40 years ago, I came in contact with Daddy as we called him. We were tenants in your house at Ajigbona street Ile-Ife until 1980. You never treated us differently as some landlords would. Your 404 pick-up van conveyed us all including your children to school. We were so much at peace in your house that my mother didnt have any cause to move to another until she passed on. A few weeks back on my way to Ibadan from Ondo, I saw that banner at Oke Ayo house and I was grieved by what stared me in the face. It is indisputable that death is the final and compulsory yes when it beckons to man. Daddy I am happy you lived well and your wealth immeasurable but not in material acquisition. You touched lives positively with so much passion and compassion.
 
I want to salute Mummy for her courage, hardwork and being a helpmeet indeed to Daddy. To sister Bunmi, Bisola, Yinka, Adeola, Lola, Bolanle and Goke, rejoice in the fact that you had a father who loved and radiated PEACE and ever ready to share his all. It was nice knowing you all though its been long we saw anyone of you last but we have good memories of your family.
I register my condolences on behalf of myself, my sister, Ronke and Olumide, my younger brother.

GOOD NIGHT SIR. God will usher you into a well deserved rest. He will also keep the families you left behind from all ills. 

Daddy,
Indeed you were a father to us all. Your gentle and generous ways really captivated us. We will forever miss your understanding and re-assuring smile even when it was apparent that we have again been found guilty in one of our numerous follies.

We remember what Paul the Apostle said in 2 Tim. 4:7-8 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Adieu Daddy Till we meet at the feet of Jesus. 

Akin Oyemade
Perth, WA 

Just a day before you left us, Baba M. Ola Oloke, you offered me wine and mummy offered me crackers, with so much love and you called me the same night to ask me to see you the next day. But not even knowing you were telling me something else. Thank God for your life. People like you are few. Just like I said after you gave it up “THANK YOU BABA, IF NOT FOR GOD AND YOU……”

Ajiboye Oloke,

Oshogbo, Nigeria

I was privileged to know you Daddy Oloke.  I recall that I first met you in 1969 when I was a student at the Seventh Day Adventist School of Nursing at ILE-IFE.  Your passing unto glory came as a shock to everyone in the family.  I thank the Everlasting Father for the truly glorious life you lived.  From the moment I met you, you have embodied the role of Asiwaju Agba Akin (A leader among leaders).  You have always been someone who I could look up to.  You were a mentor to me.  You were always ready to help me whenever I needed you.  You always made me feel welcomed in your house.  You caused me to be well known amongst your family.  There is not a person who came in contact with you that did not feel blessed to be in your presence.  You were kind, generous and open-hearted.  Your smile had a way of drawing people close to you.  You are fondly called “Oke-Ayo” and your happy, vibrant response was always, “A o jogun ni,” when translated means, “We shall both get to the top.”  Daddy, how you will be greatly missed!  We love you, but God loves you more!!!  May Your Soul Rest In Perfect Peace.

Mr. & Mrs. Dele Ajibade

New York, USA

My family is honored to say a few words about our friend, confidant, daddy and grandfather, Chief Michael Oloke. My family was deeply saddened and shocked by the untimely death of our daddy. Daddy was a different dad and grandfather. He loved life and always said positive things about people. His favorite way of greeting people is “ E se enia, E dara pupo” which means “you are a good person, and you are very beautiful” and was always said by him with a beautiful smile on his face.  You could tell that he loved life and people. He was a selfless daddy. He was a philanthropist. Family was important to him. He had a strong appreciation for healthful living. He loved eating healthy and natural foods. Even before doctors advised people to eat whole wheat bread, he was already eating it and encouraged people to do the same. Another thing that I remember about daddy is that he was a true example of loving your neighbor as yourself. You saw this in how he cared about the people he met and lived with. Although life can get so busy that we sometimes forget to take a moment to laugh, daddy took time to laugh and joke with children and adults. He was very helpful to people who needed his help. He always supported peoples’ progress. He would call my family to find out how we were doing at least once a month. Daddy was a very intelligent, caring and loving person. My family would like to remember him as a selfless and God-fearing person. We miss you dearly daddy. Thank you for all the good times and phone calls. Sun re o!

With love and deepest sympathy,

Elder & Mrs. Dokun Ajaiyeoba,

New York, USA

Chief Oloke was a selfless, compassionate man whose greatness is in the simplicity of his nature. He was a true caring leader who made time for all. He was a big brother to our father, Dr. O.A. Olatunji, and we grew p knowing him as a fond uncle and father with his endearing “Omo Oye” greeting, which means “Royal Child”. From humble beginnings and from the royal household of Ogunsua, Modakeke, he built himself up as a Merchant. A luminary within the Modakeke community and beyond. Chief Oloke knew everyone by name, old and young. He is one of the kindest and gentlest people we have ever had the privilege to know. What a great, humble man he was. Always dignified, and always quietly supportive. We have been extremely privileged to have known him as a leader of our family and we are trying to live our lives to emulate his leadership qualities. Daddy Oloke as we called him used to say to us that “we are nothing until we are all something”. He meant that we must always look after each other. No one must be left behind. He lived this in his life as we watched him bring up his brothers and relations as well as their children. For our mother and us, the most important act he did for us was to collect our father’s body from the Palace on the day he was killed to take him to the mortuary. This was no mean feat as war broke out again on the news that Dr. Olatunji had been killed. Daddy Oloke braved death and drove his truck through the tense crowd to collect his brother’s body. In our culture, it is not what people do when you are around that counts but what they do when you are not. This was the most selfless sacrifice, as we the Olatunji children were thousands of miles away. In his true style, he did not think twice about carrying out this duty even though it was totally against our tradition to see the dead body of anyone younger than you. So great was his love. He was much loved, admired and respected, a true leader and a Prince of his people. Sleep well in the bosom of the Lord until we meet to part no more. May our good Lord grant you eternal peace. Amen. Igba t’oni rese o ba le fingba mon, eyi to ti fin o le parun, Ajisola Obalola.

Regards,

Lolade Olatunji  (For The Olatunji Family)

London, UK

Daddy Oke Ayo as we all called him was a man we referred to as Father of Fathers. He demonstrated the skill of a born leader, peace maker and somebody that always wished other people success in life. Since I grew up to know him, I never saw him get angry. He was a very peaceful, generous, prayerful and a caring father. Daddy, we will miss you but I know that God willing we will meet in heaven.
Pade & Folake Okunola
Dallas, USA

Chief Oloke was a father to us all. We share the wonderful memories of his kindness, compassion, and his deliberate goodness. We all cherish his love for his close and extended family. Chief Oloke was a great man and a man of God. A philantrophic man. On behalf of the Kumapayi family, I want to wish and pray for you “ati awon mama ni ile” as well as the whole Oloke family, peace, strength, and his guidance at this solemn time of grief. Chief Oloke, may you be seated at the right side of God and May Your Soul Be In Perfect Peace. Amen.

Ademola Kumapayi

Florida, USA

All praise and thanks to God for the life and times of Daddy Oloke (Chief M. O. Oloke). He was loved by those who knew him, adults and children alike. His first words to you anytime you meet him are “Alaafia fun yin o” which means “Peace be unto you”. He was a father to us all. He will be sorely missed. May the Almighty Father grant him eternal peace. Amen.

Adefunke Ajayi (Nee Kumapayi)

Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria

Dear Grandpa,

Thank you for being the best grandfather a young kid could ask for. Even though you were thousands of miles away, every time we spoke on the phone it would seem like you were right next to me. Now your spirit will always be right next to me.
I miss you so much Grandpa, and you meant the world to me. Now you may rest in peace, and I give you my complete blessings. I will never forget what you said to me. "My Dearest Kunle, Be The Best You Can Be and You Have My Blessing". I will always miss you, Sir.

Rest In Peace, Grandpa.

Your Grandson,

Victor Adekunle Kumapayi

Wisconsin, USA

Grandpa,

It is very sad that you are gone. We all know that you are in a better place to watch over us, sitting right next to God. As your first grandchild, I cherish all you have done to be present in my life. Your journeys to the U.S. to visit me, my brothers and my cousins; your Sunday morning phone calls, and, most importantly, your calls to wish me a Happy Birthday every year. I will truly miss your words of wisdom and happiness. And I will always remember your voice greeting me…“my dearest granddaughter”.

I Love You Grandpa,

April Ifedayo Temitope Kumapayi

Your First Grandchild

Wisconsin, USA

Daddy, although God called you home at a ripe age, your home-call remains unbearable, particularly in view of the roles you played to bring meaning and hope into the lives of many. Good night!

Your son (and daughter), Olagoke & Kemi Oloke

Osogbo, Nigeria

Daddy, you are one in a million. There are not enough words to fully describe all that you were to all of us and especially to me. You were a loving, caring father and friend. You went the extra mile and made sacrifices joyfully to make sure that everyone had the best available in every situation. You lived by example. You loved God and followed his instructions and you taught us to do the same. You took many in from everywhere as children; today I am blessed with several non-biological brothers and sisters. We would miss you dearly, but we take solace in the fact that you knew and served God. We know you are in a better place with the Lord now. You lived a good and impactful life. You have left great legacies that will continue for generations. I thank God for the privilege of having you as my father. Continue to rest and enjoy for ever in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Your daughter,

Iwalola Oloke (Solomon) Ughulu

Lagos, Nigeria

My dad, an uncommon breed, a legend, a patriach, a rare gem, great, loving, caring, kind, and humble…. my hero. I LOVE YOU DAD AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. LOVE WITHOUT END. YOU CARED FOR ME, YOU RAISED ME UP. THE GREATEST MAN I EVER HAD/KNEW. THANK YOU FOR BEING MY DAD. YOU WILL FOREVER REMAIN IN MY HEART. I’LL BE MISSING YOU. GOODBYE DAD.

Your daughter,

Adeola Oloke

Lagos, Nigeria

Dear Dad, we have been blessed by far to have known you and loved you. You were not only a father, but a friend and reliable confidant. You touched the lives of people who knew you so profoundly with your humility, generosity, caring and sincere ways. You taught by example and your character was an exemplary one. You fulfilled every obligation you ever undertook and your word was your bond. I never heard you utter a lie nor intentionally deceive. You held in high esteem the qualities of duty, decency, reliability, honor, dignity and respect. Your wealth of wisdom and sense of humor were outstanding. With these, you forged solutions to peoples’ problems and brought succor to their hurting minds. 

It is hard to come to terms with the fact that I will never have another conversation with you, hear the encouraging words and your hearty laughter again. In the past one month, when faced with an ethical dilemma, in addition to God’s leading, I find myself going back to one simple question. What would Dad do?

My Dad, my hero, we love you and will miss you more than we can say. We thank God for loaning you to us and we know you have been called from labor to reward. So rest on till we meet at the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Your son,

Michael Olayinka Oloke

New York, USA

“The world is a stage where men and women are actors and actresses, having their entrances and exits” says William Shakespeare. Dad has acted on this stage and we are now left with the memories of how he acted. Dad, I will miss you with your special face and smile. May Your Soul Rest In Peace.

Your daughter,

Mobisola Oloke (Gbenga) Onigbinde

Osogbo, Nigeria

And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!" Revelation 14:13 NLT.

Baba Oke Ayo as I like to call him was a peaceful and great man; he was successful in all areas of his life. He was a family man who took great care of both the nuclear and the extended family. The lives that Baba imparted during and after his life time are countless. Although I am his son-in-law, Baba totally accepted me and took me to be one of his sons.

Baba was a man of God who served the Lord enthusiastically. I will always remember his constant advice to me and my family to always keep on praying. Daddy your departure from this sinful world is very painful to us nevertheless we are confident that you are now resting in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank the Lord for the life well spent.

Daddy you have fought a good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to you on that Day, and not only to you but also to all who have loved his appearing. 1Timothy 4:7

‘Till we meet again to part no more, rest in peace in the bosom of the Lord.

Your Son-In-Law

Olubisi Peter Olubi

Wisconsin, USA

________________________________________________________________________

My dad, a man of integrity and honor. He was the best. HIS MOTTO: “Do as I say and do, not only as I say”. He knew his maker, loved and served Him. He taught us the same and lived by example. You were my mentor, a role model that was worth emulating, my true confidant. A man of inestimable value, a rare gem, loyal friend, trustworthy, humble, caring, loving, and forgiving. I will always have you in my heart and cherish your loving memories for the rest of my life for all the important roles you played in my life. You were always there not just physically but also emotionally. You had listening ears, no matter how busy or tired you were, you always made out time for me. Your advice and suggestions were always sincere and genuine. You always encouraged me to believe in myself that I can do all things through Christ. You gave me the best education any child could ask or pray for. When I was in college, you didn’t just pay my tuition, you also made sure that I succeeded by personally teaching me “Cost Accounting” when the going was tough in school. Supportive in every way, you love all your children to a fault.

A man with a larger-than-life personality, you had a golden heart, very honest, genuine, selfless, reliable, dependable, kind, very intelligent, smart of God’s wisdom. You loved without boundaries and helped without reservations. As a businessman, you were very strong and energetic, never gave up on anything, hardworking, never deceitful, very respectful and respected by many. You were relevant in all your ways…even in death. You impacted so many lives very deeply in ways that words cannot fully describe. A dedicated father to all (ABIYAMO TOOTO).

Daddy, I miss you so much already. I feel so special when you call me “Bollington” (only you did that), the numerous phone calls, the text messages, your prayers, scripture references – the May 1st call, July 2nd and 3rd calls and much more. You were just unique in your own way and your legacy lives on. Continue to rest in the bosom of Jesus until we meet to part no more. Love you still. Adieu!

Your daughter,

Omobolanle Oloke (Olubisi) Olubi

Wisconsin, USA

Chief Michael Oloke was a loving and compassionate father, not only to his own but also to others. His philosophy of hard work and commitment, combined with his power of forgiveness and relentless of hope shall remain the legacy that will live on in our hearts and in our deeds forever more.

We remember your calming ways, as well as your nurturing self. We thank the Lord for your life well spent. Your untimely passing, however, has left us with extremely big shoes to fill. But you have prepared us very well. We shall therefore continue your work with full vigor.

May Your Soul Rest In Peace as you ascend to the goodness of your maker. Amen.

Alaafia fun yin o! Until we meet again. Farewell, Sir.

Your Son-In-Law

Adenrele Ray Kumapayi

Wisconsin, USA

TRIBUTES TO CHIEF MICHAEL OLAOSEBIKAN AROWOLO AKANJI OLOKE, J.P.

My heart ached the very worst when I heard the news of your passing! I still cannot believe that you are gone. You were a great father to all your children. You loved us all more than anyone can imagine, with such grace, kindness, and all your being: your children, grandchildren, and many more outside of our immediate family. You embodied all the greatness that any child can ever ask for in a father. Without hesitation and with so much love, you provided and gave us the best that life can offer. You always said: “Nothing is too good for my children”. You gave us the world, yet grounded us in pure love and respect for life without feeling entitled. I don’t know how you and Mom did it, but you did!

In a humble and selfless way, you were generous and provided for us and others with your whole being. You always believed in everyone’s ability to succeed, and you always said everyone is important and can bring their best forward if given the opportunity. This is why you always embraced helping others. I so much relish in one of your favorite sayings that “With God All Things Are Possible”. The purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, and to be compassionate; and above all, to matter, to count, to stand for something, and to make a difference.

Daddy, you have left such an indelible mark in all of our lives and we miss you so much already. How I will forever miss your ever loving voice every time you called – I miss your phone calls (and texts) and how you favoritely called me “Boom Boom” every time you called and on the first of the month to wish me a “Happy New Month” and at other times just to see how I was doing. You always eulogized me whenever you called with your unique words of endearment “Omo Oye, Omo Oba, Omo Ola, Oko irese, Omo keleogun”. You simply had a way of making me feel so special, ALWAYS. My dearest father!  You had this huge and tremendous capacity to appreciate and celebrate everyone’s successes, big or small. You lived a life that is worth emulating and you were simply my GENTLE GIANT. I thank my God Almighty for having you in my life. It has been an honor and privilege to have been your oldest child and daughter. May Your Gentle Soul Rest In Perfect Peace. Amen.

Lovingly Your Daughter,

Olubunmi Bolatito Oloke (Adenrele) Kumapayi

Wisconsin, USA

Ha! Papa Oloke!!!

A man of Uprightness

A man of Honesty

A man of Perfect Peace

A man of Love

A man of Joy

A man of Rigour

A great family man

A devoted Christian

Your departure was sudden and it is painful to your friends and inlaws like the Ogunsola Family,

What can we say but to thank God for the peaceful, loving and impactful life you lived.

I can go on and on about you but to the Ogunsola Family, you were very close to us and everything that had to do with us you took seriously.

Myself and my wife await and look forward to your call every day that passes and when your call comes in you start by saying “Alaafia ni fun yin”. Hmmmh…

I never knew your last call was the one you made a day before your death.

Bi oni refe, ko ba fin igba mo;

Eyi ti ofisile, ko le parun!

May your soul triumphantly enter the kingdom of God and find true rest in the bosom of your creator; heavenly father.

“Ma gbadura b’awon t’o feran ku;

Adura mba won mu omi ye!

Sleep on beloved; sleep and take thy rest. Lay down thy head upon thy Saviour’s breast.

We love thee well but Jesus loves thee best.

Goodnight!!!

Engr. A.O Ogunsola& Family ( Ibadan)