By Tony Iyare
Just few days ago, he rendered a short moving tribute (reposted below) on his Facebook wall to announce the passing of his dear wife, Pauline Obiageli Okoroma, who died on January 9th, 2021. And this morning, a colleague called to inform me that Louis Ihenacho Okoroma, a wordsmith at home with the discourse of international affairs, had also kicked the bucket on Thursday, March 11th.
Hmmmm! I suspect from the tone of his tribute that Louis may have been seriously grieved into some depression after the passing of his lovely wife in the dawn of the new year. Not many men really survive the death of a wife to whom they share very close affection. The women are more likely to survive the passing of their hubby because it appears the society is more wired to take care of widows. I hardly know of any organisations that worry about the welfare of widowers.
And here we’ve lost a prolific writer gifted with deep insights. One in whom the Journalism profession can radiate its eminence. One of the few staff of the rested Times International that joined us at the incubation of Timesweek, floated as part of Yemi Ogunbiyi’s new wind at the Daily Times, we bonded greatly.
Edited by Soji Omotunde, Timesweek was an assemblage of some of the best writers: Louis Okoroma, Uthman Shodipe, Dapo Thomas, Kodilinye Obiagwu, Muyiwa Akintunde, Rotimi Ogunleye, Femi Olatunde, Kigho Oyolo, Rotimi Adebayo, Bunmi Aborisade, Steve Omanufeme and this writer. The magazine actually gave its competitors a big scare.
You may not agree with Louis on his thoughts but you can hardly fault the brilliance of his craft. Death, where really is thy sting? One of our best has fallen. It’s good night Louis till we meet again at the feet of Our Lord, Jesus Christ on the resurrection morning.
“Oby, Late Mrs. Pauline Obiageli Okoroma, so it is true that we shall not see you again?
Since the doctors told us in a terse voice on January 9th, 2021 that you did not make it after just one day in the hospital, your children and myself have been confronted with fear and disbelief and hope against hope that alas, a miracle could happen and lo and behold, your voice would be heard through the gate of the house.
However, as it stands, we are beginning to come to terms with the truth that you have gone to be with your maker and that is why this posting is coming at this time. We did not properly inform many people as we were too shocked to accept the reality of what happened.
Adieu, beloved Mother, Wife of Louis Iheanacho Okoroma and Grandmother. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord in the place where there are no earthly worries, and no pains.”