My darling Funsie as I would call you there's not a passing day that memories of you would not cross my mind, be it your smile, your crude jokes or the loving gestures of friendship and kindness you poured into my life. I will hold thoughts of you till my dying day my sweet and loving friend. I still believe we will meet again in our next life. Wherever you are may your soul continuously rest in perfect peace.

All my love

Buky Taiwo

Oh happy birthday by the way

Funto, I'll miss seeing you. Whenever we met, I was always impressed by your optimism, dynamism and energy. Our Lord, Jesus, said that the reason for His coming was that we may have life and have it abundantly. And my observation is that you made the most of the opportunities presented by your environment and you encouraged us all to take bold steps and do likewise. Your efforts towards the upliftment of others was in effect a service to our Lord.

May the seeds of positivity you have sown in the lives of those impacted your life continue to bear fruit to the glory of God: Rest in Peace, Funto.

Its hard to process the fact that you are actually gone! God knows! 

Its hard to process the fact that you are actually gone!  You were a brother and a friend!  God knows...

This was taken in Omo Forest November 2012 or 13 (we went two years running). I remember we were both hopelessly lost with another Cycology chap Vernon and we went dep into the forest (at least 10km and we decided it was time to turn back when the road forked two ways with no "ribbon" describing which way to go next. He was still his boisterous and funny self and theres another pic of me leaning over my bike exhausted which he took with the caption "TP don't fling your bike over the edge- you need it to get back!"
I remember us making that tough ride back together and me crashing down the hill after my brakes failed but lived to tell the tale... Those were fun times! I still see your easy smile and encouraging words which shall remain with me to eternity.
Godspeed my friend and may the wind always be behind you! 

Funto Akinkugbe

I remember when we were at All Saints' together. Lots of playing around. You were a bit rough though. I remember vividly, tricks you played on me especially the 'invisible rope' you always claimed only you could see and use.

Fast forward to London when you started 'Finding a job in Africa' and later in Nigeria, I think 2004 or thereabouts.

The shock of the news of your death is stunning. I pray the Lord grant you eternal peace and your family, the strength to go through this harrowing experience.

Sleep in the Lord's bosom bro.

It is with rude shock that I l learned of the untimely death of Funto Akinkugbe, who born into two reputable families in Ondo Kingdom-The Akinkugbes and the Awosikas. I got to meet this ebullient, vivacious, friendly and very respectful young man through his first cousin, Mr Kehinde Faturoti(who has thesame character traits like him) at Esporta Suites, Ondo sometime this year. He immediately struck me as a very intelligent and cerebral Human Resources Practitioner with  very bright ideas. May his soul rest in peace, and may God give the family, especially his wife, brothers and father the fortitude to bear the loss.

Akin Ogungbe, MBA, FCA, FCTI

It's all good bro.....

Though we will have to deal with our grief and the 'pain of separation', we are encouraged by the fact that doubtless, you are in a much better place, a place where all the cares of this world mean nothing.

May God grant Buki the strength to stand at this time and in the days to come.

See you later bro......

...Indeed we did LIFE with the Gift to me since we met back in 1991 back in the UK and we became great friends. Used to call him Sir Funto because of his aristocratic tendencies. We did LIFE with my brother both in the UK and Johannesburg and was instrumental in my decision to come back to Africa after a series of prayers, self discovery and counselling.

Sir Funto & Buki made their debut visit to Johannesburg, South Africa back in 2002 and it was a joyful time spent with the Akinkugbes. At the time I was contemplating starting my own company and I remember in one morning we were doing breakfast and Funto got some paper and pencils and in that one morning we came up with the name of the company, branding and he even designed the logo for me. That's how EPOD Global was formed and he inspired the name ...Global cause he said to me "..my Brodda if you gonna be going to London, Accra, Lagos, Johannesburg, Bulawayo...you need to add Global cause we going Global. Infact put my details for your UK & Lagos offices...we Global now my Brodda..". A couple of weeks later EPOD Global went into business. 
I remember we went for dinner during this leg of their visit to a meat company called the Carnivore, they serve all sorts of meat, about 15-20 different meats/animals and Sir Funto was very curious and wanted to go. He was so excited about eating all sorts of meats. He spent the whole day practising how he's going to devour those "animals" and throw away their carcases like true viking. The evening came and we arrived and I had warned my brodda not to have starch cause that would ruin his exploration of the rest of the meats..but he was so hungry he asked for a baked potato...typical British. Sir Funto had about 4-5 servings including chicken & he raised his flag in surrender...he had accepted deafeat...chicken. We laughed at the Viking teasing him that he still had a buffalo to conquire. I said to him we going back tomorrow...the Viking almost cried.
Sir Funto enjoyed Johannesburg so much he said on his second visit he'll bring a Career conference. An in 2004 he returned with a Career Fair under the banner of FindaJobinAfrica. And that's when the scripture that says...everything is possible to him that believes..." came alive for me. Sir Funto brought the Career Fiar to Sandton, Johannesburg and it was a huge success...was proud of my Brodda coming to a foreign land and taking it by storm. He partnered with a number of local companies & in turn EPOD Global address became his local office. 

We also played a lot in Joburg, visiting landmark arears like Soweto, Joburg CBD, did some bush adventures...and indeed we did LIFE with Sir Funto. I enjoyed you my Brodda and am ever so grateful to the Almighty to have shared moments with you & you'll always be cherished - Rest Now my friend with Much Love.

Sam 

Dear Funto

I am still struggling to accept the reality of your passing on. Keeps coming to me like a bad dream, which I keep trying to forget only to be reminded by our promised meeting that never was and calls from mutual business associates and friends, who have been expressing their shock, disbelief and grief.

That is the power of your effect on us all, the liveliness of your infectious personality, always positive in thoughts and actions, willing to engage and drive successful outcomes while refusing to give up when things do not appear to go as planned. From a brief business meeting in 2004 evolved a close relationship with Funto, like minds working towards a common purpose, confidants in situations requiring a true friend to support, share and laugh with over the down time.

Suddenly you are no more there. WHAT A LOSS!!!. But our heavenly Father knows what is best for us all, even when us mortals think it is too soon for you to embark on this final journey to eternal rest. 

Funto may your gentle soul Rest in Perfect Peace

I saw Funto Akinkugbe in my office about 2 years ago;  I hadn't seen him in over 15 years. He still had the 'All Saint's' look. He hadn't changed and I was surprised that he recognized me instantly. He called me by my full name and we talked like there hadn't been any separation. We picked up from the last time we saw, went down memory lane and Funto was just natural. He was himself; no airs,  no fake attitude, very genuine. He was a jolly good fellow!  

We have lost a gem but God gained an angel. My heart goes to his wife - Bukky, siblings -Olumbe &co, family and loved one's. Take heart,  I pray God gives you the strength to bear this loss.  Funto is now an angel and I'm sure he's  smiling down at us. 

Rest in perfect peace bro!  God loves you more

... rode right across my heart, left cycle tracks of friendship, then rode out again...

Funto dear,
Unlike many others, I have no specific memories of insightful conversations or meaningful visits to share, I just have a deep sense of loss at your passing, so much so, I am overwhelmed with sadness.
I don't remember the day we met, I just know that it was on a Saturday ride...  You were encouraging, funny, full of life with a voice that boomed across the peleton and made me smile, with a whistle that reminded me of Carnival in London, and terminology, ("CupCakes") that reminded me of why I needed to ride to lose weight!!!  
At the time, you were generous enough to let me think I could ride with the big boys, (as I call all you A-team riders), but that was just you... so very encouraging, so inclusive, so sensitive to those weaker than you, so kind, so funny, so generous... so many words to describe you and yet so few!!!
Then you were my In-Law, (or rather, my In-Law's cousin), and my Aburo, so you were family... That only made you more special in my eyes!
Truth is, I will miss you Funto, very much, especially the fact that no matter how good I get now, I will never have the opportunity to ride with you in this life again!
That said, the BEST thing about you is that as you were an unapologetic follower of Christ, I will get to ride with you one day, whenever the LORD calls me home too.
Sleep well Funto, Cycology will not be the same without.  We will learn to live with the vacuum that you have left behind, but no-one will ever take the place of you in our hearts.

I was at cross roads in my life when you stepped in and took up the role of mentor and confidant. You asked me how I was doing and I gave the typical response that all was well but you saw past that and pushed until I opened up and from then on life became less intimidating because by believing in me you had convinced me that I could take on the world. You took me on as your latest project; so many plans. 

You had a way of making each and every person feel special. Even on Friday when you when you had taken a turn for the worse you were still more concerned about me and my silly problems. I will never be able to watch Big bird on Sesame Street without seeing your face. And I will put that mind to work,  that mind you thought analysed things from a totally different angle. To think we had an appointment for today. 

Rest in peace the big bird who helped everyone possible find a way. 

Dear Funto, 

I met you through my brother and for whatever reason, you took to me like your sister (it turns out this is your nature as you made everyone feel special). When you discovered I was job hunting, you made recommendations and sent me opportunities, one of which I eventually accepted. You even suggested business ideas once you honed in on my talents. I will never forget you. Thank you for being a loyal friend. Sun re o!

Ha 'Fun-to!' Why now? You were many things to different people - warm, jovial, fun to be with, sociable, full of life, hard-working, etc . To me, you were everything including 'Mr Fix-it'; 'Mr Motivator'; 'business connector' (had a penchant for linking business contacts et al whenever an opportunity presents itself).

I met 'Fun-to' in the summer of 2004 at a Commonwealth Business Council event in Abuja and we hit it off immediately.  I had returned to Nigeria early that year - 'Fun-to' was still planning his homecoming so we had a lot to discuss on the subject.  Over the next 4 years, I got to know 'Fun-to' as a social friend, that is until, I decided to leave paid employment and start a private practice. My first experience of doing business in Nigeria was a total disaster - barely a year into my practice with a partner, I had closed shop, losing unimaginable sums of money due to a fraudulent act.  Without a source of income to boast of, and running out of my meagre savings, my once boisterous life took a tumble - I was depressed, with very low self esteem, hopeless and tired of living. 

Just like a lot of friends that heard of my predicament, 'Fun-to' came calling. Mr Motivator was a realist to the core, using words on me that tore into my soul, reiterating times without number how much he believed in my ability and his willingness to hold my hand on that journey.  A couple of days later Mr Fix-it came up with an idea: "Walter, why don't you come up with a capability document, design layout and print that will metamorphose into a service brochure and I [Funto] will pay for a beautiful website on your behalf to go with other marketing materials?'' At this point in time, 'Fun-to' had concluded plans to move into his new office on Boyle Street with his staff.  While the office was being refurbished, 'Fun-to' asked that we meet up there for a chat later in the evening and, to my surprise, a space was carved out for me in his personal office which we shared for two straight years.  Over the course of those two years, 'Fun-to' believed he was learning from my consulting experience - oblivious of the fact that I was the apprentice in both our partnership and relationship - the consumate salesman. The incredible bond we shared stood till he took his last breath.

'Fun-to', you and I were together at Bogobiri a few weeks back just after we concluded a project (just like days of old) as a reward for a job well done, reminiscing about all the projects we had done together (especially the unsuccessful ones), laughing out loud at our ignorance, mistakes, et al, promising to meet up for drinks more often.  Though we spoke on the phone the same week you left us, I never knew it would be our last time together.  

I am in so much pain right now.  The sort of pain I last felt when I lost my dear Mum a little over 8yrs ago.  My brother from another mother is gone forever from this cruel world and with him he took a part of me. I will always remember you for your love, encouragement, support and accepting everyone that came into contact with you for who they are.

Rest in peace Olufunto Olakunle James Akinkugbe.

Adieu my brother.    
  

You had a unique  and special way in which you affected eveyone you came in contact with ,most importantly a blessing to your generation.
But you left too early!
Rest in peace 
 

At this point I'm lost for words. Still in shock that I will no longer hear his voice, his laugher, his teasing me on Skype any time we write or speak on Skype, Whatsup and text. I'm totally devastated. Funto (Funsie as I normally call him was my best friend). His kindness and sweet heart was limitless. He never had a bad bone or word to say about anyone or anything. I used to joke with him and say "Funsie you are truly blessed. You have 2 Buky's in your life one as a wonderful, beautiful and loving wife and the other myself as a best friend. You are a very, very lucky man" I can still hear his laughter as I told this to him. 

I loved the way he swagged, the way he spoke his English Language and then switched in to his native Yoruba language THE MAN HAD STYLE!!!!..., Class personified. That was my Funsie. 

He was a true friend. When my father passed away he was there for me. A true pillar of support. Picked me at the airport, gave me his work car and driver to shuttle me around Lagos, housed me and even took me back to the airport on departure. He was there for me through thick and thin. 

Funsie was my darling friend that would never be forgotten. I pray and believe that we will meet again in another life. But till then good bye my sweet darling friend. I love you with all my heart. Rest in perfect  peace... IN JESUS MiGHTY NAME I PRAY. AMEN

It took me a while to be able to write this, after reading Mabogs's message and then talking to him on Saturday evening. I did not want to believe it at first. It seemed unreal, some big mistake. It couldn't be our Funto that has died. He had just been out at Freedom Park the Friday before. I really liked how he always came to the front of the stage to dance during Afropolitan Vibes. He was so youthful, fun and had such good vibes. A truly beautiful person.

I remember meeting Funto for the first time on my first gruelling 150k ride to LFTZ on Good Friday. We talked about how he and I were the only steel frame bikes in the group. He had a fall together with one or two other people (I forget who) just before LFTZ. It looked really bad and I was worried that the guys had hurt themselves. Luckily it turned out to be just a few scratches. I got the first aid kit from my car to spray disinfectant on Funto's leg.

I went on the first Idanre trip with Funto a few weeks later and have such beautiful memories of it. From my first Nigerian Food that I truly enjoyed (Gbanunu and pounded yam) at the favorite Ondo town spot (was it called "The Food Welcome Center"?) to our beautiful hike up the Idanre Hills to the amazing but tough bike ride the next day on which Funto had to rack up because he was getting cramps to our barbecue in the evening, the local Otunba's (?) party Funto took us to, the exquisite tour of old Ondo town that he gave us (It is one of the most interesting and beautiful towns that I have seen!). Funto was known and liked everywhere. One could tell it was truly his town. He was such a wonderful host, taking such good care of us and showing us his town enthusiastically. I really liked Funto right away and made a mental note to try to spend more time with him. I meant to ask him about his business and learn things from him. He seemed like someone one could learn things from. Then I got busy with work, biked less, went away for summer. When I came back and saw Funto at my first Saturday ride after a while, I again thought about how I meant to spend more time with him and learn more about what he does. I didn't know I would not have time to do so.

I will remember his warmth, his genuiness and his joy of life and of course his booming voice. I still hear him shouting "my peeps"!

I still don't want to believe that Funto is gone. So unfair. He was so young, so full of life. He had many things still to do. I feel very deeply for his family and wish them strength. I hope he has gone to a better place. Rest in Peace dear Funto, you beautiful soul.

Funto the shock of this news is beyond words, but the God of all comfort reminded me of what Paul said in Phil 1:21, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Funto you’ve gained a glorious entry, though you’ll be greatly missed, your legacy will speak by the people you have impacted their lives. Any which way we looked at this, whether you are with us or with Christ, Funto you won.

May the presence of the God of all comfort be with the family.

Sometimes we think life isn't fair. But really it holds the very best for loved ones. I am glad that you're in a better place, free of troubles, hustle and bustle of this present life. Although I looked forward to a ride with you which never happened just because you had completed the ride. I have learnt a lot from all that i read about you. It's pity I could only pick from your past works. Am glad i still did get to know you. Rest well brother.

'Funto Baba' (as I called you) - we still chatted on WhatsApp last Thursday about a transaction we were to close when I returned to Nigeria this week..

A very proud Ondo man and our Ondo cycle tour guide, you arranged for your driver to drive me to Ondo a few weeks ago for our second cycle tour of Ondo this year, saying you couldn't bear me missing another opportunity to tour your beautiful, historic town.

We really bonded during our May and July 2015 cycling trips to Ondo and I am so glad I spent those weekends with you, not realizing how long more you had left with us!!

I continue to replay the scene and laughter we shared - when your cycling shorts gave way during our last ride and you had to place a plastic bag inside your shorts to cover up that big butt of yours:-)

I remember you insisting we said a prayer of protection before our rides at Ondo (with me thinking to myself that you like to pray sha), chatting with me about plans for your wife to visit with you in Nigeria and asking me to feature in a new radio program you were about to launch.

I will miss so many things about you Bro - your sense of humour, leadership qualities, fun-loving character, deep husky voice, dance steps and unbelieveable ability to put a smile on everyone's face.

Bro, I am shaken and it is difficult to digest this news, but I know God knows best and took you home to liven things up in Heaven.

Good Night my dear friend and make sure you are at Heaven's gates with a spare bike to welcome and show me around Heaven when God calls me home!!

I feel so sad!!! Its beginning to dawn on me that my Boss, Mentor and Coach who trained me in the HR Profession and who equally doubled as an elder brother, friend is no more...coming to terms that i will no longer be able to run to him on his guidance, opinion and lead on issues requiring his wisdom and expertise is unbearable. Mr Funto Akinkugbe of findajobinAfrica.com touched my life, career, marriage and friends. In tears trying to imagining a world without him. This life is so transient.


Trained me as fresh graduate to sit and have meetings with CEOs with confidence, How to get through top executives and avoid mexican road sweepers as would say using the Telephone, How to close Business deals, How to appreciate a wife . How to do Recruitment and HR professionally, Introduced me to very senior collegues as his partner to encourage my development. He was a good mentor and leader and above all a senior brother......RIP Mr Funto. I will miss you.

What a sad and scary way to wake up, with the news of One of us not with us anymore.

Since the first time I met Funto, he has made me feel better, accepted, so inclusive, such a nice and kind person. Last time was last Saturday at Freedom park when he was still cheering me to enjoy the moment. Thanks for contaminating me with your "joie de vivre".

We may sometime perceive life as unfair even though I am sure "GOD time is the best time".

May we all learn our lessons from it and remember that, that ride could be the last one, that freedom park party could be the last one, that we take for granted may not be again, inclusive of our good health.

Mon cher Funto, que la terre de nos ancêtres te soit fertile. 

You are already missed.

I am speechless! Funto, you were a trailblazer and an inspiration to so many people. This generation has lost one of it's brightest stars. Rest in peace my Brother.

...Goodnight and sleep well!

  Olufunto James Akinkugbe,my boss,mentor,teacher and best of my colleague like you always referred to us.You will forever be remembered,you gave me a rare opportunity when you employed me as an undergraduate believing in my abilities,you tutored,scolded and moulded me to be who I am today in my career,funto you pushed me to be the best,your words were,Bidemi no worries you can do it,its not rocket science.

Funto I can't stop my tears from falling,you were indeed a rare gem,sleep on boss. 

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me.
Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect. Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere.
Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.

Henry Scott Holland