20 years After Accident, Ayefele Reflects
In a recent interview with the Independent Newspapers, popular gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele, reflected on the 1997 automobile accident which damaged his spinal cord and confined him to a wheelchair.
The Ekiti born artiste who began his music career that same year, stated that the accident taught him how important spinal cords are.
“Each time I remember the pains I go through, I reflect on the importance of spinal cord at all time,” Ayefele said.
When asked about his experience while on the hospital bed, he said,
“I thought it was the end of the whole thing but, when I got to know that it was spinal cord injury; I was a bit confused because I did not really know much about spinal cord and its value in human lives. When I was told that I might be confined to a wheelchair for life, I thought I was going to die.
“Eventually, I made up my mind and told God that I want to live and I will still walk again. I am still living because we were about over 40 that were brought to Neurological Department of the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan (UCH) at that same time, virtually all of them died, I was the only survivor. I thought it was going to be the end for me, but God is indeed awesome.”
According to him, “The pains and the restriction [of a wheelchair] alone are cumbersome because at the time you want to get something done, you cannot do it if there is no assistance.”
He however expressed gratitude to God for life.
“If I am alive, I won’t be able to achieve what I have today and in achieving that, it’s not by my doing but that of God.
“I have a lot of friends doing what I am also doing but cannot boast of what I have achieved. It’s not by my doing but the power of God Almighty.
“The gift of life has been the spirit that made me want to forge ahead because if I was dead; you all will be gathered here for my remembrance, but God is awesome.”
