August 4, 2020
by Y Wyse
Bishop of Ogbomoso
A Lifetime of Remarkable Service
August 1, 2020
HONORABLE CHIEF JUSTICE BABATUNDE DELANO (1935-2020)“Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died. that distinguish one man from another.”
~ Ernest Hemingway 1954, Nobel Prize Winner from Chicago
I call Hon Justice Babatunde Delano simply and respectfully BROTHER. He was my much older Brother.
He held positions of increasing responsibilities in the then Western Region of Nigeria civil service in the ’60s and ’70s and was elevated to a Judge in Ogun State at a young age of 42, promoted again to the High Office of Chief Justice of Ogun state, a position he held for 10 years before his retirement in the year 2000.
Let us all turn our grief into something extraordinary, as we honor his memory and celebrate his life in a unique way. A life of devoted and remarkable service; a characteristic that is uncommon in our society today, yet much needed! A lifetime of remarkable service was his ‘motto’ to live by! He made a difference working whole-heartedly for a cause he believed in....pursuit of Justice.
We can all learn from the words of Stephen Grellett, an American clergyman, written over 200 years ago, but very relevant to our world today.
“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Indeed, Justice Delano was a drum major for Justice.
To me, Brother often displayed his humor, for he liked to play harmless tricks on me to provoke laughter and provide amusement. I will miss this!
He loved his children. This I know, as when his eldest daughter, Yejide was attending boarding school in England, he wrote me a loving letter (more like an extended essay) of how a young uncle and guardian should care for his niece! It was not any different on learning that Yejide met her future husband at my London home. This time it was a verbal interrogation of me with his sound legal mind A loving father indeed!
To his devoted wife of over 5 decades, Mama Jide, what an extraordinary Partnership. My condolences Ma!
To my nieces and nephew, Yejide, Fola, Mobola, and Funlola. Do not mourn because your father has left this life, but smile and rejoice as we celebrate his good inning of 85.
I pray he has gone to a higher calling and a much nobler life. At the rising of the sun, and its going down ... we shall remember him well.
Lastly, but most important of all, I praise Father God Almighty, our awesome creator, the giver of ALL life for His unconditional love and protection over all family members as we mourn yet, celebrate the Homegoing of our Olori Ebi, Father, Brother, Uncle, and grandfather: Hon Justice Isaac Babatunde Delano.
May his soul rest in peace.
Chief J. Gboyega Olatokunbo DELANO, HDip Theology (Oxon), MBA, MA, CPA, FCIM
Best Dad Ever
August 1, 2020
Daddy
I don’t know where to start. In 19997 when you came on your summer vacation to Wisconsin you both adopted me into your family. You were there for me during the ups and down of my first marriage. Daddy you were there when I lost my younger sister in 2012, and also when my dad went to be with the Lord in 2015.
Daddy you are a wise man who always knows what to say. I know would like you to sugarcoat your words, but that is not you and I think that is why I love you more.
Daddy you will be greatly missed. I am going to miss your scolding when I don’t call you on time such as “Iyabo didn’t Mobola tell you I have arrived?”.
We love you but God loves you more. Sleep on daddy till we meet and part no more
I don’t know where to start. In 19997 when you came on your summer vacation to Wisconsin you both adopted me into your family. You were there for me during the ups and down of my first marriage. Daddy you were there when I lost my younger sister in 2012, and also when my dad went to be with the Lord in 2015.
Daddy you are a wise man who always knows what to say. I know would like you to sugarcoat your words, but that is not you and I think that is why I love you more.
Daddy you will be greatly missed. I am going to miss your scolding when I don’t call you on time such as “Iyabo didn’t Mobola tell you I have arrived?”.
We love you but God loves you more. Sleep on daddy till we meet and part no more
CONDOLENCES ON THE DEMISE OF MY BEST MAN
July 30, 2020
by Y Wyse
By Prof Biyi & Prof Yewande Afonja
My wife,Yewande, and I extend our heartfelt condolences on the sad loss of your beloved husband and our own good friend, Isaac Babatunde Delano. He was not just a friend of over six decades; he was the best man at our wedding on 13th August, 1966. As you can see in the attached photograph, your husband stood at the back between Yewande and me as we received our marriage certificate from the officiating minister.
When we visited your home on January 19, 2020, to check on Tunde’s health, little did we realize that we were seeing him for the last time. Even when we subsequently spoke to him on the telephone and noticed his feeble voice, we never imagined that would be the last time we would speak to him. His loss is most painful.
On August 13, 2001, Tunde joined us in the City of New York at a dinner that marked our 35th wedding anniversary. I remember very well your remarks when I visited you after returning from New York. You humorously said in your characteristic sonorous voice, “I was scared stiff when I heard of the outrageous aerial attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in the City of New York on September 11, 2001. I prayed hard that you and Tunde would not have gone sight-seeing in that vicinity and got trapped in the disaster. I thank God both of you were never involved.”
Since Tunde and I first met in the early fifties, we have always done many things together. Until his last days on earth we journeyed through life together with me visiting him in all the houses that he had lived in Ibadan namely – his late father’s Hosanna Lodge, OkeBola; his rented apartment in Pa S.L. Durosaro’s house in Adamasingba; his next rented apartment in Pa T.S.B. Aribisala’s house in Oke Ado; his official residence in the Government Quarters, Agodi; and finally the house that you and Tunde built in S.Ade.Ojo Estate. I also remember spending time with him at his Government Quarters in GRA Akure when he was deployed from theMinistry of Justice Western State of Nigeria to serve as state counsel in charge of Akure area. I was then the state Commissioner for Education. He later became the solicitor-general of a newly created Ondo State.
One or two memories cannot go unmentioned in this letter. At Oke Bola, he was so accommodating that he often had me and some other friends as free livingguests for short periods of time. That was when I got to know him as Babatunde and not just Tunde. Papa never called him Tunde, just as he fondly called his brother Akinwande and not Akin. At Akure, I never noticed any expression of displeasure inhim each time I was with him reducing his food ration which you normally diligently and measuredly packaged for him to take back to Akure after his routine visits to Ibadan.
Apart from his accommodating nature just mentioned above, some other virtues of Tunde include – quiet disposition, gentleness while addressing people, tolerance, not easily provoked to anger. I used to wonder if, being such a soft spokenperson, he could ever deliver audible judgements in court. I must confess that the firmness and strength of his judgements certainly proved me wrong.
Your mutual understanding of each other as a couple was fantastic. Live stories from both of you starting with the keeping of joint bank accounts etc., attest to this.
What about the goodwill that Tunde enjoyed across board! Undoubtedly, it was that goodwill that prompted the Holy Trinity (Anglican) Church, Okenla, Ifo, (now called Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity) to install him as their Baba Ijo (Father of the Congregation) and to bestow church titleson you and on one of your daughters Dr Bola Delano-Oriaran.
Finally, you may recall that from the day Tunde was appointed a High Court Judge in 1977, I started addressing you as ‘My Lady Lord’. I shall continue doing so for as long as you and I are alive. Tunde is gone and gone forever, but pleasant memories of him linger on. We pray that someday we shall all meet at the feet of our Lord and Saviour.
Continue to stay blessed and safe in these dark days of COVID-19menace.
Sgd. Biyi
My wife,Yewande, and I extend our heartfelt condolences on the sad loss of your beloved husband and our own good friend, Isaac Babatunde Delano. He was not just a friend of over six decades; he was the best man at our wedding on 13th August, 1966. As you can see in the attached photograph, your husband stood at the back between Yewande and me as we received our marriage certificate from the officiating minister.
When we visited your home on January 19, 2020, to check on Tunde’s health, little did we realize that we were seeing him for the last time. Even when we subsequently spoke to him on the telephone and noticed his feeble voice, we never imagined that would be the last time we would speak to him. His loss is most painful.
On August 13, 2001, Tunde joined us in the City of New York at a dinner that marked our 35th wedding anniversary. I remember very well your remarks when I visited you after returning from New York. You humorously said in your characteristic sonorous voice, “I was scared stiff when I heard of the outrageous aerial attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in the City of New York on September 11, 2001. I prayed hard that you and Tunde would not have gone sight-seeing in that vicinity and got trapped in the disaster. I thank God both of you were never involved.”
Since Tunde and I first met in the early fifties, we have always done many things together. Until his last days on earth we journeyed through life together with me visiting him in all the houses that he had lived in Ibadan namely – his late father’s Hosanna Lodge, OkeBola; his rented apartment in Pa S.L. Durosaro’s house in Adamasingba; his next rented apartment in Pa T.S.B. Aribisala’s house in Oke Ado; his official residence in the Government Quarters, Agodi; and finally the house that you and Tunde built in S.Ade.Ojo Estate. I also remember spending time with him at his Government Quarters in GRA Akure when he was deployed from theMinistry of Justice Western State of Nigeria to serve as state counsel in charge of Akure area. I was then the state Commissioner for Education. He later became the solicitor-general of a newly created Ondo State.
One or two memories cannot go unmentioned in this letter. At Oke Bola, he was so accommodating that he often had me and some other friends as free livingguests for short periods of time. That was when I got to know him as Babatunde and not just Tunde. Papa never called him Tunde, just as he fondly called his brother Akinwande and not Akin. At Akure, I never noticed any expression of displeasure inhim each time I was with him reducing his food ration which you normally diligently and measuredly packaged for him to take back to Akure after his routine visits to Ibadan.
Apart from his accommodating nature just mentioned above, some other virtues of Tunde include – quiet disposition, gentleness while addressing people, tolerance, not easily provoked to anger. I used to wonder if, being such a soft spokenperson, he could ever deliver audible judgements in court. I must confess that the firmness and strength of his judgements certainly proved me wrong.
Your mutual understanding of each other as a couple was fantastic. Live stories from both of you starting with the keeping of joint bank accounts etc., attest to this.
What about the goodwill that Tunde enjoyed across board! Undoubtedly, it was that goodwill that prompted the Holy Trinity (Anglican) Church, Okenla, Ifo, (now called Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity) to install him as their Baba Ijo (Father of the Congregation) and to bestow church titleson you and on one of your daughters Dr Bola Delano-Oriaran.
Finally, you may recall that from the day Tunde was appointed a High Court Judge in 1977, I started addressing you as ‘My Lady Lord’. I shall continue doing so for as long as you and I are alive. Tunde is gone and gone forever, but pleasant memories of him linger on. We pray that someday we shall all meet at the feet of our Lord and Saviour.
Continue to stay blessed and safe in these dark days of COVID-19menace.
Sgd. Biyi
July 29, 2020
by Aleno Wyse
Growing up, I always hated long car rides. As a child, I dreaded the 2-3hr journey it took to get to Ibadan/Abeokuta during Easter. Besides seeing all my cousins and the rest of the family, it was much more tolerable knowing the fact that my grandpa was about to make me much richer. Grandpa never let any of the kids leave his home penniless during Easter. Ofcourse, he made sure I got more than everybody being that my birthday was in April. Even till the last time I saw Grandpa, he insisted I did not leave without giving me something.
As tired as you were the last time I saw you, you made it a point to come outside and pray over the new car I had just bought. The same way you had done on the car before.
As irreplaceable as you are, a great void has been left.
Thank you for not only giving us memories that will stick forever, but for impacting each of our lives and being an example that we can all strive to be.
You will truly be missed.
Aleno Damilola Wyse
As tired as you were the last time I saw you, you made it a point to come outside and pray over the new car I had just bought. The same way you had done on the car before.
As irreplaceable as you are, a great void has been left.
Thank you for not only giving us memories that will stick forever, but for impacting each of our lives and being an example that we can all strive to be.
You will truly be missed.
Aleno Damilola Wyse
Grandpa Cared for others till the end
July 29, 2020
by Y Wyse
A Great man, foremost jurist, father and excellent father in law has gone home to rest.
Grandpa Ibadan, as he was fondly called, meant different things to many people. He was indeed a father to all who constantly worried about the welfare and wellbeing of others more than himself. He did this right up to the last days of his life as evidenced by his generosity towards the villagers in his hometown, Ifo, where he showed massive support distributing cash and food items to the less privileged during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
Grandpa Ibadan, as he was fondly called, meant different things to many people. He was indeed a father to all who constantly worried about the welfare and wellbeing of others more than himself. He did this right up to the last days of his life as evidenced by his generosity towards the villagers in his hometown, Ifo, where he showed massive support distributing cash and food items to the less privileged during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
A very kind, generous, humble and caring man who no doubt was a mentor and role model to all who knew him.
Grandpa Ibadan indeed has gone home to rest but, surely, his legacies will reign forever. He will be sorely missed.
We thank God for Grandpa's life and may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. AMEN.
Goodnight to a man who always walked the path of all righteousness.
John Idowu Wyse MBE
July 28, 2020
Honorable chief justice we love you but Jesus loves you more than us, may you rest in perfect peace. From Mrs mojisola adelowo
July 28, 2020
Grandpa was a quiet man but his silence could speak volumes. He was a man you could always take at his word, and he never had to speak loud to be heard. He was an embodiment of the man I continually aspire to become. I promise to fulfill your dream Grandpa.
You will surely be missed.
~~~ Korede Oguntokun
You will surely be missed.
~~~ Korede Oguntokun
Daddy; you went too soon.
July 27, 2020
To lose someone I loved so much brings pain beyond belief. There are no words to ease my pain, sadness and grief. I have lost someone so close, wonderful and dear.
I think about your special ways and wish that you were near. But God knows better and we are comforted because we know you are in a better place.
Daddy, you were calm, easy going and generous.
You were a pillar of support to myself, my children ( Seyi, Korede & Morenike) and my grand child (Babatomilade).
I will miss you calling me Labakus.
I will miss you asking me "Are you alright, any problem?" when I look dull or sad.
I will miss you waiting for me to come from the farm before eating lunch.
I will sure miss your calm reassurances and encouragement.
Daddy, you gave all of you to all of us. We are consoled because we know you are in a place free of pain. I wish you were still with us, but God knows best.
~~~Labake Oguntokun
I think about your special ways and wish that you were near. But God knows better and we are comforted because we know you are in a better place.
Daddy, you were calm, easy going and generous.
You were a pillar of support to myself, my children ( Seyi, Korede & Morenike) and my grand child (Babatomilade).
I will miss you calling me Labakus.
I will miss you asking me "Are you alright, any problem?" when I look dull or sad.
I will miss you waiting for me to come from the farm before eating lunch.
I will sure miss your calm reassurances and encouragement.
Daddy, you gave all of you to all of us. We are consoled because we know you are in a place free of pain. I wish you were still with us, but God knows best.
~~~Labake Oguntokun
Miss me, but let go!!!
July 27, 2020
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free.
Miss me a little, but not too long
And not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey that we must all take
And each must go alone
It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me, but let go.
-----------------Anon
The above poem embodies what I think Grandpa would say to each and everyone of us if he could talk to us right now.
It broke our hearts to lose you Grandpa, but you didn't go alone. A part of us went with you, the day God called you home. If tears could build a stairway, and heartaches make a lane, we'd walk our way to heaven, and bring you back again.
Grandpa, you were always calm and encouraging us to be better versions of ourselves and not to settle for less than we deserve. You were always there to 'liberate' myself and Arin when we spent hours typing for Grandma. You noticed the smallest details; whether it was a nice hair cut, a beautiful knuckle ring, a charming bracelet or a pretty dress. I learnt a lot from you including how to be treated like a lady; I remember you would say "ladies first". You also taught me humility and respect. It's hard going to the house and not having to greet Grandpa AND Grandma. The memories we have of you keep us going and the fact that you are in a better place with your creator that you loved so much comforts us in our sorrows. You were the 'bestest' Husband, Dad and GrandDad. You were the GREATEST!!!
Adieu Grandpa, till we meet again (in about 6 decades, God willing).
~~~Morenike Oguntokun
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free.
Miss me a little, but not too long
And not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey that we must all take
And each must go alone
It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me, but let go.
-----------------Anon
The above poem embodies what I think Grandpa would say to each and everyone of us if he could talk to us right now.
It broke our hearts to lose you Grandpa, but you didn't go alone. A part of us went with you, the day God called you home. If tears could build a stairway, and heartaches make a lane, we'd walk our way to heaven, and bring you back again.
Grandpa, you were always calm and encouraging us to be better versions of ourselves and not to settle for less than we deserve. You were always there to 'liberate' myself and Arin when we spent hours typing for Grandma. You noticed the smallest details; whether it was a nice hair cut, a beautiful knuckle ring, a charming bracelet or a pretty dress. I learnt a lot from you including how to be treated like a lady; I remember you would say "ladies first". You also taught me humility and respect. It's hard going to the house and not having to greet Grandpa AND Grandma. The memories we have of you keep us going and the fact that you are in a better place with your creator that you loved so much comforts us in our sorrows. You were the 'bestest' Husband, Dad and GrandDad. You were the GREATEST!!!
Adieu Grandpa, till we meet again (in about 6 decades, God willing).
~~~Morenike Oguntokun
July 27, 2020
Grandpa,
Even at age 85, it was GONE TOO SOON!
If there is one thing I have to thank you for, it will be THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN ME.
I miss you greatly but knowing that you are now in a better place gives me Joy. Thank you for the grooming, thank you for the love and support. Now, I'm beginning to imagine how January 1 2021 will be without you on that Great Chair, giving us words of encouragement, scolding who needs to be scolded and praising those that have done well. You fought the good fight of faith. A strong Man with a heart of gold who always wanted the best for all. Rest on World's Greatest Grandpa
Even at age 85, it was GONE TOO SOON!
If there is one thing I have to thank you for, it will be THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING IN ME.
I miss you greatly but knowing that you are now in a better place gives me Joy. Thank you for the grooming, thank you for the love and support. Now, I'm beginning to imagine how January 1 2021 will be without you on that Great Chair, giving us words of encouragement, scolding who needs to be scolded and praising those that have done well. You fought the good fight of faith. A strong Man with a heart of gold who always wanted the best for all. Rest on World's Greatest Grandpa
My Grandpa said Yes
July 27, 2020
by Y Wyse
Spending Easter with Grandpa in Abeokuta is one of the fondest memories of my childhood. I always looked forward to the drive from Lagos. I was always excited to take my bicycle along because from a child's perspective at the time, the size of his yard felt almost infinite, making it ideal for bike riding. Grandpa always made me feel special. Children hate being told 'no', but I remember Grandpa always said 'yes' to everything.
As I grew older, I remember the moments we watched the English Premier League games together and our numerous amusing conversations about the Manchester United and Arsenal rivalry; Grandpa being a staunch supporter of Arsenal.
I know you are in a better place. You will truly be missed.
Omasan Olufolahan Wyse
As I grew older, I remember the moments we watched the English Premier League games together and our numerous amusing conversations about the Manchester United and Arsenal rivalry; Grandpa being a staunch supporter of Arsenal.
I know you are in a better place. You will truly be missed.
Omasan Olufolahan Wyse
To my Dad
July 26, 2020
Dearest Dad,
Tears quietly keep coming, and I am consoled by my memories of you and mummy raising me to be the daughter I am, then I thank God, and I smile. Daddy, I am sad, yet happy that you loved me enough to bring me into this world. I have lots of memories to share, and as I think I cry. Thank you, Daddy, for raising me.
Thank you, Daddy, for believing that I can be somebody. Thank you, Daddy, for supporting my education and my dreams. Thank you, Daddy, for giving me a 1994 wedding with over 30 preachers blessing my union to Philips. Thank you for accepting Philips, my husband, as your son, and ensuring we have a stable marriage.
Thank you, Daddy, for all the summers you spend in Appleton, Wisconsin, with Feyikemi, Philips, and I. Thank you, Daddy, for refusing to eat dinner until I came home from work.
Thank you, Daddy, for loving my weaknesses as a daughter and a human being. Daddy, I love you, but I also know that God loves you more. I will look after Mummy when she continues the annual summer trips to Wisconsin because I know you will always be with her.
I love you, Daddy,
Mobola Delano-Oriaran (Appleton, Wisconsin)
Dear Grandpa - From Feyikemi Delano-Oriaran - I will miss you...Thank you Grandpa
July 26, 2020
Dear Grandpa,
I will miss my early morning visits to your room to say good morning in Yoruba. I will miss singing "good morning, Jesus" with you and Grandma together in bed in your room. Thank you for waiting by the door to give me your lovely smile, every time I come home from school. Thank you for walking me to the park; I cherish those moments with you. Thank you for reminding me to set the table for your daily meal, and reminding me what side the fork or knife should be. Thank you for having the patience to play Ayo (mancala) with me. You did beat me at the game, even though you used some Yoruba rules...hmm, but I did learn some great moves. I will miss your smile. I will miss your laugh as I see you often laugh, especially when you are watching tv with grandma. I will miss seeing you sitting at your recliner chair and our daily hugs. I will miss going to pick you up at the Appleton airport every summer. I love you, Grandpa, and I will miss you dearly.
I will miss my early morning visits to your room to say good morning in Yoruba. I will miss singing "good morning, Jesus" with you and Grandma together in bed in your room. Thank you for waiting by the door to give me your lovely smile, every time I come home from school. Thank you for walking me to the park; I cherish those moments with you. Thank you for reminding me to set the table for your daily meal, and reminding me what side the fork or knife should be. Thank you for having the patience to play Ayo (mancala) with me. You did beat me at the game, even though you used some Yoruba rules...hmm, but I did learn some great moves. I will miss your smile. I will miss your laugh as I see you often laugh, especially when you are watching tv with grandma. I will miss seeing you sitting at your recliner chair and our daily hugs. I will miss going to pick you up at the Appleton airport every summer. I love you, Grandpa, and I will miss you dearly.
Love Always
Oluwafeyikemi Justina Ebunoluwa Delano-Oriaran (Appleton, Wisconsin - USA)
Oluwafeyikemi Justina Ebunoluwa Delano-Oriaran (Appleton, Wisconsin - USA)
July 26, 2020
by Y Wyse
My Father was the epitome of Balance.
He loved the Lord, his family and friends unconditionally.
His wife, children and grandchildren could do no wrong With him. He lived to make sure all of us were happy and content. I am truly grateful
Whatever Our Lord blessed him with he blessed and devoted to making sure It Improved the lives of those around Him.
Daddy cultivated people and brought out the best in people.
My Daddy is and was neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love showed us His children the way.
I know and I am assured he is in a better place.
Yejide
He loved the Lord, his family and friends unconditionally.
His wife, children and grandchildren could do no wrong With him. He lived to make sure all of us were happy and content. I am truly grateful
Whatever Our Lord blessed him with he blessed and devoted to making sure It Improved the lives of those around Him.
Daddy cultivated people and brought out the best in people.
My Daddy is and was neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love showed us His children the way.
I know and I am assured he is in a better place.
Yejide