On Behalf of KANO FAMILY FELLOWSHIP (KFF)
A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT AND ARDENT ADMIRATION FOR NOW DECEASED PROFESSOR BAMIDELE ADEPOJU
Broad-chested Bro. DELE ADEPOJU, only one thing was wider than his chest; his heart of love, concern for and commitment to the well being of others. He did not go about prying into our privacy to know where you were hurting; he had a built-in caring sensitivity that made it easy for him to discern, and then act, so that life would be better for another person. And you would have a problem insisting that he should take a credit for the good he did to others. "Ah yes, but we only did the little we could, as God gave us the grace" he would say.
Among many things, four very Sterling qualities stand this man and servant of Christ out: you couldn't possibly miss Professor Adepoju's humility, honesty, courtesy and confidentiality. Is there any man or woman whose path crossed Adepoju's without such a person receiving a dose of these qualities? None that we know of. And these traits are so rich and overflowing in him that, without his setting out to do so, he became a binding and bonding persona among Christian believers, and in fact in any place where life called him to be.
Professor Adepoju's dressing code, as it were, was humility. writer, Rick Warren, says that self- importance and stubborn pride destroy fellowship faster than anything else. Inspite of his high academic calling - a well - deserved professor in his field of study - he insisted on living humble. Pride they say, builds wall between people; humility builds bridges. Dele's humility built for him and those dear to him, long interminable and strong bridges because, as 1Peter 5:5b enjoins a true believer, "he clothed himself with humility towards others". If an introduction was required, hear how he would introduce himself: "I'm Dele Adepoju, a teacher".
Prof's honesty was unmistakable. He cared enough to speak the truth instead of ignoring or tolerating an issue that could bring harm to one member or to others. You see, many times we KNOW what needs to be said but our fears prevent us from saying anything. Prof. preferred FRANKNESS to glossing over an issue that might cause tension in order to prevent a false sense of peace. He was not rude, but in line with. Gal. 6:1-2, spoke the truth in love so as to gently help the erring person get right again.
Big-hearted Prof. Adepoju was courteous, very courteous. Being courteous demands that we respect our differences, be considerate of other's feelings and be patient with people who irritate us. It is deep-rooted and welll nurtured faith in Christ that helps to grow courtesy in us. Brother Adepoju had that in good measure so he related easily with people with special emotional needs, deep insecurities, irritating mannerisms or poor social skills. In this way, he was committed, and made all of us in the family fellowship committed, to be united in the spirit, binding ourselves together with peace, thus fulfilling Eph. 4:3.
Our beloved Professor Adepoju examplified and encouraged the cultivation of confidentiality in the Kano Family Fellowship. By his speech and overall life-style,he portrayed the fellowship as a place of warm acceptance and trust so that people can open up and share their deepest hurts, needs and mistakes. As Rick Warren puts it, confidentiality does not mean keeping silent while a brother or sister sins and suffers. It means that what is shared in the group needs to stay in the group, not gossip to others about it.
Brother Adepoju valued relationship and gave his time to cultivate it by- regular and frequent visits and genuine fellowship and practical help. Not many believers are like Bro. Adepoju; and the few available are getting fewer. Knowing him, interacting and relating with him has been a most rewarding experience. He held his Christian faith to the fore. And the qualities which the faith produced in him were manifest in every facet of his life- family, church, fellowship, work place and social life. He was not one man in private and another in public.
He remains a shining example of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. The least we can do is to carry on from where he has left to go to be with the Lord, so that others coming behind us will know, hear and share Prof. Adepoju's invaluable legacy of honesty, humility, courtesy and confidentiality to the Christian faith and life in general.
Prof, its good night, not goodbye, for we hope to meet and be together with our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, on the Resurrection Morning!.
