ID, your passing has left me shaken to the core. I cannot believe I am sat here writing a tribute as regards the passing of a young friend, even though with wisdom and maturity in advance of your years. I met you in your last year of A-Levels, even then, 30 odd years ago, I could see your maturity, and always felt you were destined for greatness. Your calm disposition, your humility and your intelligent analysis (remember some of our debates e.g. when UK crashed out of the ERM in 1992) – I remember saying to myself, this boy ehn? You held your ground, and I could not knock your arguments.
As human beings, we seldom speak bad of the dead and usually an unwritten rule to eulogise the dead, whether deserved or not. However, ID words enough cannot do justice to the kind of selfless Man you were – don’t even know where to start. Suffice to say, a few years ago enroute from your trip to Canada, you stopped over in London and whilst out shopping you fell prey to pick-pockets. Your passport and travel documents were stolen. You then reached out to me enquiring if I knew anyone at the Nigerian High Commission, I gave you my good friend’s details (Femi Kuku), and I asked you speak to him. When I informed Femi of your passing, he echoed the same sentiments, that humble guy?? Femi used to live in Wembley, he even said, I never ever thought he was related to the twins (to be fair, those boys ran amok back then!) – as he remembered his face from way back in Wembley. Sadly, rarely do we wax lyrical about special human beings when they are alive – a failing I accept and promise myself to improve). Your confidence (without arrogance), decency, hardworking, faithfulness, anything you did you did with integrity, intelligence and your honesty.. You were a Man who followed your conviction and your passion. You sought favour in the Lord at an early age – You served HIM with unwavering energy and vigour – Brother your passing is too hard to take!
When I saw you last January 2020, you were as usual full of life, I would pop into your office at Ideas House, little did I know, it will be the last time (I wish I had told you what a great guy you were). I am well aware, that your passing will leave a massive void in the lives of your darling wife Busola, your children, your aged mother, your brothers – Salami Boys (Soji, Yomi, Owolabi, Taiwo and Kehinde), your extended family, your friends, your colleagues at Ideas House (as I know how much you are genuinely loved you in that Organisation as well), I am however comforted in the knowledge that heaven has indeed gained an Angel. I pray that God Almighty grants them the strength to bear this painful loss. AMEN!
Rest Well Brother. Till we meet Again. Adieu ID.
Wole Oke
