Usually, it is the death of a very close blood relative that invokes in most men a deep sense of loss and grief. However, here lies my adopted father; mentor and friend, an individual whose unique life helped define his epoch. The “checking out (using his own words)”of a magnificent phenomenon, has invoked an universal mourning because of the life he lived. Death, you are a loser as Uyi lives on in my life, personally and in the lives of numerous people whose uniqueness has touched.

This eulogy would’ve been best suited for a retirement gathering or a 70th birthday celebration. However, here lay the body of Anthony (ificent) Afuwape, a Professor of Ordinary Differential Equation and a father to many. Driving from Chicago to Indiana and listening through the hands free system, he sounded positive, strong, and courageous as ever and I was confident in my mind that we would definitely speak again. Unfortunately, I never knew that would be the last opportunity to speak to Prof Anthony Uyi Afuwape, my father.

It all started on a rainy day, around 6pm, I had just been posted to Obafemi Awolowo University and I was to report at the Department of Mathematics. On this day, being my first time on the campus and knowing no one, I headed for the Department not expecting to meet anyone. Behold, I met Professor Afuwape who was at that time the Head of Department of Mathematics. The rest is history.

The last time we spent time together, we were on Skype (That's a Nigerian professor who was always ready to learn. He embraced emerging technologies, things that his generation struggled with, he would even sometimes enlighten the our generation).

We spoke at length, I was in my home office, in Belgium. I had shown him my office on video and he saw the enormous books in my collection. He was so proud that he said "I still feel you are not well acknowledged because you've chosen not to become a Professor". He knew how far and wide I collaborate with top universities in the world. He acknowledges and celebrates excellence. He would also criticize when you are under performing. That was the man, Uyi Afuwape. By the way, despite my achievements I'm still a "stupid fellow" because if you think you've achieved something, he still challenges you that you shouldn't feel complacent.

We ended the long conversation by asking if I was truly happy, which I answered positively. He then started asking about his grandchildren, my kids. He asked about what plans I have for them, how they are doing in school. Even telling me how we should make sure they eat healthy and stay healthy and give them the opportunities we never had.

Meeting Prof Afuwape was one of the best things to have happened to me. He “adopted” me as son and we became almost inseparable. Sharing many moments together; moments of fun, Fabu (jokes), crazy travels, but also facing challenges. He was always the man to go to for all that life threw onto my plate. As we grew closer, I had learnt how similar our humble backgrounds have been.

He was my Mentor and Teacher, though he neither taught nor mentor me in differential equations. He taught me how to be strong in the midst of challenges. He taught me how to stay focused and continue to strive for excellence. He taught me nothing excellent comes cheap, but with hard work and determination. He taught me to plan within my means, he taught me not to be carried away amidst of peer-pressure. He taught me how to pull through even when I'm being pulled down. He taught me all I need to be the success I am today.

He’s an astute academic, planner, organizer, economist, futuristic, warm hearted, kind, selfless, discipline, hardworking and caring family man to his immediate family and to all who encountered him. While most professors are avoided by students like a plague, the contrary is for Uyi he has a force of attraction to everyone.

The sun has set and the great Iroko of Third Order ODE has fallen. Just like everyone else who knew Uyi, it will not sink in that he is gone. Not today, not this year, and I think not ever. It will not. Those of us to whom he was a father, it’s even harder to register – definitely a sad day for us all, a heartbreak it is.

For me it’s even scarier. However, I take solace in the fact that Uyi fought many battles and won all. I guess you were tired of winning. I miss you my father, my friend, my mentor, my teacher. I will always miss you. There must be a cloud in my head because rain keeps falling from my eyes. Oh no no they can't be teardrops for I know Uyi is alive and he lives in some of us.

The Antonificient Afuwape, you were a phenomenon. Wherever you are, definitely among the Angels, it is the truth that your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. As you Checked Out, Rest In Perfect Peace !!!!

Prof. Anthony Afuwape is a retired Professor of Mathematics at the Department of Mathematics, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria (OAU) before he finally moved to the Instituto de Matematicas, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle Medellin, Colombia.

HOW I MET PROF
I met Prof at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria-UNAAB (now Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta-FUNAAB) in the final year of my of 1st degree programme. He taught me two courses; Differential Equations and Measure Theory and Integration. This was around 2002. He also supervised my final year project work titled ‘Equivalence Relations in Algebraic Structures’. I had to visit him at OAU concerning my project, not knowing OAU would later on become a working place for me. In fact, I can remember that the lecture auditorium (CHM 102) where I waited for Prof before his arrival in his office was the 1st venue where I delivered my 1st lecture at OAU in 2006.

In 2003, I met him again while I was on my M.Sc. programme at UNAAB during the African Mathematical Union Conference, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, 16th-22nd November.
I approached him, introduced myself and he welcomed me, encouraged me and gave me the right hand of mathematical fellowship (as shown in the 2nd picture).

While I was concluding my M.Sc. research work, Prof visited UNAAB occasionally. On one occasion, he ‘academically harassed’ me saying ‘when are you starting your Ph.D.?’ I was wondering, ‘but I have just completed my M.Sc., can’t I just rest a little?’. Then he said some thing that struck me: ‘YOU ARE NOT YET A MATHEMATICIAN, UNTIL YOU HAVE A PH.D.’. Those words kept ringing in my mind! until I completed my Ph.D.

MY JOURNEY TO OAU
Prof was instrument to my joining the Department of Mathematics, OAU. Even though he had retired by the time I arrive OAU, his love, compassion, encouragement, direction and chastisement as well as academic harassment still continued online and via emails.

LIFE WITH PROF

Any time Prof visited Nigeria from Columbia, it was a pleasure being with him. Sharing his wealth of experience in life, profession, family and career, as a father and a mentor, with all delight and joy. I learnt a lot from him.

MY LAST MOMENT WITH PROF

Exactly on the 13th of March 2016 (I actually assumed duty at OAU on the 13th of March, 2006), my heart was moved to write a special composition for Prof using his name:

A-Articulate
F-Fatherly
U-Ultimate
W-Watchful
A-Academic
P-Professional
E-Experienced

I thank God for all your children (both Biological and Academic) and the grace God almighty granted you for your life on planet earth. You will be missed! Like you often drag the last vowel in my name when you call me 'Topeee'.

Oh Prof! a father and friend, an inspiration and a source of encouragement. From differential equations of order 3, you have moved into the 3rd heaven (paradise).

1 or 2 days before you finally left, I was troubled in my dreams, then I made some calls. Goodnight Prof.

Like dy sleeps on the bosom of dx, sleep in the lord! We shall miss you. We love you.

When the men were boyz to men! 

Daddy, you made us proud even in a strange land. 

All your students in Medellin couldn't stop talking about you.

You loved to travel, you loved to soar, you retired a decade ago in Nigeria, yet you continued to work in a lovely country called Colombia. 

Now I understand why, you totally fell in love with the weather, people, the life and the culture. You calculated it all like you always do in Mathematics. lol ! My darling father! Omowe to Moye! 

You have started your home going in a glorious way! Your children are proud of you. Your wife was honoured. 

Thank you.

Good night daddy, we will meet again, in a place where no tears will be shed.

You made us proud. Thank you. 

I remember vack then, several years ago my first meeting with Prof. then Mr. Uyi Afuwape. I was a timid, young secondary school graduate seeking admission into the university. While leaving home my dad told me of a relative in the Campus- University of Ife. I got to Mathematics Deot and asked of him. His charming smiles disarmed me of every fear I had. He ooened not only his hear to me but his home, then a one bedroom apartment in the university guest house where he was staying with his beautiful wife, having just returned from the U.S.A after his studies there on the university scholarship.

Then came 'Alli must go' students' protest and the campus was closed down. First, he ensured I was safe, secondly, he would tell me. "Hun, Iyabo, font play o because when you are calked to resume, it will be exam. So as he was leaving for the camous everyday, we went together so i could read.

 On my graduation day, his home was open for me to rejoice and celebrate.

When I was preparing for marriage, he stood by me and supported me in every way he could.

When I started having children, his advicevto me and my husband has always been, Iyabo, toju awon omo e o. Awon ni ebi e'.  Meaning, 'Iyabo, take care of your children, they are your family members'

He would ask after each of my siblings and how they are faring.

Earky this year he was home but I could go to see him. I called after he returned to Colombia and he expressed his regrets of us not being able to meet because of his tight schedules ehen he came home. I never knew that would be the last time I would ever hear him speak. As usual, he never forgot to give his counsel and ask after my siblings.

Oh how I will miss you. You touched my life in a way that words are not sufficient to express.

You are gone but tge goid works you did will continue to speak after you.

You were a great man and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to meet and relate with you.