With affection, his apprentice fondly bestowed upon him the name "Fada," symbolizing his enduring influence as the radiant sun that illuminates my innermost being. Dad, even in your physical absence, your wisdom remains a steadfast guide, directing my path through life's journey. Today, as I embrace your legacy, I am profoundly moved by the depth of your wisdom, the warmth of your kindness, and the unwavering honesty that defined you. How will I ever forget your unique voice with epitome of knowledge! Your exemplary life serves as a blueprint, shaping not only who we are in the present but also molding the individuals we aspire to become each passing day.
Though the ache of missing you persists, the memories of your love and guidance are deeply etched into the fabric of our hearts, sustaining us through the trials of life. Your presence endures within us, Dad, permeating every meaningful aspect of our existence. With each dawn that breaks, the void left by your absence is felt more acutely, yet we cling fiercely to the cherished moments we shared, knowing they will remain eternal.
Thank you.

Dad today is exactly three years that you departed from us. Always remembering the great memories we shared together when I was a little boy. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you and smile. Love you dad. Rest in peace dad ☮️!

Dad, you would’ve been 93 years older today. Wishing you Happy Birthday on this day that your birthday is celebrated, I miss your early morning calls dad. Despite knowing that you are resting there in heaven, it is inevitable to imagine what it would be like if you are still around to celebrate your birthday with us . I will always love you as the best dad who educated me a lot and also set an instance for how to live one’s life with honesty and also generosity to every person.
Rest In Perfect Peace dad ☮️ !

Daddy I appreciate God for bringing me into your family and especially for having you as a father, pillar and a very good friend.
I will forever cherish the conversation we always had in your bedroom. What a defining moment in my life. You were always frank and sincere in your dealings and most times I see myself in you. Your words of advice and your sense of humor will remain in my memory. I will forever miss you dearly. Good night.
Aje Ajibade

What a way to pass into glory. Beloved and respected by all. I wish he could've been with us at least a little longer, but God has his own ways of making things align. I only have vague recollections of grandpa's physical body but his presence was very much felt in my home. My father and mother would always tell my siblings and me stories of how grandpa helped so many people and how he was a father to many more. I'm really proud of grandpa and proud to be his grandson.
Rest on peacefully Granpa,
Forever in our hearts

Dad! I wish you could have stayed with us a little longer, it's sad that death took you away from us. Nevertheless, you have lived an exemplary life characterized by love and sacrifice. You taught me the value of patience and hard work.
Rest on Bami.
You will be forever missed in our hearts.

You had a special way of communicating the wisdom that your years and experience had brought you to me. My singular wish was to have said more "thank you".

However, with a gladdened heart and a face full of smiles, I will forever treasure all those moments we shared and the beautiful memories of you that you left me with grandpa.

"Bami Agba" thus says it all.
Thank you for everything you ever did, you will forever remain in our thoughts and hearts.
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.
I know you are in good place. Rest on Pa.
ADIEU BAMI.

Seems like yesterday that we sat down together and we had a father and son conversation, then I realized that you were gone forever. It saddens our heart.
Baba, I, My wife your daughter and our Children know you are not here with us for the rest of our lives.
You fought a long and good fight in this world.
Although we cannot hear your voice or see your smiling face, we know deep down in our heart that you have not left us. I couldn’t have asked for a better father-in-law like you.
Baba, we love you but God loves you most. May you enjoy your stay with the Lord and may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

My dear beloved Father
  Dad, I know you are in heaven and I love you and I miss you so much. Dad the good legacy you left us is what made me what I am today and keeps me progressing in life, Dad you lived for others. Thanks for being my father. Rest well Bami until we meet to path no more.

Farewell Dad! I really miss you, never knew you would leave us so suddenly, you were a good man, you did your best to provide for us all, you tried your best in helping people ,l am saddened that death took you away,but God said in all things we should give him thanks

Tribute to my loving father-in-law, Pa George Alade Ayokalu-Aje
Shared by Toyin Aje on July 9, 2021
I miss you, my dear father-in-law, who turned my father.

I´m still sad that you have gone and will not be able to see or speak with you again.

I thank God for the privilege He gave me to be close to you, particularly in your old age.

It is very painful that we could not see you before you departed. I still remember, when you called me in January, that you would like to see us, we promised to visit you in March. We still spoke a week before the incident of your slip, to assure you again, of the plan to visit you, without knowing that death was by the corner. I feel so bad that you left before the date. Death took you away unexpectedly!

I miss our calls and gist, especially in the middle of night, that you would call and ask of everyone and expressed your feelings about life. You would not stop until you had poured out all you had in mind.

Recall what you said many times, about your prayers to go to meet with the Lord early, out of deep concerns for your family (about the way they were spending money), despite no one complained. As my husband would say, “it is a thing of joy to be involved.” We thank God for the roles we all played, at your old age, although may not be much, when compared to all that I heard you did for the whole family and those I witnessed.

It is still like a dream to me, that you would no longer call, to complain of Taiwo, not calling you. You would say "Ba mi bii wo, awa de ja" (meaning - help me to ask him if you were quarrelling), even though you people spoke a week before. I used to answer that "Daddy, laye
laye, e to be" (meaning - No Daddy, he can never try it). Your response would be: "wi du pemi o" (meaning - tell him to call me).

As a father and a father-in-law, your absence has created a big "hole" in my heart.

You are gone, but you will never be forgotten.

Very sad you're no more with us on earth, but your peaceful memories and rendered words of wisdom cannot be easily forgotten. They'll always be stepping ladders for all of us.

I hope you will find eternal peace and rest you deserve.

Rest on Daddy.

Till we meet to part no more.

Your daughter in "love"

Toyin Aje.

TRIBUTE TO OGA GEORGE

This is a tribute to Pa Alade George Ayokalu-Aje. Why then is it captioned “To Oga George”?..... Simple,…that was what we called him in the S. B. Aruwajoye house-hold. But to really understand the context of this usage; you will need to know a little about the S. B. Aruwajoye household. Anyone familiar with our house in that epoch would remember that we kept an open door house. Anybody who had anything to do with our father was taken as a member of the family. We always had plenty to celebrate and eat, so traffic in and out was always streaming. Members of the family, our neighbours, members of our extended family, our friends, as well as political party members and our father’s company workers all mingled to partake in whatever was going on – particularly in the eating and feasting.
As responsible and respectful Yoruba kids, we were trained not to call anyone older than us without a prefix to the name. Consequently anyone older than us had to be called brother this or sister that. All our dad’s workers were prefixed “brother” or sister as the case may be. However Pa George Ayokalu-Aje was different, he was addressed “oga Gorge” while other senior workers were called “brother this or that”. Simply he was not a member of the crowd despite we all knew that he was the favourite of our father. For him the deal was strictly business, he kept out of our domestic issues. He was definitely unique, we all knew how close he was to our dad, how much he was valued and regarded by him. He was a very private person, devoted, loyal, diligent and painstaking but a mind of his own and a high integrity.
The “Oga” appellation was special, unusual, unique and represented the distinct character he was. He was never one of the milling crowd. He took his job as a professional. He worked hard, kept long hours at work, was dedicated, trustworthy and reliable. He was dexterous, imaginative, creative and innovative. When in the early seventies, my father brought in the sophisticated equipment for the wood mill and wood processing factory, it fell on the two of them, both with minimal formal education to supervise and accept the installation as well as operate of the new factory as a going concern. Right from the civil works - the complex foundations required for the heavy equipments like the vertical band sawmill, the structural members for the mill tracks, sheds and factory buildings, the multi saw edger, generators, steam boilers for the drying kiln, hydraulic presses, etc the mechanicals, electricals and computerized instrumentation required were all successfully executed under their watch. They did not falter, they rose to the occasion. Apart from running the factory they had to develop the market for factory output at the same time. They had hardly finished this phase when the company ventured into the production of wooden and upholstered furniture. The responsibility to manage this complex having about 200 staff members, a rolling stock comprising trucks, bulldozers, log loaders, mobile and overhead cranes, etc. fell on Oga George’s shoulders. We have to remember, they had not much of formal education nor any institution nearby to guide them in this, yet they succeeded. That they did and succeeded shows how ingenuous, adaptive and determined they were.
Oga George had this strength of character and the will to succeed that he deploys all his energy to work, does not engage in frivolities. He was trusted and respected by my father. As stated earlier, he would not join in the conviviality that went on regularly in our house, neither does he participate in the political activities going on around my dad. He was fully focused on business activities. For this my father appreciated and relied heavily on him. The trust was absolute, I recall that several times when my father was away, the power of attorney to sign cheques and other sensitive documents were given to him instead of my siblings working in the establishment.  He was very kind and helpful. I recall that he took over the supervision of my house on his discovery that the contractor was under performing.
On conclusion, I testify that Oga George was a great soul and that we are happy to join the family in celebrating him. We extend our condolences to members of the immediate family for the loss of a very wonderful and dutiful patriarch and we pray that the soul of Papa will rest in peace.

Chief Akin Aruwajoye (Ogbeni Oja of Owo)
6th July 2021

  My Tribute to a great man.                  It is not that common at this stage of life to have someone who shape your intellect, interest and life in general, but "Oga George" (Oga Manija) did. When he was the Manager of S.B. Aruwajoye & Sons Ltd. any time I came visiting, he sat me down and adviced me. I began to learn his views and perspective about life that always gives me understandings of life. He carved his name on hearts not tombstones. His legacy lingers on in the minds of people he touched and the story they shared. You changed and affected many lives. I miss your phone calls. You rested in perfect peace.

Happy birthday Dad! I am quite sure you are in heaven sitting down and thinking about us. I woke up today and my cellphone showed no missed call while I was sleeping and that was when I started thinking about your Birthday. As usual, for the past few months, no 1:00 AM missed/received calls from you again. You are forever in my heart. Your smile, your voice is forever burned in my brain.
Love you dad and Happy Birthday. !

Listening to this track from late Whitney Houston -I look to you , only bring memories of you this last day of May 2021


As I lay me down
Heaven hear me now
I'm lost without a cause
After giving it my all
Winter storms have come
And darkened my sun
After all that I've been through
Who on earth can I turn to
I look to you
I look to you
After all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you
I look to you
Yeah
And when melodies are gone
In you I hear a song
I look to you

After losing my breath
There's no more fighting left
Sinking to rise no more
Searching for that open door
And every road that I've taken
Led to my regret
And I don't know if I'm gonna make it
Nothing to do but lift my head
I look to you
I look to you
Yeah
And when all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you
I look to you
Oh yeah
And when melodies are gone
In you I hear a…song
I look to you

My Father,
Words can not describe your fatherly love towards all your children. To me, you were an exceptional, caring and kind-hearted father. A role model and my hero.

I love you for an infinite number of reasons. I feel so blessed to have you as my father and I thank God for the wonderful life you have given me.

I will continue to celebrate you daddy. You were a man of integrity, hardwork, diligence and lover of education . The discipline you instilled in us has helped us to be where we are today. It is no wonder that all your children were always ready to assist you at your old age.

May you be blessed forever in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Rest on Dad till we meet to part no more.   

Your Darling Daughter,
Olanike Margaret Adejuyigbe .

What a statesman from our hometown Owo Nigeria. Chief Otekalu Alade you have laid a legacy and you shall ever live in our hearts
Idowu Ajibola

Words will not be enough to truly pay a tribute to my father, and all that he was to me. That he was a gentleman, and a truly noble man was undisputed. What is harder is trying to write down years of my memories of him into a few words and paragraphs.

As much as we all envisaged the inevitable news of your demise, we never thought the sense of loss will be this deep. You lived an exemplary life till the end. Your wisdom, intelligence, contentment, and uprightness were so transparent and genuine.

Talk of a man of the people who was accommodating to all he could provide for in any way he could. Not only did he take adequate care of his nuclear and extended family, but beneficiaries of his benevolence are also too numerous to recount.

Like one of our Aunt recounted at the wake keep, my father’s generosity was not due to any wealth that could be ascribed to him, but his willingness to help as many people as possible.

I also noted in some of my siblings’ tribute, that we are all what we are today by the grace of God and the crucial role my father played at every stage of our development. “We are grateful and proud of you being a father like no other. Your commitment particularly to our education remains a legacy we will always cherish.

The values and morals that you instilled in us, is what has molded us to be who we are today. I am grateful to God that I am a far better person today because of you.

You were such a loving and selfless father. A wonderful man that loves his family (nuclear and extended) and strangers alike. Every child’s education mattered to you regardless of if they are your biological child or not.

Dad, you are a man with a beautiful heart and a good soul. You were an embodiment of selflessness, compassion, and grace. Your memories will forever be a blessing for generations to come and your legacy shall stand through the ages. You have made an impact and written your footprints on the sands of time. I salute you and profoundly appreciate all you did.

I will conclude my tribute with the following paragraphs:

“The peace, unity and love that prevail in our immediate and extended families are a tribute to the exemplary leadership, support and fatherly care you provided in your lifetime.

“We will miss you in too many ways we can express. We will miss your calls, advice, suggestions, encouragement and many more. I will miss being asked why I did not call me whenever I failed to do so.

“We love you, but God loves you more. Sleep well our dear father, sleep well Ibami.”

Dad you will forever be in my heart. Rest on.

Your loving son

Kenny Aje

A TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER, PA GEORGE ALADE AYOKALU
My brother, Pa George Alade Ayokalu was born to the family of Pa Ezekiel Ayokalu Aje and Madam Mariam Ogunwonuola (nee Alamana).
Our mother gave birth to nine (9 Nos.) children out of which six (6 Nos.) grew to adulthood. Out of the six, Pa George Alade Ayokalu was the eldest.
He excellently took up the challenges of taking care of the whole family early in life as he assisted our parents to shoulder many responsibilities. Early in his life he was taking care, at Owo, of almost half of the entire family viz: my brothers, Joseph Agboola and Matthew Idowu and our sister, Caroline Olabisi while the rest of us, our father, mother, brother Yusuf and I were at Emure Ile. Despite the distance that separated us, he still extended required assistance to us at Emure Ile.
Apart from the daily cost of upkeep of those with him in Owo, he was also responsible for their school fees, books, and other educational materials.
By the time our mother was sick, and she had to be relocated from Emure Ile for treatment, my brother, Pa George Alade Ayokalu largely assisted our father in offsetting the cost.
Mama's relocation from Emure Ile threw me to the first challenging moments of my life. My brother Pa George Alade Ayokalu teamed up with my father and other relations to ameliorate the effect of the vacuum created by mama's absence on me.
By the time all of us moved to Owo at which time our father was old and having health challenges, all the responsibilities of feeding, education, and daily costs of upkeep of his own family, siblings, parents and some relations fell on our brother Pa George Alade Ayokalu. These responsibilities he shouldered with utmost equanimity.
He only got a little respite when our brother Joseph Agboola started work and with occasional assistance from our mother, took over the payment of my school fees. My brother George was still responsible for all other costs at home including feeding, getting new dresses for some of us his siblings, children of some siblings and relations at festive periods.
Pa George Alade Ayokalu had a head start in the acquisition of formal education among his peers and seniors within the extended family. It is the positive snowball effect of this head start in education that made some of us associated with him as children, siblings, and relations to be counted among the blessed by virtue of educational empowerment today.
By the time he moved from the family house at Okejimala West to his own house, he was still largely responsible for the upkeep of those in the family house. At the death of his first wife, Madam Eunice Folarin (a.k.a Iye Oke), our mother had to leave the family house to join the son Pa George Alade Ayokalu in his personal house.
His house again became a rendezvous and a place to stay for us his siblings, friends, and relations whenever we were visiting Owo. It was in this house mama lived, with his son taking good care of her until she breathed her last.
It is gratifying to mention that Iye Oke was instrumental to my getting married to my wife. My brothers, led by Pa George Alade Ayokalu, bore a significant part of the cost of the marriage ceremony.
Pa. George Alade Ayokalu was so maintenance conscious that he always bought extra vehicle and other machine parts to keep at home in readiness for use on his car or machine at a future time. Because of this he was able to use his cars and machines longer than usual. I remember after selling his Peugeot car, he gave me some new parts he still had at home for my own Peugeot car.
He personally drove me from Owo to Warri to start the Nigerian Youth Service Corps assignment. That time the present Owo – Benin road was under construction and travellers had to go through the long Sabongida-Ora - Uromi route to get to Benin before heading for Warri.
He assisted me in the purchase of some plots of land in Owo including where we built our own house now. He at different occasions took me to Oba Adekola Ogunoye II and Oba John Ojomo Oluda to enable me purchase plots of land from them.
Though he was having some health challenges, like many people with the grace of attaining his age of over 92 years, he had started bursting with life again when the slip, the effect from which he never recovered, took place.
Thus, it is with a mixed feeling of sadness and joy but with gratitude to God for a fulfilled life we console ourselves with the passing away of my dear brother, Pa George Alade Ayokalu believing God in His infinite mercy will grant him a place in heaven.
Adieu dear brother.
Rest in peace until we meet to part no more in the bosom of the Lord.

We thank God for blessing the world with Papa. He was a devoted father who truly cared for his family and community.
Most importantly he loved and served The Lord. Thank you Daddy for being one of the strong pillars of St Andrews Church , Owo. May Christ reward you and bless all your generations.
Rest in perfect peace
Sun re o beloved Daddy.

I don’t have the words to express how much I miss you.

Mathew 5:4 - “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

What matter in life is the middle part of our lives. Dad, you had a great middle life. God is our beginning, God is at our end, we, luckily are only in the middle. Sunre o Bami!

To a man whose been light in so many lives. You were a great ICON to your family, siblings, Ojumu family, and all the people that met you in life. You imparted our lives and taught us how to fish and be content with what God gave us. We are now great Fishermen because of you. You succeeded in life not just been successful, but you also build lives.

Your HARDWORKING is a blessing in my life.

Your DEDICATION to details is what guided me in becoming an Engineer today.

Your HONESTY in helping people building their houses is what is guiding me in helping and advising friends in building their homes in US today.

Your INTELLIGENCE in costing and quantifying of construction materials is guiding force for me in Construction management of million dollars Construction cost of bridges, highways, and building projects in United States.

I am consoled knowing that you are resting peacefully with the Lord when I remembered the Book of John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die.” And I will see you again on the day of resurrection. 

Death is appointment we must all keep but difficult for us to remember that we too must keep same appointment. I love you but God loves you more. You worked hard, had a good life and your achievements are profound. You will be greatly missed. May the Almighty God grant you eternal Rest. Amen.

Adieu Bami, Adieu Oga Manager, Adieu Baba Oke!!!

GOOD NIGHT TO AN ICON OF UNITY AND LOVE (BIG DADDY)
I received the news of your demise on Wednesday, 24th of February at about 10:30pm with mixed feelings. It saddened my heart because the pillar and the binding force of the Ayokalu Aje’s family has bid the family and the world goodbye. On the other hand, I rejoiced in the Lord because you came, you saw and you conquered.

Big Daddy as you are fondly called by my children, you gave me the feel of the father in-law I never met, I heard so much about your care and love for your siblings and relations ever before destiny brought me to be the better half of one of your siblings, Engr. Steve Ayanfe Aje and I was privileged to experience the care and love.

You were a family man whose large heart was spacious enough to accommodate everyone that your creator divinely connected to you in one way or the other without any segregation or limitation. My parents handed me over to you during our marriage in the year 1987, and you never failed in your fatherly responsibility to me and my family. I could recall during my brief stay at the family house at Okejimala West, Ehinogbe, with my mother in-law and big mummy (Iye Oke) both of blessed memory before I could get my transfer to Bendel State, Warri to be specific, to join my husband, I took ill, and when Big mummy informed you, rather than asking me to go to the government hospital where I could be treated almost free, you drove in personally and took me to a private medical personnel at Aruwajoye street, who I believe was your private physician without the prior or post knowledge of my husband.

Big Daddy, you gave my husband and his family a shelter when we had no house we could call our own in Owo. When our children were growing up, they looked forward to coming home for Christmas and New year Celebrations because of so much attention and love you magnanimously showered on them. By God’s grace and your encouragement, today we are proud owners of a compound in a choice area of Owo.

Big Daddy you were an epitome of love, an embodiment of unity. You were a daddy for all and a daddy for real. Your counseling and hospitality were outstanding and incomparable to any. You were such a humble, peaceful and pleasant father. You had a legacy of ‘’one love keeps us together”. You had a policy of “whatever you can do to assist a fellow man to stand on his feet, do it.’’You were a great asset to everyone who came in contact with you, though you are out of our sight but not out of our minds. You remain evergreen in our hearts.

A song writer says, “Our bodies were made out of dust and must surely return to dust because death is inevitable but only what you do for God and humanity will last forever”.

Your indelible footprint forever remains on the sand of life. Your tender touch on our individuals’ lives will never be forgotten. Big Daddy, your music of love and unity will be preserved for posterity. Posterity will remember you as an icon of unity and love.

Sweet is the memory of the righteous. The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance (Proverbs 10:7; Psalms 112:6). Though, we will miss you in the physical, but your memory can never fade. No passing of time can take your memory from our minds. Your grandchildren Omotade, Oluwamayowa and Oluwagbenga are saying good night. Sleep on Big Daddy till we meet at the bosom of our Lord to part no more.



Adieu! Adieu!! Adieu!!! Big Daddy.



Dr. (Mrs) Adefunke Olubunmi Aje.

Sister-in-law.

    TRIBUTE TO OUR ILLUSTRIOUS SON.
  High Chief Olanrewaju Famakinwa Ojumu of Owo Kingdom, on behalf of the Ojumu Dynasty of Owo, send my heartfelt condolences to the family of our amiable gentleman, cousin George Ayokalu Aje. He was a visionary and kind hearted man of integrity, hones, brilliant, wise and contentment. His legacy of hardworking, honesty, perseverance and fear of God remains for ever green with the family of Ojumu.
 It is not life that matters, but the courage you bring into it. Cousin George Ayokalu Aje life has positive imparted the lives of so many people that come his way. He was a role model to so many people. Daddy George was beloved and cherished by all and sundry of the Ojumu Dynasty both at home and in diaspora.
  The whole family he left behind is wrapped in healing and comforting arms of the Almighty God. Daddy George Ayokalu Aje, as you departed this earthly shore, I pray that may your soul rest in perfect peace; and may the Good Lord remain steadfastly with the entire family of Ojumu, Amen.
   Daddy George Ayokalu Aje continue to rest in the blossom of the Lord till we meet to part no more.
       Goodnight Precious Egbon
       Requiem in Peace. ADIEU.
  High Chief Ojumu Olanrewaju Famakinwa.

Pa George Alade Ayokalu Aje was born to Pa Ezekiel Ayokalu Aje and Mama Mariam Ogunwonuola Ayokalu (Nee Alamana) on 6th June 1928. He was the first son of his parents. He attended St. Andrew's Primary School from where he obtained Standard Six Certificate. After obtaining his Standard Six Certificate, he joined Chief S.B Aruwajoye and Sons Limited as the Manager. In the early days of the business, they used to export timber logs through Sapele Port to Europe. During his tenure, he had the opportunity to travel to UK and Germany to hone (sharpen) his managerial skill. He was so diligent, hardworking, and trustworthy that Chief S.B. Aruwajoye treated him as his son and most of the time always accepted his decisions and pieces of advice on the business.
Probably, it is because of people like Pa George that the advocacy for learning by doing is being strengthened in our family as a whole. Pa George could tell a builder, offhand, the precise number and sizes of wooden materials that could be used to roof a house, just by looking at the plan. He worked for many decades with Chief S.B. Aruwajoye until he voluntarily retired in 1982 to set up a furniture making workshop and farms. In addition to his own children, he took care of his parents, his aunties, uncles and many of their offspring. He also trained and took care of his siblings and many of their children. He had a heart of gold and led by example. There is hardly any relation and neighbour that did not enjoy one benefit or the other from him. He was well loved by members of Ojumu family, his paternal family as well as Alamana and Odongho families, his maternal families. In fact, he was installed as the head of the Odongho family and was in this position until he breathed his last. Members of Odongho family are descendants of Olowo Elewuokun.
It is thus with gratitude to God for a life well spent that this piece is contributed for his memorial.

           A GREAT FATHER HAS FALLEN
I mourn and celebrate the Passing to Glory Cousin/Father . The Soul that always Guide and Stand Firmed has gone to rest. A Life well-lived in a strong  Faith shall earn its place in Heaven.
    Daddy , you are greatly loved and respected by most people that came in contact with you. I shall never forget the Love, Affection and Support shown to your Aunt ( my mother) at the tail-end of her Life. Your Successful Representation deserves Special Mention and will never be forgotten.
   Daddy was an Upright man,, very prudent, full of Integrity, a man of Honour and his unwillingness to compromise made him stand out his colleagues till his death.
  EKUN, AKI'KANJU OKUNRIN NINU AWON OKUNRIN, thought you are gone, your Legacy lives on.
   May your Gentle Soul Rest Blissfully In Heaven till we all meet again.
                                    Good bye Daddy

Hello Big Daddy,

This is my first letter to you since you left us to be with our Lord. The more I reflect on the times we spent together virtually and in-person, I just want to say thank you for making yourself available to your family, and to be used by God for touching and shaping our lives in ways we still remember till today. As you celebrate God’s eternal love with your parents, brothers, wife, son, relatives, and angels in the presence of the Lord, I’m thankful for the glory of God over you.

Before you left us few weeks ago to a better place with God, you prayed for God’s blessings and protection over us. Thanks a lot for that and please continue to pray for us because we need it. Please tell Mama her grandson and great-grandchildren send their greetings. Thank you for not only representing Mama very well, but also for embracing us as your children.
I pray for God’s blessing for you and your loved ones, just as you prayed for us!

Remain blessed Big Daddy!

Yours truly in the Lord.

My first close association with Baba George was in 1950 when I moved from Emure to St Andrew's School Owo to complete the Standard 5 and 6 classes in the school which he also was attending. For the two years he was my big brother and mentor.
His mother Mama a maternal relation was the pillar and support of my mother of whom I am the only surviving child. She cared for her until she passed away and the family was actively involved in her burial in 1972.
I was accepted as a biological member of the family. This continued in the Okejimala house on my return from UK and assumed duty in University of Ibadan in1966. Baba George's senior wife of blessed memory Auntie Eunice I must mention is a paternal close relation. She too contributed in no little way. Preparation for and wedding ceremony in 1968 took place in Okejimala house. Baba George continued to be my mentor.
Apart from his kindness and generosity, he was hardworking and meticulous. No wonder God blessed and will continue with the showering of abundant blessings on the family, the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren he left behind.
May his soul continue with resting in perfect peace. Amen.

Thank you for your service to all us in the family.

You were known for integrity and selflessness.

We can largely credit you with most of the good attributes in our lives, achieved by your teachings and steadfastness (though your approach, to instill the good qualities in us, seemed too harsh to us as at that time, but we later realised the reasons for that, with the benefits we are all enjoying today).

You created a good foundation for the future generation in the family, by the way you had shaped the present generation.

According to Ecl. 3: 1-22, as stated below:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up...”
we all knew you would die, since everyone is bound to die, but it was our desire for you to still continue to live.

I`m honoured to have been born by you and be called your son.

I will sorely miss him.

Rest in peace my Dad

As a student of Psychology and a teacher, I am always interested in the answers to why a human being is the way he/she is or was. One of the interesting things that might explain a person is what Psychology/Sociology refers to as “Birth Order.” My study of birth order and its characteristics gave me insight into how blessed we are to have Pa George Alade Ayokalu-Aje as our first born.
Some “Characteristics of Firstborn Children” I admired in my brother/daddy included the following:

Reliable: Daddy’s words were his bonds; he led by example and always let you know that he valued sincerity, integrity, loyalty, and honesty. He valued punctuality and promptness even till the end — the family zoom with him on Jan 1, 2021 was a good example; Daddy was ready and “his right-hand man,” Deji, sent out text messages to all around thirty minutes before the scheduled time, that Daddy was ready and reminding us he still disliked lateness. I am still grateful to God and the organizers of that zoom; Daddy was happy and we all had a great time —and was planning a repeat for Easter. Man proposes and God disposes; to God be all glory and honor!!!

Conscientious: Daddy was careful and diligent with strong desires to not only doing tasks well, but also taking obligations to self and others seriously. He was trusted by many family members and friends residing outside Owo; he helped them built their houses in Owo without any financial gain attached.

Cautious & Structured: Daddy was very discreet, prudent, and always exhibited higher degree of wisdom in his dealings and interactions. He was reserved but guarded by defined principles that served as values/ characteristics many of us who were blessed to be raised by him later appreciated. He’s very introspective and wanted others to learn from his mistakes; he once told one of his sons not to have many children- - mind you, that’s after his second. We later laughed about the comment during one of our phone conversations, but at the end he still wanted me to know that he was serious about his sons not having more than one wife, like our father, and being cautious of how many children they have. He wanted us to avoid unwarranted stress and unnecessary burdens associated with certain life choices. He admitted, he prayed a lot, sacrificed a lot and had to work harder than he ought to in order to maintain dignity and standard he wanted for himself and those of us around him.

Have Parents’ Attention & Give Parents Attention: Daddy was raised by strong and loving parents. Parents who often taught and told us we could be great and accomplish great things. Although they did not acquire Western/ formal education, they were very smart and highly intelligent people. They loved and encouraged all their kids and relatives to admonish the importance of education. As the only girl, our parents and my brothers gave me the courage and encouragement to dream big, like my brothers. Our mother was a VERY strong - loving woman, and father was a gentleman who thought highly of his children and the Ojumu family. Our parents’ love and care for family and relatives were passed on to the children, traits embraced and taken to a higher level by their son, Pa George.
Daddy loved and respected our parents; he took great care of not only our parents till the end, but also his siblings and relatives. He never tasked any of his siblings with any mandatory contributions toward our parents’ care. As a great first born, he shouldered the responsibility of making sure our parents lived and had the very best life and care. Many of us could not do much for our father because we were still young, but with our mom, even though we could, Daddy continued his normal ways of care, and to my amazement, he would thank us for every contribution toward Mama’s care. What a great example of integrity and humility!!!

The Drive to Achieve & Excel at Everything:    Daddy had a Type A personality; he worked for perfection and quality. He was a diligent and trustworthy employee and employer. He led by example and taught us all that good name, honor, diligence, integrity, dignity and humility create a better and healthier livelihood.

Controlling (Sometimes seen as bossy): I know some of us who were raised and led by Daddy sometimes felt he was strict and authoritative, but after being on my own and became a parent, I personally appreciated his leadership and approach to life. He taught us to be self disciplined, bold, truthful, be our best and to achieve. His life taught us to do our very best as employees, employers, parents, friends, .......,,,,etc. Daddy wanted everyone around him to do well, if he could totally control it!

   Daddy, thank you for being my eldest brother, but most importantly, I thank you for allowing God to use you to fill-in the fatherly roles when our father was too old to do so. You took on being our daddy while Baba was still with us; you took care of our parents and everybody without complaining or boasting. You were awesome, and I am grateful to God for granting us the opportunity to care for you when the time arose. Our ultimate joy was making you happy and never lacking till the end —- enjoying from the fruits of your labor on us.
    Thank you for your sacrifice; you denied yourself of life luxuries to care for all around you. I always remembered our conversation during a Christmas vacation from school; you and I sat at the balcony after returning your car. I commented on how well the car still looked and drove, and you said you almost sold it for a new Mercedes but decided not to because of school fees. You taught us to prioritize and take care of the importance first. Hence, I was so grateful to God and very delighted, years later, when your children presented you with a Mercedes. God is great!! I am grateful to God for your brilliant and caring children. The Lord will continue to bless and remember them.
    I missed our frequent phone conversations— especially since my retirement. I thank The Lord for you always. As you always said in every situation, “A dupe lowo Olorun.” You are missed daily, but your memory gives me joy and pride to be known as one of your siblings/ children. You were AWESOME!! Even in your imperfections, we still learned and looked up to you!!! Keep watching us making you proud Daddy; God loves you and so do we all. Rest in perfect Peace Daddy!!!!

*PLEASE KEEP CORRECTING*

Please read this carefully and get your son or daughter to read it too.
This post is about what happened in a typical middle-class household.

The son didn’t like living in his father’s house. This was because of his father’s constant "corrections"
“You are leaving the room without switching off the fan”
“The TV is on in the room where there is no one. Switch it off!”
“Keep the pen in the stand; it is fallen down”

The son didn’t like his father correcting him for these minor things.
He had to tolerate these things till yesterday since he was with them in the same house.

But today, however, he had an invitation for a job interview.
“As soon as I get the job, I should leave this town. There won’t be any frequent corrections from my father” were his thoughts.

As he was about to leave for the interview, the father advised:
“Answer the questions put to you without any hesitation. Even if you don’t know the answer, mention that confidently.” He gave him more money than he actually needed to attend the interview.

The son arrived at the interview centre.
He noticed that there were no security guards at the gate. Evenr though the door was open, the latch was protruding out probably hitting the people entering through the door. He put the latch back properly, closed the door and entered the office.

On both sides of the pathway he could see beautiful flower plants. The gardener had kept the water running in the hose-pipe and was not to be seen anywhere. The water was overflowing on the pathway. He lifted the hosepipe and placed it near one of the plants and went further.

There was no one in the reception area. However, there was a notice saying that the interview was on the first floor. He slowly climbed the stairs.

The light that was switched on last night was still burning at 10 am in the morning. He remembered his father’s admonition, “Why are you leaving the room without switching off the light?” and thought he could still hear that now. Even though he felt irritated by that thought, he sought the switch and switched off the light.

Upstairs in a large hall he could see many aspirants sitting waiting for their turn. He looked at the number of people and wondered if he had any chance of getting the job.

He entered the hall with some trepidation and stepped on the “Welcome” mat placed near the door. He noticed that the mat was upside down. He straightened out the mat with some irritation. Habits die hard.

He saw that in a few rows in the front there were many people waiting for their turn, whereas the back rows were empty, but a number of fans were running over those rows of seats. He heard his father’s voice again, “Why are the fans running in the room where there is no one?” He switched off the fans that were not needed and sat at one of the empty chairs.
He could see many men entering the interview room and immediately leave from another door. There was thus no way anyone could guess what was being asked in the interview.

When it was his turn, He went and stood before the interviewer with some trepidation and concern.

The officer took the certificates from him and without looking at them asked, “When can you start work?”

He thought ,”is this a trick question being asked in the interview, or is this a signal that I have been offered the job?” He was confused.

“What are you thinking?” asked the boss. “We didn’t ask anyone any question here. By asking a few questions we won’t be able to assess the skills of anyone. So our test was to assess the attitude of the person. We kept certain tests based on the behaviour of the candidates and we observed everyone through CCTV. No one who came today did anything to set right the latch at the door, the hose pipe, the welcome mat, the uselessly running fans or lights. You were the only one who did that. That’s why we have decided to select you for the job”, said the boss.

He always used to get irritated at his father’s discipline and demonstrations. Now he realized that it is only the discipline that has got him his job. His irritation and anger at his father vanished completely.
He decided that he would bring his father too to his workplace and left for home happily.

If you are a parent, keep on talking to your children about what is right despite their frowns. They will thank you later.

If you are teacher, kindly remember that you could be the only father's voice that boy or girl hears, so don't withold it from them. As Pastors too, don't keep quiet. Talk to your members about things they are doing wrongly and shape their unconscious world for the life ahead.

It is not in vain, *let's keep on keeping on!*
   *Happy days ahead

It took me time to understand that he was trying to bring out diamond from the crust and gold from the dust
You can never be around him and remain a fool
His Honesty Hardwork Integrity Sincerity Pursuits can never be over emphasized
He doesn't go with pettiness
Straight forward
Always been there for countless people
If I say I still want him around I have reasons, his wealth of experience and vast knowledge is soooooooo deep that I have not tapped enough but the little I have drawn from him can help me through life.
While growing up I've never seen you commend anyone no matter how tedious the job was but I later realized that you wanted us to be the best and not settle for less
You were always ahead in planning your life and even at old age you lacked nothing
I thank God that you submitted everything to God
Your old age taught me that life is full of vanities
At Old age your milk of kindness never stopped flowing
No one can match your legendary achievements Baba
You hardly laugh or smile but when you do I know they're sincere smiles and laughter
You that nobody dare look at your face in our formative years but age bonded us after I've reorganized myself and aligned to who and what you wish I become; an honest serious and hard-working man
You detest laziness and always ask for accountability from everyone around you.

It's good you have gone to rest till we all meet again

And the tears kept streaming down your face when you loose an exceptional person. He was the most sincere and honest person I have ever known. He had no attachment to material things. Instead, he devoted his life helping others without expecting anything in return.

We are doing our best to remain grateful knowing how much our father sacrificed to help others outside his family. We learned from him that greatness of a man should not be measured by the amount of wealth acquired. He refused to become a millionaire for obvious reasons.

He was a great pillar for the Ojumu family, and they adored him. He was my close king and my hero in so many ways. He confided in me when I was a little teenager. He challenged me by giving me , and my siblings daily responsibilities that shaped my life. His advice had a profound impact in me, and will continue to resonate. He had a unique way of encouraging families, and others around him. His word was his bond and we all knew it.
How will I say goodbye to someone like him? No wonder It was really hard for me reply him when he said to me on the phone "odigba". Your memory will continue to speak volumes just like your presence. I am proud to call you my father.

Thank you
Olaniyi Aje

Dear Dad.
Words cannot express how much you would be missed.
Thank you for instilling hard working ethics, kindness and humbleness in all of us.
You were an exemplary figure to the whole family and the community at large. It is a tough job to fill your shoes since you made it look so easy to do. Hopefully we can all learn from it.
I am going to miss our short but frequent conversations especially the calls I normally make on my drive to work.
You would be missed terribly but happy that you are resting peacefully in the Bosom of Our Lord.
Thank you Dad!
Love you! Sun re o Bami.
Your loving daughter
Yinka

We, the entire family of Ayokalu-Aje, wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation to the entire Ojumu family, Owo community, all relatives, friends, colleagues, all well-wishers, and others, for honoring us with presence and for your amazing contributions towards the burial of our beloved brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, nephew.

Thank you all.