His Royal Highness Christian Otobotekere
Ven. Dr. Azikiwe Jephter Teigha Otobotekere Tribute.
TRIBUTE TO A FATHER
FROM A SON BORN OUT OF DUE SEASON
And last, of all, he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time (1 Cor 15:8 KJV).
Daddy, before my biological father passed on to glory, you had become my father, a son born out of due season. I thank God for the day my childish mind at age 16 told me to go to Port Harcourt to tell you that I may not make good progress in life if I continued in my school. Without notice and information, I proceeded to the Shell Residential Area of Rumukrushi, where Daddy lived as a staff of Shell. After hearing from me and seeing the reason for my explanation, I was taken in, and that began my life’s close association with Daddy for about 50 years, as a son born out of due season.
Yes, from 1972 to 2023, we lived as father and son, son born out of due season. In life, God raises people to raise people. With all boldness, I can stand erect to say God used Daddy to give me the direction of life. I learnt from him, and I endured with him. He gave me the best he could give to anyone, and I am proud to be associated with him.
Daddy sacrificed for all his children, including me, one born out of due season. Wealth was not your priority but building people. I thank God your labour of love is not in vain.
My greatest joy with you is that you were not persuaded to join cults for monetary benefits or fame. Instead, you were contented with what God had blessed you with, and you also knew Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour.
Daddy, you will continue to live in my heart and in the members of my immediate family who came to know you as my father, their father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Later in your life, you came to my house and gave me a responsibility I could not understand until after your demise. I pray that God will give me the grace to carry it out.
Ven. Dr. Azikiwe Jephter Teigha Otobotekere
Son born out of due season.
