Although I've heard wonderful things about Pa Ande, this is the first opportunity that I've had to pay my respects. Going through the photo album gave me goose bumps, what with the uncanny resemblance of the guys, especially Taiwo! It gave me a measure of comfort at the same time: it made me feel as if I had actually met Pa Ande. May the Good Lord continue to give comfort to the family, and may Pa Ande continue to rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.

Two years just like that! Your memories and legacies continue to live on. I miss you specially today and everyday. Continue to rest in peace and know we are carrying on strong and focused. Love you Dad!

Happy 91st posthumous birthday dad. Miss you and you’re forever loved. Continue to keep watch over us.

The memory of the just is blessed in Jesus name. Continue to rest well Daddy Ilorin. We love you
Dewunmi & Dupe Sarumi

Rest In Peace, dear Daddy

Happy post hummus to Daddy Ilorin.
May his soul continue to rest in peace.

Happy Posthumous 90th Daddy Ilorin. We love you. Continue to rest in and with Jesus.

Dewunmi and Dupe Sarumi

We remember him very fondly. The Ande family visited our family over the years. I remember as early as 1964/65 when he visited, sometimes alone and sometimes with the rest of the family. As he steps in, he and my dad would greet each other and address themselves as "old boy". He would inquire about everyone, and he had a pet name for my little sister, Dupe, who he referred to as "Pepe". My younger brother and I found it extremely funny and would often convulse with laughter as we tried to hide our faces. We did not want to leave the impression that we were laughing at an elder. But, at the same time, in our little minds, we thought he could not pronounce the name, Dupe, well. We still call my little sister by that pet name today. Also, I remember the family staying over long enough to enjoy a game or two of Scrabble. We, the kids, would sometimes look over their shoulders. That was how I learned to play Scrabble. I still remember that he had strong opinions about the politics of Western Nigeria.

When I think of the label "good Christian," his image comes to mind. He was a temperate man worthy of emulation. Unfortunately, the cycle of life dictates that we would all transition at one point or the other. He fought the good fight and finished the race!

Our condolences to Mama Ande, all the children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. May we continue to be inspired by the examples and legacy that he left behind.

We thank God for the life of Pa Simeon Ande. I got to know Pa Ande and the family through my late parents-in-love Papa and Mama Samuel Adewole. Both families have been very close since I have known them including all the children.  Pa Simeon Ande visited and stood with the Adewole family ever since Pa Adewole went to be with the Lord. His constant visits and encouragement to the family over the years will never be forgotten and are highly appreciated. He was a humble, soft spoken, kind-hearted, simple man always seeking the good of people. He loved and served Christ and His Kingdom with all the resources and talents God gave him. We pray the Lord will continue to comfort and strengthen Mama Ande and the family. Adewole Family.

The impact Baba Ande made in our individual music lives cannot be over emphasised. The foundation he laid in us then at First Baptist Church, Ilorin can never be forgotten, rest well dearest "Baba Ande"

Pa Dcn S.A. Ande
I knew Daddy through his first daughter, Joko, whom I met in my secondary school in the early '70s. My friendship with Joko brought about the reunion of my parents and Papa's as we later learnt that he went to same school with my father just as his wife (Mama) went to same school with my Mum. In fact they were name sakes. Daddy took me in as one of his children . I remember vividly my trip with him to spend holiday with the family in Kaiama-- full of memories. Visits to the family in Ilorin could not be forgotten , they were filled with many lessons, instructions, teachings, trainings, impartation and prayers. 
Hmm!! Daddy with his Accordion.
Daddy was a lover of God, lover of his family ( nuclear&extended) and lover of people, a generous man, a dedicated and diligent Engineer.
He came, knew God, served God, imparted lives and I believe he has gone both to rest and enter into his rewards. His seeds are blessed in Jesus name.
Sleep on Daddy, till we meet to part no more in Jesus name

We suffered a huge loss of a father, a mentor and a friend.

Baba was so friendly, accomodating and simple. I lived with him and my aunt who’s his beloved wife briefly when I was admitted at the University of Ilorin for my Bachelor’s degree and I was greatly, adequately taken care of. I lacked absolutely Nothing. A very generous man to the core.

One of the outstanding things about him was his humility, generousity, gentility and Simplicity. He was a dedicated, kind, and loving family man.

Rest well Baba ‘till me meet again on The Resurrection Morning.

It is well.

BABA S.A. ANDE
My first encounter with Baba Ande was as a young boy in 1983 when we joined the First Baptist Church, Surulere, Ilorin, Kwara State, my family having worshipped at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Kulende, Ilorin; he was on the massive two-layered keyboard of the Allen Digital Computer Organ with its two big speakers producing the most rich, loud, deep as well as warm sound I had ever heard. After that first day, I kept sneaking into the "Adult Church Auditorium" every now and then, each time evading the ushers just to hear/watch him play.

I finally summoned up the courage to walk up to Baba Ande with my late Mum in 1987 to tell him that I wanted him to teach me how to play the organ. The first thing he did was to, with a smile, ask that I show him my fingers, which after examining said that I could resume class that week Thursday. I could not wait for it to be Thursday!

Baba Ande as my first music teacher bought me my first music textbook (Smallwood Pianoforte Tutor - yellow in colour) for I think N1:20k (Nigerian money!).

I had longed to be at the Baptist Music Workshop, Ìwó for years as a participant but was not chosen (church politics I guessed!) even though I had now been given the privilege by Baba Ande to play along with him at all church services. Nevertheless, Baba made sure to introduce me to the legendary Mama Alma Rhome (a Baptist Missionary in Nigeria, now late) during the 1992 edition of the Nigerian Baptist Convention which held at Ganmo, Ilorin, Kwara State, a very great honour of a lifetime this was for me as I also got my Broadman Hymnal from her through Baba.

In 1988, Baba was again my teacher at the Baptismal Class of the First Baptist Church, Ilorin and taught me foundational doctrines of the Bible and the Baptist Church as well.

Baba really influenced me growing up and reposed so much confidence in me at that tender age, giving me access to where the keys to the Church Organ was kept (a top secret at the time!) and trusting me to handle the playing of the organ even on a few occasions when he was unavoidably absent and also during the annual "Youth Week Programmes" as well as the "Royal Ambassadors Weeks" at the church as the programme organist.

Baba's sense of humor was one thing that made me feel at home with him; he even gave me a nickname of "àgbà ìjo" meaning "an elder of the church", a name a good number of people were calling me till I left Ilorin with my parent when Kogi State was created.

Baba Ande, your legacy lives on Sir as you continue to rest in the bossom of the Lord. Thank you so much Sir for giving to the Lord.

AYODELE SAMUEL AJIBULU
(Àgbà Ìjo)

A TRIBUTE TO BABA SIMEON ADEGBOLA ANDE...

My first encounter with Baba Simeon Adegbola Ande was in the mid 70s at the First Baptist Church Ilorin, Kwara State. He had a beautiful car, (I think Ford) and the speedometer runs above 240 or so. (We had a funny habit of checking the capacities of vehicles by their speedometers.) That was quite strange to me because most cars I knew then never exceeded 180.

My childhood conclusion was that the owner of such a car must be a strong and strange phenomenon. This was later confirmed when he got another brand new car, Datsun Laurel that stood out among other cars in the Church and Ilorin city.

Sometimes in 1979, my Mum informed me of the arrangements to train interested people in Church Music, and I immediately jumped at it without hesitation. Finally, I was in the class with the man I’d secretly admired from a distance. This marks the beautiful beginning of my voyage with Baba Ande and his lovely family.

The Music Class was the rallying point for all and sundry, not only within the First Baptist Church Ilorin but to all music lovers. Several people came from different denominations to enroll in the class, first because it was free and secondly Baba was a charismatic music teacher. He was indeed selfless and sacrificial. He ensured that all his students got the Smallwood Tutors and other materials to fast track the learning process.

Undoubtedly, Baba left an indelible print on our lives as he meticulously dedicated himself to excellence in Church Music, especially in First Baptist Church, Ilorin and diligently tutored us to replicate himself. Baba’s passion was contagious as you would see him vibrating at high frequency when it comes to Church Music.

Baba ensured that he succeeded in discouraging me from vamping on the keyboard. He always insisted and instilled the virtue of music discipline in me that transcends into all other parts of my life.

Baba Ande was always at every Saturday Choir rehearsal preceding all Sunday services and I can’t remember his absence in any.
With the late Daddy Gabriel O. Oyelere, our then Choir Master, Mama Adebiyi, co-organist, they all ensured we sang general hymns according to the original notes. Our choir rehearsals were semi Music School. 

Apart from my Musical encounter with Baba Ande, my parents explained the significant role Baba Ande played in securing the landed property where we now have our Family House in Odoota, few meters from his house in Ilorin.

At the Ground Breaking Ceremony, Baba was our family priest. He came to exhort us from Hebrews 3:4 and reminded us that ‘the Builder of all things is God’. He prayed over the land and today we have a beautiful mansion.

Adieu Baba Allen Organ!

OLUKAYODE ADEDAYO AJIBADE

Tribute to Daddy Ande……..

Deacon S. A. Ande, Father, Mentor, Master Organist, Accordionist ,Musicologist, long time Organist of First Baptist Church Ilorin and my Music Teacher from rudiments of Music to professional Organ playing on the Allen Digital Computer Organ. Fare Thee Well.
Baba trained us at very young ages and was happy to allow many of us to play with him during services as Co - organist. Hymns will be played by everyone at Saturday Choir rehearses and the name of the person playing each hymn on Sunday will be written in red or black pen beside the hymn on the next day bulletin.
Baba helped me to overcome stage fright by some small encouraging pinches on the back unseen by any of the congregant and also tempered my staccato speed for hymns by insisting that the Organ is a majestic instrument and not the Piano where you can run a race.
I can’t complete my life ‘s story without stating the impact of knowing how to play the Organ, the support and help I would have begged for where in many instances given freely because I was the Organist at a particular place without my having to ask. For this I'm eternally grateful.
May Deacon Ande’s memories bring joyful remembrance in hymns, songs and thanksgiving to God, as we play in Churches and sit by the Organ for different occasions, may we remember in gratitude to God the one who trained us dedicating his time and resources at no financial cost to Trainees or the First Baptist Church Ilorin.
Gabriel Opayinka Esq.

Deacon Simeon Adegbola Ande
I knew Deacon Ande as a small child, living a stone throw from the Baptist Mission house, with Sister, his newly wedded wife. It seems such a long time, as time goes.
If I remember clearly, he was an engineer with the Ministry of Works Kaduna. I looked up to him as a role model as a child and he did not disappoint me all his life. I got re-introduced to the family as an adult in1983 (?) by Idowu, who told me her mom was from ‘Mosaju compound Ago Owu. The link was instant as I remembered straightaway that Sister married Mr. Ande in my childhood.
Deacon Ande was a great, forthright man. I remember his forthrightness when I was growing up, which had not changed, even after I was grown and can observe better He was loving and kind and always helpful when help was needed. He brought Tayo, his boy, back home to Ibadan when Tayo broke his hand at school. Tayo and his mother are forever grateful for this kind act. I dragged a broken car to Ilorin (engine problem) and he helped fix it. Also, our stay overs in Ilorin, when he would discuss with me as an equal. Including accepting my advice on one important decision on one of my nieces. We were kindred spirits, a relationship I cherished very much.
The Bible promises that the righteous shall not lack, neither shall his children beg bread was fulfilled in your life. You were a true alumnus of the Baptist Boys’ High School (BBHS), Abeokuta. I relate the chorus of our adopted school song in your honour.
“We have an anchor that keeps the soul,
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fasten to the rock which shall not move
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love”.
Adeus Sir.
Your beloved ‘Sola Akingbala & Family

I have met daddy only once; however, I have had a long relationship with some of his children and members of the family. My experience with them attests to his character as a lover of education, disciplinarian, caring, compassionate, humble and very intelligent father. He brought his children up in the way of the Lord; hence, they have not departed from it. We thank you for leaving a Godly legacy for all of us, your memory is forever blessed. You have lived an impactful life, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. Sleep on beloved Baba Ande. May God comfort and uphold mummy Ilorin and the family left behind in Jesus name (Amen).

Daddy, Good people don't die, because their good works live after them.
In my short span of fifteen years in contact with you, you were not just an elderly friend but a father.
Your concern for my stepdaughter's education was a sign of great tolerance for human error.
May your name be listed in the book of Saints.
Rest in Peace, great daddy. O. O. Ogungbola

TRIBUTE To Late Dn S. A. Ande
Late Baba, Dn Simeon Ande was a man with a big heart. He believed in caring and would put smile on peoples' faces anytime.
He was an encourager, role model and source of blessing to all who came in contact with him.
He lived a fulfilled life in Christ and we will forever remember him for forthrightness, humility, brotherly love and kindness.
Baba Ilorin, you are dearly missed. We really thank God for your life and pray the good Lord will uphold and sustain all you left behind.
May your soul rest in peace. Good Night Sir!

Moses and Florence Soyele

Deacon S. A. Ande: The Quintessential Daddy, Encourager and Benefactor to Many

We grew up to know him as Daddy back in the family house, Ile Akoda, Ijeru, Ogbomoso. Although an educated elite in those days when only few paraded the pedigree, he was homely and related very well with all others at the family house. He was keen on our educational progress and was always encouraging in affectionate ways. I personally got a lot of encouragement and exhortation to be a responsible man throughout my undergraduate years at the University of Ilorin and as a regular weekend visitor to his Odo - 'ta residence back in the early eighties.

Daddy welded the extended family together, he was caring, affectionate and a lesson in humility. His efforts are today shown in the strong relationship I personally share with my cousins who I regularly visit whenever I'm away in the United States.

He was the best lesson on caring for the elderly (alongside Mummy) as he demonstrated throughout the life of our grandmother - Mama Ori Oke.

Daddy was always happy at the success of others, he lived what he preached, very unassuming, he embraced everyone despite differences in creed, status and background.

Here lies the quintessential daddy to us all, an encourager and benefactor. May your soul rest in peace. Adieu --- Prof. Kola Babarinde, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Daddy, Dcn. S. A. Ande, became a father figure in my life from 1982, after his son, Adeolu, and I became friends during our undergraduates days at the "mini-campus" of The University of Ilorin. My friend is now Professor Adeolu T. Ande, the immediate past Dean of Biological Sciences at the University of Ilorin. Mummy and Daddy welcomed me into their family, and I was at home to their love and accommodation.

Daddy gave so much guidance and counseling to Adeolu and myself together, and related with me as a Christian father would. I traveled with the family to Ogbomosho for a number of functions in late 1980’s.

Daddy’s counseling was critical in those young years, and I am most grateful for them. My wife, Tayo, is mostly grateful for Daddy and Mummy’s accommodation and careful encouragement from the early years that she would occasionally visit Ilorin, from Iwo, to explore the possibility of an enduring relationship with me, and my family.

Tayo and I send our condolences to Mummy and Daddy’s entire family. You all mean the world to us and our larger family. Daddy and Mummy blessed us in so many ways, and we express gratitude, as we honor the home going of a worthy disciple and leader among us.

Daddy’s ministry in church and in our society has touched so many lives in our time. Daddy was member, and in leadership, at The First Baptist Church in Ilorin and at the music workshops of the Baptist Mission of Nigeria.

Certainly, many came to know Christ through his ministry. We pray that God will honor the memory of his faithful co-worker in the kingdom of God. We will miss much, but our Daddy rests in your glory. May your soul, Daddy, Rest In Peace. Amen.

Dr. Bamidele and Dr. Omotayo Omotowa,
On behalf of the family of late JT and late ME Omotowa, Ilorin

Daddy Ilorin, we are really going to miss you.
You were a special, loving, charismatic and unassuming father. Thank you for being there for us, and welcoming us fully into your heart.
Anytime we came into Ilorin and stopped over for a visit, the way you’d hail 'Aluta 1’ definitely put a smile on our faces. You had special names for us and made us feel uniquely loved.
You even stretched your love to our extended families. You were a rare gem.
Rest In Peace, Granpa.

Niyi & Doyin Soyele.

I have known daddy Ande since childhood as the best friend of Mr. Ebenezer Otunshe Amurawaiye, who is my biological father, a friendship which they sustained until my father passed on some years ago. I still cherish the memory of growing up seeing he and mummy Ande visit our family regularly, and we would do likewise.

On every visit, it was a constant that he would treat me with fondness, tender love and affection. Also on every visit, without exception, the first things he does on sighting me is to call me, with emphasis, by his pet name for me: ROTIM; leaving out the letter “I”.

Unknown to him, I saw him as a role model. He was a devoted family man who took great care of mummy Ande and all his children. His gentle disposition and decent personality is rare to come by. He will be greatly missed. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Rotimi Amurawaiye

We thank God for blessing Daddy Ilorin with a very long, glorious, fruitful and happy life in Christ Jesus.
May the Holy Spirit continue to comfort Mummy Ilorin and the entire family especially my dear friends, 'Deoye and Kenny.
Ehin Baba ti dara l'oruko Jesu.
It is well.
MoyoMide Okikiolu

A TRIBUTE TO LATE PA ANDE (A.K.A DADDY ILORIN)
FROM AKINOSO RULING HOUSE, OWU, ABEOKUTA

O death, where is thy string? O grave, where is thy victory? (1Cor.15:55).

With the demise of our dearly beloved Daddy, death is swallowed up in victory. Why? Pa Ande died a fulfilled man. He was a man of many parts, played many prominent roles in different spheres and had gained many accolades for his numerous achievements. Indeed, he was a man of many parts who held in high regard family, religions and educational values.
He was from Ogbomosho but his affinity for Abeokuta and, most importantly, Owu Kingdom, was quite admirable. You adopted Abeokuta as your second home particularly during the lifetime of your father in-law, Daddy Michael Oloyede Adeyinka. He not only attended the prestigious Baptist Boys High School (BBHS) in Abeokuta, it was in Abeokuta that he met his heartrob, a princess from the Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta, who later became his wife till his end. A family man to the core, he endeared himself unto the hearts of his in-laws by attending all functions organized in Abeokuta.
Pa Ande was indeed a complete gentleman, very unassuming, an educationist who encouraged people to appreciate the tenets inherent in being educated. He was a Baptist Music Evangelist of repute and a music icon who could display dexterity on the piano and organ.
Daddy will be remembered by all Princes and Princesses of Akinoso Ruling House of Owu, Abeokuta where the love of his life, Princess Modupeola Oluwafunmike Ande (Nee Adeyinka) hails from.

You deserve the rest, Daddy. Rest in Peace.

Prince Lanre Adeyinka
For: Adeyinkas Family

This is not a time of mourning, but a time of thanksgiving to God and celebration of a life well spent, the life of a giant of faith, wonderful gentleman, lover of people and a blessing to humanity.
Our dear father, Daddy Ande impacted many lives including mine in no small way. I am grateful to God for the opportunity to know and meet Daddy Ande. A man of full love, full of heart for service and a man who raised many generation of musicians. I am one of several beneficiaries of his large heart and one of Daddy Ande's earlier music protégé.
Almost 40 years ago (still seems like yesterday), I walked up to Daddy Ande who was the organist in our family church (First Baptist church Ilorin) that I would like to learn music. Daddy graciously accepted, not minding how young I was, took me under his arm and taught me the theory of music and also setup an environment for us to blossom as music students.
Not only did I learn how to play, I was given an opportunity by Daddy to play in church and had the great privilege of being an assistant organist (with Prof Deoye Ande) at First Baptist church at the age of 13! What a trust he had in our abilities as young people!
Many of us have progressed in life and benefited immensely from the investment of his personality in us. Without music, I do not know if I would have been able to advance as much as i had in my education, as this became a platform i used to achieve on many fronts.
So many stories to tell about our Daddy, and there is no way the history of many of our lives can be perfectly narrated without mentioning the impact Daddy Ande has had on our lives. This is why it is difficult to speak of him in past tense because he lives on in all our hearts.
We celebrate his life, and it is not goodbye , but farewell until we meet again in heaven.
Sincerely, Gbolahan Oladeji.

Daddy Ilorin!! Oh how we miss you! You called me ‘“Advocate”. It kinda of stuck, most people called me that too! Which was cool, since there was a namesake in the family. I will always remember you as a calm, yet serious man. You cracked jokes a lot, but there was always a moral to the joke . We want to thank God for the life well spent. Indeed it was well spent! May the Lord encourage and keep the entire family in unity , peace and love till we all meet at the feet of Jesus. We will forever remember you!!
Segun and Nike David

Daddy Ilorin was exactly that- A Dad and then some. He was our first in-law and as a result our family’s first introduction to in-law relations. Oh boy was he a good one. He was always kind to me and very interested in whatever I was doing professionally or personally. “Small Mommy” as he referred to me.....he would ask questions, because he was a lifelong learner. I thank God, I got to see you on my last visit, unfortunately I didn’t know that would be the last. You lived a great life and you are now resting with Jesus. To Mommy Ilorin, my egbons and the entire family. May God continue to comfort and uphold us all. Rest well Daddy Ilorin till me meet again.

Modupe Sarumi ( Small Mommy)

The impact Baba Ande made in our individual music lives cannot be over emphasised. The foundation he laid in us then at First Baptist Church, Ilorin can never be forgotten, rest well dearest "Baba Ande"