Singer and songwriter Teni Apata and her sister Teju have honoured their late father, Brigadier-General Simeon Apata, 30 years after his tragic assassination.
Teni shared heartfelt words on Instagram, celebrating her father as a hero and a trailblazer.
“On this day, Nigeria stood still! My hero was taken from us. Keep resting gallant soldier, Apata!!! My father, an icon, philanthropist, one of a kind.
“Your legacy will live forever,” she wrote, accompanied by pictures of the late Brigadier-General.
Teju also took to Instagram, recounting the chilling details of their father’s murder, which included the use of a two-week-old baby as bait.
She expressed the deep impact his death had on their family, lamenting that she never had the chance to take a photo with him.
Reflecting on the loss, Teju shared how their elder sister, singer Niniola provided comforting words, urging her to see their father’s image in herself.
“30 years ago you were assassinated in your home in front of your wife and children. In front of your 2-week-old baby used as bait. I never got a chance to take a picture with you.
“But when I spoke to my older sister @officialniniola yesterday, she said, ‘Look in the mirror, every time you see yourself, you see him.’ That one hit deep. Rest in peace Simeon Olaosebikan Apata,” she wrote.
Brigadier-General Simeon Apata, a respected military officer, was known for his courageous fight against armed robbery.
His legacy lives on through the Apata Memorial Nursery/Primary and Secondary School, which continues to educate young Nigerians.
