January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
I pray for strength for all those left behind, both family and friends. Rest in perfect peace .
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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 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Junior it is so hard to think of you as gone to be with the Lord but I know you are resting now. You were really a good family man, loved by your wife, children, siblings, nieces and nephews. Even though we are related via our siblings you were a brother to me. Always had sound realistic advice and interested in my well being. I will really miss you.
Love you and Sun re dear
Love you and Sun re dear
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
It's hard to find the right words to express my thoughts about my brother Adeniji Adaralegbe Junior in the past tense. He was the 5th child out of the 7 children God blessed our parents with. I am the 6th and his younger sister with one year age difference between us. Junior was remarkable in so many ways. He lived his life to the fullest and touched so many people during his time here with us. I remember the many valued and meaningful roles he played throughout his life. He was not just a brother, but a shoulder to lean on, a protector and a friend by choice. He was a family man, and an entrepreneur. Junior, always exudes confidence and charisma, he was like a magnet that many gravitated towards which is why he had so many friends. His exit has left me numb and distraught.
He loved his family profoundly. He was a devoted husband, son, father, uncle, brother, and friend. Jnr was a comfort and source of joy to us. I remember how he had a way of making our mother smile on many occasions and even helped with her personal care for years despite his busy schedule until she went to be with the Lord. Junior was full of life, he was very neat, had a penchant for expensive things, he also loved to dress well and was a very benevolent and caring person, very selfless to a fault. He was a pillar of support, guidance, and protection always. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends. His devotion to his family was second to none.
Many will miss his friendship as he was the type you can count on, he was dependable even if it is for just a piece of simple advice, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, he will be there ready to help and to make you laugh. He was not complacent and never settled for less, mediocrity was not a part of him. Junior spoke out when it really counted; his strong principles did not allow him to let something wrong stand unchallenged. He always followed through on commitments. He never let anyone or anything stand in the way of making things right, anytime we had disagreements he will call me the next day and apologize. We can only imagine how much more he could have accomplished in his life if not for the ailment that cut short his journey in life.
Junior was always happy to share his expertise with anyone who would listen, he worked hard and consistently, he never stopped learning. He led by example as he mentored his nephews and nieces including his own children being an inspiration to many.
Junior was an astute businessman who was always aware of the business environment and had the insight to recognize opportunities and challenges and the ability to realign his employees and company resources to deal with change as necessary. He wanted everyone around him to succeed. He loved to support and encourage, he always found time to attend youth basketball games even when his own children were not on the team.
I am grateful for the time we spent together and that I was able to care for him during his illness at the hospital from April 2018, we were all expecting a positive outcome.
Junior and I were very close, from childhood even until his ailment we talked almost every evening about so many things, his life was fulfilling with a wife and four vibrant children. It's very hard to say goodbye. The pages of his book will never be closed. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched positively and the children he left behind.
Adeniji Akinboyejo Jnr, my darling brother, we will miss you, but we will always remember you with respect, admiration, and love. You enriched our lives and my world will not be the same without you. I am consoled that you are resting in the Lord and we will meet to part no more. Sun re o. Junior egbon mi atata.
He loved his family profoundly. He was a devoted husband, son, father, uncle, brother, and friend. Jnr was a comfort and source of joy to us. I remember how he had a way of making our mother smile on many occasions and even helped with her personal care for years despite his busy schedule until she went to be with the Lord. Junior was full of life, he was very neat, had a penchant for expensive things, he also loved to dress well and was a very benevolent and caring person, very selfless to a fault. He was a pillar of support, guidance, and protection always. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends. His devotion to his family was second to none.
Many will miss his friendship as he was the type you can count on, he was dependable even if it is for just a piece of simple advice, a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, he will be there ready to help and to make you laugh. He was not complacent and never settled for less, mediocrity was not a part of him. Junior spoke out when it really counted; his strong principles did not allow him to let something wrong stand unchallenged. He always followed through on commitments. He never let anyone or anything stand in the way of making things right, anytime we had disagreements he will call me the next day and apologize. We can only imagine how much more he could have accomplished in his life if not for the ailment that cut short his journey in life.
Junior was always happy to share his expertise with anyone who would listen, he worked hard and consistently, he never stopped learning. He led by example as he mentored his nephews and nieces including his own children being an inspiration to many.
Junior was an astute businessman who was always aware of the business environment and had the insight to recognize opportunities and challenges and the ability to realign his employees and company resources to deal with change as necessary. He wanted everyone around him to succeed. He loved to support and encourage, he always found time to attend youth basketball games even when his own children were not on the team.
I am grateful for the time we spent together and that I was able to care for him during his illness at the hospital from April 2018, we were all expecting a positive outcome.
Junior and I were very close, from childhood even until his ailment we talked almost every evening about so many things, his life was fulfilling with a wife and four vibrant children. It's very hard to say goodbye. The pages of his book will never be closed. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched positively and the children he left behind.
Adeniji Akinboyejo Jnr, my darling brother, we will miss you, but we will always remember you with respect, admiration, and love. You enriched our lives and my world will not be the same without you. I am consoled that you are resting in the Lord and we will meet to part no more. Sun re o. Junior egbon mi atata.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
My dear Uncle Junior — a man with a large heart, ever so jovial, full of life, hardworking, kind and generous to a fault, and always dapper.
I am very sad that this happened so soon. I was very hopefully and prayed that you would recover and all would be well especially after seeing you in a dream. It was no longer enough to look at pictures, I had to turn to our messages/voicemails to face this new reality. Albeit short, I’m so thankful that you impacted countless lives, achieved a lot during your lifetime, worked hard, enjoyed and lived life to the fullest which is a big lesson to me and all.
You were such an amazing person!!!! Sigh. Thank you so much for always being there and for all you did for me! I am forever grateful and will continue to cherish the beautiful memories. Your legacy lives on forever and I will continue to pray for comfort and peace for your family and everyone.
Rest In Peace my dear and cool Uncle.
I love and miss you forever.
From,
Foyinski (as you fondly called me)
I am very sad that this happened so soon. I was very hopefully and prayed that you would recover and all would be well especially after seeing you in a dream. It was no longer enough to look at pictures, I had to turn to our messages/voicemails to face this new reality. Albeit short, I’m so thankful that you impacted countless lives, achieved a lot during your lifetime, worked hard, enjoyed and lived life to the fullest which is a big lesson to me and all.
You were such an amazing person!!!! Sigh. Thank you so much for always being there and for all you did for me! I am forever grateful and will continue to cherish the beautiful memories. Your legacy lives on forever and I will continue to pray for comfort and peace for your family and everyone.
Rest In Peace my dear and cool Uncle.
I love and miss you forever.
From,
Foyinski (as you fondly called me)
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Some people come into this world and their presence is not felt.....just like a whiff of smoke that's soon blown away. Junior, my brother, my dear friend, you came into this world and you made your presence felt (right from our days in St. John's). You positively touched lives, you built up and supported lives, you made an impact in your lifetime that some cannot achieve in two lifetimes. And then, you were taken away from us........so soon.
We cannot query the Lord why you had to leave us so soon, we all wanted to celebrate your healing.....hoping and praying for a miracle..... and celebrate with you dreams attained but, it was not meant to be. We take consolation in knowing that you're still with us in spirit, and you are still visiting in dreams, and your lovely family is a constant reminder of your presence with us.
My brother, my dear friend, thank you for your time with us, you're greatly appreciated and loved. David was looking forward to share his success and achievements with you, and Davina was looking forward to have her "Big uncle J" chats with you. Thank you for the marvelous memories Bibi and I had with you. Niji, you're one in a million. Rest my brother, till we meet never to part no more. - Loved by Yinka, Bibi, David and Davina
We cannot query the Lord why you had to leave us so soon, we all wanted to celebrate your healing.....hoping and praying for a miracle..... and celebrate with you dreams attained but, it was not meant to be. We take consolation in knowing that you're still with us in spirit, and you are still visiting in dreams, and your lovely family is a constant reminder of your presence with us.
My brother, my dear friend, thank you for your time with us, you're greatly appreciated and loved. David was looking forward to share his success and achievements with you, and Davina was looking forward to have her "Big uncle J" chats with you. Thank you for the marvelous memories Bibi and I had with you. Niji, you're one in a million. Rest my brother, till we meet never to part no more. - Loved by Yinka, Bibi, David and Davina
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Junior my junior brother.....
You and I are only a year apart, but you had so much respect for me that one would think I was many years ahead of you.
It’s difficult to think of you in past tense, you had so much life within you that I knew for sure you would come through this ordeal. But, it was never meant to be.
You and I enjoyed a great relationship after you came to live with me in Chicago. We shared so much and became inseparable, you had the best relationship with Olu, you took him as your older brother. It didn’t matter that you were a guy, you and I shared a studio apartment and shared a vehicle so we were almost always together.
You were a selfless person, you worked two jobs to buy the best suits for Bayo and his best man for Bayo’s wedding. When Remisola came along, yon again lived with us in Des Moines, Iowa. You spoilt her so much, that you would rebuke me if I smacked her or she cried for anything.
You were always a go getter, trying to be your best in everything you did. You moved to Phoenix and excelled at what you did, sales. You had the best training and put it to great use. God favored you and you shined and continued to shine.
Your nieces and nephews were your pride and joy. You loved each and everyone of them and celebrated them.
I recall numerous times you would visit and wonder what was available to eat. You loved my cooked beans and efo riro, and I was always very happy to cook for you. I called you Junior ( re-re-mi). While you were on your sick bed, I would visit and admonish you to pray and ask for mercy and would talk about our good times ,you would cry and cry, and I would wipe your tears.
I truly looked forward to the day we would celebrate your home going after being in the hospital for so long. I knew for sure it would be a great celebration of thanksgiving, little did I know it would never be. I’m pained because I knew you had so much to tell me but could not communicate. I’m encouraged that God showed you mercy and convinced I will see you at the feet of Jesus.
You were full of life, I pray your legacy is transferred to your children. We promise to make sure your story is kept alive and you are never forgotten.
Haaaa! Junior here’s to you, till we meet to part no more by the grace of God. My consolation is we will all die we just don’t know when.
Sun re aburo mi atata that left us way tooooo soon.
You and I are only a year apart, but you had so much respect for me that one would think I was many years ahead of you.
It’s difficult to think of you in past tense, you had so much life within you that I knew for sure you would come through this ordeal. But, it was never meant to be.
You and I enjoyed a great relationship after you came to live with me in Chicago. We shared so much and became inseparable, you had the best relationship with Olu, you took him as your older brother. It didn’t matter that you were a guy, you and I shared a studio apartment and shared a vehicle so we were almost always together.
You were a selfless person, you worked two jobs to buy the best suits for Bayo and his best man for Bayo’s wedding. When Remisola came along, yon again lived with us in Des Moines, Iowa. You spoilt her so much, that you would rebuke me if I smacked her or she cried for anything.
You were always a go getter, trying to be your best in everything you did. You moved to Phoenix and excelled at what you did, sales. You had the best training and put it to great use. God favored you and you shined and continued to shine.
Your nieces and nephews were your pride and joy. You loved each and everyone of them and celebrated them.
I recall numerous times you would visit and wonder what was available to eat. You loved my cooked beans and efo riro, and I was always very happy to cook for you. I called you Junior ( re-re-mi). While you were on your sick bed, I would visit and admonish you to pray and ask for mercy and would talk about our good times ,you would cry and cry, and I would wipe your tears.
I truly looked forward to the day we would celebrate your home going after being in the hospital for so long. I knew for sure it would be a great celebration of thanksgiving, little did I know it would never be. I’m pained because I knew you had so much to tell me but could not communicate. I’m encouraged that God showed you mercy and convinced I will see you at the feet of Jesus.
You were full of life, I pray your legacy is transferred to your children. We promise to make sure your story is kept alive and you are never forgotten.
Haaaa! Junior here’s to you, till we meet to part no more by the grace of God. My consolation is we will all die we just don’t know when.
Sun re aburo mi atata that left us way tooooo soon.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
From as early as I can remember, I was Uncle’s Jr’s sidekick. From amusement park trips and teaching me how to play Nintendo, to burning me my first CD and dancing in the pool to Mambo No.5, our relationship transcended uncle and niece; he was my friend.
His energy was contagious. His vibrant spirit and larger-than-life personality, captivated any crowd. I will fondly remember his Sunday night visits, our stomachs aching from laughing so hard at his stories and his usual “AH AH Remi wants to make me fat” when I scooped hearty servings of his favorite foods.
His grit and determination will forever be a part of me. He approached life with a spirit of boldness and domination, believing anything could be accomplished. He was a mover and a shaker, constantly defying the odds and reimagining possibilities. What a privilege to have learned from him during the most foundational years of my life!
Uncle Jr., thank you for showing me the importance of cultivating the life you want, living it on your own terms and having fun along the way. You will be greatly missed, but we are forever bonded and a part of you lives on in each of us. Rest easy.
Love always,
MiMi (Remisola)
His energy was contagious. His vibrant spirit and larger-than-life personality, captivated any crowd. I will fondly remember his Sunday night visits, our stomachs aching from laughing so hard at his stories and his usual “AH AH Remi wants to make me fat” when I scooped hearty servings of his favorite foods.
His grit and determination will forever be a part of me. He approached life with a spirit of boldness and domination, believing anything could be accomplished. He was a mover and a shaker, constantly defying the odds and reimagining possibilities. What a privilege to have learned from him during the most foundational years of my life!
Uncle Jr., thank you for showing me the importance of cultivating the life you want, living it on your own terms and having fun along the way. You will be greatly missed, but we are forever bonded and a part of you lives on in each of us. Rest easy.
Love always,
MiMi (Remisola)
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Very sad. Junior was a very lively guy. Very exciting. A strong family man and a lover of people. May God’s grace abound continually over the entire family and our community here in Arizona. Rest well Bro.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
GONE TOO SOON!
To be candid, bringing myself to writing this is an herculean task.
Hmmmmm! Junior ! still hoping it's a bad dream but then reality hits me that this is real no matter how difficult that is to digest or accept.
Junior, a huge family person...super caring, ever watching out for me while we were growing up and even as a married woman.
My passion and dexterity today in Mathematics stems from him. He painstakingly, thoroughly taught me the rudiments of the subject .
He was the popular one amongst us, gregarious with a very large heart made of gold. Mummy's boy! He loved our late Mum to a fault .
Too many beautiful memories that would forever remain indelible.
Junior my precious darling, this is heart wrenching and still unbelievable .
You have indeed left a huge vacuum. A colossal loss to us all.
You are resting finally, free at last .
Adeniji Jnr. I pray we meet on resurrection day. Love you profoundly.
Olusola
To be candid, bringing myself to writing this is an herculean task.
Hmmmmm! Junior ! still hoping it's a bad dream but then reality hits me that this is real no matter how difficult that is to digest or accept.
Junior, a huge family person...super caring, ever watching out for me while we were growing up and even as a married woman.
My passion and dexterity today in Mathematics stems from him. He painstakingly, thoroughly taught me the rudiments of the subject .
He was the popular one amongst us, gregarious with a very large heart made of gold. Mummy's boy! He loved our late Mum to a fault .
Too many beautiful memories that would forever remain indelible.
Junior my precious darling, this is heart wrenching and still unbelievable .
You have indeed left a huge vacuum. A colossal loss to us all.
You are resting finally, free at last .
Adeniji Jnr. I pray we meet on resurrection day. Love you profoundly.
Olusola
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
I don’t know where to begin, but I will try to start with how wonderful of a person Uncle Jr was.
He was the type of person that made his presence felt when he was in a room. It was a commanding presence and a force to be reckoned with. He could persuade you on anything because he spoke with conviction and passion. When we had get-togethers, people would stop what they were doing to listen to him because he had such a unique outlook on life.
He was a free thinker.
One summer before going off to college, he allowed me to work for him and I got to see firsthand how hardworking he was. Even as a business owner, he wasn’t afraid to do a lot of the grunt work to motivate his employees and show them hard work pays off.
His work ethic was amazing.
When I was in college he would reach out to me countless times to make sure I was okay. He took on the burdens of others around him just so that everyone could experience growth with him.
He had a heart of gold.
He loved spontaneous family gatherings, from barbeques at the park to our family trip to Mexico. He would think of things in the spur of the moment and convince everyone to go. If you invited him somewhere, he would move heaven on earth to make it there because he wouldn't want to disappoint you.
He always went above and beyond.
Even though his time on earth was cut short, he was still able to make such an impact in my life. There are so many fond memories of my uncle and these moments won’t be forgotten. As his oldest daughter Jope stated previously, we now carry him in our hearts.
Love you forever my beloved Uncle Jr
He was the type of person that made his presence felt when he was in a room. It was a commanding presence and a force to be reckoned with. He could persuade you on anything because he spoke with conviction and passion. When we had get-togethers, people would stop what they were doing to listen to him because he had such a unique outlook on life.
He was a free thinker.
One summer before going off to college, he allowed me to work for him and I got to see firsthand how hardworking he was. Even as a business owner, he wasn’t afraid to do a lot of the grunt work to motivate his employees and show them hard work pays off.
His work ethic was amazing.
When I was in college he would reach out to me countless times to make sure I was okay. He took on the burdens of others around him just so that everyone could experience growth with him.
He had a heart of gold.
He loved spontaneous family gatherings, from barbeques at the park to our family trip to Mexico. He would think of things in the spur of the moment and convince everyone to go. If you invited him somewhere, he would move heaven on earth to make it there because he wouldn't want to disappoint you.
He always went above and beyond.
Even though his time on earth was cut short, he was still able to make such an impact in my life. There are so many fond memories of my uncle and these moments won’t be forgotten. As his oldest daughter Jope stated previously, we now carry him in our hearts.
Love you forever my beloved Uncle Jr
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Tribute to Adeniji Adaralegbe Junior
My dear brother-in-law, Adeniji Adaralegbe Junior, you were a wonderful brother. Yes, brother. You were not my brother-in-law. You were my brother. Although you were young when I came into your lives in the Adaralegbe family approximately forty-five years ago, you welcomed me and we formed a bond so much so, that you found it difficult to introduce me to anybody as a brother-in-law, and we have always been close. Junior (as we all fondly called you), you were my chief defender whenever I had arguments or differences in opinion with anybody.
Junior, you were such a very lively and accommodating person from youth. You would gladly give your right arm than see someone suffer. You always saw the best in people and rarely indulged in criticism. To hear you criticize someone would mean that person had really gone overboard. Junior, you were a caring husband and father and could not bear to see anybody, let alone your family lack for anything. This fueled your hard work to provide for them. You were a cheerful giver of your time and finances. You were protective of people you regarded as family (both immediate and external) and always ready to help any strugglers financially without request.
You welcomed friends and family into your home even without notice and always saw the good in people, especially youths. I lost count of how many times you would defend my children and nieces/nephews when I would scold or reprimand them, claiming it was just a phase and they would outgrow it.
You were a fitness freak, and I am glad to say I was influenced by this.
Whenever we came together either in your home or ours, I loved to engage you in politics and loved to listen to your point of view.
I would tease you sometimes and we would have a good laugh.
When I started my business, you were incredibly supportive and always asked how things were going almost to a fault. That was just you through and through.
I will miss you my dear Junior (aka oga Julius), but God loves you and it has pleased him to take you home. Till we meet again at Jesus’ feet, Sleep on beloved and take your rest.
Lay down your head upon your savior’s breast!
We love you well, but Jesus loves you best.
Good night! Good night! Good night!
My dear brother-in-law, Adeniji Adaralegbe Junior, you were a wonderful brother. Yes, brother. You were not my brother-in-law. You were my brother. Although you were young when I came into your lives in the Adaralegbe family approximately forty-five years ago, you welcomed me and we formed a bond so much so, that you found it difficult to introduce me to anybody as a brother-in-law, and we have always been close. Junior (as we all fondly called you), you were my chief defender whenever I had arguments or differences in opinion with anybody.
Junior, you were such a very lively and accommodating person from youth. You would gladly give your right arm than see someone suffer. You always saw the best in people and rarely indulged in criticism. To hear you criticize someone would mean that person had really gone overboard. Junior, you were a caring husband and father and could not bear to see anybody, let alone your family lack for anything. This fueled your hard work to provide for them. You were a cheerful giver of your time and finances. You were protective of people you regarded as family (both immediate and external) and always ready to help any strugglers financially without request.
You welcomed friends and family into your home even without notice and always saw the good in people, especially youths. I lost count of how many times you would defend my children and nieces/nephews when I would scold or reprimand them, claiming it was just a phase and they would outgrow it.
You were a fitness freak, and I am glad to say I was influenced by this.
Whenever we came together either in your home or ours, I loved to engage you in politics and loved to listen to your point of view.
I would tease you sometimes and we would have a good laugh.
When I started my business, you were incredibly supportive and always asked how things were going almost to a fault. That was just you through and through.
I will miss you my dear Junior (aka oga Julius), but God loves you and it has pleased him to take you home. Till we meet again at Jesus’ feet, Sleep on beloved and take your rest.
Lay down your head upon your savior’s breast!
We love you well, but Jesus loves you best.
Good night! Good night! Good night!
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Hmmm!! Junior! Juniorrr!! Juniorrrrrr!!!
Oh how I miss you!! I saved dancing shoes to celebrate your recovery here on earth but it will now be an everlasting dance before our Father. I saved messages on your prayer line to show you but I no longer have to show it because you have seen it.
You were a fighter as life brought its twists and turns from everyday challenges. You showed resilience even to the traumatic events like the serious illness that you experienced till you passed on to glory. You fondly yelled out "Nana mi" remembering how you called me when you were little.
You worked extremely hard to make sure the best was available to your family, yet found time for your family by taking them on trips and to places. You had a large heart, sensitive to other's need and didn't have to be told that someone is in need before you jump in to help. You were very confident and would instill confidence in anyone that needed it. There was always encouraging words from you.
Oh! how mom enjoyed your stories of old or jokes which brought big smiles and laughter to her face. You made it easy to take care of mom. I couldn't have wished for a better helping hand because you took over her cleaning and would say " She birthed me". Mom got your assistance at any time. You came by even at 12 mid-night to make sure she was comfortable. Boy! that was a deep sense of responsibility from a man.
People gravitated towards you. Family, friends, co-workers and neighbors were welcome in your home. You had friends over the entire day and on few occasions overnight, with their family. My brother was simply gregarious, being very friendly and enjoyed socializing.
I remember your last visit to my house, you mentioned wanting to see my sister in-law as she was briefly in town. I can't forget your remark about me being in a better position than you because my children are further along in their education than yours. You said that the fight continues, God helping you. I look back now and feel that was a special message.
If Jesus left the grave behind, so will Adeniji! Lord please show me Adeniji my brother is with you in glory and I will see your heart in all of this in many different ways. "Junior is sadly missed along life's way, quietly remembered everyday. He is no longer in our lives to share but in our hearts, always there".
Forever in our hearts,
"Nana mi"
Oh how I miss you!! I saved dancing shoes to celebrate your recovery here on earth but it will now be an everlasting dance before our Father. I saved messages on your prayer line to show you but I no longer have to show it because you have seen it.
You were a fighter as life brought its twists and turns from everyday challenges. You showed resilience even to the traumatic events like the serious illness that you experienced till you passed on to glory. You fondly yelled out "Nana mi" remembering how you called me when you were little.
You worked extremely hard to make sure the best was available to your family, yet found time for your family by taking them on trips and to places. You had a large heart, sensitive to other's need and didn't have to be told that someone is in need before you jump in to help. You were very confident and would instill confidence in anyone that needed it. There was always encouraging words from you.
Oh! how mom enjoyed your stories of old or jokes which brought big smiles and laughter to her face. You made it easy to take care of mom. I couldn't have wished for a better helping hand because you took over her cleaning and would say " She birthed me". Mom got your assistance at any time. You came by even at 12 mid-night to make sure she was comfortable. Boy! that was a deep sense of responsibility from a man.
People gravitated towards you. Family, friends, co-workers and neighbors were welcome in your home. You had friends over the entire day and on few occasions overnight, with their family. My brother was simply gregarious, being very friendly and enjoyed socializing.
I remember your last visit to my house, you mentioned wanting to see my sister in-law as she was briefly in town. I can't forget your remark about me being in a better position than you because my children are further along in their education than yours. You said that the fight continues, God helping you. I look back now and feel that was a special message.
If Jesus left the grave behind, so will Adeniji! Lord please show me Adeniji my brother is with you in glory and I will see your heart in all of this in many different ways. "Junior is sadly missed along life's way, quietly remembered everyday. He is no longer in our lives to share but in our hearts, always there".
Forever in our hearts,
"Nana mi"
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Uncle Jr,
my loving, giving, selfless uncle. A man of great stature of great importance, An uncle I admired dearly and that would make me laugh, from your view points in politics to your amazing knack for business.
You were captivating and I was in awe of you. I loved to brag about you and your endeavors as well as be in your presence.
I remember our many talks on everything from weight loss to website domains. Most importantly your giving nature, always helping anyone and everyone.
How can I ever forget the bicycle you bought me for college. Your endless hugs and kisses. Its like a bad dream to wake up in a world where you are not present. Where all of who you are the businessman but most importantly the family man is gone.
It pains me that you couldn't see the fruits of your labor on this earth, seeing your children grow and graduate like you did with me and my siblings; but I know they all will make you proud and that you are watching them from above.
You will be sorely missed my dear uncle, you have left a void that no one can fill. Rest easy Uncle Jr.
Till we meet again.
my loving, giving, selfless uncle. A man of great stature of great importance, An uncle I admired dearly and that would make me laugh, from your view points in politics to your amazing knack for business.
You were captivating and I was in awe of you. I loved to brag about you and your endeavors as well as be in your presence.
I remember our many talks on everything from weight loss to website domains. Most importantly your giving nature, always helping anyone and everyone.
How can I ever forget the bicycle you bought me for college. Your endless hugs and kisses. Its like a bad dream to wake up in a world where you are not present. Where all of who you are the businessman but most importantly the family man is gone.
It pains me that you couldn't see the fruits of your labor on this earth, seeing your children grow and graduate like you did with me and my siblings; but I know they all will make you proud and that you are watching them from above.
You will be sorely missed my dear uncle, you have left a void that no one can fill. Rest easy Uncle Jr.
Till we meet again.
January 18, 2021
January 18, 2021
Uncle Junior it’s really hard to believe that you have gone to be with your maker. You will be fondly remembered every Christmas party you are always discussing issues and topics your smile, laughter joy always fills the whole room. I believe and know you are in a better and comfortable place now. You will surely be missed.Till we meet again.
January 10, 2021
January 10, 2021
Psalm 116:15
Amplified Bible
Precious (important and no light matter) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (His loving ones).
Amplified Bible
Precious (important and no light matter) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (His loving ones).
January 10, 2021
January 10, 2021
Go on my DARLING, take your SWEET REST now!
January 10, 2021
January 10, 2021
JUNIOR, JUNIOR, JUNIOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I find myself calling your name over and over and over again! Memories! SWEET, SWEET MEMORIES of you flood my mind severally daily. How can it be that I can no longer reach for the phone to hear your sweet sonorous voice again?
It is definitely a HUGE loss for me! NOT for YOU though! Apostle Paul put this in perspective for us by revealing that to be with Christ, is FAR BETTER, than remaining here on earth, so it's no cliche, my darling, that you have preceded us in going to a FAR BETTER place, to your REST and REWARD!
So should I "sorrow"? Yes I do "sorrow", but not as one without hope, I do because of the broken earthly fellowship, but I rejoice in YOUR JOY of being HOME with your MAKER and finding your REST, also because I know I will see you again on the resurrection morning, GLORY!!!
JUNIOR! We miss you so badly here, it HURTS! but I know it's a party in HEAVEN! There's a celebration because YOU, God's ELECT and MOST BELOVED, has returned HOME!
So, I CHOOSE not to be overcome with grief at your home going, I CHOOSE to CELEBRATE your AWESOME AND ACCOMPLISHED LIFE and I CHOOSE to CELEBRATE the AMAZING PERSON, you were to all who knew you.
I am blessed for having you in my life, you ALWAYS had my back, ALWAYS!
I thank God for the WONDERFUL GIFT of YOU!
You were just ONE person, my darling, but you have replicated yourself in your FOUR wonderful and amazing children, Glory to God! In each and everyone of them, I see YOU, so even in your sleep, YOU are still here with us!
YES! Your LEGACY lives on in YOUR CHILDREN!
I hold on dearly to and continue to cherish SWEET, SWEET MEMORIES of YOU!
GOODNIGHT MY DARLING, REST WELL!
I find myself calling your name over and over and over again! Memories! SWEET, SWEET MEMORIES of you flood my mind severally daily. How can it be that I can no longer reach for the phone to hear your sweet sonorous voice again?
It is definitely a HUGE loss for me! NOT for YOU though! Apostle Paul put this in perspective for us by revealing that to be with Christ, is FAR BETTER, than remaining here on earth, so it's no cliche, my darling, that you have preceded us in going to a FAR BETTER place, to your REST and REWARD!
So should I "sorrow"? Yes I do "sorrow", but not as one without hope, I do because of the broken earthly fellowship, but I rejoice in YOUR JOY of being HOME with your MAKER and finding your REST, also because I know I will see you again on the resurrection morning, GLORY!!!
JUNIOR! We miss you so badly here, it HURTS! but I know it's a party in HEAVEN! There's a celebration because YOU, God's ELECT and MOST BELOVED, has returned HOME!
So, I CHOOSE not to be overcome with grief at your home going, I CHOOSE to CELEBRATE your AWESOME AND ACCOMPLISHED LIFE and I CHOOSE to CELEBRATE the AMAZING PERSON, you were to all who knew you.
I am blessed for having you in my life, you ALWAYS had my back, ALWAYS!
I thank God for the WONDERFUL GIFT of YOU!
You were just ONE person, my darling, but you have replicated yourself in your FOUR wonderful and amazing children, Glory to God! In each and everyone of them, I see YOU, so even in your sleep, YOU are still here with us!
YES! Your LEGACY lives on in YOUR CHILDREN!
I hold on dearly to and continue to cherish SWEET, SWEET MEMORIES of YOU!
GOODNIGHT MY DARLING, REST WELL!
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!”