Nigerian couple ‘married for 72 years’ dies on the same day

Israel Akojede and his wife, Esther, who were said to have been married for 72 years, died on the same day.

The incident occurred on Friday at Gbonagun in Obantoko area of Ogun state.

According to NAN, Joseph Akojede, the eldest son of the deceased who is aged 70, described the development as a “mystery”, but added that it didn’t come as a surprise since his parents were close.

Israel was said to be 103 years old at the time of his death, while Esther who died shortly after receiving the news of her husband’s passing was aged 98; they were reportedly married for 72 years.

“Their death is shocking but also expected. What we were thinking is that maybe there would have been a short interval because they both loved themselves dearly,” their eldest son said.

“I have watched them since I was young and I know they are inseparable. They wear the same colour of clothes, have the same beliefs, and always consulted each other for advice.

“You can hardly hear them grumbling against each other as mama will say that whatever her husband did was final; she won’t give a second opinion even if she had any.

“Such was the love they shared. Papa died very early in the morning and as we were being careful about breaking the news to his wife, she already knew and a few minutes later she gave up the ghost.”

Olanrewaju Akojede, the grandson of the family, likened the couple to two characters portrayed in the play, “Romeo and Juliet”, written by William Shakespeare.

“I have watched them play Romeo and Juliet whenever I have the opportunity to be with them. It’s so surprising to me that they even shared the same mobile telephone,” he said.

“Whenever I call, it’s either mama or papa that answers the call; it depends on who the phone was with when I called.

“They are so great parents who lived a pleasant and worthy life that is worth emulating. May their souls rest in peace.”