7 months without my heart in human form, but this love is everywhere now, boundless.

this night, this soft rain kissing my cheeks and my jacket, the glistening pavement, the lights blurred by my terrible vision and by my tears and by the soft rain, this night, this subtly magical night. everything is conspiring to make me miss you even more than i already do. i am sitting in a corner willing you to call to me. i will go to bed nursing yet another piece of my heart.

Thinking about you several times a day.....much more than I would have f we could talk, yarn, gist, argue physically. So so much brings you to mind Funsho and as much as I thank God for these connections, it hurts at the same time. Something happens and I just want you to remind me of a name, title, place, etc hmmmm I miss you so much. Do you miss me? Is that even a thing in paradise? Love and miss you so much more than I can express really. 

Thinking of you and missing you always, Uncle.

We miss you, we love you. Rest on bro.

Egbon, you have rested for 6 months today. May God continue to keep your loved ones here. Rest on, till the Resurrection Morning.

I still can't find the words... Don't think I ever will.

thinking of you always, forever looking for ways to make you prouder and prouder

So 2021 convention is now over! It was a beautiful but tough one aburo mi but God gave strength and grace every step of the way, I know that must make you proud. I really missed your not being there physically.....in the way I could see you. Some moments were more difficult than others like going on the altar during the Welcome Service and seeing your colleagues in their uniform.....that cut so hard but grace from God helped me through. I longed to hear or read " well done sis", greater grace.....so proud of you....that's my sister as I finally settled into my bed later and it came! Yes, it did! Your sons, my nephews both reached out like they knew what I was going through at that very moment.. I was so overwhelmed by their love and selflessness because I know watching the programs daily must have been difficult for them too. I was so encouraged. I can't thank God enough for them. Each day had it's own moment and our Father never failed to cushion me one way or another.       .Even though I am always having conversations with you verbally and in my musings, there is always still so much to share when I come here to leave a note. I love and miss you sorely but knowing you are glowing in a new wave of glory that started 5 months ago helps a bit. Miss you so much!

Dear Funsho,

We were so devastated when we heard the news of your demise , what happened ? Why ? So many questions but we are mere mortals and will not question Almighty God - Kabiyosi, , according to the book of 2 Timothy 4 Vs 7 - 8, you have fought the good fight, you have finished the course, you have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteousness judge shall give to you. 

May your soul rest in perfect peace , Amen.

May the good Lord grant the immediate and extended Families the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen .

Gbenga & Yemisi Olukoya.

flying home from school today. the last time i made a similar journey, you were checking on me at every step and stop, making sure everything was good. i know you’re with me still, albeit in a different way than i’m used to. i’m just glad that you are at peace. subsequently, i am too.
it still hurts though and i miss you all the time.

4 Months today, and the pain is still so raw. It never goes away, does it. Boye and I did alot of catching up on football (champions league finals which your Chelsea beat my mancity lol, and the Euro's) he is such an amazing young man. Miss you, God got you, rest on bro.

I didn't really know you but the little time I spent with you I learnt a lot, sometimes I hear your voice.
Woke up this morning with your words in my head.
I miss you daddy

By Babatunde Irukera

The reality of the paradox of the strength and resilience of the human body and spirit, yet its fragility and vulnerability. You lying motionless was the reality of this. It was hard, it still is, it still will be, but I am trusting God, it won't get harder.

I have known you for all your adult life, from when you were an undergraduate. Your strong personality and opinions remained apparent to the very last day.

So hard to be making decisions for you, because, it was sensible to steer clear of that because you always had your way of doing it, and your way and decision was usually indomitable.

To those who only knew you from outside as a young man, they probably only knew a "tough" guy. But behind that was someone who is so much fun, lived for the argument (even a losing one), but never lived for the fight, because, somehow, the last argument was never a barrier to the next engagement.

You demanded so much from others intellectually, but you never demanded what you didn't give and your judgement of a lack of depth or rigour was as funny as it was dismissive ("won ni fantasy").

Play, argue, preach, research, study, agree or disagree, your passion was (actually is) never mistakable, and in standing up to serve in God's temple while others were seated, you cut for yourself the character of one who could be high in thoughts and mind, but could be lowly in service and serving.

"Brother (Broda) Tunde" could never work for you, indeed, you actually curled it of your lips to try when someone birthed the rested and failed concept, and concluded- "nah", so you led the pack in each person finding a nickname to which I have remained victim or victor, and such was the relationship we had; disagreeing, many (who knows, may be too many) times, but for the entire 31 years, never being disagreeable; and not once did you not eventually reach into you, and reach back, regardless of what purpose it was for.

Everything I have heard of the last days are the DNA that most define you- fun, funny, happy and reflective.

So this time, you hit the ball out of the park, its hard for us on many levels, especially for Ochie, Ike, Boye, Ire, your Pa Gebu and Mrs. Mesh, but I am comforted that you hit a home-run. A game that ended too soon, but ended in the best way.

LaTunneze calling, and retiring the call sign now!

Wow, its 3 Months already. Still feels very much like yesterday. I miss you bro, we all do. Fsure, Yoga, Billy funsh, Gaa Funshee, La rush, Baba D Sure, scoryan, Pa Funshee, Fmesh, Redhot. Only you with that many nicknames lol. People loved you, and everyone has that special memory you created. Rest on bro. Deus Generalis (God's General).

i miss your laugh and all our convos

I finally saw you today in my dream. I am so glad you visited me:) Keep shining Bro, love you.

And so the month of May ended and I never got my usual birthday messages from you; prayer then yaps about growing old and then affirmation . Not a word! It still does not add up or make sense that you are not here, it just does not. Ah! Funsho, it's hard. 
I had a program, first since you left and as I left the place, I wanted to send a message like I would and then you would say "more grace Pastor" but I could not. But later in the day I reached out and your trusted PA, Deboye and I got talking about the program and as if he knew, he was so sweet and even said I have to come their Teens Church when I am in Abuja.  God remains God and is good but I miss you aburo mi. I miss your posts, comments, yaps , argument, ridiculous sense of humor, your emergency calls, our fights.....everything. I know you are good.....very good. Is it a new month with you too? Anyway, just needed to get my feelings out. Btw, I got back to the gym. lol Oya yap me.  WE MISS YOU ! We all do . Love you POEM.

Fsho, You went away so suddenly
We did not say goodbye
You were a Special Senior bro to me...But brothers can never be parted...
Precious memories never die.

Fsho baba, During your journey on your final flight home.
White wings will carry you and you will be flown.
To the pearly gates of Heaven, where they will usher you in.
To the feet of your Lord, your Saviour, and your friend.
He will hold you in his arms and the angels will sing.
As another one of His children is delivered by white wings.

Can Never Forget when we sang ---" There is only 1 Fsho"

Forever in my Heart .....

My heart is so heavy, even though I never met Funsho, I feel like I no him. His sister Mabel Irukera talked about him so much, that I just automatically felt like I knew him.
Words fail me, but I no you made heaven, and that is the consolation we have
Rest on dear brother. We loved you, but God loved you wayyy more.

Will missed your departure. But, GOD loves u most. Till we meet again.

Good night, to a Champion and general. May your soul rest in Peace,

It's been 2 months since God took you away. I think of you everyday, still trying to understand it all. I miss every element of you, we all do. Nothing prepares one for this. Listened to one of your ministrations , so proud of you big bro. Rest on God's General.

we laugh. we play. we work. But you are there in our thoughts, it can't be numbed or silenced or ignored. We miss you soooooo much Funsho. So much! It's not quantifiable or easily expressed so we just keep trying ......daily walk and work. Writing and talking about my feelings helps a little because they are like conversations with you in my little book. God remains God and I choose to keep trusting Him because He first chose me. He chose you too and that always gladdens my heart even in pain. Love you POEM.

i miss you immensely.

Baba D Sure!! Keeping it real like you would.

I miss you, Uncle. I think of you all the time.

40 days ago your heart stopped and our lives changed .....it’s not a temporary state so there’s no getting over it. It’s neither a cold nor a bad break, you are not here period! It’s hard aburo. I cry , we cry but it’s not going to bring you back and we know that but it does not stop the tears. Hmmmm
I love and miss you so much!. We do laugh but behind it is the pain of wanting to share that joke , song or TV clip with you but can’t. Hmmmm Trusting God daily is the only way even through the pain and really sad moments.
In Christ alone Funsho. In Christ alone. I smile through the tears because we both love that hymn but more than ever, it is my reality.

By the way bro, you have amazing friends, co workers and associates. You and relationships sha! Miss you so much! All shall be well.

Every little thing I do you are on my mind

thank you for teaching me love and for teaching me about God. you were the personification of God’s love for me. i love you.

Bro,

Was thinking of you and I had to go through our past exchanges of messages via telephone. Saying that I miss you is an understatement. I wanna hear you say ' Justice Mesh' ...... Funsho!!! I love you and I thank God for giving you to us.

TRIBUTE TO EYITAYO MESAIYETE FROM THE AGBAJI FAMILY (INLAWS)

Who would believe we would be writing this soon? We believed you would be here for many years.

The demise of a loved one is never anticipated and the impact on the bereaved family uimaginable.

Uncle Mesh as you were popularly called within the Agbaji family, your personality filled every room that you were in, always in high spirits and ready to take charge at every opportunity.

God took you at his ordained time and we know you are Heaven’s gain. We all miss you but we shall take solace in the memories shared.
We believe we will see you again.

May your dear Soul rest in peace. Amen.

to put it simply, my father was the best person i’ve ever known. is the best person i know. and i say this with neither doubt nor bias. he most definitely wasn’t perfect, because no one is. but he was special, and anyone that ever knew him, be it for 30 minutes or 30 years, could attest to that. it feels like everything i want to say about him will simply be a repetition of what everyone else is saying and that is a testimony to the kind of person he was.
not only was he special, he made everyone else feel special too. he was attentive and extremely observant and always knew how to get to people. when you spoke with him, you would feel this strong sense of privilege and importance, i don’t know how he did it but that was the effect he had. he walked into a room and captivated it; you wanted to know him, be him. i was always so proud of him. it’s not what a person owns that matters, but what they carry within. my father carried light. he also carried pain and anger and regret and more pain but he found healing in Jesus, i’m sure of it. he has taught me resilience and faith and that is how i know i will be more than okay.
he also taught me history, politics, mythology, theology, science. and most importantly, music. i will have the songs we shared and the messages he left within them forever. what else? killer fashion sense, the best noodles in the world, my favorite laugh, and he had an amazing way with words.
he loved me more than life. he also really loved my brothers and my mother. and his siblings, and parents. and the church. he had a lot of love to give and even though i wish he had gotten more time to do so, he gave me enough love to last infinite lifetimes. i only hope that he knew i loved him just as much.
it was a privilege to be loved by him. he was the absolute love of my life. he is the absolute love of my life.
i would rather have my actual father here than an angel watching over me, but i genuinely feel him everywhere and that is just going to have to be enough.
Rest in Glory my Mapu Mapu
- Ikeoluwapo Mesaiyete

As I child, I was always impressed and fascinated by my uncle Funsho’s distinct swagger- the way he told stories, debated, walked, dressed and navigated his spaces always stood out to me. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my sister and I just hanging out with my uncles at our grandparents home in Apapa. We’d pepper my uncle with questions on a myriad of random topics and he always seemed to have an informed response. There was nothing my uncle didn’t know. My sister and I were living embodiments of childhood curiosity, and uncle Funsho was our perfect companion.

My uncle’s transition from cool uncle to loving father and husband was beautiful to see; Aunty Ochie and Uncle Funsho were a match made in heaven, and his admirable and devout commitment to his role as a father is made evident by simply seeing the wonderful young woman and men my little cousins Ike, Deboye and Ire are growing up to be.

Losing my uncle Funsho is the toughest thing I’ve ever been through. He is a truly irreplaceable figure in the lives of everyone he touched. We love you so much Uncle, and although you’re not around in the same way, trust that Aunty Ochie, Ike, Deboye and Ira will always be surrounded by love and family.

My dad was a man who sacrificed everything for the work of Christ and his children. He never cared the cost,all he cared was that it glorified God or was for the betterment of his children. I believe my dad did not die but was taken because of how he went. The last time I saw my dad was when he dropped me off at school he told me"Buy love"normally he says "bye buddy" or"have a nice day"but that day was different. The last time my dad spoke to my sister he told her he loves her and right before he went to sleep he hugged my brother and told him thank you. To wrap it all up, right before he entered the emergency room with a wheelchair , he had a smile on his face. Ireoluwade (Son)

Eyitayo Olufunsho Michael Oluwanrantimininuadura Abidemi hmmmm this wasn't the plan, you said we will grow old and grey together and that you want to go as a missionary to India for at least 2 years to depopulate the kingdom of darkness. But this was not to be. I give God thanks because I am confident that you are in a better place.

Two things endeared me to my husband, first is his love for GOD and second is his intellect. He can take you on any subject be it science, history, theology, mythology, politics, just any subject, I call him the human encyclopedia. He was a wonderful man, he stood for excellence and couldn't stand anything that was mediocre. He was a goal getter and would deliver on any assignment given to him to the latter. I call him a slave driver and usually tease him that he should have been in the military.

It still feels like a dream but the pain is real, but as I reflect and look back to the events of that day he went to be with the Lord, I take solace in God because I know he has finished his race and he finished strong and is in a glorious place.

Testimonies abound already of his works and impact in the kingdom of God. His biological and spiritual children are living testimonies.

I love you deeply

Ochanya (Folake) Mesaiyete

Like everyone I'm shocked and deeply saddened by the departure of my father, my brain still hasn't accepted that he has gone to be with the lord because I never expected my father to die, I know and understand the concept of the death but to my eyes daddy was immortal and nothing could harm him. The days after my father's passing a great amount of people came to comfort us and pay their condolences and
condolences and I always knew my dad was very popular but all popularity buys you is crocodile tears, this people were in tears, some called my mother's phone screaming in disbelief and shouting on me to tell them what they have heard is false, I saw grown men weeping like babies, I held people's hands and they were shaking and they squeezed my hand so tight as if they were trying to wake up from a horrible dream and it wasn't only people who were close to him but people who interacted with him; my mum and dad get their nails done on Saturday nights and the person who does it for them called me to confirm the rumours and when I did he shouted and kept saying why are all the good people dying and all the evil men are still alive. Daddy was a source of joy to all that he interacted with.
For me my dad wasn't just my father but my brother, my pastor and my best friend, he guided me, he supported me, he listened to me, he talked to me, he would notice the slightest change in my behavior, he taught me and most importantly he loved me and he let me know how much he loved me everyday.
Daddy left the earth in a state of grace, everyone who interacted with him on his last day knew there was something different about him, my mother said it was the happiest she had seen him in a long time, my last conversation with my Dad was in the afternoon that day, I had just asked to use his iPad and he said whatever is mine is yours, he asked me to help look for his watch and few minutes later I found it and then he slowly walked up to me and gave me a hug telling me thank you, he loved me and that's why I'm his trust worthy P.A. at the time it felt a bit too much of Thanksgiving for finding a watch that was charging at my mum's bedside drawer but now I know it meant more.
I miss him so much, i miss his comforting smile, i miss his hugs, i miss watching football matches with you, i miss watching the sunrise with you, my life is just better with you in it and I know nothing can feel this hole in my heart but what comforts me is that I know where he is, I know he's looking down on me from heaven watching everything I do, sending me love and strength.
Lastly I'll like to say that my Father left my siblings and I unexpected but not unprepared.

I love you daddy.
Omodeboye (Son)

As a child, I always thought my Uncle Funsho’s most dominant trait was his intelligence. I loved watching adults go back and forth about things I didn’t understand and my Uncle Funsho always seemed so at ease and content in any debate, no matter how animated the participants might have been. That’s why, when I was 5 or 6 years old and Uncle Funsho introduced me to someone as his niece “who is too smart for her own good” and told his friend that he had plans to pay my tuition at Harvard, I positively glowed with pride. Classic Uncle Funsho. I was probably such an annoying child to be honest, but all he could see in my inquisitiveness and curiosity was potential. Even though I wasn’t aware of it at the time, that moment had a profound effect on my self-esteem.

I grew up to learn that my uncle was also compassionate, hilarious, devout, and determined. He was a fun younger brother to my parents, and an amazing husband and father to my Aunty Ochie and my little cousins. What an immeasurable loss, Uncle Funsho. You can’t imagine how much we miss you and how much this hurts and ACHES. I feel so unprepared for this. We love you and we’ll take care of everything. My heart is so broken, but it is soothed by God, by family, and by memories like this, which I will cherish forever. Rest easy, Uncle.

Missing your voice and laughter. No conversations, texts.....nothing. hmmmm So unreal .

Though I may not truly know you but I grief with the family, has i truly know your wonderful sister Foluke and belive you both share amazing traits lof love and of good heart.
As we grief about you because, we love you and you will be missed, we have no choice but to give gratitude to our father in heaven, our God who loves you more and has his reasons for calling you home so soon.
I believe your life was a blessing and your memory a treasure.
I pray that your spirit lives on in the memory of those you left behind.
Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end, they simple means we all miss you until we meet again. I pray your soul rest in peace with Our Father in Heaven in jesus name.....ADIEU
Mrs Folashade Odubanjo

Pastor Eyitayo Funso Mesaiyete : A Testimony.

This may be long, indeed it is long but it only represents some glimpse of a larger testimonial of a young man I never met physically in life but with whom I shared some kindred spirit and of course divine call into ministry...
Please bear with me.

In the last week of April 2020, I noticed several calls from a phone number that was not on my contact list, I had not responded to the call because I had been busy. While having “missed calls” isn’t unusual for me, this was kind of different and I was curious about the reason for the persistence of the caller.
I called the number back as soon as I was free to talk.

Then came a voice that said something like “Good evening sir, I am your aburo Eyitayo Mesaiyete, by the grace of God a pastor like you in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. I live in Abuja .......”

We immediately tried catching up and rationalising on the ‘mysterious’ circumstances that may have prevented us from ever being able to meet one another physically since the second half of the 1990s when our professional lives crossed in Kaduna before I got moved back to Lagos in 1998.

You went straight to the point which was about how some of us, as pastors of Ogidi origin in RCCG can provide economic / social relief for our members at home who evidently have been battered by the negative impact of COVID-19 and the restrictions that followed. You wanted us to make personal sacrifices by contributing and calling on friends who are amenable to render such service to support us. You made the call more compelling when you stated that we have done this in our various and respective parishes as directed by our General Overseer and need to do it in our home town given the ,invited resources of the parishes there.

You introduced the other pastors who share this idea with you and gave me a responsibility immediately. While I was glad to be part of such a laudable initiative, I made an attempt to demur on the role you gave me but you insisted I had no choice but to accept it.
I
What struck me immediately about you after a couple of call exchanges were

- Your beautiful heart for those in need of support and help
- Your passion for whatsoever you believed was right to do
- Your commitment all through the period of fundraising, disbursement and post initiative review and house cleaning. God helped us to achieve 150% of the target you and the other pastors set for us
- Your remarkable courtesy and respect for others ( I had to insist you shouldn’t address me formally or with any titles and we had to agree that you just address me as your uncle and no more) Eventually you decidedly made me a mentor and bouncing board for which I am grateful and proud to be so considered.
- You were a gentleman per excellence, a man excellent in the spoken word, finesse and panache

Over the several weeks and months after the support to RCCG members at home, we spent time mulling about our beloved home town Ogidi, discussing the good, the bad and the ugly. We talked about our home town’s potentials for economic and social development, the missed opportunities, own goals we scored against ourselves, the difficult but not insurmountable hinderances to building a sense of equity, fairness, peace & unity in our land.

- You were concerned about the youths, your question was ‘what can we do to get them productively engaged’ ? And especially the young girls, how to re-orientate them to have a better understanding of their purpose in life, develop a higher sense of self worth, chastity and become women, wives and mothers of quality and value in the future.

- We did not just talk about the problems, we tried to provide possible solutions without prejudice to what brighter minds and greater efforts may have done or be doing. We shared the belief that we have spent more time and attention and probably resources on the political and traditional aspects of our lives that have unfortunately brought more division to us than the social, economic and developmental aspects of our lives that world have brought better lives to all of us as a people.

- We agreed we need more than ever before a new thinking and fresh ideas if we must have a town that will fully harness its abundant but latent talents and potentials that can build for us all, a town that is not ‘left behind’ by other towns in Ijumu and Okunland and one we all can be proud of

Beyond Ogidi affairs, you were active in the church both in Abuja your base where you served diligently in your Protocol department and in your divine calling as a pastor and shepherd of His flock. Same commitment, diligence and zeal for your calling were reflected even at your interface with National programmes in and outside the Headquarters in Lagos.

- In one of our discussions, you rebuked us Christians for not doing enough of witnessing the good news and winning souls for Christ and that our inability or unwillingness to devote time to this great Commisssion is responsible for our failure in “possessing lands for Christ” which has led us to being limited in impact and influence as Christians. 

- You impressed me by your willingness to talk about your old nature versus your new nature. You never shied away from discussing what you called the bad patch of your younger days and expressing deep appreciation and love for Jesus Christ the life transformer, mind renewer, giver of second chances and true Saviour for your redemption and rebirth. For me, the ability of a man to freely discuss what wasn’t so good about them in the past against what good they see today in their lives is evidence of true regeneration
1 Cor 13: 11-13

- Remarkably, you also acknowledged you hadn’t arrived yet but working hard to get better in your life and relationships and working towards perfection with the help of the Holy Spirit. This is like Paul the apostle noted in even of himself in Phillipians 3: 12-14

- Funso, I thank you for the birthday wishes and prayers you sent to me during the Zoom Thanksgiving Service marking my 60th Birthday on the 21st February 2021. That was 3 weeks before you bid us goodbye.

And it is on that note that I end this testimony about you.
Our relationship this last year gave me the impression of a person in a hurry to do so much before the bell tolled but looked for and longed for partners, vision sharers, destiny helpers and cause supporters.

I pray that the Lord, whose regenerated son you were till your last breath and still are (as part of the saints triumphant) will keep your wonderful dreams and ideas alive, send help, men and women as well as resources for their fulfilment.
God will console, keep, protect and care for your beloved wife and children you so cherish
The Holy Spirit will console your parents, siblings and entire family and relatives

As you go into the heavenly mansions that the Lord your father has gone ahead to prepare for you ( Jn 14:1-4), may He who has found it fit to call you home at this point “before the day of evil’ make your memory and your legacy a blessing to the world.

I close with the consoling and reassuring words of God in Isaiah 57: 1-2

“ 1. The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart:
and merciful men are taken away, none considering
that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
2. He shall enter into peace:
they shall rest in their beds,
each one walking in his uprightness.”

Pastor EYITAYO FUNSO MESAIYETE, enter into your peace and unto your rest...fare thee well.

I pray that the Lord will strengthen every member of your family Sir. He will grant greater comfort for everyone in Jesus name.

I could feel your passion and love for Jesus reading your tribute. Thank you for living a memorable life and one for us all to emulate. Good night sir. We see at the feet of the Lord.

By: Obafemi (Fresh) Ajidagba

Pst. Yogi Kogi as I fondly called you in the latter days way after the days of “Yoga” from Fego and your “F-sure” days in Uni Jos. You were my sparring partner in Fego, we had this thing where I would punch you in the ribs as a means of toughening you up, you wanted to be able to stand up to bullies and challenge oppressors at the time (who were many), never backing down from a challenge, you were bold and daring for a young kid coming from a sheltered home.

Later on, in your Uni Jos years, you further developed and formed into the man you were, we would meet in Lagos from time to time and I always tackled you on areas where I thought you may be missing the plot, it was never easy to convince you Yoga, but I know deep down you always listened and adjusted without losing face.

After school days and family came along, we were still at it, dealing with real issues of life, we discussed religion, marriage, money and all in between, you shared deep issues with me and I spoke candidly at all times, this was part of the reasons I believe you valued our conversations to the extent you sent me the below text out of the blue on the 29th of Dec. 2020, this was our last communication.

I never said thank you but its better late than never thanks for saving me from myself and helping to preserve my marriage. Don’t worry you have no idea how far few words of wisdom go.” Today, I am comforted by words from your siblings and family who had the privilege of either seeing or speaking to you in the last hours and days spent connecting with your Maker, this brings joy and peace to us all.

So rest on my brother, you have run a good race and have come out on top.
One love bro,

By: Mr & Mrs Kayode Yoosuf

At times like this by Christ we know it is well with Funsho his family and us all because he (Christ) said so. My brother Funsho was a friend who celebrated me always therefore my family and I shall continue to celebrate him even as he transits whilst we remain thankful to God for the blessing of such a soul in Christ and that his type has increased in his children. Shalom!

By: Thomas Okirika George. 

When beggars die there are no comets seen;
The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes."
Fare thee well Tayo.

By: Lami Bature (Nee Mshelia)

I remember the first time I met you and your lovely wife, Ochanya. You adopted me right away and took me under your wings. You made sure that I had all I needed to work, to succeed and you were always there to guide and support with your big, generous heart and larger than life attitude.

I saw courage and fearlessness whenever you had challenges and you were never afraid to dream and make mistakes. Wow! You lived! Missing you sorely and will see you at the resurrection. Love you very much, Daddy Mesh! Thank you Your daughter,

By: Segun Medupin

Pastor Mesh (F-SURE), as much as I try to pen my thoughts down, words failed me, I find it so hard to say goodbye. Rest on till eternity.      

By: Tola Morakinyo

Funsho your passing came as a rude shock on the UJ group early Saturday morning. Everyone was very quiet. So many couldn’t articulate their thoughts and some cried.

I pray comfort and solace for your sister Mabel who is also on the same UJ alumni group, your wife, children and other family members. May the Lord strengthen them and grant the fortitude to bear this untimely loss.

We will surely miss your banter and discussion on the UJ Catch Up Whatsapp group. May your kind soul rest in peace Funsho. Adieu brother.

By: Dcns Kehinde Fasubaa

Pastor Tee!!! You were called... and you responded promptly, you took up the Mantle of Leadership.
We could see it...the commitment and hard work. You were truly passionate about Our Youths.

In just 5 Months you had achieved so much... Like 5 years! You brought life to Our Youths, changed their orientation and worldview in a twinkle of an eye! Indeed, God uses His own to accomplish His work.

The last time we drove home together after church service.... You still had much work you wanted to do through your phone conversations and appointments. You kept telling everyone... "There is no time again". You wanted things done with a great haste. Hmmm, what about the Amala joint you promised me and my son Ola…the feast after the Fast? We will surely miss you. Goodnight sir!

By: Bode Akintan

I hate this. I truly hate this. Using words to describe an experience that is inexplicable. Funsho is dead and we have an obligation to commemorate him. And so, it is, we must condense 34 years of a friendship into a few words. I must find the words.

When anyone dies prematurely, it reminds us of our own fragile existence. Why all that we tend to hold dear is trivial. Why grudges over perceived slights are an unnecessary expense of emotion. Why we must celebrate our existence and our friendships and assume the best in all of us. Why it is important to remember that all we end up with are experiences and memories.

I have received calls and messages of condolence as though it was my brother who died. People who knew us imagined what this would feel like to me. They were part of the audience of our relationship, our brotherhood. Back in the days when we had few cares and even fewer responsibilities. Those days are long gone now.

What we have are the memories. Blissful memories.
My friend, I hope you are at peace now. If there is a God up there, I hope you are recognized as an ambassador. You certainly deserve the honor. Rest In Peace.