TRIBUTE
John Olugboyega Moses meant everything to me: brother, friend, confidante, convivial partner, soulmate, constant companion.
His nicknames from his very broad spectrum of friends and acquaintances, were many: Gboyee, Gboyegs, Gbengus, Mosee, Johnny, mo man Johnny. “Mohan” was my own personal sobriquet for him. Although we both grew up on the same street, Sabiu-Ajose Crescent, Surulere, Lagos; it was as young men, fresh out of university that we developed a special bond, which endured until the very last.
Both of us were inseparable, as many can bear testimony to. I had the privilege of getting to know him intimately. He was keenly intelligent with a vast knowledge of virtually any topic you could name. He was at once boisterous and effervescent as he was respectful and well-mannered. Mohan loved fun and lived life to it fullest. I readily empathized with his unpretentious and non – conformist nature. Not for him the covetousness with which we are all too familiar. Considering his background, exposure, excellence in his chosen professional field of Advertising and wide circle of friends and acquaintances, he could have amassed so much money for himself, but he was just not interested. He preferred a simple and unassuming lifestyle.
In spite of all his wonderful qualities, he was often times self-deprecating.
Mohan had a great sense of humor, as well as a genuine, spontaneous and infectious laugh. Always a live – wire and centre of attention at any social-gathering. At the same time, away from the crowds, he could be sensitive, introspective and guarded.
Mohan enjoyed what he enjoyed and made no bones about it. He was so humble, that he could fit into any social group or gathering and there were so many to which he belonged.
Mohan loved to listen and dance to Highlife music, I can still vividly picture his dancing posture, the slant of the shoulder and his whistling whenever one of his favorite tracks “Cheriekoko” was played. At the height of our young adulthood, we travelled together to so many parts of Nigeria. I can remember him sleeping peacefully in the passenger seat of my beat-Up Peugeot 504, when we embarked on long journeys, even at the dead night. Port-harcourt (the garden – city) was one of our favourite haunts. What fun filled times we had there together!
I cannot help but smile when I recall Mohan’s way with words. His lexicon was extraordinary: African parachute (for Agbada), nourish (for drinking). African burger (for bread and suya).
I missed him greatly when he relocated himself to Sierra-Leone, but was always glad to hear his booming greeting whenever he came back to Nigeria, “Chief Ajoms” he would shout with that infectious grin. Ah! We shall surely miss John Olugboyega Moses – a man in a million, a unique human – being and a stellar, but quiet achiever who impacted so many lives.
Farewell my brother and friend, we shall meet again by His Grace at the foot of the almighty, but life will never be the same again.
Ibukun Ajomo
(“Chief Ajoms”)