Falode rues first New Year’s Eve without ‘murdered’ son

While many were basking in the euphoria of crossing into another year, revered sportscaster Aisha Falode is recalling her final moments with Toba, her only son who died in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under controversial circumstances.

Also known as Tyler, the 19-year-old was studying at SAE Institute in Dubai when the tragic incident happened.

Fazal, a Saudi Arabian and also a student of SAE institute, was alleged to have murdered Toba, pushing him down from a multistoried building.

Admitting that life would never be the same without her son, the bereaved mother, who has been fighting hard to get justice, said his memories remain evergreen.

“How could we have ever imagined that we will be where we are today? If only we knew, we would have made it even more special,” Aisha wrote in a piece titled FIRST WATCH NIGHT SERVICE WITHOUT YOU.

“We would have made those minutes with our Eternal Father even more memorable, alas, how could we have known, how could we have realised that it would be our last Watch Night service together, that it would be our last annual communion with the Almighty Father as a family.

“If only we knew, we would have made it a cross-over night to remember forever…but our God knew. HE made it possible and HE made it count, HE etched it in our memory together. Thirty-first DECEMBER 2013, HE gave us the grace to be together, to worship and praise HIS HOLY NAME, for just one last unforgettable night.

“Father, that is why you are the Almighty, the One who knows the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end. You knew Father, that this was going to be the last time together as a family. You are the all-knowing God. We give You praise.

“Our Toba (Tyler) has gone to be with You Lord as indeed all mortals shall. We praise Your Mighty name now and forever. We are full of praise and worship as another year crosses into the next for Your kindness over us, for Your loving protection over our family and Your soft and calm healing hands.

“We hurt as the grieving do but we trust in You GOD and in You we put all our hopes. Though our heart is broken and our spirit mourns, all we know is that your grace is sufficient. This day, this hour, moment by moment we choose to lean on you. For you Father has  seen us through the most trying year of our lives, we Praise YOUR HOLY NAME.

“Toba Tyler Fray Falode, our son and brother you have gone back before us, we take solace in the fact that those You love Lord, You call  home early and swiftly.

“May your gentle soul continue to rest in peace, my dearest son.

“KABIOSI, EVEN IN THIS WE EXALT YOUR NAME LORD.”