"On behalf of Bishop Sunday Ogunlere Methodist Church Nigeria Diocese of Lagos West".
As promised me when you were retiring from active ministry in Tinubu, you told me you were going to take care of the smaller Churches in Igando area. You used your last days in mentoring, sponsoring, and guiding them to grow and expand.
You excellently served the Lord in your last moments. We worshiped together in Idimu on Sunday, discussed the completion of their new hall. All for you to go away gently to your creator on Tuesday. You came, you saw, and you conquered. Glory be to God almighty.
Adieu Papa! Rest in perfect peace.

HEARTY TRIBUTE TO MY FIRST BOSS AS A SOLDIER

The Powerful! Ride on in Glory, Rest in the bosom of the Almighty God, dine with the angels and enjoy your eternal home with Christ our Master. You’re great! You’re Awesome. You’re Magnificent. One of a kind Boss, Mentor and spiritual father.

He was not only my Boss, or Spiritual father, he was also a friend and a mentor. He accepted me and helped me despite of who I was and what I am. His ears were always open and ready to listen and to give advice. He helped me a lot to become what I am now.

I am blessed and thank God for having worked with him. He was wonderful and marvellous servant of God. I appreciate him every single day because of his goodness and love to me.

God knew his heart and He knows how much I appreciate him for being part of my life. I love my boss having been his orderly until his retirement from service as a soldier; he was truly a blessing in my life. He was always there for me to encourage, to love and support.

Adieu Alagba! Relax with the Lord till we meet to part no more!

SSgt Oyo Jeremiah
HQ DCS (P)
Nigerian Army

TRIBUTE TO A GREAT LEADER, FATHER AND MENTOR - COLONEL VERY REV MATTHEW OLUWAPAMILERIN KERIPE (RTD) FORMER DIRECTOR NIGERIAN ARMY CHAPLAIN PROTESTANT

The news of your death came to many of us your admirers as a rude shock. That points to the fact that "life is a beautiful lie while death is a painful truth".

God brought you into this world, you contributed in your best way as a priest and a soldier to the Chaplaincy (Prot), Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Nation.

Your transparent leadership style, mentoring spirit and great sermons put into practicality "Live as you say", which made you so unique among equals.

Many of us mentored will definitely miss you, though promising to continue with your legacies.

Officers, soldiers, families and the entire Protestant faithfuls will ever remain grateful to God for giving you to us and to you for introducing the Daily spiritual strength (DSS) which is building our spiritual standards every moment.

The "ALAGBA AND POWERFUL" as you were fondly known, REST IN PERFECT PEACE
.
ADIEU BABA!

Brig Gen (Rev) DD Danfulani
Director Champlain Service Protestant
Nigerian Army

I captured the depth of godliness, humility and love that 'granpa' had in just the few times of my adult age I spent with him. He never let go of the strictness and toughness he was made of. I felt this many times. With him, there were no shortcuts. You either do it right or never do it. I'll miss him.

He was always there regardless of the situation and time. He'll never let anyone embarrass or harass his own. He was a big pillar in the extended family and in deed, he'll be missed!

I can't believe this happened. I still had plans of a surprise visit for December and now...

He was a true and real soldier, served our great nation well yet a great father and grandfather that cared for his own. How he played these roles perfectly, God's gift.

I will miss you...and in my heart you'll live on.

On behalf of Demola and Yemisi Idowu

We became close to Papa's family in 1979. We were living in the same neighbourhood off Adeoyo Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan. Papa baptised our first daughter Bukky in 1979 at Oke Ado Methodist Church Ibadan, Nigeria. But the strongest link we had with Papa's family is Maggy (Funke). She became to us our adopted first daughter in whom we are well pleased. Papa was very humble, forthright and unassumingly quiet. He was very proud of his Ijebu-Remo heritage which was one of the reasons, I guess, why he took to us on getting to know our pedigree. He was a reverend gentleman but more interestingly a "gentleman" soldier and committed family man. We pray that the good Lord will grant him eternal rest. Adieu Papa.

Demola and Yemisi Idowu

" On behalf of The Ogunmeru Obafemi. S. Methodist Church Nigeria Egan".
A man of value to Methodist Church Nigeria, especially Methodist Church Egan. Rest in peace Baba Keripe.

" On behalf of Hon Shodimu olalekan Methodist Church Nigeria Egan.".Baba you left us unaware but your good work did not leave Methodist
Church Egan. Baba Adieu

The few times i spent with granpa in his country home was always funfilled, educative and highly motivating. He was a rare gem and a father to many although a strict disciplinarian. The last time i saw you, you never told me i wont see you anymore. I always look forward to visiting you whenever am in Lagos.
The news of your death came as a great shock cos i never expected it now but i cant question God. I was already looking forward to bringing my baby to visit you but its no more possible. You have left an everlasting impression in my life and dat of my husband. We would live to forever remember you. Love you like kilode. Adieu Granpa, Ije oma.

Grandpa, I truly do not have the words to describe how much I loved you. From the first time you called me your most beautiful grandee, to the last, you have always been there to support my dreams, my aspirations and the person that I would like to be. You were always there to guide each of us on our paths in life, with wisdom and the truth of the Word. I will miss you dearly, but I will see you again someday.

With love,
Your (actual) most beautiful grandaughter

" On behalf of The Very Rev. Isaac Olajire Methodist Church Nigeria Idinmu-Egbe".

Papa your death was too shocking and unbelievable but, to God be the glory for a life well spent. May your humble soul continue to rest in peace...

" On behalf of Rev. N.D. Ononokpono Methodist Church Nigeria Egan"

DADDY INDEED!! BYE..

I have sat down for over five hours. I have not being able to get myself to write anything. It seems you are just looking at me and I asking you what do you want me to write.

You were always there for me.

You taught me how to cook and pound yam. The other I could do successfully but the pounding i find very tedious.

You taught me to be very independent and above all to depend on God

You taught me to be steadfast and forthright

I can keep on counting but above all I am what I am by your training

I am missing you is an understatement. You will forever be in my heart

Goodbye Daddy till we meet at JESUS feet

I have sat down for over five hours. I have not being able to get myself to write anything. It seems you are just looking at me and I asking you what do you want me to write.

You were always there for me.

You taught me how to cook and pound yam. The other I could do successfully but the pounding i find very tedious.

You taught me to be very independent and above to total depend on God

You taught me to be steadfast and forthright

I can keep on counting but above all I am what I am by your training

I am missing you is an understatement. You will forever be in my heart

Goodbye Daddy till we meet at JESUS feet

To our Daddy.
Despite our sadness, we just want say THANK YOU DADDY To havre been in our Lives. We Will miss you. Now you have joineď our beloved aunt Béatrice and we wish you will continue Keeping your eyes on all your children . Rest in parce.

On Behalf of Mrs Wuraola Ogunnubi

Baba M. Oluwapamilerin Lodo Isokun Omo Oba
Sun Re O

I think there is a Chinese whisper going on with our parents calling each other with the good news that existence is better at the other side. It was with sadness that I saw Kayode's post that Pa Keripe is no more with us. A towering man who was ever present in my formative years as we travel to theirs over for Christmas or Easter's meals.

You were one of the few Nigerian Fathers' that I will listen to or admire from afar with the way you carried and conducted yourself. I was privileged to listened to you on numerous occasions as you spoke and taught from the Bible. We had our differences but I respected your tenacity and orderliness,

Thank you for the fond memories...looking at your pictures brought back so much vivid memories of my youthful life.

Adieu Uncle and your demise makes the word Carpe Diem poignant

To the Keripes, our sincere sympathy and condolences from the Fadojus. Our thoughts are with you.

I'm still waiting for someone to pinch me so I wake from this from dream, I almost cannot believe it.
Grandpa, You are a man of wisdom, humble to the core, a disciplinarian, a lover of people, understanding, devoted and not shy about calling people out when it is needed. You are going to be missed! If I can rest in anything, it is the fact that God knows all and that He loves us so much and His plan for our lives is much bigger than we can imagine and you going to be with Him in heaven, only fulfills that awesome plan. I love you dearly but I know God loves you even more! See you up there.
From your most beautiful granddaughter!

I had the privilege of meeting this great man of God when he visited Kings Church with Shola and Marilyn. Although I had never met him, prior, you can tell a lot about a person when they successfully raise incredible children, as clearly Pa Keripe was able to do. Shola had told me about his vast ministry experiences, military service, leadership, and the overall impact he had on so many people around the world. It was a true privilege to have had the chance to meet him, and I am thankful for the great race he ran and that he has not only obtained the prize for which he ran but he has demonstrated to those of us still running our own, what it looks like to run with perseverance! On behalf of my wife, Melanie, myself and the entire Kings Church family, we offer our sincere condolences to the family for their loss in this time, and pray that the grace and peace of The Lord Jesus would comfort you all in this time.

On Behalf of ND Okoh

Thank God for the fruitful life of our dear father in the Lord Very Revd Colonel MO Keripe. He was a man of great courage, physical energy great spiritual power and an adventurous spirit. May the spirit of "The Powerful man" rest in perfect peace. And may God Comfort all the children. +ND Okoh

On Behalf of Bp & Mrs Bello

The news of the demise of the late Very Rev (Colonel) Matthew Olu Keripe came to us with rude shock. During his lifetime we had the privilege to be in Immanuel College Ibadan as students, we later work together in Lagos. He was my Director and I served under him as Colonel coordinate at the Chaplaincy HQ. A forthright honest, disciplined and a goal getter servant of God. Those who knew him would always have good memories of him. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Our condolences to the children, grand children and the entire family of our indefatigable Very Rev (Colonel ) M. Olu Keripe. Rest in Peace Amen.

I am still at a loss for words about what to say about Daddy Keripe who simply treated me like his son.
My fondest memory was sitting on a rock in Minna, Niger state looking at the stars and talking about the future.
As wise and as influential as daddy was, he had a teachable spirit and he was willing to learn from all.

A hard worker who showed by example to not just his family, but every one around him the joys of hard work
I remember my first trip to Ibadan to meet the family, this was a man that had just had a surgery and looked at the hood of my beat up old jalopy and said " A gentleman's engine must always be clean" and proceeds to wash my engine"

Daddy had a Midas touch, What ever you gave him to do, he did with all his might. With the army, with the church, with the business, with his family, with his friends, with his neighbors. He gave his all. Daddy lived with passion.

Daddy was quick with a smile, a hearty laughter, a word of prayer, a word of rebuke and a word of encouragement. But you can be very sure it was all cloaked in love.

HIs greatest legacy is everyone he has impacted. We have been turned into a better version of themselves, however brief the interaction.
This is a legacy that will continue long after Daddy has gone home . I am fortunate to have been part of that legacy.

.. Thank you for your legacies .....

I had the privilege of meeting Matthew on a few occasions when he was visiting Shola & Marilyn and family here in Canada. I recall his warmth and refreshing sense of humour . He had a contagious laugh which I often see in Shola as well. After reading the touching memories shared by Funke above I have more of a sense of what a great man he was.
Our warmest condolences to Matthew's family.

Daddy Keripe fits perfectly the description of a father . Oh how I hate to refer to you in the past. You were so full of life, you welcomed everyone with smiles on your face. I had no qualms making you the chairman during my album launch few years ago. You were happy and told me how much you could give me and I told you, daddy I didn't make you the chairman because of money. Yes,you did excellently well. You were a good counsellor and teacher of the word. You had zeal for the things of God and held on to your maker throughout . Daddy I have no doubt you are resting in peace. Jehovah will control your children, family and the church. Rest in peace God's General

It was a short period of time knowing you but it felt like I had known you for a very long time. You are a care and loving father not only to your children but also to others. The first time I visited, you made me feel at home and relaxed as if you have knew me for age.
I remember what you wrote on your WhatsApp that really touched me. You wrote"I love my family ". Daddy you are also loved by us and we will all miss you but God loves you more. I pray that you rest in the bosom of our Lord and Savior. Sleep in the Lord until we meet in heaven to part no more.
Rest in Peace.

A very action man! Very strict and very hard working man till death. He made me to be very strong and active. I was kind of person very quiet and doesn’t know how to face many people, but grandpa made me to be smart, brave and very active. He taught me many things, how to be somebody in live, he changed my life, he put me where I am today. You took care of my children for me when I was not there. Grandpa is somebody that will pick someone from the gutter, clean the person up, shelter the person and cloth the person, he is a man of dignity, a hero, a helper of poor, a man that doesn’t differentiate, everyone is a daughter, son or grandchild.
Grandpa that very Tuesday I met you in your bathroom, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing until doctor confirmed you dead! I couldn’t believe it either, I was still saying take him to private hospital let them do something, but it was all in vain because they can’t revive you to life again.
But to me now I didn’t believe you are dead! You traveled to rest as you use to do.
Save journey grandpa! I will miss you!

It was between 1982-4, I met you at your home in Kaduna, till your move to Enugu. A Gentle Man Soldier, Father, Friend and Priest indeed. 

I learnt respect for self and country from you and the need to look beyond the pages of newspapers, when it concerns people, especially leaders. 

General Buhari was Head of State then, as Colonel in the Army, you said, something that has and will continue with me for life, i.e. "for any leader to bring a meaning full change, he/she should first start with his/herself. As human's clear any unresolve issues of conscience (with other men and the Divine), then only can he/she start a change that can be a lasting change..." paraphrased.

Your greatness was reflected through your children, from whom, (especially Ruth), I have learnt so many things of Eternal value. Your Spirit will continue to leave with and in the so many you have influenced for good.

Sir, as you rest in the Bosom of the Lord, may we through the work of the Holy Spirit, find comfort in the fact that you are resting where we all hope to come and part no more. Rest, Rest Sir, Rest Secured in the Bosom of our Lord. Adieu.

I have always known him as my Uncle and that is what i called him for many years until in the latter years when it changed to daddy. He returned from his sojourn abroad on time to give my mother, his only sister the support she would need as if God had already planned it. My father died at a very young age and he was there to support his sister and was available as a father to us. we all lived with him at one point or the other and we passed through his discipline. What can i say about the discipline? the instalmental beating as i call it because he will never give you 10 strokes of the cane straight.when i received the call to the Ministry, he supported me and was there at my Ordination.
he bears an uncommon name, OLUWAPAMILERIN. my Uncle has a very tough look but deep inside he loves us all. i never for once saw him greet my mother standing, even at his age and position he will always prostrate to greet my mother.
just before his death, we had a heated argument, my younger sister, myself and him over the phone and each time the line cut off he would call back even when we volunteered to make the call, at the end of the argument, we were able to resolve our differences and he expressed the fact that he was happy we pointed out his faults to him even at that age and he actually made amends before his death. This makes me so happy. i will miss you and i know that your sister CHRISTIANAH ABIMBOLA will miss her brother Pamilerin. i know you are already with your maker, i am happy that i passed through your discipline because it shaped my life. i hope those who comment that i behave like a soldier now know why, i was trained by a soldier. Adieu gallant Soldier and Preacher, sleep well.

Papa it is true nobody really dies. man is matter and changes state. You have move from the earth realm to eternity. I did not know you personally but hearing about you from your daughter Funke makes me say well done sir and may you rest in peace in Jesus name