Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has stated that his late father, Pa Emmanuel Abiodun, could not fulfill his last promise to him as death took him away.

Abiodun said his father, who was in the United Kingdom for many months, had told him to return to Nigeria for a party assignment, with a promise that he would wait for him till next visit.

But, the governor expressed sadness that the promise was not fulfilled as the 89-year-old retired teacher died after he left.

Abiodun recalled how the COVID-19 pandemic prevented him from seeing his late father for 19 months while in the United Kingdom.

Speaking on Thursday during his father’s funeral service held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo.

Abiodun added that he was emotional about his father’s death, adding that he was his mentor, teacher and moral compass.

“I have been with him five weeks before then, I haven’t seen him for about a year and half because of COVID.

I went to spend about five nights with him out of which I was only able to spend three nights when I got a call to come and serve the party. I left on his insistence that I should go and come back so that when I come back, he will still be waiting for me. Unfortunately, that was not fulfilled.

You never miss what you never had; you have a father that loves you very dearly, that cherishes you, that nurtured you, that taught you, that mentored you; that is your friend and your partner. No matter the time he passed away, you will miss him.”

He, however, stated that the virtues and the high moral standard inculcated in him by his father through his mentorship had really shaped him and assisted him in his life’s journey.

He recalled with nostalgia, how his father used to hold him and pet him to sleep when he was young, saying “my father was very caring”.

“You were not only humble and affectionate to mum, you were a humble father, grandfather, a moral compass and a source of guidance to the whole family.

“We will forever cherish your memories and look after your darling wife, companion, friend and partner of 65 years who is our dear mother.

I hope you are watching as the whole world is celebrating you because you brought so much happiness to many hearts that you taught and touched.

I am proud to be your first child and son. Your spirit will forever be beside me and I know you will always be with me,” he added.