His birth was a combination of miracle, destiny, and divinity. He was born into the family of Pa Benjamin Durojaiye Akerele (Oluyemi) Aderejokun of Oke Idi-Ose Compound in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Nigeria, on the 2nd day of May 1957.

His mother, late Mrs. Beatrice Abosede Omolajaiye Oluyemi, who hailed from Ile-Loodi, Moore in Ile-Ife, was born without any silver spoon in the mouth, as she lost her mother shortly after she was born. However, she had a loving father who combined his role with that of a mother until in 1956 when he gave her in marriage to her loving, kind-hearted husband, Late Pa. Benjamin Durojaiye Oluyemi Akerele. The combination of Durojaiye and Omolajaiye, “the Jaiyes” started with the birth of Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi, whose birth became an unprecedented definition of a new era of love, peace, and success in the Oluyemi’s Dynasty.

The child named Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi, being the first child from his mother and father, pursued two cardinal points: love and unity among his siblings, as well as high educational standard for them. The miracle, destiny and divinity that surrounded his birth began to unravel when he consistently exceeded expectations and took responsibilities at an unimaginable early age.

His life as a boy was adventurous and remarkable. Growing up at the ancient Oke Idi-Ose Obalaaye compound was full of fun, as in addition to inheriting the artistic nature of his forefathers, he grew up to be exceptional as he became one of the best mathematician of his time, and a standout student all through his secondary days.

Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi, the boy with many talents, excelled in all he laid his hands on, hence became a child of pride.

After primary school education at St Philips Anglican Elementary School, Iloro, Ile-Ife, He graduated from Ife Anglican Grammar School, Ile-Ife, in flying colours at an early age of 16. He acquired tertiary education at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro where he graduated and got award as the best overall student of all time.

Being an ordinary Secondary School graduate to him was not satisfying, hence he left his hometown for Lagos at an early age of 17 in search of greener pasture. To the amazement of everyone, his leaving home at that tender age was not for his personal glory, but for the success of everyone: Oluyemi, Akerele, and everyone who met him.

Even though his initial life in Lagos was not rosy, working as a messenger at Nichemtex Textile, driving cabs, and doing like jobs, he never failed to take responsibilities, giving everyone the opportunity to have a better life for themselves. He paved the way for others to leave the hometown in search of self-sustainability, set them on path of education and excellence, and ensuring unity among all. It didn’t take him too long at Nichemtex Textile before quickly being promoted as a Clerical officer after his brilliance became evident.

Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi had become a child of pride for all, the father, mother, siblings, family, everyone! His happy father was quickly seeing his son as a man in whom he was well pleased, and the boy Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi got his father’s blessing to marry his beloved wife, Yemisi Eunice Oluyemi (nee Olatunji) on the 31st of July 1982. He became a man indeed.

Life at Nichemtex Textile as a clerical officer gave him insight on his career path and progression. After a few years of diligence and hard work, he qualified as a chartered accountant, an achievement he would go ahead to set his younger ones on the path of. This is yet another testament that Funso was a trailblazer and a pacesetter.

Funso, a chartered accountant, of over thirty years post qualification experience in diverse fields of activities served meritoriously as Senior Internal Auditor with National Universities Commission, Deputy Group Audit Manager with Churchgate Industries, Head of Finance and Systems with CMB Homes, the mortgage outfit of Continental Merchant Bank Plc, he joined the firm of Lateef Bakare & Co. (Chartered Accountants) where he was seconded to International Breweries as Chief Accountant/Company Secretary, a position he held for seven years during which he was also appointed Director on the Board of International Breweries Agro-Allied Limited.

Funso eventually left International Breweries to join Healthcare International, a Health Maintenance Organization, as Head of Internal Control/Risk Management. He thereafter served as Chief Finance Officer with Honeywell Fisheries Limited before founding Onyx Management Associates Limited where he served as Managing Consultant/Chief Executive Officer until his contract for service as Chief Finance Officer of Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc.

All through his life, his innate creativity and artistry never left him, and he knew he had to dedicate his talents to God for the emancipation of the gospel of Christ. He founded De-Lens Drama Ministry and De-Lens Melodies in 1999 and his relationship with God from that time till he breathed his last only waxed stronger.

His achievements as a child of God were enormous and cannot be overemphasized. Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi was a great writer, actor, director, eulogizer, and an amazing storyteller.

“The gods are dead” – A blockbuster movie by the popular Mount Zion ministry was originally written by Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi, then, titled: “The gods are silent”. Funso Oluyemi wrote many dramas and full-length movies of which he published a few and produced some into home videos.

Indeed, Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi lived a glorious and enviable life, albeit one that is difficult to emulate.

Three months before his death he would sit outside his house every evening reminiscing about a life well spent. He spent his last days having series of conversations with his wife, children and loved ones. He kept emphasizing the need to surrender everything to Christ, speaking with deep understanding of the vanity of the world, and encouraging the practices of unity and love.

Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi knew the end was near when he set out on a journey to visit each of his children, leaving every one of them with the same message. Unfortunately, no one knew he was giving his last instructions.

In his voice, strongly resounding in the mind of every of his children, he said, “I have built my empire. I am fulfilled. You are all self-sufficient. I am sure if I die today, you all will take responsibilities. You all will take care of your mother.”

He returned from his journey on the 31st of May 2020. Then, on the 1st of June 2020, the END TIMES began.

The sun was setting, darkness was fast approaching, and the sounds are getting faint. Suddenly, there was no night nor day. Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi would not look deep down into the eyes of his wife nor children anymore. It was the time of hope, grace, and mercy. Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi stood a man until he took his last breath. As much as strength would allow, he took every opportunity to calm his children. “Do not worry, Adedayo”, he said and at the thick of it, he was able to joke with his daughter, “Funmi, Mafo”, he said with the strength and bravery of a warrior.

His last moments, he was surrounded by his children and his precious wife. He was strong and brave until the last second, and indeed he was still his characteristic commanding self. In the arms of Bolanle Oluyemi, slowly, Oluwafemi Funso Oluyemi ascended from the darkness of the world into eternal light. At exactly 8:35PM of the 4th of June 2020, THE MAN DIED.

“Heaven is the home of joy for those who listens to his words and abide by his words”, these are words from his first movie production, The Bottomless Pit, directed by his friend and brother, Tunde Adeyemo. He who hath ears, let him hear what the spirit is saying.