MY PEACEABLE DAD.  

Dad, I recall most times when you got back from any funeral event, one question ❓ looked certain for you to ask; What will you write about me when I am no more alive? You were so concerned about this question; little did I wonder about the relevance of this question to me on those occasions which you have asked me. And now, I found myself writing about you. Not sure I can write all the memories in a single book!

Hearing and seeing all the beautiful comments from family, friends, and neighbours have all gladened my heart ❤️ the more. What can I simply write about a very meticulous father (olofin totoo – in yoruba), rather than Saying I LOVE YOU and still LOVING YOU DADDY ❤️? 

You’re a very strict father who hardly played with us as kids, but your love for us was PURE I have seen you demonstrated this over the years. I remember how you defended me whenever mom would always come up with her usual action, I always got your support. And now that you're no more the memories make me cry.

So many things to write about you, dad. I remember the 1st time I washed a car for Late Mr. Hamid Oke, he simply asked his wife - has your sister worked in a car wash before? Sister Dele, as fondly called, she laughed and said, “you don't know her father ni?” That really speaks so much volume of how meticulous you were in your days. You had a good taste for everything in life, and your appetite for cleanliness was way above ordinary measure.

I LOVE YOU DAD! My kids and hubby all demonstrated their love for you while alive. Sometimes I hear Omotokunbo in her prayers saying God bring back my Granddaddy. The more I remember the moments we shared, the more I fail to control my tears. Hmmm…. IT IS WELL.

And now, all your worries, fears and anxiety are all GONE!!! Continue to Rest in peace DADDY till we meet to part No More. Forever on my mind!

Rest In Peace, Baba Ade.

Adebimpe Agbelusi,
Your Loving daughter

I love you ❤️❤️ grandpa I remember when I was a baby  you would always carry me I miss you, your lovely granddaughter Princess Mololuwa Agbelusi' rest in peace ️️ miss you.

Princess Mololuwa Agbelusi

I love you grandpa I miss you ❤️❤️

Prince Mojolaoluwa Jordan Agbelusi.

I love you my grandpa…rest in peace. I remember how I always held your hands and we both walked together. 

Princess Momoreoluwa Jewel Agbelusi

Pa Adegelu…Lived In Peace Died In Peace!

There was something special about baba Adegelu- he was attractive to many during his days and after his death, he continued to attract positive comments from people! I recall how I became close to the man who was initially presented to me as a showstopper to my marriage proposal to her first daughter.

Shortly after I met her daughter, I became somehow frustrated visiting her at home. Many times, I would stand very close to the house looking for ways to see her daughter come outside so we could talk. I was so afraid because of all the things I was told about him; I really became confused and very much afraid to come to the house, instead I always strolled around the street. And sometimes, those visits turned to be unsuccessful for me because I failed to see the person I was looking to see. I was told baba did not like people from my side (Ekiti) and that he had a not-to-good experience with someone from that side, and that possibly turned him off them completely. With no just cause of my own, I simply appeared like a hard sell for him.

Therefore, I worried so much about this and how this could downplay all my effort and commitments, and possibly frustrate my achievement. That was the way Daddy Adegelu was presented to me. But the fact remains, that singular message drove my demonstration of love towards him as I became very determined to change that perception at all costs – Yes, I did.

On that fateful day, I had gone to his house to see her daughter, and unfortunately for me, he saw me with his daughter in the compound that day. And for someone who was looking for such an opportunity but also mindful of his disposition towards me, I immediately prostrated and greeted him. I remember the first question he asked was - “where are you from? Well, the rest is history.

I recall on the day of my introduction in his house, I made a secret supplication to God that I wanted him to always have a reason to connect with Ekiti people. God answered this prayer during his lifetime – all his daughters got married to indigenes of Ekiti – the only state described as The Fountain Of Knowledge in Nigeria.

Then as a young lover, that fear was the most challenging period for me – knowing someone has a dislike to your mission is not a good thing to hear or to know. Later as we progressed in life, I realized daddy was completely mis-interpreted by his daughter, and it was either a comment or a story blown out of proportion.

There were no dull moments with him, always sharing stories about his workplaces and travel life. Baba loved travelling in his youth days and met quite several people while making those trips. I personally spent good and quality time with him, most especially during his last days. And each time we came around to his house, my kids would surround him, one holding his hands and another holding his legs, and praying for him to live longer. I never saw a part where you were angry with anyone. I never heard you spoke angrily to anyone, at least to the best of my knowledge – I can see these peaceable attributes fully internalized in my wife. Even after your death, there was no such comments contradicting how you lived a PEACEABLE life.

Thank God for the times we all spent together, and the moments we shared. Pa Adegelu, you lived in Peace & Died in Peace. You are missed but forever on our minds.

Rest In Peace, Pa Adegelu.
Elder Tosin Agbelusi (JP)
Your son-in-love

My Irreplaceable and dearest daddy, I will always remember that special  and soft heart of yours and the wise advice you always gave me.

My father, I am already missing you because I still remember how you called me every second for one thing or the other. I remember how you always asked me about the progress of my studies and prayed for me. I will miss the gist we used to have.

You are a disciplinarian to the core, humble and respectful. You always loved your things to be well arranged and neat. Till we meet to part no more, dad keep resting at the bosom of the Almighty.

Oluwatoope Adedipe

My dear brother-in-law, Daddy Adegelu, I appreciate your kindness in my life. Living with you at 27, Ayeleto Street in Surulere, Lagos, in the 80's remind me of the fond memories I have of you. You are a loving person, kindhearted fellow, and infact, because of your acceptance, I was warmly received as part of Adegelu family with no iota of segregation. May God forgive you your shortcomings and accept your soul in his blossom. Adieu Pa Adegelu.

Kunle Fafowora.

Uncle Leke,as I used to call you in those good days at Shitta Bay,Surulere, Lagos, you were such a nice man,caring, welcoming and warm.You showed your love to everyone known to you in respective of whomever they were.You showed us how much you cared.Over the years, though I have been away from Lagos,yet,I've always heard about the welfare of my sister Bose and her family with your love still strong as ever before.I thank God for your life.I pray that the most High God grants you Eternal rest and shines His love over the Adegelu's entire family members You left behind.Your memories will continue to linger in our hearts.REST IN PEACE.


Mrs Jadesola. (nee Fafowora)

My tribute:

Isaac was my very good friend of over 30years. He was of a warm personality. We worked together for some years at Inlaks. He was a diligent man with a vast experience in administration. On my resignation, I handed over to him and he did very well.

He was a very faithful and caring friend. Even on sick bed, he called me weekly till the week of his passing on, to find out how I was doing. He was a rare man.

My prayer is that God will keep his family and all that he left behind. Rest on in the bossom of our Lord, my dear friend. Adieu!

Elder M.M. Agoi

Adeleke Oko mi,

If I say your death came as a shock I will be lieing, from the last time we spoke while you were on sick bed I knew by instinct that the end was near. I thank God that you were not subjected to unbearable pains before He called you to Himself, I thank God that He gave you strength to push through to the ripe age of 82 on earth, I thank God for making me meet and know you as my first Love in your journey of life and bearing your sons. Your good impacts in my life will remain forever cherished.

Still very fresh in my memory the very first time we met, to the time I was pronounced your wife and even to the time we had our children (now men). I still nurture and cherish the memories of being surrounded by all your family members. You were at peace with all asundry, you were always welcoming and accommodating, yet you were a " No nonsense" man.

I believed all that happened between us was destined and God knows best. Even though we were apart, you never ceased coming back to visit me and pouring your heart to me, telling me about your regrets in life. Well....all that pains and regrets are all gone now. I am indeed happy that you are in a better place now, where no more pains and or sorrow. I believe you are resting in the bossom of your maker. I believe you have joined the Saints. Sleep well oko mi Alao Adeleke. If prayers can be made for the dead, I pray God in His mercies to grant you eternal rest and make you rise and reign with Him again.

May your kind and gentle soul rest in perfect peace Baba Gbemi. Good night till we see meet again.

My dear beloved Father-in-law
Despite the pain that lingers in the core of my being,
I’ve got to try and let go.
Father I wish you well;
As the tears roll down and as I seek PEACE to stop the PAIN,
I pray for God to grant you peace as well.
Time’s precious, it’s ever changing and waits for no one.
Rest well my beloved father-in-law, rest well.

TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR HUSBAND

Writing this simply brought back the sweet old memories of how we met. I wonder why it still looks like yesterday when actually, it has been 43 years; every day by your side was certainly full of beautiful stories. I wish I had a giant book where I could write all my heart on, as those memories are indelible!

In 1979, I was living with my uncle at a place in Ibadan which coincidentally happened to be your cousin's (Late Pa Bolaji Shafa's) residence. Ever since we met till death parted us physically, I have always known you to be a man who lived for others. Your love for people – both immediate & extended family – is amazing. Our marital abode was a home to your loved ones including mine. Thank you for teaching me how to be more hospitable and accommodating. You never discriminated but instead, you treated everyone fairly and equally. You took care of my family as your very own & loved everyone equally. Your sister (aunty Peju) & I tried our best to offer good treatment & entertainment to all visitors whether you were at home or not.

Baba Bimpe, as I fondly call you, you were a man of peace and a bridge builder! A man ready to give everything and anything to anyone who needed it, my husband would say to me, "A gbo tori olori fi ti e sile, Olorun lo maa gbo ti e". I cannot forget your neatness, which was second to none. Your clothes must be well ironed, your food well prepared, tasteful and hot always. Your bed must be well laid, as you would never sleep on a poorly laid bed. After much effort from me, you took the task of ensuring our bed was properly laid upon yourself.

I remember that when the chips were down, when everything changed and the world seemed to be upside down for the family, even when a lot of people thought you wouldn't survive it, we both went through it together and came out stronger. How can I forget those days and moments we shared together? The days we both were homeless, sleeping from one place to another. So many days of hunger and hustling from friends before eating. I thank God for the strength to stand by you till the end of your journey.

You will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, my dear husband.

Oyinlola Christianah Adegelu

My Grandad,

A heart that is made of pure gold has stopped beating, one of the most hardworking hands have been put to rest.Even if you are dead, you are not genuinely gone since your memories will live on in our hearts and minds because we loved you and we will never forget about you

To us grandchildren, you have been a perfect grandfather since you have shown us that you are never afraid of the fierce storms

Even in your death, I will miss your wisdom of the many years of experience and the pure love of an understanding heart

I Pray God grants you a Peaceful Rest and a Space in his Right hand

Goodnight Grandpa

Grandpa





It is so sad to know you are no more but you will forever be in my heart
I love you but God loves you more
Thank you for being the best grandfather you can be ...you are one of a kind ❤️ Your smiles gladdens my heart I know you are in a better place now but I will miss you so much Thank you so much grandpa
I know the tears in my eyes now are tears of joy because your legacy will never be ruined


Rest well now ISAAC ADELEKE ADEGELU ❤️

Daddy Mi,

I can't stop calling you like that as if someone wants to take you from me. You were such a rare gem in every ramifications. We took your " No nonsense" for being too harsh on us but now, I am enjoying the good fruits of your labour.

I would have loved to have you with us longer....but God loves you most. You have imparted in us a high sense of discipline and taught us to be upright in our ways and most importantly showed us the way of the Lord.

Daddy mi, I will miss you greatly as memories of you in my mind in hard to let go. It gladdens me that you have left this sinful world and you have been taken to a better place. Even in your death, I promise to carry on the the legacy you have left behind, to unite my siblings with love and affection and care for them the best way I can.

I pray the Almighty to grant you eternal rest and count you among the Saints.

Good night daddy mi, till we meet again.

HE TOOK ME AS HIS OWN
Our Father is a perfect gentle man, humble, neat and loving in all ramifications. He is a devoted Christian who loves everybody that comes across his way, to know you is to know love, to have you is to have struck precious gem. He is so caring that he called me by nickname, we discussed every part of Politics.
The grace you enjoyed in life is second to none, a man loved by God and God showered with sufficient grace, the memory of you handling your baby girl to me and you called my full name is ever fresh. We still hear those words of prayer you prayed for us before our wedding. We will miss you in all areas, we love you but God loves you the most. May your gentle soul rest in the blossom of the Lord.
Adieu Daddy Adegelu!!!

TRIBUTE
My dear brother, I will always cherish the great impact you had in my life. A brother like you is one in a million. It is not possible for me to forget 27 Ayeleto Street, Surulere, where every day was like Christmas day; and every weekend was like celebration time. People (friends and families) would come from all walks of life to visit Lagos; but they made that house their meeting point. It was at the same house that you trained and nurtured me in all aspects of life – to be tolerant, obedient, accommodative, hospitable, and contented. Unity among family and friends was uppermost in your mind. You would make sure that your clothes were properly washed and ironed, your car washed neatly. Varieties of food must be cooked to taste every day. Visitors must be cared for whether you were at home or not. Then, I was thinking you were too harsh on me. It was not until when I was on my own that I appreciated your efforts and impact on my life; and I am enjoying this in my life today.
Thanks so much for your sacrifices on me. Rest in the bosom of God, my neat and disciplinarian brother. Good night.
PEJU OLAWALE (Sister)

Daddy, I struggled to write this because it's so hard to say goodbye to you.

I remember how, as a kid, I would always stay up late at night waiting for you to return from work, as I was certain to get the remaining portion of your dinner no matter how hungry you were.

I remember how, whenever we watched NTA network news together and Tokunbo Ajayi was the one reading the news, you would tell me she was a Yoruba lady from Ogun state. And because of that, I wanted to be a TV newscaster.

You were a strict disciplinarian who would never tolerate nonsense from any child. You trained us well to the best of your knowledge. I learnt sparkling neatness from you, as you were neat to the core and fondly referred to as "ajisefini". I remember how so much of a perfectionist you were that you would cringe at the feeling of stepping on a sandy floor.

I prayed for your eternity in your sickness, and I have the faith that you are resting in the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ. You came, you saw & you conquered! "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?"

Goodnight Dad; till we meet on the resurrection morning.

Your loving daughter,
Adenike Ogunbiyi

Daddy Surulere, like we used to call you many years ago, you will be sorely missed. I remember your generosity to my siblings and I, as your nephews and nieces when you came visiting. I remember our family vacation trips to Akinleye village with my cousins during school holidays, your Sunday visits from Surulere with your wife and my cousins (brother Gbemi, Soji, Bimpe, Nike & Toope) after church service. Sometimes you visited my Dad alone and you both talked for hours before you took your leave. You always gave gifts to us when you visited.

I could still recollect our meeting later in life when I came visiting you some years ago. Though advanced in age at the time, you were still your very usual lively self.

Uncle, yours was a generous and caring life that you lived. Your fond memories are forever etched in my heart. May the Lord keep and preserve the family that you left behind. Keep resting with the saints in the bosom of the Lord, till we meet not to part forever. Sleep well Sir. 

Idowu Olugbenga Adegelu

It is with mixed feelings for me to write my father-in-law’s tribute. Before I continue, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to my mother-in-laws,children—Mr. Gbemi,Mr Soji( my Sweetling❤️), Mrs Bimpe, Mrs Nike and Mrs Toope. And on their behalf, I would like to thank you all extended family and friends for supporting our family during this difficult time.

My earliest memory of my father-in-law was when I first met him at Uncle Femi Shafa’s place at Aganga . I was nervous about meeting him since my Sweetling and I had only been dating for a short time and he has told me so much about his dad. Dad at first did not approve of our union because of my religion as a born muslim, this upset me but Sweetling quickly put me at ease and convinced his dad. Eventually, dad got to know more of me and therefore love me more.He made me fit well into the family and took me as I am. Hence, we shared so many special moments together.

My father-in-law had an amazing life. His was a gentle man indeed and a loving man in his own ways.He was an amazing role model of love,generosity, selflessness and forgiveness. I would like to tell you about another side of my father in law, won o mo ikan-kan la n’fun ni (giver to a fault).Fathers in-law are hardly talked about but I must say that mine was one of the best! I called him my dad.

My father-in-law’s tremendous faith has always been an inspiration me.

Your place in my heart is irreplaceable.
My heart feels truly broken knowing you are no longer with us,but one thing I am sure and believe is that you have gone to a more beautiful ,peaceful and better place. You shall be greatly missed!!

Goodnight dad. May your gentle soul continually rest in perfect peace.

Dear Dad,

It's hard to call this a tribute,but I choose to call it a letter to my loving dad. I remember how you used to push and encourage me to write you a letter from school, (C&S College Ilorin) you read each and every of my letters and pointed out my mistakes, I remember how you used to ask me about current affairs, politics and stuffs, I remember how you used to teach me to hoover the carpets and do some house chores. I remember how you taught me how to keep your car clean at all times.

Dear Dad, all these good memories still linger and will linger for the rest of my life. Today, all those things you have taught me made me a strong man. You also taught me in the ways of the Lord, you made me join the choir of The Apostolic Church Surulere Assembly, (Children department), you never forgot to ask me every Sunday afternoon what was the memory verse at the Sunday school. You were always asking me to lead morning devotions and also to recite the Motto of the year.

You were a cheerful giver dad, you gave all you had to friends and family around and even far away from you. Another thing I will never forget is your favourite addage; "A bird in the hand is better than thousands in the bush".

Indeed, it is sad you are no more, but I am glad you have gone to be with your maker. Adieu dad... please continue to rest in the bossom of the Lord till we meet to part no more. May your gentle soul continually rest in peace.

PA ISAAC ADELEKE ADEGELU A RARE GEM AND PILLAR OF SUPPORT

My dear Uncle, Pa Isaac Adeleke Adegelu, you are rare gem and a pillar of support. I can remember very vividly, the role you played in my life and that of my siblings when our father; Lieutenant Williams Olatunji Shafa (Sunday) died about 53 years ago (1979). You and our other uncles stood by us and never allowed us to feel the absence of my father. Your role during this trying period was distinct. I remember very clearly how you transverse the Army Headquarters to pursue and secured my father’s gratuity and other entitlements and ensured its safe custody and transparent disbursement on behalf of the family for our upkeep. I also remember how we all (Shafas, Adegelus and other extended family members) rallied at 27 Ayeleto Streets during holidays; all of us; you treated us fairly and fatherly like your biological children sometimes even far beyond. Baba Gbemi; you are a rare gem.
In my days at the Nigerian Defence Academy far away in Kaduna, you always checked for my wellbeing and never allowed me to feel the needed fatherly advice and encouragement in those difficult days. In 1989, during my commission, you were in Kaduna for my Graduation, your words and prayers for me during the occasion are still very fresh in my memories. All through my service years; you always seek after me, even sometimes you visited and stayed days with me showing affection and love; what a father, I will miss you. In your last days, despite your health challenges, you always seek and pray for me. Baba Gbemi; my dearest uncle you are a rare gem and pillar of support.
If I have the power, as a General whom you nurtured, I would have asked God to preserve your life forever, but that preserve is for only God and it was time for you to answer to the divine and inevitable call. I am very sure, you are resting at the bosom of the Almighty God. May your dear soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Sun re!!!!!!!!!!!!


BAMIDELE MATTHEW SHAFA
Major Genera (Retired)


 

Dad, you were a shining star and a touch- bearer. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Rest in the bosom of your maker till we meet to part more.

Deacon Segun Adegelu

Brother, as I fondly called you, I thought about all the good things you accomplished in life, and I concluded in my heart that it can only be God. From the moment I met you as my father’s only sibling, you have stood by me. Thank you for the caring you’ve shown me through the years, you were there for me in times of laughter and tears. You will always be in my heart. I pray that your labor of love shall be rewarded by the almighty God. Rest in the bosom of your God.