Couple Died the same Day after married for 72 years

Couple that has been married for 72yrs allegedly died the same day.

The couple identify as Israel Akojede and his wife, Mama Esther, was said to have died few hours apart having lived together in marriage that lasted for 72 years.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a report says that the incident happen at Gbonagun Obantoko area of Abeokuta on October 30 2020.

The husband Mr Akojede reported dead around 3 a.m. on Friday, 30th of October, while his beloved wife passed away few hours later on hearing the news of her husband’s death.

Mr Akojede was 103 years old while Mama Esther, was 98 years old.

The 70yrs old first son of the family, Mr Joseph Akojede, who confirmed the deaths, said that though the incident remained a mystery to the family, but that it was expected because of the fondness between them.

“Their death is shocking but also expected. What we are thinking is maybe there would have been a short interval because they both loved themselves dearly.

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

“You can hardly hear them grumbling against each other as mama will say 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 few minutes later she gave up the ghost,’’ he said.

The first grandson of the family, Olanrewaju Akojede of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the demise of the couple was a true version of the popular film, “Romeo and Juliet’’.

“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.

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

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

Their burial ceremony will be announced later by the family.

They are survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

(NAN)