January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
This is really sad. May the Lord rest his soul and give his children, wife and the rest of his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
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7000 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Saturday 30th January 2020 @ 10:00am
Interment follows @12:00 Noon
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home
9925 West Thomas Road
Avondale, AZ 85392
10:00 AM - SERVICE
11:30 AM - LEAVE CHURCH TO INTERNMENT
ADENIJI AKINBOYEJO ADARALEGBE JUNIOR was born to the family of late Professor Adeniji and Mrs. Ebunoluwa Rosemarie Adaralegbe. His paternal grandfather was a direct descendant of the Oyiyo Ruling House of Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State while his late mother was an indigene of Ondo town, Ondo State. Adeniji was born in St John’s Episcopal Hospital, Queens, New York on 31st July 1968 on the eve of his father’s successful defense of his PhD in New York University. He was given the name “Akinboyejo” in commemoration of this happy occasion. Buoyed by the popular Black American culture of that time that saw black American male offsprings like Martin Luther King Jnr. and many others, being named after their fathers, his father named his son “Adeniji Junior.” “Junior”, as he would come to be popularly known from infancy was the fifth child out of seven children of Professor and Mrs Adaralegbe. He had two brothers and four sisters.
His father joined the then University of Ife(now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, in present day Osun State, South Western Nigeria, in the late 1960s after completing his studies and his family relocated from New York, USA to the University staff quarters in Ile-Ife. The period coincided with the University’s movement from Ibadan, its temporary site to Ile-Ife, its permanent site, widely adjudged as one of the most beautiful university campuses at that time. It was in Ife campus that Junior thrived and grew into a healthy, beautiful, sociable, and very gregarious child. His older siblings remember him to be the kid brother who could not be separated from sucking his thumb. Not even a sock tied tightly around his hand and soaked in bitter herbs could stop him from sucking!
He attended the University Staff School, Seventh Day Adventist Primary School and St. Johns Grammar School, (a Catholic day School), all in Ile Ife for his nursery, primary and secondary school education. He excelled modestly in sports in Secondary School, representing his School in the junior category of long distance running. Junior was admitted to the University of Ife, Faculty of Administration to study Accounting, in the mid-80s, later acquiring a B.Sc. in Accounting. His time at the University was very happy. He kept up with a very active social life where he was a common face at parties and made so many friends that he remained in contact with, even after he left the University.
Junior left Nigeria in January 1992 for the United States, arriving first in Chicago, and then moving to Atlanta in 1992, and then to Iowa in 1995, before finally settling in Phoenix, Arizona in 2001. Junior attended Grandview College, Des Moines, Iowa, receiving a second Bachelor’s degree, this time in Computer Information Systems. He later obtained a professional certification in Microsoft (MCSC). He worked in Northwest Bank Des Moines (now Wells Fargo Bank) at some point. In Arizona, he worked and was mentored by one of the greatest telemarketers of his time. It was here that Junior’s entrepreneurial spirit really sprang to life. He left to set up his own business in 2004, beginning with The Greatest Virtual Office, a Website development company. He eventually set up Elevated Marketing Strategies, an internet advertising/telemarketing company. He also had a clothing line, which he named NY/X-New York Exchange, where he sold upscale Italian wears. Junior went into partnership with others and set up an online business named Arraga.com, with offices in Phoenix, London and Lagos. Before he became sick, he was exploring Nigeria’s vast untapped opportunities and together with his wife, attended and spoke at a number of conferences, granted television interviews and produced promotional videos. He was very successful in business and at the height of his business, Junior had on his pay roll a large number of staff in his employment.
In 1995, he met his soul mate Sandra “Sandy” Johnson in Des Moines, Iowa and they got married in Phoenix, Arizona in December 1999 and a union of 21 beautiful years is blessed with four beautiful children; Adejope Marie, Adejaiye Rose, Adeniji Dean(III) and Adesewa Kay. He was an extremely happy family person and his family meant absolutely everything to him. He loved his wife so dearly and took her everywhere. They were business partners and took important decisions together. His children were the reason Junior got up every day. He wanted them to be complete, accomplished and beautiful human beings. He sent his daughter to a boarding house in England for exposure. In Arizona, he personally drove his daughter to school everyday, but he was quite strict with them.
In Phoenix, where three of his sisters also lived, he relentlessly encouraged them to quit paid employment and seek self-employment. He was a very great uncle to his nieces and nephews, and was counselor-in-chief to all of them on life matters. Music was an integral and important part of Junior’s life. He played his favorite Yoruba, Jazz, Gospel and oldies at home, in his car and at work. He was an extremely good dancer and as a child he won several cash gifts for his dancing prowess. Junior was very adventurous, very outdoor and had an optimistic, positive and sunny disposition to life. He constantly organized family get-togethers, vacations, barbecues, and parties and was well known in the Nigerian community in Arizona.
His family and friends remember Junior to be a big lover of life, very affectionate, dependable, selfless, wise, hard working and a thinker who was blessed with a very generous spirit and an outsized heart. He was also very trendy, fashionable and stylish and was so very particular about how he looked. He took personal grooming seriously, lived healthy and was a very strong advocate of healthy living. He spent a lot of time in the gym. He would also be especially remembered for being so very humorous. There was simply no dull moment around Junior. He churned out one joke after another, leaving people around him in long stitches. Junior had a rare gift of effortlessly mimicking people and was able to imitate just about anybody. He spoke his parents Ekiti and Ondo dialects best among his siblings, a function of years of mimicking his maternal grandmother who lived with his family and his relatives that he closely interacted with. He also had a smattering of the Igbo language. Junior was a risk taker, bold and very resilient. He was a devout Christian and an usher in his church. He was a mentor to so many people and his counsel was regularly sought, especially on business start-ups.
Junior had a Stroke while exercising in the gym on 19th of April 2018, just a few weeks to his 50th birthday. He went into a coma immediately after this. His wife remained by his bed side throughout this period until she was prevented by the hospital due to the COVID Pandemic restrictions. He battled this illness until 6th January 2021 when he handed in his lamp and went to be with the Lord. He is survived by his wife and four children, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, uncles, aunties and cousins and would forever be sorely missed by so many.
ORIKI
Thank you.
To watch the full live stream coverage of the funeral, please click the link below;
To watch the Church funeral service, please click the link below;
Living Streams Church7000 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Saturday 30th January 2020 @ 10:00am
Interment follows @12:00 Noon
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery and Funeral Home
9925 West Thomas Road
Avondale, AZ 85392
MORE DETAILS: ALL TIMES ARE IN MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME.
9:30 AM - VIEWING FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY ONLY!10:00 AM - SERVICE
11:30 AM - LEAVE CHURCH TO INTERNMENT
ADENIJI AKINBOYEJO ADARALEGBE JUNIOR was born to the family of late Professor Adeniji and Mrs. Ebunoluwa Rosemarie Adaralegbe. His paternal grandfather was a direct descendant of the Oyiyo Ruling House of Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State while his late mother was an indigene of Ondo town, Ondo State. Adeniji was born in St John’s Episcopal Hospital, Queens, New York on 31st July 1968 on the eve of his father’s successful defense of his PhD in New York University. He was given the name “Akinboyejo” in commemoration of this happy occasion. Buoyed by the popular Black American culture of that time that saw black American male offsprings like Martin Luther King Jnr. and many others, being named after their fathers, his father named his son “Adeniji Junior.” “Junior”, as he would come to be popularly known from infancy was the fifth child out of seven children of Professor and Mrs Adaralegbe. He had two brothers and four sisters.
His father joined the then University of Ife(now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, in present day Osun State, South Western Nigeria, in the late 1960s after completing his studies and his family relocated from New York, USA to the University staff quarters in Ile-Ife. The period coincided with the University’s movement from Ibadan, its temporary site to Ile-Ife, its permanent site, widely adjudged as one of the most beautiful university campuses at that time. It was in Ife campus that Junior thrived and grew into a healthy, beautiful, sociable, and very gregarious child. His older siblings remember him to be the kid brother who could not be separated from sucking his thumb. Not even a sock tied tightly around his hand and soaked in bitter herbs could stop him from sucking!
He attended the University Staff School, Seventh Day Adventist Primary School and St. Johns Grammar School, (a Catholic day School), all in Ile Ife for his nursery, primary and secondary school education. He excelled modestly in sports in Secondary School, representing his School in the junior category of long distance running. Junior was admitted to the University of Ife, Faculty of Administration to study Accounting, in the mid-80s, later acquiring a B.Sc. in Accounting. His time at the University was very happy. He kept up with a very active social life where he was a common face at parties and made so many friends that he remained in contact with, even after he left the University.
Junior left Nigeria in January 1992 for the United States, arriving first in Chicago, and then moving to Atlanta in 1992, and then to Iowa in 1995, before finally settling in Phoenix, Arizona in 2001. Junior attended Grandview College, Des Moines, Iowa, receiving a second Bachelor’s degree, this time in Computer Information Systems. He later obtained a professional certification in Microsoft (MCSC). He worked in Northwest Bank Des Moines (now Wells Fargo Bank) at some point. In Arizona, he worked and was mentored by one of the greatest telemarketers of his time. It was here that Junior’s entrepreneurial spirit really sprang to life. He left to set up his own business in 2004, beginning with The Greatest Virtual Office, a Website development company. He eventually set up Elevated Marketing Strategies, an internet advertising/telemarketing company. He also had a clothing line, which he named NY/X-New York Exchange, where he sold upscale Italian wears. Junior went into partnership with others and set up an online business named Arraga.com, with offices in Phoenix, London and Lagos. Before he became sick, he was exploring Nigeria’s vast untapped opportunities and together with his wife, attended and spoke at a number of conferences, granted television interviews and produced promotional videos. He was very successful in business and at the height of his business, Junior had on his pay roll a large number of staff in his employment.
In 1995, he met his soul mate Sandra “Sandy” Johnson in Des Moines, Iowa and they got married in Phoenix, Arizona in December 1999 and a union of 21 beautiful years is blessed with four beautiful children; Adejope Marie, Adejaiye Rose, Adeniji Dean(III) and Adesewa Kay. He was an extremely happy family person and his family meant absolutely everything to him. He loved his wife so dearly and took her everywhere. They were business partners and took important decisions together. His children were the reason Junior got up every day. He wanted them to be complete, accomplished and beautiful human beings. He sent his daughter to a boarding house in England for exposure. In Arizona, he personally drove his daughter to school everyday, but he was quite strict with them.
In Phoenix, where three of his sisters also lived, he relentlessly encouraged them to quit paid employment and seek self-employment. He was a very great uncle to his nieces and nephews, and was counselor-in-chief to all of them on life matters. Music was an integral and important part of Junior’s life. He played his favorite Yoruba, Jazz, Gospel and oldies at home, in his car and at work. He was an extremely good dancer and as a child he won several cash gifts for his dancing prowess. Junior was very adventurous, very outdoor and had an optimistic, positive and sunny disposition to life. He constantly organized family get-togethers, vacations, barbecues, and parties and was well known in the Nigerian community in Arizona.
His family and friends remember Junior to be a big lover of life, very affectionate, dependable, selfless, wise, hard working and a thinker who was blessed with a very generous spirit and an outsized heart. He was also very trendy, fashionable and stylish and was so very particular about how he looked. He took personal grooming seriously, lived healthy and was a very strong advocate of healthy living. He spent a lot of time in the gym. He would also be especially remembered for being so very humorous. There was simply no dull moment around Junior. He churned out one joke after another, leaving people around him in long stitches. Junior had a rare gift of effortlessly mimicking people and was able to imitate just about anybody. He spoke his parents Ekiti and Ondo dialects best among his siblings, a function of years of mimicking his maternal grandmother who lived with his family and his relatives that he closely interacted with. He also had a smattering of the Igbo language. Junior was a risk taker, bold and very resilient. He was a devout Christian and an usher in his church. He was a mentor to so many people and his counsel was regularly sought, especially on business start-ups.
Junior had a Stroke while exercising in the gym on 19th of April 2018, just a few weeks to his 50th birthday. He went into a coma immediately after this. His wife remained by his bed side throughout this period until she was prevented by the hospital due to the COVID Pandemic restrictions. He battled this illness until 6th January 2021 when he handed in his lamp and went to be with the Lord. He is survived by his wife and four children, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, uncles, aunties and cousins and would forever be sorely missed by so many.
ORIKI
OMO OWA, OMO EKUN; OMO OBALEYAKIN bi arira; OMO OYIYO ki mu irukere t’aiye Ijero se;
Omo Ugun odo Igbara, omo eleiye ki ise weyeweye lori ogun; Ira ule ahun leji upe; Obi ule ahun Efon kumoye, omo Ode Didu oke Efon; Omo Elefon miyara jinjin; An b’Efon ire kan an mu ‘ho ale rian han ni; Moka moye, omo aroluo lejigan; Omo elejigan ororo ubile; Ogburuu g’or’odi o la Ijero paara s’eji, in k’okan re e j’ or’odi, k’okkan re e j‘aralu; OMO AJERO ku osa, omo osu keregbe legbe orun; Omo ikarakara isomo didedide leti ogun; O kare o.
OMO OBA OYIYO saiye Ekiti.
Sun un re o!
Tributes
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January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
My dear uncle Junior,
My dad’s charming brother and my ever-lively uncle. It is not a coincidence that of the testimonies of your life, the relationships you had, joy is a common theme. You were a light in our family, one who’s presence was always cherished and whose absence will be felt deeply.
From a young age, I was always excited and entertained around my uncle- fun was of course a guarantee. As I grew older, so did my fondness of our conversations and jokes. The stories my dad would tell my siblings and I of the times he and Uncle Junior had in those days were funny and most of all touching. It was comforting to know even from those stories, the bond my uncle and dad shared over the years was always strong. I thank the Lord for the life he lived, for the person he was not just to me, but to many. I am grateful to be one of those who had the privilege of calling him family, for the sweet and joyful memories.
I love you my dear uncle, I esteem the absolute joy it was to be your niece and will continue to miss you.
My dad’s charming brother and my ever-lively uncle. It is not a coincidence that of the testimonies of your life, the relationships you had, joy is a common theme. You were a light in our family, one who’s presence was always cherished and whose absence will be felt deeply.
From a young age, I was always excited and entertained around my uncle- fun was of course a guarantee. As I grew older, so did my fondness of our conversations and jokes. The stories my dad would tell my siblings and I of the times he and Uncle Junior had in those days were funny and most of all touching. It was comforting to know even from those stories, the bond my uncle and dad shared over the years was always strong. I thank the Lord for the life he lived, for the person he was not just to me, but to many. I am grateful to be one of those who had the privilege of calling him family, for the sweet and joyful memories.
I love you my dear uncle, I esteem the absolute joy it was to be your niece and will continue to miss you.
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Junior, words fail me at this time. How can I forget how you and Sandy took Dami under your wing and opened your home to her? How can I forget how you travelled to Nashville, Tennessee to attend Dami's graduation at Lee? How can I forget the motivational talks and advice that you gave her? You will be forever etched in our memories. May your lovely, selfless soul rest in perfect peace.
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
What a beautiful and candid tribute for one of the most remarkable guys I've ever known.
Junior always, ALWAYS had a smile was always jovial and there was never a dull moment around him.
Junior, you were a legend!!
Rest in perfect peace brother!
Junior always, ALWAYS had a smile was always jovial and there was never a dull moment around him.
Junior, you were a legend!!
Rest in perfect peace brother!
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Rest in peace
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
His Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. To the Adaralegbe family my prayers are with you.
Gods peace and strength is with you in this glorious time in Jesus Name, Amen.
Gods peace and strength is with you in this glorious time in Jesus Name, Amen.
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Junior, your exit came as a very rude shock. You will be greatly missed, Sleep on dear cousin.
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Junior Adaralegbe.
One of the most respectful people I know. He is older than me and yet called me sister Elen. Just remembering all that has happened over the period since he fell ill saddens me but i take comfort in the fact that he has gone to finally rest.
There is Just something about Junior that makes him special. Loved his brothers and sisters so much and would do anything for them and his nieces and nephews. He would do absolutely anything for them even if it meant massive discomfort to him. He was the one who would always have a solution and would add the hand to help and most times took on matters related to his siblings and their children as his own personal agenda. He also did this for many others that were not his family.
Completely selfless and loving. He loved his family, his wife, kids and wanted the absolute best for them without a doubt. He always wanted to associate himself with success, growth and expansion in every area and it wasn’t that he wanted this just for himself but for everyone around him and he would push his loved ones to do more, to do better. Stagnancy wasn’t in his DNA by any means and no matter what happened he would move on to the next progressive thing. He was so refreshing to be around and never a dull moment. Nothing got him down. So full of life.
Junior loved my husband so much, my gush it overflowed and was so tangible and he extended it to me and our children. A man of peace whose desire was to see everyone better and no matter what happened he would make peace so soon afterwards even if it wasn’t his doing; a heart of gold this man had. When I think of him I remember this scripture from the passion translation: Romans 12:17 TPT
[17] Never hold a grudge or try to get even, but plan your life around the noblest way to benefit others.
I am grateful for the times we shared and they were very many; Junior would travel anywhere to celebrate important milestones whether in the UK or in Nigeria he would make such sacrifice and effort and he will always bring his family with him. He wanted them to see what was important in life and what they should emulate. He would do so much for others not just to check a box like but whole heartedly and wanting to be there for you or make you better. He wasn’t the one to make an excuse even when those reasons could be valid. He loved it in Nigeria and wanted to do so much here and we started working with him to make this happen but....
This life is very delicate and time bound and the reason we must make everyday and every moment count. Today we celebrate a man whose chapter on earth has closed but whose legacy will live on. He is not someone that can be forgotten. He will always be a reference. He was there for so many yet he still had a personal relationship with so many of us. How remarkable. My prayer for everyone reading this is that you look beyond you and seek to be a helping hand to your world. Make a difference. Look beyond your own life and needs and seek to save the lost around you. Life is spiritual and we all will give an account of our time on this earth including every idle word spoken and be held to the responsibility the Lord has charged us with.
Rest my brother and friend.
One of the most respectful people I know. He is older than me and yet called me sister Elen. Just remembering all that has happened over the period since he fell ill saddens me but i take comfort in the fact that he has gone to finally rest.
There is Just something about Junior that makes him special. Loved his brothers and sisters so much and would do anything for them and his nieces and nephews. He would do absolutely anything for them even if it meant massive discomfort to him. He was the one who would always have a solution and would add the hand to help and most times took on matters related to his siblings and their children as his own personal agenda. He also did this for many others that were not his family.
Completely selfless and loving. He loved his family, his wife, kids and wanted the absolute best for them without a doubt. He always wanted to associate himself with success, growth and expansion in every area and it wasn’t that he wanted this just for himself but for everyone around him and he would push his loved ones to do more, to do better. Stagnancy wasn’t in his DNA by any means and no matter what happened he would move on to the next progressive thing. He was so refreshing to be around and never a dull moment. Nothing got him down. So full of life.
Junior loved my husband so much, my gush it overflowed and was so tangible and he extended it to me and our children. A man of peace whose desire was to see everyone better and no matter what happened he would make peace so soon afterwards even if it wasn’t his doing; a heart of gold this man had. When I think of him I remember this scripture from the passion translation: Romans 12:17 TPT
[17] Never hold a grudge or try to get even, but plan your life around the noblest way to benefit others.
I am grateful for the times we shared and they were very many; Junior would travel anywhere to celebrate important milestones whether in the UK or in Nigeria he would make such sacrifice and effort and he will always bring his family with him. He wanted them to see what was important in life and what they should emulate. He would do so much for others not just to check a box like but whole heartedly and wanting to be there for you or make you better. He wasn’t the one to make an excuse even when those reasons could be valid. He loved it in Nigeria and wanted to do so much here and we started working with him to make this happen but....
This life is very delicate and time bound and the reason we must make everyday and every moment count. Today we celebrate a man whose chapter on earth has closed but whose legacy will live on. He is not someone that can be forgotten. He will always be a reference. He was there for so many yet he still had a personal relationship with so many of us. How remarkable. My prayer for everyone reading this is that you look beyond you and seek to be a helping hand to your world. Make a difference. Look beyond your own life and needs and seek to save the lost around you. Life is spiritual and we all will give an account of our time on this earth including every idle word spoken and be held to the responsibility the Lord has charged us with.
Rest my brother and friend.
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
A poem by David Harkins
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
My Brother in law, Niji was an epitome of love . We had long discussions on telephone and whenever we met one on one, we never got any topic exhausted.
He was a creative professional in the field of Information technology.
I can never forget the day he took my family and I to the Universal Studio in California. We had a very hot argument on our way driving back to Arizona which led to a disagreement between both of us. Uncle Niji admonished me profusely and to be honest I regretted coming to the United States even though I admired his courage and bravery, but to my greatest surprise, when we arrived Arizona, he came down from the vehicle and gave me a very warm hug and kiss. As if that was not enough, the next day he invited my family and I to his house for a get together.During that very visit, he led me to his room and offered me two designer shirts.
He was Kind hearted, loving and most especially,he found it very convenient to say sorry when he thought that he had offended you or passed his boundary.
I sincerely will miss his personality.
He was a creative professional in the field of Information technology.
I can never forget the day he took my family and I to the Universal Studio in California. We had a very hot argument on our way driving back to Arizona which led to a disagreement between both of us. Uncle Niji admonished me profusely and to be honest I regretted coming to the United States even though I admired his courage and bravery, but to my greatest surprise, when we arrived Arizona, he came down from the vehicle and gave me a very warm hug and kiss. As if that was not enough, the next day he invited my family and I to his house for a get together.During that very visit, he led me to his room and offered me two designer shirts.
He was Kind hearted, loving and most especially,he found it very convenient to say sorry when he thought that he had offended you or passed his boundary.
I sincerely will miss his personality.
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
Jnr, may your sweet soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace junior
January 19, 2021
January 19, 2021
There is someone who misses you sadly,
And finds the time long since you went,
There is someone who thinks of you always,
And tries to be brave and content.
Gone is the face we loved so dear,
Silent the voice we loved to hear;
Too far away for sight or speech,
But not too far for thought to reach,
Sweet to remember him who once was here,
And who, though absent, is just as dear.
Rest in peace my beloved brother xxxx
And finds the time long since you went,
There is someone who thinks of you always,
And tries to be brave and content.
Gone is the face we loved so dear,
Silent the voice we loved to hear;
Too far away for sight or speech,
But not too far for thought to reach,
Sweet to remember him who once was here,
And who, though absent, is just as dear.
Rest in peace my beloved brother xxxx
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
May the soul of our dear friend rest in peace. Amen
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Rest in Peace! Brother Adeniji Junior. You would be greatly missed.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
It's griefs me terribly hard to see that I'm actually writing a tribute to my dear Uncle Junior! Ah! What is this life?
I was privileged to meet you one-on-one during your dad's burial after decades of physical separation. But before then, my parents had told my brother and I how kind you and your siblings were towards us as kids. Then, I wasn't surprised that you still showed the kindness when you discovered during the event that I was your full grown Oyenike. I remembered how you took me round that day to ask me questions, you told me some of the old sweet stories in addition to the ones already learnt and how you were so engrossed at my achievements. I'm even yet to fully recover from you asking me that same day after your dance show to take 50% of all your monetary gifts and share the remaining 50% among my younger siblings. In my mind, I was like who does that, this is rare and strange, little or none did I know that's who you really were based on my analysis of others tributes to you.
Uncle J as I fondly called you, it's really sad and hard to face this reality that my encounter with you then was the first and the last. Nonetheless, we can't question God for He knows best and our consolation is that you're in a better place where there's no sickness, pains, struggles... All the testimonies about you have also given me the joy that indeed Heaven has gained an angel.
Uncle J, continue to take your rest in the Bossom of your creator till resurrection morning. Please watch over the beautiful family you left behind. Love you always uncle.
ADIEU!!!
I was privileged to meet you one-on-one during your dad's burial after decades of physical separation. But before then, my parents had told my brother and I how kind you and your siblings were towards us as kids. Then, I wasn't surprised that you still showed the kindness when you discovered during the event that I was your full grown Oyenike. I remembered how you took me round that day to ask me questions, you told me some of the old sweet stories in addition to the ones already learnt and how you were so engrossed at my achievements. I'm even yet to fully recover from you asking me that same day after your dance show to take 50% of all your monetary gifts and share the remaining 50% among my younger siblings. In my mind, I was like who does that, this is rare and strange, little or none did I know that's who you really were based on my analysis of others tributes to you.
Uncle J as I fondly called you, it's really sad and hard to face this reality that my encounter with you then was the first and the last. Nonetheless, we can't question God for He knows best and our consolation is that you're in a better place where there's no sickness, pains, struggles... All the testimonies about you have also given me the joy that indeed Heaven has gained an angel.
Uncle J, continue to take your rest in the Bossom of your creator till resurrection morning. Please watch over the beautiful family you left behind. Love you always uncle.
ADIEU!!!
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
I look at all the pictures
and ask, why did you have to go now?
God knows best,at least you are free from the pain and troubles of this world.
I believe you are in a better place with your maker.
Junior,a good friend and colleague rest on.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Adieu Uncle Junior!
I thank God for the life you had, the impact you made in many lives as examplified by these testimonies. Life is not about 'how long' but 'how well'. Yours may have been short but it was well lived.
May your soul rest in peace and may God comfort the Adaralegbes in this very dark night. Death surely will not separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
I thank God for the life you had, the impact you made in many lives as examplified by these testimonies. Life is not about 'how long' but 'how well'. Yours may have been short but it was well lived.
May your soul rest in peace and may God comfort the Adaralegbes in this very dark night. Death surely will not separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Yes o, Junior Adeniji Adaralegbe finally threw in the towel on January 6th, 2021 at a moment we were hoping that God kept him this far to give us the miraculous healing we all have been praying for since that fateful day in 2018 BUT God knows best. We are being consoled with the fact that the moment was for him to make amendment with God as he prepares to occupy his mansion in heaven.
You have played a great role in the lives of many while in this mortal earth and you will be remembered for good by many of us that benefited from your generosity.
Good night and sleep peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.
From Tony & Dupe Adegoke
You have played a great role in the lives of many while in this mortal earth and you will be remembered for good by many of us that benefited from your generosity.
Good night and sleep peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.
From Tony & Dupe Adegoke
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
My zunior as i fondly call your name with a z we spent time together from St Johns and we were in the same class in the university.you were the kind of person that no matter how down i was u will always put a smile on my face,cos u will come up with one joke or the other.You were one of my classmate that i was really looking forward to talk to you after we left school but unfortunately when i had the opportunity .I learnt that you were strong.I pray that the Almighty will grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss IJN.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
How time flies, just like footprints in the sand, junior, as fondly referred to way back @ seventh day Adventist primary school, you breezed in with Bayo & Femi with an infectious aura of gentility & a likeable spirit, eben as young as we all were then, that legacy of togetherness, selfless bonding & mutual coexistence still & will continually resonate within us. May The Lord strengthen & comfort every family members at this trying moments. Continue to rest in The Lord until we shall meet to part no more at Jesus feet. Adieu mid amigo!!!
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
You lived life and fought hard till the end. We prayed and prayed and prayed more but God had other plans for you. You were a good friend and an amazing person. Rest in the bosom of the lord Junior
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Junior, this is about you.
I never thought I would have to write something like this, so it's hard to say "tribute" but I would rather call this a letter to a dear brother-in-love.
I have too many memories I want to write about, but I will mention only these few.
You were not just a brother-in-law but like a brother to me. I fondly remember the times you stayed with us in Nigeria before you relocated to the US. I remember how you taught me how to cut my little baby's hair by myself using a blade and comb. (Smiling) I remember how you would do trendy hair cuts for him (I left that for you to do because that was not my calling!). You were always there as the loving uncle. You didn't stop being the loving uncle even as my children grew. You stepped in to help them as much as you could. You were at every graduation, spending and being spent. My boys had a special relationship with you that was enviable. I remember calling on you for help if one of them didn't listen to me, you would say you would take care of it. You tried to take care of things as much as you could, you truly had a good, precious and loving heart.
You showed me true brotherly love. I remember when I fell ill right after giving birth to my first son and you ran to call your brother. I was impressed by your care. I knew you would make a good husband and father, of which you proved me right.
You won the award for binding families. If I had an occasion to celebrate I could count on you to be there, no where was too far for you. From my sister's wedding in Virginia to my son's graduation in Tennessee you were there.
You were accommodating, generous, loving, and selfless. You were happy when others were happy. You didn't mind the cost to make others happy, that's why this is all about you! I hope you are in a happier place, resting in the bosom of your Lord.
It still hurts that you didn't return to us like you were supposed to. How lovely it would have been for you to share the visions and give us insight, but God knows best. I will miss you dearly "Uncle Junior".
Adieu,
Nike Adaralegbe
I never thought I would have to write something like this, so it's hard to say "tribute" but I would rather call this a letter to a dear brother-in-love.
I have too many memories I want to write about, but I will mention only these few.
You were not just a brother-in-law but like a brother to me. I fondly remember the times you stayed with us in Nigeria before you relocated to the US. I remember how you taught me how to cut my little baby's hair by myself using a blade and comb. (Smiling) I remember how you would do trendy hair cuts for him (I left that for you to do because that was not my calling!). You were always there as the loving uncle. You didn't stop being the loving uncle even as my children grew. You stepped in to help them as much as you could. You were at every graduation, spending and being spent. My boys had a special relationship with you that was enviable. I remember calling on you for help if one of them didn't listen to me, you would say you would take care of it. You tried to take care of things as much as you could, you truly had a good, precious and loving heart.
You showed me true brotherly love. I remember when I fell ill right after giving birth to my first son and you ran to call your brother. I was impressed by your care. I knew you would make a good husband and father, of which you proved me right.
You won the award for binding families. If I had an occasion to celebrate I could count on you to be there, no where was too far for you. From my sister's wedding in Virginia to my son's graduation in Tennessee you were there.
You were accommodating, generous, loving, and selfless. You were happy when others were happy. You didn't mind the cost to make others happy, that's why this is all about you! I hope you are in a happier place, resting in the bosom of your Lord.
It still hurts that you didn't return to us like you were supposed to. How lovely it would have been for you to share the visions and give us insight, but God knows best. I will miss you dearly "Uncle Junior".
Adieu,
Nike Adaralegbe
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
My Prince and brother. It was a very Short journey for you by our estimate but God knows the best. We are blind to his faithfulness and work. To him we give the Glory. My condolences to everyone. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. Sunre o omowa
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
This is so hard, it hurts. A strong man could not stand, walk, or live any longer...... stopped breathing!
We were so close during our secondary school days, did so much together along with our other close friends. We later lived together in Atlanta back in the days. What else can i say, you even celebrate your birthday a day after mine, sometimes we did celebrate it together.
Junior's life threatening predicament sent a shock wave across the globe, especially that it was unbelievable that such a strong, physically fit, and healthy person could sustain such an attack. Fought a good fight, but God chose to bring him home to His Bossom. The Lord giveth, and taketh as He wishes, blessed be the name of the Lord. Adeniji "Junior" Adaralegbe, may your soul rest in peace in Jesus name. May God watch over the family you left behind. When the need to feel your arms around them arises, may the Almighty God comfort them in Jesus name. As for your brothers and sisters, cousins, uncles, aunts, may God fill the vacuum that your passing may have carved in their hearts. Your friends will forever remember your vibrant and loving nature, may the Lord grant us all the fortitude to bear the loss in Jesus name. Amen.
Ki Olorun dari ese re ji o, ki O si mu o dele. Ni ojo ikehin, Jesu yio ka o ye, ni oruko ti Baba, ati ti Omo, ati ti Emi Mimo. Amin. Rest on, my dear friend....till we meet again.
Pastor Lekan Angelo Ijiwoye
We were so close during our secondary school days, did so much together along with our other close friends. We later lived together in Atlanta back in the days. What else can i say, you even celebrate your birthday a day after mine, sometimes we did celebrate it together.
Junior's life threatening predicament sent a shock wave across the globe, especially that it was unbelievable that such a strong, physically fit, and healthy person could sustain such an attack. Fought a good fight, but God chose to bring him home to His Bossom. The Lord giveth, and taketh as He wishes, blessed be the name of the Lord. Adeniji "Junior" Adaralegbe, may your soul rest in peace in Jesus name. May God watch over the family you left behind. When the need to feel your arms around them arises, may the Almighty God comfort them in Jesus name. As for your brothers and sisters, cousins, uncles, aunts, may God fill the vacuum that your passing may have carved in their hearts. Your friends will forever remember your vibrant and loving nature, may the Lord grant us all the fortitude to bear the loss in Jesus name. Amen.
Ki Olorun dari ese re ji o, ki O si mu o dele. Ni ojo ikehin, Jesu yio ka o ye, ni oruko ti Baba, ati ti Omo, ati ti Emi Mimo. Amin. Rest on, my dear friend....till we meet again.
Pastor Lekan Angelo Ijiwoye
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
May your soul rest in peace junior.We your secondary school mates love you but God loves you so much.May you continue to live in the bosom of your Lord.May God gives the family he left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.I pray that we shall not experience untimely death in our midst again.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
With a heavy heart, but privileged to pay tribute to a very special person my brother Adeniji junior who is in God's bosom.
He was remarkable in many ways. He lived life at full speed. He touched many people along his way in this life. He was a devoted family man who cared deeply and passionately about his wife and children.
He had a lot of affection for his siblings, nephews and nieces.He had a wonderful appreciation of people, and related so well with those who came across his path.
He strove to guide, support, and protect his family even during tough times.
His devotion to his children was absolute. Never one to shy from making them tag along on the right lane.
He was my brother, my friend, and my confidante.
He mentored my three boys and indeed his other nephews and nieces. Always there to give advice, always there to give his time and very generous with his money.The consiglieri, the"uncle in chief".
My brother was trendy and was life personified.I remember him dancing with his oldest daughter Jope and being quite up to it in the dance step of her time.
He would have been 53 this July. No more happy birthdays across the Atlantic. Looking on getting to age 50...... years before his illness while still healthy I remember his words to me "egbon mi i want to look like this even at 70!"
He was the good friend to many, a good buddy, good fun, your man dependable and steadfast.
He was so humorous. He had the distinction of making our mother laugh, and could he talk! I called him "the lip" when he was a teenager, after the Louisville lip Mohammed Ali.
I am grateful for the times I was able to visit at the hospital, even as it was a struggle to see him bogged down by the medical trappings and paraphernalia.
As your body is being laid to rest and the good byes said, your spirit and love lives on and will live with me always. l am consoled somewhat that you are in a place of warmth and comfort, a place of no pain.
You will in the hearts of those you touched.
We miss you but will always remember you with admiration and love.
Say hello to Dad and Mum
Adieu,
Segun
He was remarkable in many ways. He lived life at full speed. He touched many people along his way in this life. He was a devoted family man who cared deeply and passionately about his wife and children.
He had a lot of affection for his siblings, nephews and nieces.He had a wonderful appreciation of people, and related so well with those who came across his path.
He strove to guide, support, and protect his family even during tough times.
His devotion to his children was absolute. Never one to shy from making them tag along on the right lane.
He was my brother, my friend, and my confidante.
He mentored my three boys and indeed his other nephews and nieces. Always there to give advice, always there to give his time and very generous with his money.The consiglieri, the"uncle in chief".
My brother was trendy and was life personified.I remember him dancing with his oldest daughter Jope and being quite up to it in the dance step of her time.
He would have been 53 this July. No more happy birthdays across the Atlantic. Looking on getting to age 50...... years before his illness while still healthy I remember his words to me "egbon mi i want to look like this even at 70!"
He was the good friend to many, a good buddy, good fun, your man dependable and steadfast.
He was so humorous. He had the distinction of making our mother laugh, and could he talk! I called him "the lip" when he was a teenager, after the Louisville lip Mohammed Ali.
I am grateful for the times I was able to visit at the hospital, even as it was a struggle to see him bogged down by the medical trappings and paraphernalia.
As your body is being laid to rest and the good byes said, your spirit and love lives on and will live with me always. l am consoled somewhat that you are in a place of warmth and comfort, a place of no pain.
You will in the hearts of those you touched.
We miss you but will always remember you with admiration and love.
Say hello to Dad and Mum
Adieu,
Segun
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Junior, as i know you all my childhood, happy, active, full of life, breakdancer, footballer is what i have chosen to remember you by. May the Lord bless the family you have left behind.
Sleep well in the Lord Junior.
Yemisi Sunmonu.
Sleep well in the Lord Junior.
Yemisi Sunmonu.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
My dear uncle, it pains my heart to pen down this beautiful words in your absence. You were so loving, caring, compassionate,bubbly,warm and full of hearty smiles at all times. I know you are resting in a better place, free from the ills of this world. Your memory will continue to linger in our hearts.
Sleep on my beloved uncle
Your niece
Molly Adebolu
Sleep on my beloved uncle
Your niece
Molly Adebolu
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Sandra, Bola, Sola and family from the bottom of my heart I send you all my sincerest condolences. It was my prayer at the beginning of 2021, that God would make this year Junior’s year of breakthrough and restoration. Though it was my sincerest prayer that he would be restored back to his faithful family, God in His infinite wisdom restored His child back to his Heavenly family. God’s ways are not our own and He always knows what is best. This painful reality doesn’t always help in the moment, but in time He grants us His sweet peace and acceptance.
Your commitment and love for Junior was a blessing to witness and share in prayer. I truly believe that God kept Junior here long enough for you all to have this dedicated time with him and to usher his spirit into Glory. May Junior’s brief life’s memories comfort your grieving hearts. I know you will keep his legacy alive in your lives and in his children. I pray now for your strength in the trying days ahead. May Our Father wrap His Loving arms around you all as you prepare to celebrate his Homegoing. You will be reunited one day. He now rests in His Father’s arms. God bless you all. My prayers are now for all of you.
Your commitment and love for Junior was a blessing to witness and share in prayer. I truly believe that God kept Junior here long enough for you all to have this dedicated time with him and to usher his spirit into Glory. May Junior’s brief life’s memories comfort your grieving hearts. I know you will keep his legacy alive in your lives and in his children. I pray now for your strength in the trying days ahead. May Our Father wrap His Loving arms around you all as you prepare to celebrate his Homegoing. You will be reunited one day. He now rests in His Father’s arms. God bless you all. My prayers are now for all of you.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
I met Junior through my friend turned sister roughly 50 years ago. Though I was the last child of my parents, he took me as his big sister.
Junior was very kind, loving and generous. I remember the time I came to Arizona for the first time, he threw a party for us, together with Folahan. When we were leaving his house, he gave me an envelope. On getting home, I was shocked by what I found inside the envelope, $400.
I can never forget that day.
Junior, you came like a candlelight, but the light blew out so soon.
The Holy Spirit will comfort your wife and children, and your ever supportive siblings and everyone of us
You will forever be in our hearts
Goodnight Junior
Junior was very kind, loving and generous. I remember the time I came to Arizona for the first time, he threw a party for us, together with Folahan. When we were leaving his house, he gave me an envelope. On getting home, I was shocked by what I found inside the envelope, $400.
I can never forget that day.
Junior, you came like a candlelight, but the light blew out so soon.
The Holy Spirit will comfort your wife and children, and your ever supportive siblings and everyone of us
You will forever be in our hearts
Goodnight Junior
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Rest in perfect peace
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
After our last gathering, we both agreed you wld visit me in UK and I looked 4ward to that day which never came.
It was very sad and hurting when the news came through, but in all things we shld be grateful .
We know you are with your maker and we pray for an everlasting rest at His bosom!
RIP JUNIOR!
It was very sad and hurting when the news came through, but in all things we shld be grateful .
We know you are with your maker and we pray for an everlasting rest at His bosom!
RIP JUNIOR!
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
With deepest sympathy and heart broken, I am writing this tribute because you are my junior brother and with hope that we will meet one day after a very long time. We all love you but I know that God love you more. May you continue to rest in the Lord where there is no more pain or cry. May God almighty be with your wife, children and the rest of the family. Good night my brother. Omo owa omo ekun.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Gone too soon! We bless the Lord for the legacy you left behind. You’ll be missed.
Farewell
Farewell
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Junior, your memory will live with us for a long time. I'm sure we were acquainted at St John's Grammar School in Ile-Ife because I was a classmate of Bayo, your brother. God will comfort the family you left behind. It is well till we meet again at the Lord's. O di ojo ajinde, ti a o pade lése Jesu.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Though we did not meet physically, I heard a lot about you from Sola your younger sister. From her stories I could tell you were a fun person to be with . I was so so shocked when I first heard of your illness. I really prayed you would pull through.
We thank God for the legacy you left behind.
I pray God comforts all your loved ones at this difficult time.
Rest on in the bossom of the Lord.
We thank God for the legacy you left behind.
I pray God comforts all your loved ones at this difficult time.
Rest on in the bossom of the Lord.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
May His soul rest in the bosom of his maker! Let us keep thanking God for his life .... and may the Lord strengthen those he left behind . Pls accept my sincere condolences
Dr Ayo Fadugba
Edinburgh
Dr Ayo Fadugba
Edinburgh
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
The past 2years have been really trying for Bola and I consistently shared in her pain. We had prayed, cried and hoped he would come round but the will of God prevailed. We cannot question God, but we are assured of one thing, he is in a better place now. Having read tributes from family and friends, I know he lived an amazing life, albert short. More than anything else, the fact that Jnr knew Christ gives me joy. I am assured he has indeed gone to be with the Lord. Rest on Jnr! You were truly loved by all. I pray God will comfort the family and close friends.
All will be well...
All will be well...
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Thank God for a life well spent.
It is a pity that you had to leave so early. The consolation is that you are with your Saviour and enjoying eternal bliss. May God take care of your wife, children and siblings.
It is a pity that you had to leave so early. The consolation is that you are with your Saviour and enjoying eternal bliss. May God take care of your wife, children and siblings.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
God's speed Junior, goodnight. Rest in the bosom of your make.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
May the memories of your impactful life be a blessing to all your loved ones. Rest In Peace.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
In moments like this, words fall short. Uncle Junior was an amazing man, and so many people feel his loss.
Rest well sir ️
Rest well sir ️
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Please accept my deepest condolences.. I pray the Lord bless everything he left behind.. Rest In Peace bro
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Adeniji Adaralegbe Junior.......where do I start?
I sit back and reflect, we spent the best five good years together in St. Johns grammar School and Ife town.
Holiday trips together to Mgbidi, hunting expeditions with my dad, lunch together daily in school, reading together for examinations every term, very long late night phone calls to Phoenix and visits in London......hmmnnn
I describe you to many in a few words - Humorous, kind-hearted, generous, resilient, energetic, dependable, reliable....not too few, the list goes on!
My friend and brother, you have now gone to rest with the Lord, sleep well till we meet to part no more. You will be sorely missed.
I sit back and reflect, we spent the best five good years together in St. Johns grammar School and Ife town.
Holiday trips together to Mgbidi, hunting expeditions with my dad, lunch together daily in school, reading together for examinations every term, very long late night phone calls to Phoenix and visits in London......hmmnnn
I describe you to many in a few words - Humorous, kind-hearted, generous, resilient, energetic, dependable, reliable....not too few, the list goes on!
My friend and brother, you have now gone to rest with the Lord, sleep well till we meet to part no more. You will be sorely missed.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Dear Bro Niji, you have tried. You did your best for your family, your God, your friends and even strangers and you are appreciatedfor it. I watched you fight to get better and prayed with others for you to join us again. Alas, the good Lord decided he wants you at his side. The thought of you will always bring us happiness. You are loved and will always be. Ę ti gbiyanju. We will miss you but no more pain for you.
Rest in peace, Coz, until we meet again.
Ę sunre o!
Rest in peace, Coz, until we meet again.
Ę sunre o!
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Rest well, junior Adaralegbe
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
I never thought I'd have to write something like this for you so soon... I don't know where to begin. The beginning isn't a bad place to start I guess.
My earliest memory of you was when I was 4. You taught all the other kids and me how to do what we called a "rolly polly" (basically a headfirst forward roll). I knew from the start you were fun-loving and kind. You weren't just great with children, adults respected and adored you, too.
Though I didn't have the words for it at a young age, I observed Uncle Jr. being quite charismatic with a character to match. People cared about what he had to say and sought his advice.
It is an incredible loss that I won't be able to go to you for advice as I make my way through these next stages of adulthood, but I know you'll be there keeping an eye on all of us.
My earliest memory of you was when I was 4. You taught all the other kids and me how to do what we called a "rolly polly" (basically a headfirst forward roll). I knew from the start you were fun-loving and kind. You weren't just great with children, adults respected and adored you, too.
Though I didn't have the words for it at a young age, I observed Uncle Jr. being quite charismatic with a character to match. People cared about what he had to say and sought his advice.
It is an incredible loss that I won't be able to go to you for advice as I make my way through these next stages of adulthood, but I know you'll be there keeping an eye on all of us.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Someone as special as Junior will never be forgotten. He will remain in our hearts forever.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
We prayed for a positive outcome but God has another plan. He lived a good and impactful life. Rest well Junior.
“To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.”
“To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.”
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
January 6
January 6
Junior, your passing away is still painful. We get on with each day like as if it is not painful because we have to stay strong for your family. Many times I can't bear to look at your pictures because of the distress it brings. God, please take good care of Junior's family because they miss him more than we can think of.
Junior, rest well at the feet of Jesus.
Junior, rest well at the feet of Jesus.
January 6
January 6
3 years today, my darling! Missing you still! LOVE YOU FOREVER!
January 6
January 6
Continue to rest perfectly in the bosom of the Lord Adeniji.
Gallery
I miss you so much my darl brother
Forever in our hearts
His Life
EARLY YEARS
January 17, 2021
by Nike Awosika
ADENIJI AKINBOYEJO ADARALEGBE JUNIOR was born to the family of late Professor Adeniji and Mrs. Ebunoluwa Rosemarie Adaralegbe. His paternal grandfather was a direct descendant of the Oyiyo Ruling House of Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State while his late mother was an indigene of Ondo town, Ondo State. Adeniji was born in St John’s Episcopal Hospital, Queens, New York on 31st July 1968 on the eve of his father’s successful defense of his PhD Thesis in New York University. He was given the name “Akinboyejo” in commemoration of this happy occasion. Buoyed by the popular Black American culture of that time that saw black American male offsprings like Martin Luther King Jnr. and many others, being named after their fathers, his father named his son “Adeniji Junior.” “Junior”, as he would come to be popularly known from infancy was the fifth child out of seven children of Professor and Mrs Adaralegbe. He had two brothers and four sisters.
His father joined the then University of Ife(now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, in present day Osun State, South Western Nigeria, in the late 1960s after completing his studies and his family relocated from New York, USA to the University staff quarters in Ile-Ife. The period coincided with the University’s movement from Ibadan, its temporary site to Ile-Ife, its permanent site, widely adjudged as one of the most beautiful university campuses at that time. It was in Ife campus that Junior thrived and grew into a healthy, beautiful, sociable, and very gregarious child. His older siblings remember him to be the kid brother who could not be separated from sucking his thumb. Not even a sock tied tightly around his hand and soaked in bitter herbs could stop him from sucking!
His father joined the then University of Ife(now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, in present day Osun State, South Western Nigeria, in the late 1960s after completing his studies and his family relocated from New York, USA to the University staff quarters in Ile-Ife. The period coincided with the University’s movement from Ibadan, its temporary site to Ile-Ife, its permanent site, widely adjudged as one of the most beautiful university campuses at that time. It was in Ife campus that Junior thrived and grew into a healthy, beautiful, sociable, and very gregarious child. His older siblings remember him to be the kid brother who could not be separated from sucking his thumb. Not even a sock tied tightly around his hand and soaked in bitter herbs could stop him from sucking!
EDUCATION
January 17, 2021
by Nike Awosika
He attended the University Staff School, Seventh Day Adventist Primary School and St. Johns Grammar School, (a Catholic day School), all in Ile Ife for his nursery, primary and secondary school education. He excelled modestly in sports in Secondary School, representing his School in the junior category of long distance running. Junior was admitted to the University of Ife, Faculty of Administration to study Accounting, in the mid-80s, later acquiring a B.Sc. in Accounting.
Junior attended Grandview College, Des Moines, Iowa, receiving a second Bachelor’s degree, this time in Computer Information Systems. He later obtained a professional certification in Microsoft (MCSC)
Junior attended Grandview College, Des Moines, Iowa, receiving a second Bachelor’s degree, this time in Computer Information Systems. He later obtained a professional certification in Microsoft (MCSC)
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
January 17, 2021
by Nike Awosika
He worked in Northwest Bank Des Moines (now Wells Fargo Bank) at some point. In Arizona, he worked and was mentored by one of the greatest telemarketers of his time. It was here that Junior’s entrepreneurial spirit really sprang to life. He left to set up his own business in 2004, beginning with The Greatest Virtual Office, a Website development company. He eventually set up Elevated Marketing Strategies, an internet advertising/telemarketing company. He also had a clothing line, which he named NY/X-New York Exchange, where he sold upscale Italian wears. Junior went into partnership with others and set up an online business named Arraga.com, with offices in Phoenix, London and Lagos. Before he became sick, he was exploring Nigeria’s vast untapped opportunities and together with his wife, attended and spoke at a number of conferences, granted television interviews and produced promotional videos. He was very successful in business and at the height of his business, Junior had on his pay roll a large number of staff in his employment.
Recent stories
MRS. SANDRA (SANDY) ADARALEGBE'S TRIBUTE - JUNIOR'S WIFE
February 2, 2021
by Nike Awosika
Mr. Adeniji Akinboyejo Adaralegbe Jr.
I do take you to be my husband to have and to hold in sickness and in health and in death may we not part but be together forever and in spirit we will be together again.
I met my love in Iowa 25 years ago and every day we had I am so ever grateful for. We had a love that could not be broken and through the love we had for each other we got married and started our beautiful family. Niji was meant to be a father he was truly obsessed with making sure his family was safe.He got into a car accident on the way to the hospital a time I let him know I was in early labor with our first born Adejope Marie.He was so excited to see each of his children be born. He always wanted to be the first thing they saw when they arrived. He named them so thoughtfully and included his mom and my mom’s names for our first two girls. Our moms shared the same name Rose Marie so that is how we had AdeJope Marie and Adejaiye Rose.These girls were his heart he felt so blessed and he got me a ring that had 20 diamonds in it and said that is how many kids he wanted with me after he saw Adejaiye Rose. Well we didn’t make it to 20 children unless you include all the nephews and nieces he and I helped care for. We had four lovely children and by the time we had been married for 10 years we found out we were having our first boy! This was the best news. A boy meant a name sake, so proud to have a son to name after himself. This was AdeNiji Dean The Third. We were so blessed my husband was so happy he threw a huge party about 500 guests with a band and a bartender and magician and even had breakdancers for entertainment.
Niji was the best daddy ever and he loved children and we decided we needed one more to even things out, he said. Then we had the little princess Adesewa Kay. He said he wanted to name her beauty because he knew she would be so beautiful. She truly stole his heart he had a very soft spot for the youngest. She was allowed to come and lay in bed next to daddy each night to get her head rubbed and fall asleep next to him.
Life was amazing and we were so happy and still so in love after so many years together. He even taught me and the children about his Nigerian culture and would love to dress in our native attire for church and other festivities.
There is no man, father, brother, cousin, friend, or husband that could compare to my Niji. He would tell me how much he loved me and how he knew he would marry a Sandy since he was nine and fell in love with the movie Grease. He even loved my freckles he said they were so captivating and always changing every time he saw my face. We were meant to be and he was my other half and half of me is gone. Ever since that fateful day April 19, 2018. The day my beautiful husband had a stroke while with me at our usual gym spot. He came and said he didn’t feel good and he grabbed my arms and I screamed for help. I gently laid him down and called 911. I held him and rubbed his chest and asked people for directions. The Ambulance arrived and to my horror they did not take me with him. I got to the hospital and was asked to sign a DNR 20 minutes after we got there. I refused, I said they must give him more than 20 minutes. They did finally attend to Niji but it was too late it had damaged him so bad he became paralyzed and unable to speak. Nevertheless as disabled as he was he was still my husband and I would not leave him alone. I abandoned our little children and camped out at the hospital. The care was less then humane and I was so scared to leave him for any amount of time alone. It was almost 3 years that we drove back and forth to one facility after another. I brought him home and took care of him, got a wheelchair, got a ramp, and a hospital bed and he was getting a lot better even almost talking. Then exactly 2 years ago on January 6, Niji was congested and I gave him CPR in front of our babies. The EMTs arrived and did not give him air. I continued to stay by his side and pray this too can be healed. Then Covid came and we could not go and be with my love. It had been 11 months since the kids and I had been allowed to go see Niji. Then we got that Call that we have been dreading that my baby has passed away on January 6th at 12:30 a.m. I prayed along with hundreds of family and friends for him to get better. He was too young and 25 years was not long enough with the worlds greatest husband. I pray God bind us together in heaven as we were on earth, and I will meet you in the mansion you’re preparing for us.
I love you forever! My Niji!
ADEJOPE ADARALEGBE'S TRIBUTE - JUNIOR'S FIRST DAUGHTER
January 20, 2021
by Nike Awosika
Adeniji Adaralegbe was my father, and there are so many things I want to say about him. He was my hero, my role model, and he showed me all the things that make a man a man. Growing up, my dad and I were inseparable. I remember always sitting on his lap and watching music videos with him in the home office. Our favorite one to watch and listen to was Danfo Driver. As I started to get older School started to get serious, and my dad was always there and trying to make sure I did well in every class and worked hard at everything I did. He would always say, “do it and do it well”, and I listened, I was getting all A’s in school, he was so proud of me he framed my transcript, took it to work, and put it on his desk.
My dad saw my potential and sent me to a Boarding School in England to join my cousins, Ife and Sope Adaralegbe, and study abroad. Upon my return, he then made sure I got into a great High School and gave me the opportunity to take college courses through the school to get my associate's degree. With me being the oldest and going to a different school to my siblings, my dad would drive me to school and pick me up. Every car ride felt like I was taking a test, he would ask me about homework, upcoming tests, how confident I felt about my work, and constantly reminded me to communicate with my teachers more. I always knew what my dad wanted for me was a success so if he ever told me to do something I did it with no doubt that the outcome would be in my benefit. My dad was a very intelligent man and I saw it, and I’ve always wanted to be just like him and I know he wants me to be better.
My dad wanted the best for everyone and a person like that should never be taken for granted because tomorrow is never promised. My dad was generous and kind. He helped whoever he could when he could. He even bought a house to help out some of his employees who were in hard times. My dad believed that family was the most important thing in this world next to God, he loved God. Spending time with family was second to that. My dad worked a lot and worked very hard to achieve all the awards and success he had, and this is what made family time even more important to him. We were a very close family, my dad had many nicknames and different ways he used to call us when we were in different rooms, I remember always hearing him call me sometimes it was “Jopsie” sometimes it was “Jopsicola” sometimes it was “Jope Marie” and he even had a whistle that sounded like my name and I always knew when he was calling me. My siblings' nicknames were, for Jaiye “Jaiye Rose” or “Jaiyeskie”, for Niji is was “Niji Dean” or “ Mr. Niji”, for Sewa it was “ Sewa K” or “Miss Sewa”. Sundays were reserved for church and for family time, every Sunday we went to church and he loved when we all wore our matching Nigerian apparel. I can still remember all the Saturday evenings and Sundays after church, he would turn on the music and call us all to the living room and we'd all join him and start dancing together in the living room. We even had mini talent shows with Me dancing, Sewa and Jaiye singing their original songs and Niji (III) trying to breakdance. These times I enjoyed the most.
My dad rarely liked going to the movies, but when we all did, he was notorious for falling asleep an hour into the movie. My dad loved Mexico, something about it reminded him a lot of Nigeria. He took us all the time and named me the family translator when we went. He was so funny and charismatic to be around when we were in Mexico. I can still hear him telling me “Jopsie help me tell them…” “Jopsie ask them where this is…”, I loved it, he made me feel helpful and smart all the time. We would walk down the beach everyday and get souvenirs and play Afrobeats and Techno, and even King Sunny Ade. When we were growing up he took us to Nigeria, as he knew it was important for us to know where we came from, and he's taken us all over the USA and Europe. He wanted us to see and experience different cultures and see the same beauty he saw in the world. He cared for all of us a lot, I remember as a little girl if I was sick I would go and tell him and he would say “awe pele my dear”, and as I grieve now I hear him say it more than ever. He had so much love for his family and that is what makes letting him go so difficult.
My dad saw my potential and sent me to a Boarding School in England to join my cousins, Ife and Sope Adaralegbe, and study abroad. Upon my return, he then made sure I got into a great High School and gave me the opportunity to take college courses through the school to get my associate's degree. With me being the oldest and going to a different school to my siblings, my dad would drive me to school and pick me up. Every car ride felt like I was taking a test, he would ask me about homework, upcoming tests, how confident I felt about my work, and constantly reminded me to communicate with my teachers more. I always knew what my dad wanted for me was a success so if he ever told me to do something I did it with no doubt that the outcome would be in my benefit. My dad was a very intelligent man and I saw it, and I’ve always wanted to be just like him and I know he wants me to be better.
My dad wanted the best for everyone and a person like that should never be taken for granted because tomorrow is never promised. My dad was generous and kind. He helped whoever he could when he could. He even bought a house to help out some of his employees who were in hard times. My dad believed that family was the most important thing in this world next to God, he loved God. Spending time with family was second to that. My dad worked a lot and worked very hard to achieve all the awards and success he had, and this is what made family time even more important to him. We were a very close family, my dad had many nicknames and different ways he used to call us when we were in different rooms, I remember always hearing him call me sometimes it was “Jopsie” sometimes it was “Jopsicola” sometimes it was “Jope Marie” and he even had a whistle that sounded like my name and I always knew when he was calling me. My siblings' nicknames were, for Jaiye “Jaiye Rose” or “Jaiyeskie”, for Niji is was “Niji Dean” or “ Mr. Niji”, for Sewa it was “ Sewa K” or “Miss Sewa”. Sundays were reserved for church and for family time, every Sunday we went to church and he loved when we all wore our matching Nigerian apparel. I can still remember all the Saturday evenings and Sundays after church, he would turn on the music and call us all to the living room and we'd all join him and start dancing together in the living room. We even had mini talent shows with Me dancing, Sewa and Jaiye singing their original songs and Niji (III) trying to breakdance. These times I enjoyed the most.
My dad rarely liked going to the movies, but when we all did, he was notorious for falling asleep an hour into the movie. My dad loved Mexico, something about it reminded him a lot of Nigeria. He took us all the time and named me the family translator when we went. He was so funny and charismatic to be around when we were in Mexico. I can still hear him telling me “Jopsie help me tell them…” “Jopsie ask them where this is…”, I loved it, he made me feel helpful and smart all the time. We would walk down the beach everyday and get souvenirs and play Afrobeats and Techno, and even King Sunny Ade. When we were growing up he took us to Nigeria, as he knew it was important for us to know where we came from, and he's taken us all over the USA and Europe. He wanted us to see and experience different cultures and see the same beauty he saw in the world. He cared for all of us a lot, I remember as a little girl if I was sick I would go and tell him and he would say “awe pele my dear”, and as I grieve now I hear him say it more than ever. He had so much love for his family and that is what makes letting him go so difficult.
ADEJAIYE ADARALEGBE'S TRIBUTE - JUNIOR'S SECOND DAUGHTER
February 2, 2021
by Nike Awosika
My father cared very much for me and my family, he always put others needs before himself. He was the definition of selflessness never thinking about his own needs first but others instead. He was a great dad who always encouraged me to do better and was there to support me through everything. I can still remember having long talks with him that always ended up inspiring me to do great things just like him. My dad had big plans for my siblings and I, we all grew up to the constant reminder that we are the adaralegbes and people will know our name. We could be whoever or whatever we wanted to be as long as we put our minds to it. I am told to be very determined and I believe that I get it from him because dad never gave up. He pushed himself to be the best he could. Even when it seemed hopeless he never gave up and he worked hard determined to reach his goals. That is who I will always aspire to be like.
When it was just Jope and I, mom and dad spoiled us non-stop. We were two of “daddy’s litte girls”. I would sit on his lap while he worked on the computer and made business calls. Most times I would find myself laying down right next to him watching CNN while he rubbed my head and played with my curls. When I was younger my hair was short and very curly, I would always complain that I wanted my hair to be straight and long. So from that day on dad started looking for hair serums and treatments to help my hair grow. Just like that, he was ready to find the solution to any problem I presented to him. My hair continued to grow and he would compliment it everyday. I can still hear him saying “wow my beautiful Jaiye your hair is so pretty and its growing!!!”
My dad was a very accomplished and wonderful person, he carried a never fading light with him into every room he walked into. He was an amazing father who did everything in his power to ensure we had bright futures. He was a devoted husband who loved and cared for my mother and he was a loving brother to his siblings and anyone who he believed he could help. I believe he still had more to do, that he had more to give and get from this life. Although he's not here to see me succeed or grow up, he will always live in my heart.
I will never forget, and I love you! “May we meet again one day!”
I will never forget, and I love you! “May we meet again one day!”