Bashiru Alade Teniola (Bash Ten) as you were also favouritely called. We became close friends in 1973 when we gained admission into Ansar-ud-Deen College Isolo. It was our second week in boarding school, we were both in 'Pako' house, you in Elias and me in Gbaja. We got talking and some seniors were taking the mickey because they thought we were talking too much 'oyinbo', as they called it, from then on we became lifetime friends, all through secondary school, remedial school, college (LACOSTECH} and our personal lives.
In fact we were always in each others houses, that I became a part of your household and you mine, we both knew each others parents and sibbings, each and every single individual in our separate households.
Bashir, you were a live wire, the heart and soul of a party or social gathering, well loved by all who encountered you.
I remember when we became day students after 1976, I used to get the bus from Apapa, where I resided then to your dad's house in Fadeyi, you and Fatai shared a room in the boy's quarters. I'd be there at 7.30am sharp, you'd get ready then we'd walk to Fadeyi bus stop , get the bus to Mushin, then another to Isolo and all the way we will chat in English. It became so common that many passengers and indeed some bus drivers and their conductors recognised us and will pass some cheeky comments like: awon oloyinbo ti de o'.
Why did you have to go so early? I suppose only God, our father in heaven knows why, but there are many who wish you didn't, me inclusive. I shed the tears of pain and sorrow for your loss and pray that God almighty gives you entrance into paradise, keeps you there and rests your humble soul in perfect peace till we meet again and rekindle our long friendship.
Your good deeds might have appeared invisible then, but I can assure you that you have left an unforgettable trail that's been imprinted on all of our hearts.
Adieu my friend, brother and old mate.
Rashid, Tunde Ogunbambi