Mr Babade Ayokunle Akomolafe (a.k.a Babs, Badman, Baddest) was born in Ile-Ife, Osun state on Oct 30, 50years ago. He was the fourth of six children to the Akomolafe family. His parents, Gabriel Olusola Akomolafe and Late Reginald Olukemi Akomolafe raised him from a premature 7 month old baby to a healthy strong African man. In the words of John Keats, “his life was a continual allegory, and very few eyes can see the mystery of his life – a life like the scriptures, figurative”.

Babs’ life adventure started from Seventh Day Adventist Primary School, before heading to St John’s Grammar School Ile-Ife, Osun State for his secondary school education, and later pursuing his undergraduate degree at Obafemi Awolowo University, graduating with a B.A degree in Physical and Health Education.

Growing up as a child and being raised on the University of Ife campus, Babs lived a life of adventure with his family and friends. While at home with family, Babs loved watching movies and playing board games. He had an exceptional love for Monopoly and was quite good at it. Even when he starts the game without the prime cards, he manages to win most of the time. As an older child, he enjoyed playing volleyball and badminton, doing so competitively. He loved reading mafia/mystery novels and had a special taste for ‘The Godfather’. He was a big fan of reggae music and specifically for the reggae group ‘Aswad’. Time with friends was also joyous for him as they were always celebratory. Friends were like family to Babs, and he would sacrifice for them - This held true throughout his years and wherever he went. There was no place Babs spent time without leaving a mark of his presence, because of his ability to engage and accommodate people around him.

Marital Life
Babs was married to Gloria Akomolafe for 14 years, and blessed with three beautiful children, Oluwatobiloba, Oluwaseun, and Oluwanifemi. His family was his joy and he was always enthusiastic to share his children’s milestones in their journey through life.

Work Experience

After graduation from university, Babs served his NYSC term in Ilesha, Osun state, and later went on to work at the National Museums and Monuments, where he spent over 15 years till his death. He was recognized over the years as a stellar employee, and eventually rose to the position of Assistant Chief of the museum.

Religious life
Babs grew up in the Anglican church and shared the same belief his father had shared with the entire family from a young age, that there is a supernatural being controlling the universe, and that being, he recognized as God (Baba God as Babs would say). Over the years, Babs would reach out to family members and friends with messages of hope, comfort, and birthday wishes, with references to God’s grace in his messages, confirming his belief of God being the ultimate source of everything in his life.

Social life
Babs was a people person. You would rarely see him anywhere without a host of friends around him. He was generous at heart, and while he had his own personal struggles as life apportions to us all, he would bend backwards to extend help to those around him. He was a youth leader, and while living at Eleyele, Ife, he organized a yearly carnival that attracted several youths in the community – That was his joy, celebrating life with the people around him. Babs lived his life in his unique way. He had a general disposition to rejoice with people and was not one to be envious of anyone’s success, but instead celebrated with them.

Life is a journey. We come into this world innocent, and grow up with hopes and dreams, but with age come sessions of joy and grief, a life for trade we live with grace. But till we hear the summon of the day, we will carry your voice in our hearts. We pray our loss will not shadow our path in your absence, but rather like the cloud, we shall weigh a feather against the earth soaring in your embrace over the flowing seas.

Farewell Babs, till we meet again.

Kind Regards,
Gbenga Akomolafe
a.k.a GHOST