Dear AOM,
I did it again searching for your foot under your office glass door to know if I can be naughty in the office without being caught.

Your foots are no more in its place.

I don't know how many Afolabi Mabogunje's there are, but the one that I spoke with briefly on facebook welcomed me without hesitance.
   May Afolabi rest in peace you were taken too soon!

Hi Mabogs,

Your name came up again during our club ride today. I only remember you not accepting less from me even when i was the weakest rider and often times because I don't have the leg power for climbs.

We passed some part of your loop today. I still hear your voice speaking in that you can do anything tone.

Thank you for the chats on the saddle for the push over climbs . The pat on my back like you give to other guys too. I never remembered I was a lady riding with you.

A ride was a ride for riders. Simple.

I will be back to say more here.

It is not fair but it’s okay
Mabogs our General
Why on earth did you have to leave us
And choose heavens reward instead of your Tribe
We prayed, trusted, urged heaven to return you to us
But you had tasted of a far greater weight of Glory
And no way were you coming back to this fallen world
Not even for one last ride

It is not fair but it’s okay
You have deprived us of your toothy smile
Your encouraging knowing looks
Your constant call to saddle up
Your thumbs up as you pass Group C
from the other side of 3MB
The sweaty hugs as we straggle into Syrian Club an hour later than Group A
Only to see you heading out for yet another Century
You have always been ahead
Yet we always met again to start another ride

It is not fair but it is okay
Knowing that we will see you again soon
Just not this side of eternity
Now we are left to somehow ease the pain
with memories of you
And thoughts of what will Mabogs do
We have all made silent promises
to ride more, love more, live more
To do these things in memory of you
While you ride on in eternity
Scoping out new routes and setting new KOM’s
Awaiting our reunion in the great beyond

It is not fair and what will never be okay
Is the way in which you had to leave your Tribe
The brutality of the attack
and senselessness of its purpose
A painful testament to our current reality
Your life poured out as a modern day martyr
One who believed so much in a New Nigeria
You left pursuing what gave you pleasure
You rode the dawn, day and dusk and even the night
Unstoppable, unchainable, relentlessly optimistic
You will forever be our General and we your people

Dear Mabogs

I bless God for your fulfilled life.
Your love of all was deep and generous and your positive impact prolific. Lives are better because of you.
Your love for, pride in and commitment to Abimbola, Titilayo and Gbenga rose above all else. We are so grateful that they shared you with the world. 
I am blessed to have been touched by you and your family.
You rode your race on earth excellently now RIP General

Hmmnnnnn!

Not how far but how well.

Uncle, You're in a much better place now - Rest in the bossom of your creator joining the elders to sing Holy! Holy!! Holy!!!.

God comfort your family (immediate and extended), friends and all you impacted on earth.

Life can be quite cruel and this has played out over the last few weeks as I have continued to come to terms with the passing in horrific circumstances of my brother, whom I fondly called engineer. Although our family (the Ogutugas) has known the Mabogunjes for all of my life (my dad is actually Niyi's Godfather), I got to know Afolabi through his dear wife - Abimbola - who is my sister/friend (another connection that brings home the fact that most of our lives are entwined).

He was a gentle soul, a kind person and most times was quite quiet! They both loved to cycle and he was very passionate about his sport ........ just so sad that he died doing something he loved.

Afolabi will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of many of us that knew him and loved him; and we will continue to be there for the ones he loved so dearly.

Rest in Peace dearest brother and friend

We Lost A Gem!
Afolabi was an amiable easy going cousin of mine.
Nothing upsets Afolabi.Ever smiling and an organizer of repute.
The Atewologun/Mabogunje Dynasty has surely lost an irreplaceable son.
May Almighty God comfort your wife Bimbola , children, your parents and the entire family.
May Your Soul Rest In Perfect Peace.(Amen).

Folabi,

Where do I start? Just four weeks ago, we were chatting on whatsapp about the project that we had wanted to do together. We arranged to talk at the weekend but it didn’t happen-both of us so busy. And now there’s just a painful silence and a crushing realisation that I am not going to hear your voice again.

This is hard to bear. And it is so hard to write this, to write about you in the past tense-it hurts so. When Bimbola called me and told me what had happened, you were still hanging on, and I prayed you would wake up and come back to us. But that was not to be and it is heart-breaking. But God knows why.

How do I compress over fifty (50) years of friendship, love, laughter, loyalty, kindness, of memories created together into a few words? Your laughter was infectious, your ready smile always present to cheer us up, and your heart so breathtakingly generous. Earliest memories are of being Ikoyi kids, together with my late brother, riding to school and back in the ECN Land cruisers courtesy of our Engineer Dads working there. They bonded, and we bonded, and that bonding of families has stood the test of time, tide and all the to-do’s.

Even over time when we lost touch on and off, we’d find each other again, and it was as if time stood still. And we had fun together especially on some of our road trips, including one to Liverpool with Niyi and my sister Kemi. Then you came to living just 30 minutes driving time from me here in Cambridge-that was a blessing. You found Bimbola, the love of your life, and I gained a sister. You moved back to Lagos and then made my home yours for when you and the family visited. And whenever I visited Lagos, you made sure we saw each other without fail, even to riding your bike to Surulere one evening.

I remember our puffpuff custom- I always had it ready for you whenever you came to my house, the last time being June 2019. And I remember Bimbola jokingly granting permission for you to eat because I had made it. I am so thankful for that visit and being able to spend that time with you. We joked that you hardly had any grey hair yet my head of hair was more salt than pepper! And your face didn’t age either judging by the picture of you I’m looking at taken in the early 90s on one of your visits to me. Must be down to that precious happy spirit in you.

My heart is breaking all over again as I write this – but I treasure all those memories we created. You live on in Bimbola, Gbenga and Titilayo. My prayer for them, your parents and extended family is that the Great Comforter will comfort them and give them peace that passes all understanding. And us your friends too. Amen.

Sleep well in the Lord's bosom my dear friend, till we meet again. xxx

Uncle Afoyabi,
What to write?

God knows best.  We thank God for the life you lived. Even though you have leff us, we will remember the wonderful memories we had with you.
It was an honor to know you.
Thank you for all the love and support
Thank you for taking up the courage to teach me how to drive and allowing me to bash your car while doing it.
Thank you for taking me as your daughter

Till we meet again my first word
Kanmi Popoola nee Lipede.

When all is said and done, ultimately, we remember Afolabi first for his love for his family, his love for Nigeria (for whom he gave his all), his servant leadership, and his uncommon decency. Indeed, Afolabi’s life is his Magnum Opus. While we celebrate a great life, we lament a hero whose life was needlessly cut short.

It is a very rude shock to hear of Folabi's passing. It's been very difficult to write in the past tense. I didn't know that February (2020) last year would be the last time we would meet again physically.
So many memories flood my mind including times in the UK & Nigeria. Our many chats and Folabi's unwaving support and care for my family. Folabi was a friend indeed. A great confidant.
I am trusting God to deeply comfort Bimbo, Gbenga, Titilayo, his parents, siblings, cousins, in-laws, extended families, friends, neighbours and all who knew him. Folabi is resting in the Lord Jesus.

Uncle Folly like I fondly call you; how do we begin to make sense of a world without you in it? How do we make sense of world without your infectious smile, great personality and grand optimism for life.

Uncle, you were my person, my 1% of the 1%. You were that shoulder I could lean on, the ear I could always tell any and everything and that person I could vent to. Who will I talk to now when I want to go ‘gangster’ on someone. Ah……… who will listen to me vent for 10minutes on the phone and then reply my plenty venting with “Turukanma can you now calmly tell me what the problem is”. Uncle Folly, you were never too tired to ever talk to me and every time we were done talking, I was sure to thank you for listening to me.

Uncle, your Turukanma, Turukanma is heartbroken but I will draw my strength from the many beautiful chapters of your life’s book, I choose to move forward not dwelling on the events that led to your death but on the heartwarming stories of your life.

Uncle, I knew you were special to me but BOY you were special to all who met you. You painted great pictures with your personality on this canvas called life.

Thank you, uncle, for always being my person; I had to break the news to Momore; though he was sad, he said I now have 2 angels guarding me and Folabi like he calls you will live in my heart with my daddy.

I will always keep an eye on Aunty Bimbo, Gbenga and Titilayo.

I pray you receive help from above as you find your path to heaven.

The cyclists called him General because of his motivational and leadership skills which he displayed when I first met him in 1974 at Igbobi College. He was our class captain for three years.

Since then we have been friends. We used to go home from school together in " NEPA school bus".

Fast forward to UK,  the relationship got closer. He was in Manchester while I was in London and my house became his London home.

When I was planning to leave UK for  Nigeria, Folabi offered me a quarter space of his father's container to put my stuff without his father's consent.

We were so close that I followed his sister to Abeokuta when she got married because I knew Folabi would have done the same thing for me.

He was my son's godfather and I am his son's godfather. 

He was so free with me that what I had was his and what he had was mine.

He was secretary when I was chairman of ÌCOBA 79/81 set and always ensured that minutes of meetings were sent out by midnight of the day of the meeting. 

The only thing he didn't achieve with me was making me join the cycology club.

He was  a true friend, brother , motivator, "general", keep fit fanatic, man with a large heart, noble Nigerian and above all, God fearing man.

Good night Afolabi aka loafy and rest in peace.


Loye Lipede

Afoyabi', the first name Kanmi called as a baby instead of 'dada'. Till today, I still can't get over that.
Where do I start from?
Unilag days, UK days?...I don't know.
Is it when I had to give you the key to our house in the UK so my sleep won't be disturbed when you knocked at odd hours.
Or your free access to my pot of meat and how I had to start hiding it from you and Loye.
Or how you stood by Loye during Kale's birth which earned you being his godfather.
Or how you kept on forgetting that Kale and not Kanmi was your godchild (Kale accepted his fate)
Or your interest in the progress of our children asking detailed questions.
Or your love for my parents up till their death. I remember you showing up immediately my mother passed on and stood by us till we left the morgue.
Afolabi, you were a good man with a large heart. I am glad that through Loye, my children and I had the opportunity to have had you like a family member.
You will forever remain in our hearts.
Good night Folabi and rest in peace.
Funke Lipede

I never met Mr. Afolabi in person but I heard a lot of good and great things he was doing while I kept believing that one day I will met him in person.

I am sincerely grieved by the fact that he was mugged and stabbed and also asking myself why do good people not last on earth?

However, we have to take solace in God because he made and allow most things to come to pass.

I pray that the Almighty God should strengthen the entire family and console them in this critical period.

From:
Okereke Chimedu

Though, never met you before, but with all the tributes, it shows you've lived a meaningful, purpose driven and a fulfilled live.
Continue to rest on in the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ where we'll meet to part no more.

From Komolafe Oluwatosin Israel

My General and egbon, I weep....
For the deep pain that I feel, I weep....
For the senseless loss to your lovely family, I weep....
For the chronic failures in our country Nigeria, I weep....
For the anguish we all feel and for the void that can never be filled, I weep....

I met you when I joined Cycology Riding Club in 2014 – we got talking a few weeks after I joined the club and I realised your younger brother was my ex-classmate at high school.

I developed a deep admiration for you when I realised how strong a cyclist you were and hoped I would one day ride like you! I grew to like you even more when I realised you were an adventurer like me and jumped at the opportunity to go on a cycling trip with you to Ondo in May 2015. I bonded with your lovely wife and yourself and totally admired the relationship you guys shared.

We revisited Ondo in July 2015 and again in December or 2015 and the more I learned about you and the close bond you shared with your family, the more I liked you. I shared stories with my wife and siblings of how I admired your family and how I wanted us to adopt the same model in ours..

I found you fascinating as a cyclist and made it a routine to check your rides on strava so I could try and keep up with you! I had to accept you were half-human, half-machine when I checked your strava STATs one week and found you had ridden over 850km!!

When you told me about plans to visit Ondo for a fourth time in July 2016 with members of your extended family, I returned to Nigeria earlier than planned so I could make the trip and brought my two older sons with me to experience what ‘family’ was about. I learned a lot spending time and observing your family dynamics that weekend (over 20 members of your extended family came on that trip) and we continue to replicate the same model in my family – thank you for the privilege Sir!

I was shocked to learn about the sad, unnecessary and senseless attack on you on 9th September 2021 and was relieved when I heard that the surgery had gone well and you were recuperating. I knew you were strong and the thought never crossed my mind that you wouldn’t recover from surgery. I joined some of the prayer sessions, but still remained very confident that my General would soon come out of sleep. I still can’t believe you have left us, but I guess God urgently needed a reliable and trusted compatriot in heaven and decided to call you home..

My kids broke down at the weekend when I shared the sad news with them and one of them recalled you sacrificing your ride at Ondo to ride with him at his pace – such was your selfless nature, as many similar stories abound in our cycling fraternity.

I can just see you, cycling majestically across the finish line of life into the Lord’s arms with all the angels and saints mounting a guard of honour and applauding you in a standing ovation as you cross the line, with the Lord saying aloud – welcome home my dear son, well done General Mabogs, for you have run your race and you have finished strong!!

We salute and stand in awe of you our General... Thank you for taking us under your wings.... Thank you for the words of encouragement.... Thank you for allowing us share precious moments with your family.... Thank you for all life’s lessons we learned from you..... Thank you for being you..... I am thankful our paths crossed and grateful to God for the privilege of meeting you!

You have left your impeccable footprints in the sands of time and your legacy and memories will last forever. As we submit to God’s will, I pray that your soul continues to rest in peace and that God comforts and heals your family, friends and loved ones in a way that only he can.

Sun re o egbon mi – sleep well ‘my General’ until we meet to part no more..

AOM Sir! No words will ever be enough to bring you back again. You are gone now with the Angels. You may not have had a very long stay but you had a very impactful one . It really hurts to think of the violence and the pain of it all but then we rejoice because you lived well. A dedicated person you were,a boss who taught those who worked under him. No one who passed through you would ever say they did not learn one or two things from you . From observation it could be seen you were also a very caring Dad and family man. The conversations we had and questions you asked me always got me thinking only a Dad would ask you this type of question . You have left a good legacy for your generation born and unborn and not a lot of people get to do that. Rest well boss!!

Folabiiiiii, i have known you forever, my mother's godson!!
I cannot come to terms with this loss, it just sounds so untrue. I really can not speak of you in the past, that will be tough. You were that brother i teased as a child because we shared the same birth month. I always reminded you that I am a few days older than you. Your love for bicycles gave us so much fun during the many holidays, as children. You made sure that everyone knew how to ride a bicycle. Wow!!!! Hm...... i am sure you cycled straight into the arms of our Lord. That same Lord will comfort Bimbola, Gbenga and Titilayo; Uncle and Auntie, Funmilayo, Sola and Niyi.

There are some people you come across in life who just stand out and general Mabogs was one of them. I only joined cycology in May but in that short time, I got to experience his radiant smile, his friendliness and warmth! I wish I’d had the opportunity to get to know him better and to ride with him! it’s clear he was a truly wonderful human being. May God almighty comfort his beautiful family like only he can. Rest in peace general Mabogs, you were greatly loved and admired by many. It is well

Afo baba, Afo majestic. We met more than 22 years ago in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire and lived almost next door. We have remained family friends since then.
A great intellectual, a fantastic father, husband and friend. Afo would move mountains to help his friends. He had this ability to make complex problems look very simple. Afo would hardly show any irritation or raised his voice. That smile and that calm voice! We have been robbed of a great man.
We pray for God to comfort Bimbola, Gbenga, Titilayo and the family.
Afo, you might have passed on but your loving memory and spirit will forever be with us.

Afo, sun re o!

Loafie!

I have finally found the strength from within to write these short words.

Your passing has been too painful and it is taking quite some time for it to sink in. You were such a very good man and will be sorely missed.

May your soul Rest In Peace, my dear friend and brother.

Mabogs! Loafie! My friend, my brother.

Since Folabi’s passing, I have been reflecting about the confluences of our lives.

We knew each other since primary school age, and attended same primary school family, Corona, he in Victoria Island and I in Ikoyi. Classmates at Igbobi College and King’s College. Room mates at the University of Lagos (more accurately, Folabi was my ‘landlord’; smile). 

Through the 50 years, Folabi was a friend for all seasons. He would randomly call to check in or visit, ask after various members of the family, and faithfully attended events no matter the distance.

Folabi understood how to create, capture and curate memories. He was analytical, organized, intelligent and a brilliant conversationalist who also loved a good debate. He was adventurous and had a zest for life. His love for cycling was emblematic of this.

Folabi’s robust physique belied his athleticism. I learned how fit he was when we challenged each other to a 100m race whilst at Igbobi College; I believed it would be a no-contest and that I would easily out-run him; after all, I was slim and light, and he was the opposite. Smile. However, I learned a practical lesson in physics: speed supported by mass accelerates velocity! Smile.

My friend, my brother Folabi aka Loafy aka Mabogs aka the General has raced into eternity and is sorely missed.

We thank God for the life of significance he lived and as the Scriptures say, his memory is blessed.

We pray that the Lord upholds Bimbola and their children, his parents and siblings and all loved ones.

Dear Folabi
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this tribute. We have been good friends for over 30 years and I consider you as one of my husband's best friends.
Our families shared so many good times together. Since your passing we have looked at photographs we took over the years.
Going to Nigeria would never be the same without you there. I assumed you would always be there and the last time you visited we spoke about our retirement and the plans you had.
To say that I am hurting is an under statement. You were indeed always going to be our friend for life but I never imagined we would lose you at this age. It is no exegeration to say that I would never forget you.
Rest in Peace my dear friend and brother.
May God comfort Bimbola, Gbenga, Titilayo you parents, siblings and entire family.
Love you loads and missing you terribly

Folabi ...... meeting you made one a better person. Your dedication and selflessness to tasks assigned or taken on is just you being who you are.
Our discussion last January at Ogere Resort still resonates not knowing it might be the last.
Adieu dear friend....till ressurection morning.

Dear dear Gbenga’s dad, I will surely miss you. It’s hard to accept that you will no longer be in our retirement planning sessions and all of those other things we were all so looking forward to in the future. All we have now are the lovely memories which span across Lagos, Huntingdon , Norwich , Peak District , Lake District, Idanre, Ikogosi,etc. Those times will forever be cherished. With a heavy heart we all  have to say adieu to a truly great person. Rest in perfect peace till we all meet again.
Laide Lesi.

It's very hard to write about Folabi in the past tense; just too hard. With his booming laughter, toothy (èjí) smile and disarming demeanour he seems almost larger than llife, bi ęni tó ni iku l'ápó (like someone who harbours the secret of life). The pure love of life (which is so infectious) and the total confidence he exudes makes one feel that nothing can touch him.
So, suddenly, how could he be gone?

Folabi is a good man cut down in his prime. It is too early to lose him because he had - sorry, has - so much to give: love, energy, insight, etc.

His life is almost a re-enactment of his LORD's: truly commended as good - [Mabogs also "went about doing good, and healing those who were afflicted, because God was with him" Acts 10:38] - yet His life was cut short by the people he came to serve and save [Mabogs too].

Folabi found and fulfilled his purpose in life.
But we'll always miss him...

May the LORD, the Father of courage, give courage and strength to bear this tragic loss to Daddy & Mommy, Bimbola (Bimbi), Gbenga (GG) and Layo (TT), his siblings, the extended Mabogunję family, all his friends and colleagues.

Dele, we'll always need you!
I won't be surprised if at some point, when facing a difficult decision, I catch myself thinking "What would you (Mabogs) do? Such is your breadth and depth of knowledge and insight.

Our friendship is irreplaceable. You are "a friend that sticks closer than a brother" Proverbs 18:24, "...a treasure trove of insight". Jowo, ma gbagbe awon òrò ajoso wa o. Mo ma şafęri ę titi d'ojó alę ni, Òrę t'o nduro t'ęni nigbati aiye k'ęhin s'ęni. I fondly remember good times together - visiting Popsy and Momsy at home, celebrating Popsy's birthday with you and Bimbi and your larger family, inviting me to "come see" Abuja and staying with your gracious cousin BB, and so many other wonderful times: sharing, joking, laughing, seriously debating practical solutions to our society's ills and decrying its wasted opportunities - and you and Bimbi being a refuge post when life's storm buffetted.

There is soooo much more to you than casual observation can reveal...

LORD, our Wonderful God, we do not fully understand any of this...
Adiitu Olódùmàrè, iwo l'odi, iwo l'olètu.
Apánlá tóso ile aiye ró, ęru jęję leti odo.
Oba Kábióòsí; kábíyèsí, iba rę o.
(We bow to You...).

Eulogy to my brother Afolábi Oládele
Erin nla wó ninu igbó
Ęfon nla kosę ninu òdàn
Ajanaku şubu ko le dide
Ęni nla lo l'ójà Ilu p'òfo
Akoni ogun wo lule, Ilu daru
Èdùmàrè şaanu Orí
Mámàję k'a p'òfo nitiwa o

Afolábi Oládele omo Máb'ogùnję
Omo Afìdípòtęmólę ni Ijębú-Òde
Omo ògbàgbà ti ngba alailara
Omo olobi wówó tiri wó
Omo olobi wòwò tiri wò
Eyi t'o wò aşà s'ęrù ęni
Eyi ti kò wò aşà s'ęrù ęlomiran

Rest a while with the saints, Délé, until we meet again.
Adiós, amigo...

OLUŞÉGUN
Omo omo Oşókòyà Oşófowórà
Isalę Agbędę

Uncle Afolabi.

I still find it too hard to believe you're gone. Very painful indeed. You have been a wonderful big brother to us and loving uncle to our kids. It is so painful we are going to miss you.

Lola Shonowo

Afolabi was a generous, genuine and kind hearted friend.
His zest for life and the ability to make the best of what life threw at him, was admirable. His ability to re-invent himself and carry people along is exceptional. Our last physical meeting was at the Eden project in the UK with Bimbola present. His zest for life and his love for his family was unmissable. “Gbenga would have been on the Zip wire”, Titilayo would be organising a show and they will make sure Bimbola did not see Gbenga until he is halfway down the wire…….

Folabi, we had fun and we saw difficult times together, but in every circumstance you persisted, were generous and you never gave up on life.

Sleep tight my friend….until we meet again.

It’s hard to pen a few words about a person that I feel I know so well but at the same time not because most of what I know about him is from his doggedness, support and cheeriness on his steed. Many have spoken about your strength on the bike. I’ll add to that my abiding memory of your gentleness on the bike. One day stands out in particular when you rode with some friends and family members, one of whom needed special attention. You put such a smile on that young lad’s face when you rode with him at the back of the peloton. Those who did not know you could judge you by your frame and assume the back was where you belonged but those who did know you, knew you had mastered the art of controlling your strength and regulating it to match the speed of your chosen riding companion. You were such an encourager. I still heed your warning to ‘ride your own ride’ This has stood me in good stead on a few occasions and saved me from gassing out too early.

Though you left us too early, the miles you racked up belie a different story of longevity. Very few will ride the miles you rode weekly over a lifetime. Talk less of the miles you rode over your lifetime. Your Strava logs were bewildering and elicited responses such as ‘bet why?’ Well, now we may try to piece together an understanding but only God knows. One day we may know but for now we are left to mourn you with the thought that heaven has gained a gentle giant to lead a peloton of angels. Rest well General.

ODE TO AFOLABI MABOGUNJE
God saw you were getting tired,
And a solution could not be found
So he put his arms around you and whispered
Son, “come home”

With tearful eyes we watched you
And we prayed until you passed away
Though we loved you dearly
Our best efforts could not make you stay.


A golden heart stopped beating
The cyborg has gone to rest
We can’t but remain grateful for the privilege to call you friend,
For that fact alone we all know that we were blessed.

Despite all, it’s still Unbelievable that the iroko finally fell, but we can’t help but agree, that God knows best.

Engr & Pst(Mrs) D. A Adeyemo

TRIBUTE TO DR., ENGR. AFOLABI MABOGUNJE

It was a honour to have met Afolabi ,it was a bigger honour to have been his friend for over 40 years. This is a man you can only describe in superlatives. Perfect gentleman, devoted husband, doting father, super sportsman ( German machine) , fantastic clubmate, clear clinical thinker, patriot, noble man, reliable classmate, mentor and leader of men, and your all round good guy with no airs about him.
He was always ready to take one for the cause.
For us in links 488, Folabi was a pillar of strength. He was a founding member of the club from the boys club days, before we transformed to links 488 in 1988.
He has been running the secretariat of the club for the past 4 years and the progress the club has made in the past 4 years can be attributed to Folabi’s hard work and dedication , as he ran that secretariat with his particular brand of German efficiency.
His shoes will definitely be difficult to fill.

To our dear sister, Abimbola, Folabi’s jewel of inestimable value, God will comfort you, God will make his peace and his marvelous light to shine upon you and be gracious on you. May he grant you the fortitude to bear the loss of Folabi.

To our children, Gbenga and Titilayo, may the lord comfort you during these trying times and may His marvelous light shine upon your path as you progress in this journey called life.

To the larger Mabogunje family, we commiserate with you, may the almighty God comfort us all. 


Rest in perfect peace DR AFOLABI MABOGUNJE.

Adeyemo David Adewunmi (Big Joe)
*FOR AND ON BEHALF OF LINKS 488*

Afolabi was a great friend and a brother in Christ. Always had a smile on his face, blessed my family and I immensely and always ensured interactions with him resulted in both of us being energised.

Its a shame that his life was physically cut short, however, as a believer, I know his spirit continues to live, so I won't forget him.

'Sholistic' (as Afolabi fondly called me) says sleep well my brother...

Tributes to Dr Afolabi Oladele Mabogunje

Folabi was a Magnificent and Wonderful Person full of Love and always willing to go the extra miles for others. Extremely Selfless with Profound Humility oozing out of his inner Being. An Ever caring, Ever giving Cousin who became my Brother. 

Your Death, especially the circumstances was devastating. Love is NOT an easy Feeling to put to words but then you had an extraordinary way of showing it. I remember vividly those Nights in Ikoyi when I lost my Mother. You would watch over me fearing what I could do to myself because of my Grief which you kindly shared with me like No one else. You would make sure you tired me out by walking together to Alexander Road before going to Obalende to buy Suya and then walked back. Your Kind Words and empathy gave me Strength during this most difficult time.

The last time I saw you was when you visited me in Manchester together with Bimbola. In your usual manner you waited for me for hours to finish my Court Hearing. I never thought that was the last time we would see.

Afolabi Oladele Mabogunje. You gave Love and Affections to so many. May your Soul Rest in the Blossom of our Lord Jesus Christ till we see to part No more

May the Lord comfort us all in Jesus Name. Amen

“General” Afolabi Mabogunje. You led from the front and coaxed from the back! We’ve simply lost another great guy! We had some epic rides with you over the years - Ile-Oluji, Sagamu, Abeokuta, Idanre, Ikogosi, Ijebu-Ode, Cape Town, London, Lagos - the list goes on…You were simply wonderful and relaxed in anyone’s company. Very affable and unflappable. You took adversity in your stride. Your can-do spirit was infectious especially through your toothy smile. The circumstances to your exit are awful but I know it happened with you trying to do what you loved best - riding your bike! You were a passionate simple chap with no airs, plenty of grace and a great mind. I wish Abimbola and your children great strength at this tough time. We will miss you brother… God knows best! Keep riding with the angels bro. Sun re o!

Tribute to Mabogs

Still reeling from the shock of your sudden departure it brings to mind that God only takes the best.
As we look through our pictures it’s a pleasant surprise to see your smile in a lot of them. It reminds us that we got to share many special moments together in our shared love of cycling and moments of jollification. Lols

I can still hear your deep voice call my name after pushing me beyond my comfort zone “Hmm Flaky you enjoyed the push abi” (you’d be grinning from ear to ear) though I’d grimace at you, in my heart I’d secretly relish in my accomplishment of keeping up with you even though it wasn’t a very long distance.
Or the times Femi would get back from a ride drenched in sweat and I’d ask if it was a tough ride. Still out of breath he’d reply “yes but Mabogs led”. Immediately I’d respond “Ah nice! That would have been a steady ride”

The thought of not seeing you again brings tears to our eyes,

But we believe everything happens for a reason and God doesn’t make mistakes.
We can’t understand what God has planned and Sometimes it’s not meant for us to understand.

We have faith in His decision but hope and pray we will meet again outside the pearly gates where you’ll lead us in on golden bikes to our eternal home.

Rest on General… NGU
Femi and Folake Wright

I still find it hard to accept that you are gone from us just like that. I close my eyes and i could see you taking us on various technical issues and their solutions. You were a boss and a teacher. An intellectual who always want to pass knowledge at every opportunity. I came to know you since 2014 and ever since, we have grown to become more that just collogues but family. You always showed concern for my kids since they lost their mother and your words of encouragements were always spot on. You were always ready to render financial help to me whenever i call on you. Oh God it's too hard to say goodbye but i take solace in the fact that you are in a better place. RIP boss amongst bosses till we meet to part no more.

Afolabi, Mabogs, The General
Life has dealt us all a cruel blow, where do I begin, indeed what do I say in the midst of this terrible grief? There is nothing that can be said that can make this pain go away, I pray God in His infinite mercy will soothe the pain. I know we should not grieve as one that has no hope, yes I am certain we will meet again in eternity but you have left a huge void in your untimely death due to no fault of yours that no one can fill.

We had such great times together, our families holidayed together. I remember dearly our cycling holidays to the Lake District and the Peak District in England when our kids were young. Frequently Laide, the kids and I will come over to Huntingdon to spend a few days with you Bimbola and the kids and you will do the same with us in Norwich over the children's school holidays. I hold dearly our numerous discussions on a broad range of topics including our retirement plans, it can not be the same without you. So sad.

You were forever inspirational and an encourager. You brought the best out of everyone you came in contact with and you were selfless in your interactions. Your kind heart and warm smile gave reassurance and calmness.

Despite our families being connected on several levels you were not just a brother in law but true brother and a very dear friend.

Your race on earth is over, you are now at peace enjoying the company of the saints. Yes we will cry and we will miss you deeply but we know that God loves you more and he will give us the fortitude to bear this loss.

Till we meet again in eternity, sùn ré Afolabi.

AFOLABI. True. We will never weep like folks without hope But it is deeply painful. We can only go before God’s righteous throne and worship him out of wonder knowing only He understands and loves and promises eternal things through Christ. It’s the only way these times make sense. We saw you and Bimbo last on may 9th 2017. You both visited. It was a good visit. We simply celebrated deep friendship. We will again. Yemi and Lola

Good night Folabi. Although I know you're in a much better place, it still hurts to write this tribute. Your slipping away into eternity cut deeper than I can express. You were such a gentle, lively, loving, dependable soul. Your love for cycling was infectious. A few years ago, you actually got me to ride a bicycle after years of not riding one. Remembering your trademark smile brings tears to my eyes. I should have mentioned it while you were on this side of eternity. I look back and I see how large a heart you had. You were a dad to many of your nieces, nephews and cousins. You were a friend to the young and old. You definitely lived a life of great impact!

Whenever i vehemently objected to a nickname Bimbola and your sisters called me, I always had your support as you'd tell them how can they a babe like me such a nickname? It was our regular routine. Hmmmm!!

My heart goes out to Bimbola and the children and I say "Thank you, Bimbola", for allowing Folabi to follow his passion and affect thousands and thousands of lives. Thanks also to the children for sharing their dad with so many people. Thanks for opening your home and your lives to us all. My prayer is that everyone you left behind receives the comfort of the Holy Spirit at this time and in the days ahead. Farewell Folabi. Till we meet again.
~ Simi Mabogunje

A few words about General Mabogs

We had a very unlikely friendship. For a long time, I assumed he was in the army because of his nickname. For the first 2 years of my joining Cycology, I knew him from a distance. I recall being in a group road to Eleko and seeing him on the other side coming from Epe alone. No sag. No pro. Just a man on his bicycle. I wonder what thoughts he had on those rides.

It wasn’t till the ride to Ibadan that we got closer. He really took care of everyone on the ride. He was so nurturing to me. He always came back for me and he was never irritated or annoyed (and I can be very annoying sometimes). After that trip, I became one of his safety contacts. He would send me his beacon link and I’d track him. I think he did that just to remind me to ride more. I’d occasionally run into him on Bourdillon. If he didn’t see me, he’d ask why.

We would chat all day about everything from Strava to Meghan Markle to Nigeria. I’d recommend shows for him to watch on Netflix, he’d try to encourage me at work. I went to his house a couple of times and got to meet his amazing wife. Before I left, we had lunch in VI. He told about his journey from the UK, his first job and how he started his company. I honestly still don’t know why he was so interested in my life. A few weeks after I left, I reached out to him and asked how he was. He said “missing you”. Two weeks before the incident, he mentioned he was planning a trip to Boston in November.

His death is too difficult to accept. I pretended he was still in hospital for the first few days but the truth is sinking in. My time with him was short but so intensely impactful. My heart is broken about this. Before we ever have to say “Rest in Peace” about anyone, we should make sure they first hear “I love you”.

Rest In Peace Mabogs. I look forward to seeing you again 

*Tribute to Folabi Mabogunje*

On 9 January 1994, I sat in the front row of the Cathedral Church of Christ on Marina in Lagos. It was the thanksgiving of my wedding. I peeked to my right and lo and behold on the first row on the other side of the aisle was the broad smile of Loafy saying to me “I got married yesterday too”.  At that time, I had not seen him for about 12 years.

It was another 15 years before I saw him again at the set meeting of the Igbobi College Old Boy’s Association (1974-1979/81 set). I was kind of perplexed at his extraordinary weight loss and had to ask “ol boy, what happened?” Folabi went on narrate how he had lost 35kgs from cycling. I said “Folabi 35kgs, are you sure?” He insisted and asked me to join the cycling fraternity that I will see what he meant. As we met over the next few years, he always encouraged that I should come cycling and join the Cycology Cycling Club. Eventually, I bought myself a bicycle and fell in love with cycling. The interesting thing is that Loafy had become General Mabogs in Cycology. What a befitting name when you consider the feats he performed – like riding from Lagos to Ibadan and back on the same day; who does that? well, the General!

I remember him being captain on one of the Group B rides. It was amazing watching how he cared for all the riders on that day. However, one thing that puzzled me was his extraordinary strength when pedalling – simply amazing. Looking at his legs from his knees and below was a sight – sinews and calves bulging out – scary, but also telling a story – exceptionally strong legs indeed. Then I had the fall on the third mainland bridge in February 2017 which burst my cycling bubble. Folabi will call and encourage me with that his soothing voice. However, I had done my lower back some serious damage and the desire to cycle waned, yet Folabi would keep saying – come back!

When I became chairman of the ICOBA Set, Folabi was the general secretary on the exco. It was a great pleasure working with him particularly on the re-unions in South Africa and Ghana.

It is still unbelievable that a man who achieved the pinnacle of education (only 3% of graduates get doctorates), was taken down by hoodlums.

My heartfelt prayers go to Bimbo and the children for the Lord’s succour in this season and beyond. May Folabi’s memories spark new life in you always in Jesus name. Ride in peace Folabi, yes, keep on riding brother!

Dr Deji West

When Folabi and I met at our regular ‘Fish Joint’ on Thursday August 19, 2021 as we have done nearly every month for the last 15 years or so, neither of us knew that would be our last ‘fish session’ together or that we were seeing each other for the last time. As usual, we discussed everything under the Sun as we ate and parted with the usual ‘see you soon’. But sadly, Folabi would be called up to eat ‘heaven’s grilled fishes’ before then.

I first met Folabi and Bimbola in Southampton, UK in 1993 during my Residency Training, and we became good friends immediately and ‘brothers at arms’ shortly afterwards. Folabi was an easy-going person who was always prepared to go the extra mile to assist you in whatever it was you were doing. He will therefore be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Fare thee well my irreplaceable friend and brother.

Requiescat in Pace. Amen.

Adieu to an Angel. You left a Legacy of Love.

Darling Folabi,
It has been very difficult for me to write this tribute. It feels so final. It is so hard to believe we will not see you again, we will not hear you laughing and I will not have you pursuing me to get on a bike! I always had ready my string of excuses and had prepared another string of excuses for when you asked me again. I never knew I would not see you again, never have you cajole me to get on a bike.

You were easily the kindest, gentlest Mabogunje. You have achieved much but was so simple and humble. Your were content and happy. Your needs were few and you lived your passion. You and your bike! I was so proud of you and your cycling! So So Proud!

You were an encourager, honest and straight forward with no guile, so rare in today's world. You had a relationship with every body in the family, young and old and your big smile could light up any room. You had a big heart and looked out for us all. You knew where we all lived and found time to visit. Your home was open to all. It is hard to believe you are gone, cut down in the prime of your life.

My dear cousin, I am convinced you were an angel sent to show what love in action means. I will miss you but I am assured that you are in heaven with our Lord. We promise to take care of your beloved Bimbola and your children, Titilayo and Gbenga. We cannot do less. You left a legacy of love not just in the family but in all you met.

Sunre o aburo mi, till we meet to part no more.

Hmmmm Cousin Folabi whom I just prefer to call Uncle Folabi because of the age gap between us. Your personality and attitude towards life was great. You had this way of making everyone around you feel special and comfortable. To top it up you now married someone with a heart just like yours. Together and individually you guys were both humble and wonderful.
I know have positive testaments from history with you as a first cousin however the stories from people whom I never even knew we both knew after your demise goes to show that indeed the earth has lost an angel who passed through the face of the earth.
Aunty Bimbo and my little ones let's take solace in the fact that we will meet at Jesus's feet and part no more. It hurts us all and the pain will linger yes it will at intervals even be severe. We however must remember the good times and continue the race till we all see General Mabogs again.
Egbon mi e sun re, o di igba ajinde.

- Dr Olukayode Mabogunje

My dear Cousin,

Hmmm. it's a bit hard to believe you have left this world to be with the Lord, which I know is a much better place to be. Those of us you left here will miss you.

You are one of a kind. Large hearted, kind, sacrificial, dependable a real example for many of us to follow. You definitely lived a good life.

Like David said, you will not come back to us, but we will one day come where you are and see you again.

Till then dear cousin, rest and have an amazing time in the presence of the Lord.

Sola Mabogunje

TRIBUTE 
Dr. Afolabi Mabogunje.

The last time I saw Folabi was on my 60th birthday, just a few days before we received the news of his encounter with men of the underworld. He was full of life, bubbling, taking lots of photographs, and hailing me “My Chair! My Chair!”

I was deeply disturbed when I got the Igbobi College Old Boys social media post a few days later. I called Yomi Ogunrinola, who confirmed to me that indeed the incident was true and that he was at LASUTH about to go in for surgery. We were all very hopeful that he would pull through … but unfortunately his time was up. Really sad.

Doc, as I fondly called him, was a very gentle man, who loved his family dearly. He was the treasurer for our Estate’s residents association (Association of Inner Okupe Estate Residents). A position he held for several years until his departure. Folabi was very thorough and he diligently handled the accounts of the Association. 

I am not sure how we are going to fill the void.

He had a real passion for cycling and wanted everyone he came in contact to own and ride a bike. He persistently encouraged Sade and I to join him. I was never so inclined, however Sade would always promise to join him. She never did take him up on his offer - I guess waking up so early made it more difficult!

Our guard, Musa, when he heard of his death, recounted his conversation with him when he came for my 60th birthday.
“That your friend, asked about my bicycle. I tell him say I don sell am. He say he go see wetin he go do to get another one for me.”

Such was his generosity of spirit.

We pray that God in His infinite mercy will grant Papa and Mama Mabogunje, ‘Bimbola, Gbenga , Titi and the entire family the fortitude to bear this devastating loss.

May Folabi’s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in Perfect Peace. Amen!

Folabi, Sun Re o!

Soleye & Sade Hughes

Mabogs is (tough to write in past) a unique big brother who simply happen to have a very very large heart, simple and easy to approach and I will always remember him with his permanent smile and throaty laughter that is REAL! I remember how pleasant you had been to me and simply adopted me as your little sis when you met me as Sola Oyekunle's friend. Every time we met, you simply treat me as you treat your kid sister, Sola. I have always admired how caring you are to everyone. Watching you being so personal and caring to your parents, Siblings, Cousins everyone, for each time we met at your family function or some other places. I always wondered how can a man be so caring like a woman and to everyone too. You invariable had that unfortunate incident looking out for others because that is what you always do as second nature and apparently force of habit. Your departure just signify the saying about the good ones being snatched away. One of the major consolation is knowing Bimbola and the children will never be in lack of love, help and provisions because you surely gave so much of it to others far and wide. Always holding love, smile and cheer for many. Continue to rest in blissful peace Mabogs. My big brother through Sola girl.

Folabi, I still remember with fondness how we met through our children going to the same school and realised I’d been to your wedding without really knowing you. I remember how you accompanied us to what became our home church after visiting yours. I remember playing scrabble with you almost every week.
I remember the laughter and joy you brought to everyone around you.

Bimbola, Gbenga and Titilayo, I pray that you will find solace in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. May Gods grace and comfort abound as you journey through this loss.

Folabi. Sun re until we meet at Jesus’ feet.