Keep resting with the angels

Forever resting in Perfect Peace.

Sleep on Baba

Baba Eto, may your gentle soul continue to rest in peace

PAPA MAY YOUR SWEET AND GENTLE SOUL REST ON.

It's 2 years since you went to be with the Lord our dear Baba Eto. Continue to rest in peace our Grand Patron. We miss you still, particularly now that your dear Society, the Cathedral Ladies Helpers Union is the Host Society for Harvest 2022 in the Cathedral. We will continue to treasure your memories sir. That smile on your face whenever you take the Society Anthem at any of our Events "Enikeni ti iwo ba nipa lati se iranlowo fun, oun na leni keji re, toju re" meant alot to so many of us, because you not only sang the song, you lived every word of it. "Rest on beloved until the resurrection morning"...... President, Cathedral Ladies Helpers Union.

Rest On Beloved. It's your posthumous birthday, and we miss you still, our Grand Patron, Elderman Folarin Coker. Our Society, The Cathedral Ladies Helpers Union turned 94 on Sunday 17th July 2022 and your footprints remains indelible.
Continue to rest in Peace Baba Eto .

President
Cathedral Ladies Helpers Union

May Papa 's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. May he continue to rest in the Bossom of the Lord.

ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM OH LORD AND MAY LIGHT PERPETUAL SHINE UPON HIM, AMEN

Rest on Baba

It is your post humus birthday Baba Eto. Memories of your impactful life linger in our hearts.

Rest on in the bosom of the Lord.
 
Olufunke Soleye.

Baba Eto rest in peace as you continue to sleep in the lord , for your torch will shine forever!!

It's your post humus birthday, Papa Eto, our darling Grand Patron (Baba Egbe Wa) . The Cathedral Ladies Helpers Union, misses you still. Just last Sunday, the 18th of July 2021, we celebrated our 93rd Anniversary in the Cathedral and of course, we remembered you, our Hero, a very quiet strength of the Society for several years, with a minute silence. You never missed our Anniversary Celebrations whilst you were here, in fact you looked forward to it yearly. Sleep On Beloved.. "Ma Sun Olufe"....

President, Ladies Helpers Union, Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos.

I’ll always have fond memories of Grandpapa. He was always happy to see or hear from me. A year has passed and you are still close to our hearts.

We miss you very much,

Feyintola

In loving memory of you Papa - I hope you're looking down on us with joy and happiness.

You would be proud of how far we have come and my heart and prayers are with you always.

Continue to watch over us and live on in our memories.

Love Folayinka 

Happy Posthumous Birthday Elderman. Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord and may light perpetual shine upon him Amen

Papa,, you lived long but I prayed you will still live longer ,, thank you for keeping to the promise that you will not change hands with catering for your annual Christmas party in Ikoyi every Dec,,when mama died,, I catered there till the very end of your long life, A beautiful life well lived in love joy and socially,, keep resting dear Papa I pray you have a beautiful sleep and I know you are with the Almighty God at his right hand in heaven RIP IJN AMEN periwinkle caterers

Papa,

Listening to tributes pouring in for you made me realize the major imprints you left in the hearts of many. Thank you for the Love you so freely gave, I have learned something valuable.

Rest perfectly in God’s Bosom,

Bose Ukonga.

A great Elderstatesman, Super Permanent Secretary of high reputation. Good Manager of Human & Material resources. A tireless Man of candor ever ready to render service for the betterment of Humanity irrespective of Tribal, Religion, Social or Political inclination.
Goodbye and Goodnight Pa Folarin Coker- the one and only BABA ETO. Take your well deserved rest until the glorious dawn when we shall meet to part no more OPA.

TRIBUTE TO CHIEF (ELDERMAN) NATHANIEL FOLARIN COKER
By the family of late Bishop Seth Irunsewe and Yeye Juliana Oladunni Kale
There can be no doubt whatsoever that the late Rt. Rev. S. I. Kale, Lord Bishop of Lagos Diocese (Anglican Communion 1963-1974) was very much admired and revered by the late Chief Folarin Coker, the most famous Baba Eto in Nigeria.
The admiration, which was mutual, can be traced to when their paths first crossed at the CMS Grammar School at Broad Street/Odunlami Street, Lagos, in the late 1930s. Young Folarin, then in his teens, went on to become the school’s Senior Prefect in his final year, 1941, while SIK, as Bishop Kale was then popularly called by the students, rose through the teaching staff ranks to become the Vice/Acting Principal and eventually the substantive Principal of the school (1944-1949).
In unqualified admiration of his teacher, Chief Folarin Coker wrote a much acclaimed 134-page biography of our late father, the Bishop. This was only the second by Chief Coker in the ‘Nigerian Profile’ series. The first in the series was a biography of the late Rt. Hon. Adetokunbo Ademola, retired Chief Justice of the Federation of Nigeria. Chief Coker went on further to pay for and to have installed in singular honour of Baba Bishop, his Role Model and Mentor, a Clock that chimes the School Song in the School Chapel Tower at the new school site in Bariga, Lagos.
Nor was this manifestation of mutually genuine regard and affection limited to his lordship. Chief Folarin Coker held our late mother in the highest esteem. As far as Baba Eto was concerned “Mama Ayo” as the Bishop’s wife was fondly called by him, “could do no wrong”. In her turn mama looked on and treated Folarin Coker as a favourite and much loved adopted nephew. It was no surprise therefore that mama, the “warm-hearted, energetic, industrious and practical person” of Chapter 4 of Folarin’s biography of Bishop Kale, hand-picked Chief Folarin Coker to ‘Propose the Toast of the Celebrant’ at the reception for her 90th birthday held in Mobalufon, in September 1997’
“Uncle” Folarin has been very kind and generous to the Kale family. We shall miss him most dearly.
May his loving soul forever rest in peace.
​

A life well lived. Now you rest. Baba rest in peace. May the Almighty comfort the family, Amen

TRIBUTE TO ELDERMAN NATHANIEL FOLARIN COKER, OON, CPA.
BY THE CATHEDRAL TORCH BEARERS.
The Baba Eto of Lagos.
The Baba Oba of Lagos.
Bobagunwa of Igede-Ekiti.
Cathedral Torch Bearers.

A very deep sense of loss enveloped all members of the Cathedral Torch Bearers, the foremost male society in the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, when the news of the passing into Glory of our President Elderman Nathaniel Folarin Coker broke out.

Our President, the Baba Eto of Lagos, had laid down his Torch on Wednesday, 12th August 2020, at the very ripe age of 97 years.
Baba Eto has made his glorious exit and triumphant return into the Bosom of our Lord and Maker.

Our records show that Elderman Nathaniel Folarin Coker joined the Cathedral Torch Bearers Society in 1975 under the chairmanship of late Engr. F.A.O. Phillips. His membership number is 67. The only other members who joined in the same year with him was late Otunba H.O. Afolabi-Alu.

Elderman Folarin Coker, fondly referred to all and sundry as Baba Eto, started his relationship with the Torch Bearers Society in general in 1966 when he joined the Cathedral Torch Bearers of St. James' Cathedral Church, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, on the Cathedral Torch Bearers of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, who having moved to Ibadan to establish the Diocesan Education General's office of the Anglican Mission then, established a Torch Bearers Society in Ibadan.
On the movement of Elderman Folarin Coker to take up an appointment with the Lagos State Civil Service, he continued his service to the Torch Bearers by joining the Cathedral Torch Bearers of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos. It is on record that Elderman Folarin Coker was the only member of the Cathedral Torch Bearers who did not go through the rigours of filling application forms and waiting for assessment and appraisal before admission. He was admitted instantly on the presentation of a recommendation letter from the founding Chairman, late Mr E.B. Osibo, having shown impressive performance when he was an active member of the Cathedral Torch Bearers in Ibadan.

Elderman Folarin Coker became a major supporting pillar to the Cathedral Torch Bearers. He became a rallying point and could be aptly described as a "catalytic enzyme" whenever issues got rather difficult, he was always ready to offer solutions. He was a great motivator, energetic, always displaying a friendly disposition with his charming smile, always welcoming.
Baba Eto was always proud of his membership of the Cathedral Torch Bearers and would radiantly adorn his membership badge.

Despite his later years sight challenges and even when old age started creeping in, Baba Eto remained determined and undaunted. He participated fully in all the activities of the Society with full confidence and deep commitment. Baba Eto was always one of the first to arrive at meetings.
Baba Eto impacted many lives especially in both the social and religious circles. He was truly amazing. He took responsibility to ensure through appropriate advise, issues were treated and tackled properly. Baba Eto will always be remembered by all as a revered and highly regarded quintessential philanthropist, with deep affection for the Cathedral Torch Bearers.

Baba Eto was a socialite par excellence. He was known by everybody from his younger days as Baba Eto. He was really Baba Eto to the core. A Lagos social heavyweight whose foot prints are indelible on the sands of time.

Elderman Nathaniel Folarin Coker, in recognition of his services to the Cathedral Torch Bearers was initially appointed as a Vice President when late Engr F.A.O. Phillips was President between 1995 to 2008. He was later unanimously appointed as the 5th President in 2008 after the transition of Engr. F.A.O. Phillips. The position he held until he also answered the call. It is important to note that one of the major criteria for the appointment of any person to the position of President of the Cathedral Torch Bearers is that such a person must be a distinguished and committed member of the Society worshipping regularly in the Cathedral Church of Christ. Elderman Folarin Coker was identified not only as a distinguished and committed member, but also an accomplished technocrat, a lawyer by profession and an astute public servant, whose positive influence was well accepted both in and out of the Church. The Cathedral Torch Bearers therefore identified him as a fit and proper person to be appointed as the President.

The Cathedral Torch Bearers was very dear to Elderman Folarin Coker as a Society. The moment he took over as the President, he graciously accepted to host the annual anniversary of the Society for many years.

Elderman Folarin Coker's services and commitment to the Church were duly recognised and appreciated not only by the Cathedral Church of Christ, but also by the Diocese of Lagos Anglican Communion. He was appointed as the Diocesan Historian Plenipotentiary, he served on the Diocesan Board for several years and was honoured with the prestigious award of an Episcopal Awardee. The Cathedral Church of Christ recognized his contributions with the conferment of the highest honour of Cathedral Parish Award (CPA). He was Patron to several societies and service units.

Members of the Cathedral Torch Bearers convey our deeply felt condolences and commiserate with the entire Coker Family, especially his look-alike son Folorunsho. The Almighty God who gave Baba Eto the Grace to live to an old age before completing his sojourn here on earth, will likewise fulfill His promise of long life on each and every member of the family left behind.
We give thanks to God that Baba Eto lived an exemplary life in service to both his God and humanity, and lived a fulfilled life having achieved the ripe age of 97 years. We also pray for the repose of his Soul and that the Almighty God will grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

As Christians, we are comforted with the belief that death is an indispensable prelude to immortality, so we are consoled that Elderman Nathaniel Folarin Coker's services here on earth were done, our Creator, the Almighty God saw his last moments and gracefully liberated him into His everlasting kingdom.
We are confident that a glorious welcome awaits him in heaven with trumpets sounding and Angel's singing, where the stage is set in gold with Baba Eto arriving with trade mark dancing steps and looking down at us saying "e ti ri nkan kan, abuke a gbomo pon."

Baba Eto, may your Soul find a place in God's Bosom and Rest Peacefully. Amen.

The Cathedral Torch Bearers,
Cathedral Church of Christ,
Marina, Lagos.

CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY OF LATE ELDERMAN FOLARIN COKER OON, GCOP, CPA.

The Cathedral Torch Bearers, a foremost society in the Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos, mourning the departure into Eternal Glory of Elderman Nathaniel Folarin Coker, OON, GCOP, CPA, who passed on 12th August, 2020, at the age of 97 years.
Elderman Folarin Coker the “Baba Oba of Lagos” was the President of the Cathedral Torch Bearers, the Diocesan Historian Plenipotentiary and a member of the Cathedral Church of Christ Marina Lagos.

He served as President of the Society diligently and meritoriously with his contemporary and members leaving a significant landmark in the Cathedral.

He was a Peace and loving Gentleman with dynamic and distinctive qualities as Gregarious, Charming, Affable, Amiable and unique personality which carried him with respect and humility. He had an unreserved and fatherly disposition and composure that held parishioners in the Cathedral with high esteem. Members of the Cathedral Torch Bearers would like to express deep condolences to his family for the irreparable loss of your Great patriarch.

The Almighty God will provide succor and support to his family and grant him a place in His Bosom in the Heavenly abode.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE


Chairman, Cathedral Torch Bearers.

TRIBUTE TO CHIEF (ELDERMAN) NATHANIEL FOLARIN COKER
By the family of late Bishop Seth Irunsewe and Yeye Juliana Oladunni Kale

There can be no doubt whatsoever that the late Rt. Rev. S. I. Kale, Lord Bishop of Lagos Diocese (Anglican Communion 1963-1974) was very much admired and revered by the late Chief Folarin Coker, the most famous Baba Eto in Nigeria.
The admiration, which was mutual, can be traced to when their paths first crossed at the CMS Grammar School at Broad street/Odunlami street, Lagos, in the late 1930s. Young Folarin, then in his teens, went on to become the school’s Senior Prefect in his final year, 1941, while SIK, as Bishop Kale was then popularly called by the students, rose through the teaching staff ranks to become the Vice/Acting Principal and eventually the substantive Principal of the school (1944-1949).
In unqualified admiration of his teacher, Chief Folarin Coker wrote a much acclaimed 134-page biography of our late father, the Bishop. This was only the second by Chief Coker in the ‘Nigerian Profile’ series. The first in the series was a biography of the late Rt. Hon. Adetokunbo Ademola, retired Chief Justice of the Federation of Nigeria. Chief Coker went on further to pay for and to have installed in singular honour of Baba Bishop, his Role Model and Mentor, a Clock that chimes the School Song in the School Chapel Tower at the new school site in Bariga.
“Uncle” Folarin has been very kind and generous to the Kale family. We shall miss him most dearly.
May his loving soul forever rest in peace.

TRIBUTE TO CHIEF (ELDERMAN) NATHANIEL FOLARIN COKER
By the family of late Bishop Seth Irunsewe and Yeye Juliana Oladunni Kale

There can be no doubt whatsoever that the late Rt. Rev. S. I. Kale, Lord Bishop of Lagos Diocese (Anglican Communion 1963-1974) was very much admired and revered by the late Chief Folarin Coker, the most famous Baba Eto in Nigeria.
The admiration, which was mutual, can be traced to when their paths first crossed at the CMS Grammar School at Broad street/Odunlami street, Lagos, in the late 1930s. Young Folarin, then in his teens, went on to become the school’s Senior Prefect in his final year, 1941, while SIK, as Bishop Kale was then popularly called by the students, rose through the teaching staff ranks to become the Vice/Acting Principal and eventually the substantive Principal of the school (1944-1949).
In unqualified admiration of his teacher, Chief Folarin Coker wrote a much acclaimed 134-page biography of our late father, the Bishop. This was only the second by Chief Coker in the ‘Nigerian Profile’ series. The first in the series was a biography of the late Rt. Hon. Adetokunbo Ademola, retired Chief Justice of the Federation of Nigeria. Chief Coker went on further to pay for and to have installed in singular honour of Baba Bishop, his Role Model and Mentor, a Clock that chimes the School Song in the School Chapel Tower at the new school site in Bariga.
“Uncle” Folarin has been very kind and generous to the Kale family. We shall miss him most dearly.
May his loving soul forever rest in peace.
​

This tribute is from OMOBA ADEPEJU ADENIJI FASHOLA CPA JP

This is really a beautiful memory of
The Baba Eto of Lagos, Bobagunwa of Igede-Ekiti, Retired Pioneer Permanent Secretary Lagos State Nigeria, Late Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker.

This tribute is being written for a wonderful person for all his love and support being showed to the Cathedral Ladies Armour Bearers, Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos.

One of our lovely and kind grand patron, his love for Ladies Armour Bearers was special. He decided that Armour Bearers should hold our anniversary reception at his residence. We shall miss his joy whenever he's in the midst of our society. May the Lord grant his soul perfect peace in Jesus precious name. Amen.

TRIBUTE TO OUR MOST VALUED AND TRULY BELOVED GRAND PATRON
BABA OBA, ELDERMAN CHIEF NATHANIEL  FOLARIN  COKER, BL, OON, CPA
BY THE CATHEDRAL LADIES HELPERS' UNION
The news of the demise of Elderman Folarin Coker (fondly called) PAPA, hit members of the Ladies Helpers' Union like a thunderbolt. At the ripe old age of 97yrs, we were reluctant to let go, as the story of the Society cannot be told without the mention of the name of the great man.
PAPA, as we fondly called him in our Society, was that link between the four generations of 'HELPERS'. His association with the Ladies Helpers' Union (The Purple Ladies) dates back to his childhood days when he used to accompany his late mother, Mrs E.R Coker to Society activities.
As years rolled by, the 12 Founding Mothers and Early members, gradually passed on to Glory, and between 1977 and 1982 the Society was at the brink of extinction due to inactivity. But PAPA as a true son of one of the Founding Mothers, saw it as an opportunity to assist Members of the Executive Committee resuscitate the Society and claim its rightful position as the first Society in the Cathedral Church of God, Marina, Lagos (founded in 1928). This was however achieved in Phases.
Phase 1 was to enable Members appreciate the various roles played by the Founding Mothers. (A book dedicated to these 12 wonderful Ladies was then published by the Society)
Phase 2 was to remind Members that one factor that distinguishes the Helpers' Union from other Societies, was its focus on CHARITY, a typical Christian value. Hence Papa wholeheartedly supported all our Six Charity Organisations by physically attending all our Fund Raising Programmes.
Phase 3 was to pledge to Papa that we would continue to document all Society activities by ensuring that we release documentations of our projects by way of producing Brochures at each of our Landmark Anniversaries.
Hence in July 1998, at our 70th Anniversary, the theme of our publication was "Growing old gracefully; for our 80th it was "The true meaning of Life" and for our 90th, it was "Caring through the Ages"
In appreciation of his exemplary moral and financial support over the years, Papa was appointed the GRAND PATRON of the Society in July 2005 at our 77th Anniversary.
He was indeed a motivator. As Grand Patron, he would set high targets for us, and challenge us to attain same. He could be aptly described as the proverbial "Igi l'ehin Ogba' of the Society. He loved and was proud to wear our Society colours of Purple and White.
In summary, as our Grand Patron bows out at the ripe old age of 97yrs;, he will be remembered as one who dedicated his impactful and fulfilled life to the Service of his Creator and to humanity. A GREAT LOSS INDEED but a Glorious Exit, and Heavenly gains.
The Ladies Helpers' Union will forever be grateful to Almighty God for making our paths to cross and for using him to bless our Society. MAY HIS KIND AND GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE, AMEN.
‘’When we build, let us think we build forever, let it not be for present delight, nor for present use alone. Let it be such work our descendants will thank us for, and let us think as we lay stone on stone, that a time will come when those stones will be held sacred, because our hands have touched them; And that men will say as they look upon the labour, and the wrought substance of them – See, this our father did for us.’’ – John Ruskin 
Baba Oba, Elderman Chief Nathaniel  Folarin  Coker, BL, OON, CPA, as your body is buried in peace, be rest assured that your memory lives for evermore with the Cathedral Ladies Helpers’ Union ……….. Adieu!

Mrs Olabisi Shonibare
PRESIDENT, LADIES HELPERS' UNION
CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST, MARINA.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raaji uun. Our deepest condolences to the family on the loss of a legendary national figure. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen

Baba Eto worked in Lagos State Ministry Of Information while I was a reporter with d then Daily Times, with it office at Kakawa Street, Lagos. He was a crowd puller. He would enter our newsroom with his charming smiles, drawing d attention of staff. His jokes diminishes d fatigues on everyone. He has a slang:E se woo(translated literally.. Be calm, worry not). He interacted with d Press promoting d image of d state government... A real spokesman of his employer. He was down to earth factual and forthright. When I later worked in that same ministry, he was instrumental to my establishing a newspaper for d state government name LAGOS HORIZON NEWSPAPER.
Baba Eto was very hardworking. A good mentor and motivating. He was very generous and loves giving to make people have joy of d heart. He lived well serving his Creator. May He rest in perfect peace in d bosom of Father Abraham in d precious name of Jesus Christ. Adieu our amiable feminine, cool, charming Baba Eto in all respects. God Almighty will uphold d family and assuage their wounds that might have been caused by Chief Folarin Coker's demise. For sure his good works on earth will continously speak volumes of him ISE RE YIO MAA FOHUN. AGBEKE OGUNSANWO(AUNTIE AGBEKE)

With heavy heart I received the news of the demise of an elder statesman and a good man. My condolences to the entire Coker family.
May Papa’s soul Rest In Peace in the bosom of his maker.
May the good Lord in his infinite mercies also comfort his immediate family members and all.
At YTC, his presence and prayers shall be well missed.
Rest on our legendary Baba Eto!!!
Adieu!!!!!

I always see Elderman as a father who every sunday at the 7.15 service calls my wife to call me wherever I was to hold me and pray for me. If on the contrary if I call on him first, he says to me where is Abah. He always want to see us together and say something to us. The mutual love we had for each other was so much that i did not believe when i heard he passed on.
 My wife and I will certainly remember his natural smiles, good diction of the english words and fine words he told us.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Adieu Baba Eto.
Syl & Abah Oputa

Our dear father,Baba Eto of Lagos lived a good life and left a good legacy.I worked under him as Permanent Secretary of then Ministry of Information and Tourism, Victoria Island. The Ministry was like one big family with a caring father. Baba Eto ensured hardwork with results that made the Ministry the envy of others.Baba took his faith seriously as you see him actively involved in church and other church activities. He was caring and showered love on everyone he knew. We will miss him greatly as a father and astute administrator. I condole with my brother, Folly and the family.Adieu Baba Eto of Lagos.

Baba Eto continue to rest in peace!

May baba soul Rest In Peace and May God in his infinite mercy console the family

May his soul rest in peace and may God comfort the family and give them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

My sincere condolences for the loss. May God grant Papa eternal rest in his bosom and grant the entire family and friends the fortitude to bear the loss. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

I hereby express my sincere condolence to the entire Coker Family.

We are grateful to God for a life well spent.
One thing l learnt from him is appreciating life. He celebrated his birthday yearly with friends and family at the Yoruba Tennis club.

May his soul rest in peace.

Seyi Coker.

May the Lord grant him eternal rest and also grant the entire family the fortitude to bear the loss.

"Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints".

I condole with the family of Mr. Folorunsho Folarin Coker, DG NTDC on the demise of Pa Nathaniel Folarin Coker "Baba Eto".

However, our only solace is in the fact that he is in a better place. Sleep well Baba.

TRIBUTE BY THE LEGAL UNIT OF NTDC

We wish to commiserate with our DG , Folorunsho Coker on the passing unto glory of his beloved father, who was a legal luminary and a great statesman with a larger than life personality. Baba Eto of lagos as he was fondly known, was a man who touched many lives positively and will forever be missed. We pray for our DG and the entire Coker family that the Lord will grant them the Grace to bear the loss knowing very well that Baba is now resting in the bosom of the Lord.

Sun re o Baba!!!

Legal Team, NTDC.

I commiserate with you sir on the passing on to glory of your dear Father. May God Almighty grant Papa a peaceful rest in Jesus Christ name amen.

A TRIBUTE TO
CHIEF NATHANIEL FOLARIN COKER, 1923-2020
(BABA ETO OF LAGOS)

We received with sadness the passing away of our beloved uncle, the Baba Eto of Lagos, Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker, OON, 1923-2020.

Baba Eto was a lawyer, a distinguished administrator, a pioneer civil servant and a devoted family man.

We grew up knowing Baba Eto as our mother's esteemed elder brother.

Baba Eto was a symbol of diligence and hard work. He was a pioneer Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service. His diligence earned him, and deservedly so, a dignified and lifelong reputation. His unblemished career as a civil servant in the federal, regional and state civil service set a high standard for members of the family.

Baba Eto retired from the civil service but placed his experience and expertise at the continued service of the country. He was, for example, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Port-Harcourt.

Baba Eto was radiant in manners, speech and looks. His radiance, bestowed by nature and nurtured by effort, earned him the nickname "Bature Coker" while he served in the North. Happily, his radiance did not diminish even when he became advanced in age.

His favourite colour was purple, a colour which symbolises nobility. Yes, he was a noble man, but he did not lose the common touch.

Baba Eto had a philosophy of honour and respect for living heroes. He believed that heroes should be celebrated in their lifetime. Thus, he wrote the biographies of heroes while they were still alive. Baba Eto's philosophy has rubbed off on us. We have learned to see the value in others. We have also learned not to delay gratitude where one is owed, and not to deny a feat just because the hero is alive. We are pleased, therefore, that the clinic in the Lagos State Secretariat was named after him while he was still alive.

Baba Eto cherished family values. Indeed, his love for his siblings was extended to their namesakes. As the oldest member of the family, Baba Eto was the custodian of the family history. For us in particular, no one knew our grandfather like Baba Eto did.

Likewise, while we grew up, we noticed very easily the love and strong bond between older members of the Coker family. Indeed, were it not because they fondly referred to one another as cousins, one would have thought they were all siblings. Baba Eto became the head of this closely-knit Coker family, and he helped to keep and nurture the strong family ties. To date, we maintain close ties with our Coker cousins, uncles and aunts.

Today, we do not deny our grief, but we do not deny also what Baba Eto has etched on our minds of graceful radiance, commitment to work, an unblemished career, devotion to family, and above all, a legacy that challenges all of us.

May God console the family with His soothing mercy.

Children of late Mrs. Oluwatoyin Animashaun (nee Coker)

Wow! On behalf of my family , am truly saddened to hear the recent passing away of the great Patriarch, Pa Nathaniel Folarin Coker,
I hereby express my sincere condolences to our DG - Mr. Coker entire family , friends and associates. My sincere condolence to the his family of the highly respected loving father. His genuine passion, love and many positive contributions to humanity will forever be living testimonies. His Legacy continues. ADIEU! ADIEU! ADIU! BABA ETO.
Please may the patriarch's gentle soul rest in the Bosom of the Lord. RIP.
FROM: Grace Ukah

Wow! An illustrious icon of Lagos has departed, what a sad loss. May Baba's soul rest in peace. May God comfort the family and give them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss; amen

Thank God for life well spent for Chief (Elderman) Nathaniel Folarin Coker,the Baba Eto and Baba Oba of Lagos. A devoted prayerful man. Any time I bow with my greetings, he always showered upon me powerful prayers, I will definitely miss that and so sure the club will miss him too. May his soul rest peacefully at the bosom of God almighty Amen.

THE MUSIC PLAYS ON BUT BABA ETO HAS TAKEN HIS FINAL FINAL LEAVE: TRIBUTE FROM A PAST CHAIRMAN
 To all of us at the Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker was Baba Eto. Indeed he was the Baba Eto of Lagos and later upgraded to Baba Oba. He passed on a few days ago at a very ripe old age of 97 years. We both share a July birth month.
He was a Past Chairman of the Club as well as a Trustee and Vice Patron. He was also a Past Treasurer of the Club.
He was a jolly good man. A very handsome species. You could not help imagining how women would have swooned at his mere sight in his younger days.
He was always praying for everybody. Once you got round to greeting him, you had to be prepared for at least two or three minutes of prayers from him.
Baba Eto was warm and humane. He loved genuinely and bore no grudges. He was blunt but extremely straightforward. You knew exactly where you stood with him. He would not go for the jugular even if he felt offended.
He lived life to the fullest, even up to his latter days.
He was a constant feature of the Monday akara group at the Basilica. This is a gathering of the elders of the Club where they sit, chat, eat delicacies and have their drinks. The chats are sometimes deep, having to do with current state matters of concern, sometimes historical, with reminiscences of the years gone by and sometimes just banters. Baba Eto was sometimes part of the discussions and sometimes he was not. When he wasn`t, he was probably enjoying a short nap. He would then from time to time wake up and ask what the trending topic was. He would persist until somebody briefed him.
The story was told, that in his younger days at the Club, especially when he was Chairman, he usually regaled members with tales of the fantastic things they would enjoy in his tenure. he would always tell them `E ti ri nkankan` . There are rumours that members were still waiting for those things!
He had a story he always told and it never failed to get members rolling in laughter. He said he was at a party and there, women were in abundance. Somebody then started to pray. He prayed for God`s protection on them and there was a hardly audible Amen. He prayed for peace in their homes, the same lacklustre Amen. Finally he prayed that the private organs of their husbands would always function well and there was a resounding `Amin o Jesu!`
Baba Eto, even in his latter days, always reserved enough energy to attend most official Club functions. He loved Yoruba Tennis Club to a hilt. Despite some of the physical challenges that he faced, he always showed up.
He loved to dance. Anytime he came for the Yoruba Tennis Club Thursday Fish Lunch, he would have a hearty meal. What he would drink always depended on his mood. He was however easily tempted with a shot or two of the finest cognac available and it had to be served by the Social Secretary. He might then have a well deserved nap. On his way out, he would take a few dance steps in front of the live band that was playing, dish out a few naira notes and then take his final leave.
The Baba Eto of Lagos has danced the last dance , he has taken the final, final leave.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Bro. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo Prof.
Immediate Past Chairman
Yoruba Tennis Club

The Elders and entire Popo Aguda (Brazilian Quarter's ) Lagos Island.

We descendants of Popo Aguda commiserate with the Coker Family,the entire people of Lagos state on the peaceful exit, of Elder-man, Baba Eto of the whole universe,the Baba Oba himself, a Gentleman per excellence, during my growing up age Baba Eto will come around Tokunbo & Glover street mostly Friday’s to the Faramobi’s & Adewale’s households for conviviality with who is who in Lagos then , we are the errand boys the with the likes of Lagun Faramobi,Laguda,Balogun, I was privileged to be amongst because of the presence of my late uncle Chief Ayoola Shasanya (Bulamartadi), from there to WAKA On Joseph street Baba ITE’S Pa Domingo Amidu’s place. How time flies!!!!! Most civil servants in public service then till date were given the opportunity by Baba Eto & friends your legacy can NEVER EVER be surpassed in our community Popo Aguda.
Baba Oninure Sun re.

             Signed. 

Pa Owolabi M Martins. Prof Olubode Leigh (OFR)
Great Grand Patron.          Fmr VC LASU

      Bolaji Mendes
Asiwaju Popo Aguda. 


 

On behalf of my family, I wish to express our heartfelt sympathy and condolence to my D.G and the entire Folarin Coker’s family over the death of your lovely Father - Pa Nathaniel Folarin Coker.
Please take heart as you grieve knowing that he has gone to be with his creator.
May his soul rest with the Lord

Adieu Baba Eto! May your Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. You will be fondly remembered as the astute and elegant man you were. I remember begging my Dad (The Late Faramobi - Ajiroba of Lagos) to get me a cream safari suit as yours. You had style and Class. 
Our sincere condolences to Baba’s family.

On behalf of my family, I commiserate with my DG , Mr Folorunsho Coker and the entire Coker family on the peaceful translation to Glory of Papa. We take solace in the fact that he not only lived long but he lived well. We lost but Heaven gained . Adieu Baba Eto. May light perpetual continually shine upon you, Amen !!!