What is the importance of Sandayọ's deceased wife, Funke, in the novel, Welcome to Lagos?

Sandayọ thinks of his wife frequently throughout the novel, particularly when he is doing something he knows she would not approve of; she is a symbol of his conscience. Shortly before he leaves Lagos (and his career in government), for example, Sandayọ notes that "If his wife were alive, he would never have taken this job" (49). Funkẹ and Sandayọ had one child together, a son, after which Funkẹ could no longer conceive. She became devoutly religious, praying for the miracle of another baby. Her piety made Sandayọ uncomfortable, and he began having affairs with other women. This is why Funkẹ comes to mind when Sandayọ is feeling guilty or trying to convince himself to do the right thing; he feels he should make up for his past wrongs.