From the meeting at BWI airport in 1999, a beautiful summer wedding ceremony, 3 children and 13 years later, you were always a strong, steady and peaceful presence. Daddy it was an honor to have known you, an honor to have called you daddy, an honor to be called daughter by you. I thank God for what you meant to each of us, for what you meant to me. Thank you for walking in dignity, for leading by example and showing us all how to care for one another. I see you in each of your grandchildren, Subomi 11, Oladimeji 8 and Tiwalade 3. Most especially I see you in Subomi's firm leadership, in Oladimeji's kind smile and in Tiwalade's charisma.

Daddy, even though you are no longer physically with us, your legacy lives on. You will never be forgotten, always fondly remembered. Your teaching the boys to sing “awa soja kekere…” was a delightful surprise to us. They loved it, you obviously enjoyed it tremendously, and now it is a treasured memory. Your teaching me to respond "ko koja afarada" (it's not more than I can bear) when asked if all is well is a lesson that will last and provide wisdom necessary for a lifetime. Your response of "all is not lost" always brought calm to every situation. So daddy, I say, even though you are physically not here, I can peacefully hold on to your teachings knowing that you are not lost, you are just continuing your journey with our Heavenly Father and even though we grieve, ko koja afarada. Sun re o.

I will always love you dearly,
Your daughter,
Yetunde

In the 1987/88 session, at the University of Ibadan, I was in my final year in the Department of History and of course had to write the LONG ESSAY. The topic of that Essay was  "A history of the first twenty-five years of the University College Hospital." My dad, was also a lecturer in the department at the time.

Though he was not my supervisor, he had considerable input in my work. He drew up a rather long list of his colleagues in the Medical School that he felt i must interview. He insisted that i interview Prof. Bayo Olumide first. I asked why and he responded " In my research experience, i have found out that more often than not, the first interview can set the tone for you. A good first session encourages you and inspires you. Bayo, does not stand on ceremony. See him first"

 I did. I spent three exhilarating hours with Prof in the first instance at home, and called on him innumerable times in the office. I found out then, that like my dad, he had been an avid sportsman and was knowledgeable in diverse areas, well outside the realm of medicine. He pruned down the list my old man gave me, suggested the kind of questions i should ask and even told me the kind of reception i would get from certain colleagues. He also insisted that he read my final draft before typing.I must emphasize that this was a very busy man. He went well beyond that which was necessary. He embraced me like i son and i can only say that his contribution to my project, made it all the more robust. I scored the second highest mark in that year for the Long Essays. I have always remembered those times and regret that the vagaries of life, did not permit me to cultivate a more meaningful relationship with him, post graduation.

 I saw Him last at a cocktail at Professor Akinkugbe's house in honour of the "new" governor of Oyo State, Senator Ajimobi. Well over twenty five years had past. Prof was frail, but still full of bonhomie. That sparkle in his eyes was still present. Again, i commiserate with Ade, Kemi and Funmilade and of course aunty Ronke. God will pour his Grace on you all, and enable you to bear this GREAT LOSS. Rest Prof. REST.

He took me for toddler walks through the streets of Edinburgh,
He kept a watchful eye during my asthma attacks,
He taught me how to ride my first bicycle,
He taught me how to tie a Windsor knot,

He taught me about the birds & the bees (and though I was "well schooled" already, I acted like I wasn't),
He taught me how to drive a car, and "burn rubber",
He guided me through trying academic times,
He taught me how to be successful in life & love,
He taught me how to be a responsible father & husband,

I'm still NUMB.....still RAW....but I push on regardless,
Still can't believe...that you are no longer with us,
On the morning of Friday, October 19th, 2012,
I lost my advisor,......my confidanté.....my movie buff,
I lost my "Top Gun"...my cerebral YOKOZUNA....my best friend,

DAD....you have run your race, and your work is done,
No more struggles, no more medical conundrums,
Your 75 years were extremely & excellently well spent,
A life of medical service, a life of GOOD circumstance,
A man of integrity, a man of character,
A man of sartorial elegance, a quiet superstar,
A neurosurgeon of no compare,

Rest well on the bosom of the most high,
I will speak to you EVERYDAY... till we meet again,
You may be absent of body,
But you are present with the Lord,
And ALWAYS in my memories & heart.

Selah. Amen. I LOVE YOU, DAD.

-Ade Olumide