Dipo. I'm still coming to terms that this news of your passing is not a bad dream or a joke in very bad taste.

You see, The Alabi's were my neighbours for a very long time. Stories of my childhood can never be complete without Bode and Dipo, and of course the rest of the Alabi family...Wale, Yemi and Biola. Baba Bode was our Landlord. We lived in the flat downstairs at 66 Ibadan Road and they lived upstairs. Bode and Dipo were my brothers. We car-pooled to school together, did homework together,  played football and other Tom-boyish games with them. We also baked, played Ten-ten and some other sissy games together. When I remember the Alabi's, I travel back in time to a place called "Happy". 

Dipo, my little brother from Arigidi-Akoko was gentle and kind, I never saw him angry. We lost touch for several years, but got back in touch with him a few years back. Bode's passing less than a year ago, was a painful exit, this however is numbing. I still spoke to Dipo last year to commiserate with him when Bode passed, he was his usual charming self, asking after my mother and my elder sister Kemi. Oladipo, my brother, my friend, you have been called home too soon. Rest well in the bosom of your maker till resurrection morning. 

*Tribute to Adipson: My brother and friend*. 
I never knew this could ever happen.  Me writing a tribute to you on your death? I never imagine it. It is still unbelievable.  I still don't know how to come to terms that it is a reality that you have left us to rest in eternity. Even though I was aware of your illness, never in the world could I have thought that it could lead to death. You were just to soft, too gentle,  easy going and too humble to have just gone this way. Where do I start from? Is it our ile ife days or  London days until you left for America. This shock is too much for me to bear. I will miss a confidant and a reliable friend and brother.  We are all still in trance finding it difficult to accept this tragic reality. This is one death too many. An extremely painful and untimely death.  The next stage of your life should have been for you to sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labour. And unfortunately,  the wicked cold hands of death snatched you from us.  The Lord will grant you eternal rest in His bossom in Jesus name. May God grant your loving wife,  the children,  my brother Wale and the entire family,  we your friends and brothers the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss in Jesus name. Amen.  Sun re o Adipson. 

Fola Aiyegbusi