Mama Gbemi:
There is always a time for every activity under heaven, a time to be born and a time to die as written by King Solomon. You have done what God has chosen you for to be loving and caring. You were supportive in all aspects of togetherness with daddy (Dr.Depo Adenle) as most gracious mother. The death denotes a chosen purpose we experience in our lives. Please ma, take heart and God Almighty will continue to abide in you, comfort you and strengthen you at this critical time. God loves you. May the departed Soul continue to Rest In Peace.

I was sad and heart broken when I heard that my dearest brother, father passed on. I am still in shock for the deep sense of loss. He was the head and we call him ‘Olori Ebi of ADENLE family and now that he is gone, the void will be difficult to fill. My brother as I called him ‘father’ stood for the truth, a source of encouragement with high sense of responsibility to help out in difficult situation not minding any inconvenience to himself and his immediate family. Many times he would have to travel to Osogbo, Nigeria as told to solve his biological half brothers, sisters and other family related problems. I could recollect in 2010 and before then to make sure our Monarchy is sacred and protected. He stood gallantly for the present Adenles and the future ones. He was able to publish admiring book that relates to the ADENLE history. His attitude, passion and empathy shown in unifying every member of the ADENLE family cannot be over emphasized. I am most grateful for such a life. My brother (father) was a giant and an icon in his life time. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will never be forgotten. It is my prayer that the Lord Almighty will grant him eternal peaceful Rest and comfort the wife (mummy), the children, grand children and the entire Adenle family.
Adieu.
Bukoye Adenle

We were shell-shocked on hearing the sad news. Our hearts went straight to you over the total devotion you gave Depo to see him survive the challenges. No one will doubt that you gave your all.

There is no denying that He gives and takes; to Him be all glory, but for those of us left in darkness and in sorrow, we can only look to him to wipe our tears and lighten our darkness.

The husband of the widow will be sufficient unto you; the Father of the fatherless will fill the vacuum for the children. Let us cling to Him and all shall be well.

To the loving care of Jehovah we commit you and the children now and forever more.

PROFESSOR OLU & PROFESSOR KEMI AGBEDE
Ogun State

Uncle, I still can’t believe I am writing a tribute because of your passing. Words cannot describe this difficult moment, but if this is the last time I get to say goodbye then I know I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself blessed to have lived this life to know you.
The benefits of your hard work is a living testimony for so many us who you took under your wings at a personal and professional level.
Uncle, you were and will always be an inspiration to myself, the entire family and anyone who worked with you. You have left a void in the family that will never be filled.
While we mourn today, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on earth have been fulfilled. We thank the Lord for your life and bid you farewell until we meet again.
i pray, may God grant us the fortitude to move on. Amen
By Mrs Shade Salami.

My dearest Auntie Tola,

My thoughts are with you every moment!

It’s everyone’s wonder how you and your best friend, your confidant and your loving husband would be apart ... but I have every confidence that our Lord who gave you such a gift of friendship and companionship, will fill your heart with His love. You will have lots of moments to cheer and reminisce about God’s goodness in your life.

Besides the wonderful children and grandchildren that bring you joy, I know that you will find fulfilment in the things that make you happy: keeping everyone engaged and included in family life, writing your enlightening pieces, articles, etc.

You have done well supporting Uncle through his tough moments but most of all you both have built a legacy of love and unity in marriage. It’s really admirable.


Lots of love from us all.
SILEOLA. (Eni, Sone +Seun) Gbemi, Lolade and Folarin.
U.K.

Auntie,

Good evening, ma. This is Otunba Jerry Bamgbade. My sincere condolences on the passing of Uncle. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

OTUNBA JERRY BAMGBADE,

Evening Auntie,

My Heartfelt condolences on Uncle's passing. Please take solace in the knowledge that he is no longer in pain, and now in a better place. May the Lord grant you comfort and succour. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tayo Adamolekun

Mummy,

My heartfelt condolences. May God uphold and strengthen you and the entire Family with Grace to pull through this difficult time. I pray that God comfort you on every side and be with you every step of the way.

We thank God for the wonderful life Daddy lived. Our God will give you strength at this very trying time in Jesus name!

We will cherish the fond memories of him especially how he always made everyone laugh. May his soul rest in peace.

It is well with you Ma, and with the entire Family.

TOLU ADAMOLEKUN
Arizona

My dear Aunty Tola,

Oh my goodness, we were So sorry to hear the sad news of Uncle Depo’s passing. It was quite a shock.
How are you coping? You must miss him terribly.

My mum was also very sad to hear the news and she asks me to pass on her condolences. To quote her…”I always thought Depo was a very lovely man."

I just feel so glad that we were able to see each other relatively recently. It still means a lot to us that Uncle gave the girls their oriki.

I was showing the picture attached to them explaining who Uncle Depo is and why he is significant to them as part of their heritage.
Of course they do not fully understand, but it is something they will come to understand.

Yours was a very tight, close loving family. Truly something to be cherished.

And the longevity of your relationship offers us a role model for how we wish our relationships to be.

My Dear Aunty, we are keeping you very close in our thoughts, prayers and in our hearts.

With all our love
Ronke Adenle, UK

My dear brother,
I know death, as cruel as it is, is inevitable and inescapable. I know that for everyone born of a woman is appointed once to die. Even the Holy Bible reminds us (Hebrews 9:27).
But you left when we weren't expecting your departure. And so, we had no opportunity to bid thee farewell. No privilege given to give you a message to our loved ones who had gone ahead of you to eternal bliss.
You have lived your life; and we thank God for that. We thank Him for all He allowed you to accomplish while you were here..and they were breathtaking.
We loved you. Now that you're gone, our love remains undiminished. We loved you; we love you. But Our Lord Jesus Christ loves you more
May your soul continue to rest in His bosom eternally
Mrs Adewumi Ojo

  I grew up to know brother Depo, over six decades ago as a kind-hearted, soft-spoken, and easy-going person. An apolitical person but passionate about the development of Osogbo. Anytime we have the chance to talk together, his usual question is 'Lati, how can we move our people from mat to mattress?'
We always brainstormed together, if you get the chance to meet him and his wife, you will think that they are brothers and sisters from the way they relate.
  Twelve years ago, when Osogbo Progressive Union, USA (OPUUSA) sister city got a grant here in the USA to sink boreholes in Osogbo, I called him in Nigeria and told him about the good news. He was so excited and happy, he said 'Lati, I will go to Osogbo and map out the best places to sink the 20 boreholes'. he did this voluntarily for the love he had for our town.
  Three years ago, when he came to the USA, we all went out to eat, I took a friend who was visiting from Ibadan, Nigeria with me. The moment he saw my friend, he asked, ' Are you not Frank that I met in Kaduna 40 years ago'.
 Brother has gone to meet papa, mama, and other siblings who have passed on before him. I pray that God gives his wife, Tola, his children, and the entire Adenle family the strength to bear his loss.
  Gbese ni iku Gbogbo wa ni ama ku san. Igbati oba ma ya Olorun Ikan lomo. Personally, I will miss his usual calls. Lati motide. Moni ki sofun e pe emi ati Tola wanibi Moni bere alafia, Iyawo ati awon omo mio.
Sunre Buroda Depo
Latif Bamidele Opawoye, MD USA

I’m sorry to hear about Uncle. May he Rest In Peace. I hope you are doing well; I will be praying for you.

(BABAJIDE ADEPITAN, Georgia, USA)

My deep and sincere condolences for your Loss. Indeed I was privileged to have worked with (and learnt from).

He was always very patient and kind to accommodate those of us that were young and rising in the consulting world, always ready to lend a helping hand. I was particularly impressed with the way he spoke of mummy and it was inspiring!

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace! Amen! [

(TANWA KOYA, Abuja)

Oh, what a pity, sis Tola. So broad Depo is gone just as my brother 'Layi did about 2 years ago. Please take heart and my condolences to the family he left behind. I take it you are also out there in Maryland, no? Ki Olorun ma ko atunri wa o.

(TUNDE FAGBENLE, UK)

Oh Dear!
I am so sorry to hear this, ma.

May God almighty give succour to you and all your loved ones, and may the soul of the dear departed rest in peace, amen.

(FUNMI ROBERTS, Ibadan, Nigeria)

Salam the demise of Dr Depo Adenle is a gt loss to us his friends and his familes. He was very caring and accomodating May his gentle soul rest in etfect peace.

(TITI SUNMONU)

May the soul of our departed brother rest in perfect peace. May the Lord give our sister and the family the fortitude to bear his sudden passing.

(TITI TOMORI, Osun, Nigeria)

Oh my goodness! I am so sorry ma. May God comfort you and give you His peace. My condolences to the family.

(SOLA FASURE, Lagos)

Our dear Tola,
How are you? Please accept our condolences for the loss of your dear husband. We will forever miss Depo. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
Please take care and stay safe.

(PROF. & MRS. BANKOLE AKO, Canada)

Baba is dead?
Spoke with him sometimes and he told me he was in the US.
May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

(OLUFEMI ALUKO, Osogbo)

May his soul rest in peace. May the Good Lord grant to you and all the bereaved the fortitude to bear the loss.

(DR. HASSAN BDLIYA, Abuja)

Oh, Anti, I am sorry to learn of Uncle's passing.
I am short of words, indeed.
I pray for the repose of his soul and for the Almighty to continue to abide with you and the rest of the family.
E pele ma. E ku oro eniyan.

(TAIWO OBE, Lagos)

I do appreciate your notifying me howbeit, with this sad news. May Almighty God overlook his shortcomings, forgive his sins and grant him everlasting and peaceful rest.
Kindly keep me posted of oncoming events please. I will also be pleased if you grant be the indulgence of informing some of our colleagues here in the US and in Nigeria.

(JUBRIL HANIDU, Lagos)

Good morning,
My deep and sincere condolences for your Loss. Indeed I was privileged to have worked with (and learnt from) him. He was always very patient and kind to accommodate those of us that were young and rising in the consulting world, always ready to lend a helping hand. I was particularly impressed with the way he spoke of mummy and it was inspiring!

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace! Amen!

(TANWA KOYA, Abuja, Nigeria)

Our condolences on the demise of Uncle. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may the good Lord grant you and the family the Grace to bear the loss, Amen.

(BANWO SMITH, Ibadan)

Hello our beloved Aunty/Mum,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at such a time like this. The Lord Almighty will strengthen and uphold you at this time, in Jesus name, Amen.

(TOLA ADEBIYI, U.K.)

Hello, Auntie,
I commiserate with you on the demise of Daddy, your darling husband. May his soul rest in peace, and may the Merciful God give you the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

(MRS. TUTU ARAWOLE, New Jersey).

Good morning, Aunty.
Sorry to hear about Uncle Depo. Unable to reach you but sincerely share your grief. Take heart, Ma, you and the children are in my prayers.

(OLANREWAJU OTITI, N/York).

May our big brother, Dr Depo Adenle, rest in perfect peace. He was loved by all.A true prince of the Adenle dynasty. Condolence to the family he left behind.

(FUNSO POPOOLA).

Good morning Auntie Tola,
Just heard from Tola (little sis) about Uncle’s passing. May the love of family and friends comfort you during this difficult time. My most heartfelt condolences. I am truly sorry to hear of your loss.May our Lord bless and comfort you & your family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences.

(KUNLE FARUKANMI, U.K.)

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and May light perpetual shine upon him. May God grant his family, the entire Adenle royal family, extended family and friends the fortitude to bear the loss. Amen.

(MOYOSORE OKUYIGA)

It is very sad to loose another great son of Osogbo, a Prince who was royal in his attitude, interaction with others, considerate and a truly unique gentleman. May the soul of Dr Depo Adenle rest in peace. May the Holy Spirit console and comfort the wife, children, and siblings Adewumi and Bisi(BIKET Medical Centre, Osogbo), and all the larger Adenle family and friends. Osogbo will miss his wise intervention. Adieu Egbon Depo.

(PROFESSOR BABATUNDE ADELEKE, OSOGBO)

Ki Olorun Olodumare te won si afefe rere! Gbogbo nkan rere ti won fi s'ile ko ni baje. O d'igbose!

(A. ADETOYE, Massachusetts).

The news of the sudden death of Dr. Adenle was received with shock. I share with you the pain and grief of this trying time but I urge you to take solace in God, the only one that gives and takes lives. I commiserate with you and the family, and pray that God will grant Dr. Adenle’s soul repose, and the children and entire Adenle family, peace. Please accept my condolences.

(COL. OJOMO, RTD.)

Good day Aunty. I’m so sorry for your loss. May God ease this painful period for you. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.

(TOYOSIXXX)

Words are inadequate to express my feelings after Sade called. Depite all the love, efforts and care, Depo still had to go but who are we to query God? I know that he is happy where he is and I also know that he did not want to leave you, but he knew you will be in God’s hands and God will take care of you. Do not be afraid ... He will not leave you alone, and will comfort you and give you the fortitude to bear the loss.

I wish I could be with you now but God will be with you always.

(MRS. FUNLAYO AIHE, Ibadan)

Dear Tola,
The loss of such a fine gentleman is difficult to bear for all who knew Depo. My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. With beautiful memories.

(LOUANNE JIDE SMITH, Florida)

My dear Sister,
Please accept my heartfelt condolence on the death of your darling husband. It is shocking but Father knows best. We were lucky to have him for those many years; to God be the glory!
   
My brother has gone home to rest, away from pain and earthly affairs. Solace in our Maker. Take heart. You will never be alone.
God bless and keep you and the children safe.

(TOLA AKINKOYE, Ibadan)

We are deeply saddened by Uncle Depo’s most unexpected passing on to glory. 

He was an outstanding man, a wonderful and loving husband and a doting, devoted father.
He was the consummate family man, who’s priority was to provide the very best for his family.

He excelled in everything he did. He was an academic titan and an erudite scholar in the field of Geology. He strove to improve the lives of millions in Nigeria and abroad through his research and consultancy work in Geology

He endured his health challenges with dignity, faith in God and optimism.

We know and believe that God will console you and give you the strength to bear the pain of Uncle Depo’s passing.

The Bible says we should not mourn like those who have no hope, we have hope and know that Uncle Depo is resting safely in the bosom of the Lord.

Bolanle and Wura Adamolekun.

Dearest Auntie Tola,
We are deeply saddened by Uncle Depo’s most unexpected passing on to glory.

He was an outstanding man, a wonderful and loving husband and a doting, devoted father. He excelled in everything he did. He was an a ademic titsn and an erudite scholar in the field of Hydrogeology.

He endureth his health challenges with dignity, faith in God and optimism.

Auntie, we know and believe that God will console & strengthen you to bear the pain of Uncle’s passing. You were totally devoted to him, and his health was your only priority. He was blessed to have you as wife.

The Bible asks us not to mourn like those who have no hope; we have hope & know Uncle is resting safely in the bossom of the Lord.

(PROFESSOR BOLANLE & DR. WURA ADAMOLEKUN, Tennessee, USA)

LOSS OF A GEM!
A soft spoken, respectful and amiable personality I knew him some years ago when my wife and I visited them at Ibadan. He and his wife, Aunty Tola, had visited my wife and mum sometimes before then at Ofatedo. He chatted with my mum, regaling her with stories connecting their family’s Oluawo and our Esuyale compounds in Osogbo.

A lovely company, and a gentleman to the chore. May God grant him eternal rest and give Aunty the fortitude to bear the loss of an intimate companion and father. Amen. And may God grant him eternal rest and give you and your lovely children the fortitude to bear the loss, Amen.

(FATAI BAKARE. UK)

My heart is heavy and grieving the loss of Daddy. Kindly accept my deepest condolence. I pray that his gentle soul will continue to rest in peace. 

(BUKOYE ADENLE, Wisconsin, USA.)

Dearest Auntie,
I remember the first time you taught us the expression, 'joined the Saints Triumphant '. I had never heard it before and it felt like a huge beautiful revelation. I remember completely replacing my mental image of Dad [J.M. Akinola], with a happy, peaceful, elevated, angelic and loving saint-like image.
Uncle is right up there... in an elevated state, peaceful...happy, WHOLE, loving you as he always has, and always will. The perfect gentleman...clothed in kindness and love. God's own!

Auntie, we love you very very very much and pray that you are strengthened now and always. Praying for peace and God's grace and direction now and always. Amen. 

Sharing the below. I can imagine that Uncle is saying this to you now:

Lots and lots of love,
Yewande


DEATH IS NOTHING AT ALL, By Henry Scott-Holland

Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.

Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.

Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

Awe,
We thank God my Ana is now in a better place, resting in the bossom of his Maker. No pain nor sorrow can touch him there, only everlasting joy to reward his life of uprightness and fairness to his fellow men and women while on earth. The Lord will continue to make his memory sweeter. Awe, remember he loved u dearly and wanted nothing for you but happiness and peace always. I am sure from the bottom of my heart he will always remain so.
Be strong for the children and grandchildren and for yourself.

(YOUR TWIN, RONKE OLUGBEMIGUN, Akure)

My dear Depo, my Oko Iyaoko, as I always revered you. I am celebrating your life because you were always full of life. We thank God for the glorious life and wonderful family He gave you. You did your bit courageously. and lovingly.
May Almighty God give you peace and eternal rest.
To Tola and the Children, may God give you the fortitude to bear this loss. You all did your best. May you all have peace and eternal joy in Jesus Name
May he go home on wings of angels.
God keep and bless you all
On behalf of Dotun and Nike and Children.

The Entire Adenle Family.

I received with shock the passing away of my Brother Oladepo, ọmọ oba, ana mi lukaluka. Igi wo, ẹyẹ fo!
Oluwa a tu gbogbo wa ninu. Amin.
He was a gem.
Oluwa a tu gbogbo idele, l'ọtun, l'osi, ninu. Amin.
Ojo a jinna sira, L'Oruko Jesu. Amin.

Mrs. Ayo Adubifa.

I, was shocked to hear about the passing on of Dr. Depo Adenle. I thank God for your life that was peaceful and loving. You are now at rest with your Savior. May God continue to console Tola, the children and all family members with His word and grace. God bless you.

Uncle Depo is a complete Gentleman in true sense of the word. We bonded so well together. We thank God for hls life. In the seventies and eighties any weekend I found myself in Ibadan I usually will stay in their house and uncle and I would gist over a couple of beers to late in the night . His passing was most unexpected. May he rest in perfect peace.

Dear uncle Depo, I was saddened when I heard of your transition to glory but God knows best and we thank God for the 79 years you lived on earth. Your achievements and legacy will never be forgotten. You were always full of life, calm and soft spoken. I remember the funny stories you told me that gave me so much fun and laughter. There was never a dull moment with you.
May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord and I pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort and strengthen your loved ones you left behind especially Aunty Tola (your soul mate of over half a century), Gbemi, Joke, Denrele and Chouchou. You will be greatly missed.

I write on behalf of my wife and I to commiserate with sister Tola on the loss of uncle Depo. They were a wonderful twosome. I always liken them to my relationship with my wife. Uncle was the quiet and soft spoken one like me while sister was the talkative and often the quiet decision maker in the house like my wife. They were always together and I cannot imagine how sister would live without him. but I know that she is a very strong woman whom God would grant the additional strength to bear this loss.
We love you both very much and thank God for his life and the opportunity to be friends with you. We will miss him a lot (we were so used to seeing the two of you together). May the Almighty God grant him sweet repose in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ