By Andrew Ohwobetehe
Man comes into this world but does not remain here forever. Life, in all its beauty, uncertainty and mystery, has an appointed beginning and an appointed end.
The Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes that there is “a time to be born and a time to die,” while Hebrews 9:27 declares that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
Yet, perhaps the greatest mystery of death is that no one knows the exact hour or day it will come. If we knew, perhaps we would prepare differently. But the time remains known only to God—the Maker who created man in His own image, the Omniscient God who knows the end from the beginning.
Scripture also reminds us that man was formed from the dust, and to dust he shall return. Death, therefore, remains an unavoidable part of the human journey.
The Bible speaks of two eternal destinies and presents humanity with the freedom to choose the path it follows while on earth. It is a sobering reminder that life is temporary and that our choices have consequences beyond this present existence.
It is against this profound reality that I received, with indescribable pain and disbelief, the news of the passing of my dear friend, colleague, confidant and beloved brother in the Lord, Timeyin Odudu.
His death came without warning. There was no notification that could have prepared us for the shock. One moment, there were plans, aspirations, conversations and dreams; and suddenly, there was silence.
For the management and members of the Roma Communications family, his passing has left a deep and painful void. For me personally, the loss is devastating.
Timeyin was not merely a friend or colleague. He was a loyal companion, a humble and trusted confidant, a true friend and a beloved brother in the Lord. His presence brought warmth, fellowship and friendship, and his departure has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.
As I mourn, I find myself confronting one of life’s most difficult questions: Is life really worth living when a person can be here today and gone tomorrow?
Would it not have been wonderful if God had permitted His creatures to live to a ripe old age—to enjoy the fruits of their labour, witness the fulfilment of their dreams, and see the impact of the years they had invested in building relationships and touching lives?
These are questions born out of grief—questions for which the human heart may not always find immediate answers.
Timeyin, you did not live long enough to see some of the plans, aspirations and dreams we shared become reality. There were still conversations to have, milestones to celebrate and dreams to pursue. But life, in its mysterious and sometimes painful finality, has brought your earthly journey to an end.
Nevertheless, as a Christian, I take solace in the assurance of God’s Word and in the hope of the resurrection. We mourn, but we do not mourn without hope. We believe that death is not the final chapter for those who have placed their faith in God.
The Scriptures remind us: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” And in moments such as this, we are reminded that we cannot question the Maker.
We can only bow in humility before the sovereignty of God, trusting Him even when we do not understand His ways.
I therefore pray that the Almighty God will grant abundant grace, comfort and strength to Timeyin’s immediate family, relatives, friends, colleagues and associates. May God sustain everyone who has been touched by this painful loss and grant us the courage to carry on.
Odudu, your passing has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. Your memory, however, will remain etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.
You may not have lived to see our plans fulfilled, but the memories of our friendship, brotherhood and shared dreams will remain with me.
I leave the mystery of your departure, as well as all that we cannot understand, in the hands of the Omniscient and Omnipotent God.
Rest in peace, my dear friend, colleague, confidant and beloved brother.
Till we meet again at the resurrection morning, adieu, Odudu.
Your sorrowful friend,
Andrew Ohwobetehe
