His Friends Have Deserted Us –Sonny Okosuns’ Widow

 

Today on true Nigerians, we bring back memory of one of Nigeria’s finest and legendary musician, Pastor Sonny Okosuns, OON, the high priest of Ozzidism.

Years after the death of the famous music maestro and freedom fighter, a lot is yet to be said about his core values. In this encounter, Mrs. Florence Okosuns and Charle Okosuns, widow and manager cum personal assistant, respectively speak about the quintessential Okosuns and his last moment and life without him.

How has it been without Sonny?

It has not been easy because I lost a very good friend of mine, husband, father and brother. He was everything to me and indeed, he represented so many things in my life. Whenever I think back, it has never been easy at all.

Can you take us back to how you both met?

We meet 34 years ago on my way to pick my nephew from school. I was standing at the bus stop when he pulled over right in my front and offered me a lift, insisting that I must enter. The end of it was that after much persuasion, I joined him in the car and we had a chat on our way.

What were the charming words he said to you that made you give him a second thought?

He was somebody who would not take no for an answer. At the beginning, I was not interested but he insisted and continued to mount pressure on me. On a second thought, I looked at him as a man who is so caring, one who knew what he wanted and was pressing very hard to get what he wanted too. At that point I considered him.

Was he a well-pronounced star when you meet him?

Yes.

Ok, you knew him as the popular Sunny Okosuns?

Yes.

I am thinking that as a celebrity that he was, you shouldn’t have put him through all the stress. Why did you not just accept his good offer?

Well, I did not know why, but I know that at the beginning, it was not love at first sight, so I took my time to consider his offer. Then gradually I started falling in love, because he would not let go despite my resistance.

What was the greatest gift he ever gave you; I mean that very one you cherish the most?

Christ and salvation.

What are your challenges right now?

Well, aside he not been here, a lot of his friends have deserted us. We were expecting them to be around us and try to console and encourage us.

Aside that, is there any other thing?

Nothing else. We have found solace in God now and we thank God that the church is still on.

Let us talk about his church because I am wondering, how come his church is growing bigger even when he is not here anymore?

Yes, after his death, the mantle of leadership was handed down to me.

When people come for counselling on similar issues just as the one you may be facing, do you use yourself as reference for them?

Yes, I do that most times, but then, I use wisdom in doing that, while using the Bible as a reference. You know that there are great men and women of God in the bible who are good examples to emulate, so I use them to encourage those who come for counselling and I do encourage them to hold forth. I do tell them that in case of any bad along their ways, they must not give up, give in or throw in the towel.

How do you feel when you hear his song paying on the street?

I feel very happy that his memory lives on.

Sonny’s last request –Charles, manager for 35 years

What are the things you miss most about Sunny Okosuns?

First, I will say a very big thank you to you, Zaaki, and I sincerely believe that if we have two or three of your type, entertainment will be at its right place in this country. I least expected that an artist of your status will be doing what you are doing now. So I thank you for that.

On your question, I will say we give glory to God, because He knew why it happened. I think of Sonny every day and there is a lot to say about him. I can talk about him all day.

What is that thing you really miss about him?

Sonny is always funny every time you are with him, you can never be sad even for a moment.

As his manger you must have known him very well, can you tell us a little about other great artists Sonny has had dealings with?

It is a catalog. I cannot remember all and no one can because they are too many. Let me just tell you of the very few I can remember. I remember that we had dealings with most of the international groups like Bob Marley, Rita Marley, Peter Tosh, Lucky Dube, Black Itals, Steve Wonder, and so many others. They were very close friends of Sonny.

What was the last thing he said to you before he died?

He told me, Charles keep up the mantle. Do not let my music die. I thank God for helping me keep my end of the promise to Sonny before he left.

 True Nigeria in The Sun