Couple Married For 72 Years Die Same Day In Abeokuta

A married couple, Israel Akojede and Esther Akojede, who have lived together for 72 years in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital have died on the same day, at Gbonagun Obantoko area of Abeokuta on October 30.

Akojede reportedly died around 3 a.m. on that fateful day while his wife died a few hours later, having got the news of her husband’s death.

Akojede was 103 years old while his wife was 98 years old.

The first son of the family aged 70 Joseph Akojede, who confirmed the deaths, said although the incident remained a mystery to the family, 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,” he said.

“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.”

The first grandson of the family, Olanrewaju Akojede, said the demise of the couple was a true version of the classic movie Romeo and Juliet.

Their funeral will be announced later by the family.

The couple are survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“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,” he said.

“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.”