The Lead Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, has shared a touching personal story about how his wife, Modele, once encouraged him to spend an evening with another woman, his mother.
Fatoyinbo, who has been married for over two decades, said the incident taught him one of life’s most valuable lessons about love, family, and time.
“After 21 years of marriage, my wife pulled me aside one day and said there was something she wanted from me, she wanted me to spend an evening with another woman. She told me, ‘I love you, but I know she loves you too, and I want you to give her a little of your time,’” he recalled.
According to him, the “other woman” was his mother, who had been living alone for 19 years following the death of his father. Caught up with ministry duties, work, and raising three children, Fatoyinbo admitted he rarely spent time with her.
He narrated that he immediately called his mother to invite her out to dinner.
“She was surprised and asked if something was wrong.
When I told her I just wanted to spend time with her, there was a long silence before she said, ‘I’d really love that,’” he said.
Recalling the memorable evening, Fatoyinbo said his mother dressed up specially for the outing, wearing the same dress she had used during her last wedding anniversary with his late father.
“When she got in the car, her smile was that of a little girl,” he said.
They dined together, reminisced about the past, and talked about life. “We talked so much that we forgot about the movie we had planned to see. But it didn’t matter , that evening was already perfect,” he added.
Sadly, Fatoyinbo revealed that his mother passed away a few days later from a heart problem before they could have a second dinner.
A few weeks after her passing, he received an envelope containing the restaurant receipt for two meals and a handwritten note from his late mother.
“I didn’t know if there would be a next time, so I paid in advance. It’s for you and your wife. That evening meant a lot to me. I love you, my son.”
Reflecting on the experience, the pastor said the episode made him realize how priceless small gestures and moments of love can be.
“That day, I truly understood how much the little things matter, how important it is to say ‘I love you’ and make time for those who love us. Because nothing in the world is more precious than that,” he concluded.
