm. Growing up with wealth all around did nothing to spoil her, but did a lot to give her confidence. She believes she has a right to comfort,nay, the good things of life. La Dolce Vita, if you will. But never at another’s expense, no, not Omobolanle. She believes in doing more than her share; giving more than is expected and asking for nothing more than her fair share in return.
Omobolanle will not play the guest; if she comes to visit and finds you sweeping, she collects the broom and takes over; if she finds you cooking, she’ll wash her hands and join in cutting up vegetables. At your party she’ll happily serve as usher without being asked. She is a proud African beauty but humility is her cloak. She never attempts to show but can never hide. She does not seek to be noticed but life always picks her out.
She’s a friend like no other. She’s there when you need her; to her mother, she is worth more than ten sons. You can’t help but love her even when she upsets you. She’s at once generous and levelheaded with money;she believes the world is her oyster but expects to work to get it.
Omobolanle, beautiful body, proud carriage, elephant sized brain and a soul lifting laughter. Her capacity to love is amazing and her willingness to live is refreshing.
Omobolanle, she stands gazing into the future with determination, her shoulders thrust back and her lips pursed. Her whole mien seems to say,”emi ti oba ola ni nu ile mi, mi oni je iya” Omobolanle, happy birthday girl. You are about to be revealed!
