Two years gone by without your wise counsel, phone calls, gists and banters. Your love is forever imprinted in our hearts. Rest on my super Hero.

365 days gone already without you dad!! I did not just loose a father, I lost a best friend, my diehard supporter. I miss our banter, your love, care, counsel, your peculiar and loud laughter, your larger than life character.

Your absence has not been an easy thing to take in dad. You held a special place in my life and no one will ever replace you. Memories of you remind me of what a great father you were, the love you gave was heavenly, thank you for being the best dad in the whole world.

Words cannot convey how much I miss you, continue to rest till we meet to part no more!

Stand out Dad......
All Glory to God Almighty, exactly a year ago today my dad passed on.
I kept on feeling that your demise was not real but you are in a better place with the Lord. We cannot but say we love you but God loves you more
May your soul continue to rest in peace ✌ 

Daddy mi

Just like yesterday.

What a year!!
A year without you checking on me
A year without your monthly prayers
A year without your words of encouragement and concerns
A year without your Fatherly and friendly love
A year without hearing your voice

when we say you will always be in our minds, that was not a joke
There is no day you don't come to mind
There is no day you don't pop up in our discussion
There is no day we don't remember your words
I missed the way you call my name

Have you seen my Dad, have you heard of him?
A carpenter's son who pulled through life and made an all round success of it
A family man, soldier, stateman, a community man per excellence and above all, a devotee of the most High, who served with love and compassion.

Have you heard my cry, have you seen my tears?
Of intense agonies and irreplaceable loss of my hero, confidant & father.
A sad end to wise counsels and support, so much taken for granted.
My shield lowered and arrow broken.

Have you heard the song, do you feel the joy?
The triumphant sound welcoming an hero; a servant who served God and man

without reservation
We mourn, heaven rejoice. We are consoled.

Have you seen us now, do you see our face?
Basking in the legacy of a true father, friend and leader.
A family knitted in joy and valour
Taking strides to further the dream and promise.

Rest on Ajanaku!
Sleep well Apola-osun ! !

Olukunle Opawale

Tribute To My Grandfather
 It is so Sad for me to Write A Tribute To You At this Early age, how I wish you spend more years to witness our graduations and many great things
.
I Came Back From School For Holiday Thinking I Would Spend Some Days With You, was Very Sad When I Heard About Your Death. It Was 11'am On A Sunday Morning.
You were a such a Loving Father,friend,husband,and Grandfather to Us.You Taught Me ,Advised Me Like loving Grandpa Would.
I Remembered When I Was to write my common entrance Examination,as A Little Girl Ready To Face The World I Was So Scared.But You Stood By Me And Made Me Feel Relaxed.
It Will Take Forever To Write About You grandpa
Love You So Much.You Have Played A Good Role in our lives.
Rest in peace in the boosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From your loving granddaughter
AnjolaOluwa.

My Dad, my hero, a gallant soldier, a rare gem and a dotting father. A father who stood out amongst the outstanding in love.

I was with you when you breathed your last and I have tried to stay strong but this past weeks has been tough to pull through.

Your demise still feels unreal but i take solace in the fact that you lived a good life and impacting lives was keen to you. We can see the manifestation of your good works from the testimonies of people trouping into our house.

A polygamist who was extremely fair, you brought us up to love one another to the extent that people could hardly tell the cord we share.
You loved us, you taught us and most importantly you believed in us.

I run down memory lane from cradle till you departed because I know i will always find you there. Your impact are numerous to even mention.

Hnmmm...this brought tears to my eyes.
I remembered how you came to Ilorin when I had issues with my call up letter, you stood by me and God helped sort it out before you traveled back.

How you ensured that your fellow diplomat mr chris Aligbe of the defunct Nigerian airways secured my employment in FAAN.
You cared and stood by me during my trying moments, Oreoluwa, Anjolaoluwa and i can never forget you.

Death takes the body, God takes the soul, Our mind holds the memories, Our heart keeps the love and our faith lets us know we will meet again

Daddy, you will be sorely missed.

Sweet are your memories, Continue to rest in the bosom of your creator.

Fagbemi Yemisi.

Tribute Pa Oludeji Opawale

My first contact with Daddy Opawale was when I had decided to marry his daughter Olujoke Ajoke.

Even at that early stage I knew there was something quite special and enigmatic about our Daddy Oludeji Opawale.

Our area of interest was always around politics and the betterment of Nigerian as a whole. How we had some fond conversations. Nevertheless, his integrity was never blemished or ever found wanting.

Pa Oludeji Opawale was a loving and dotting family man. In a polygamist home, that is very rare. In fact, I continue to be astounded to the bond that exists amongst all his children.

It was always clear when he met with his grandchild and how he interacted with them. Even when spoke to them over the phone, you could almost feel the eternal and paternal love streaming into the atmosphere.

“Ki ni ire hun se”, how I always have a smile when I heard his voice utter those words. Now, when ever I think of him uttering those words will I continue to smile with fond memories of times past that may not be captured on this side. However, I am definitely certain we shall meet again with our Heavenly Father to hear those words, “Ki ni ire hun se” and I shall have that smile once again transfixed on my face.

Sleep well old soldier, your legacy has outlived you and by the grace of God will continue on and on and on and on……………

Olufemi, Daddy Olu iku O je ka jo gbadun ara wa dale, mo n se Idaro leyin re oko dada, abiyamo gidi, olore mi.
Mo wo iwaju mi,mi o ri oko mi mo, mo wo eyin wo, mi o ri baba omo dada. Ko si eni ti o le bami wa alajani mi lo...baba awon omo dada. Baba awon ewe were leleta, baba awon Olorire omo, baba akorin temple, olufe adugbo, olufe ijo olorun gbogbo, olutoju alaini, oko mi ti won mo nile loko.
Awon ebi re nse leede leyin re o. Gbogbo ibi ti o ti mu aya won ni Aku idele re o, ile iya re, ile baba re nki o. Oludeji omo Opawale ti o se gbagbe ni gbogbo ojo ko se gbagbe ninu ebi ati ninu ijo olorun gbogbo, lomode lagba nse ilede leyin re.
Ijo CAC Eleta, baba ewe, awon omo naa o le gbagbe asiko re.
Oko mi owon, oko ti o se paro,emi o le gbagbe re titi, awon omo re o le gbagbe re lailai beni awon ebi mi ko le gbagbe re o. Oko mi, adunbarin ma mosi, adunbarin ma jiya, Ajani mi to ri ore ofe gba dojo ale, sun re o. Ni ojo ti a o ba pade ni paradise, ayo ni o jo fun wa. Oludeji omo Aderonke, omo Opawale gbogbo aye nse ilede leyin re o sun re o, ile ti o fi sile ko ni baje o.

                  Aya re tooto
                  Olubola Opawale

Oko mi Omo Afoyo Jiyan, Afilasa jeko, Omo Aragban ko man jesi.
Gohubo wura baba oniki esin njoko ,baba peke, Baba Abiyamo ti lo se ana nibi ti oti fema di omo nile Ana. Sun re o Ajani.
Oku olomo kisun, magbagbe awon omo re o.
Aya re nse lede lehin re...

Snr. Rev. Mother Sijuade Opawale
(Wife)

Heroes makes mark and have their names written in the heart of their loved ones.
Daddy , I knew that a day would come that you will be celebrated like this, but I never thought it will be so soon, but it's a celebration of a life well spent and I am most privileged to have been part of your life.
You are an exemplary hero, a rare gem, a special father, a loving husband, a great man with great care and affection.
You did all in your power to make sure that all your children got the best in life.
You lived a life worthy of emulation and a source of joy and inspiration for those who came around you.
You touched so many lives with love and care beyond measure.
Daddy as I fondly called you, your place in my heart is highly irreplaceable and vow to continue to strive hard in the actualization of your legacies.
You were always there for me since you married me till your last breath.
Your sweet memories will forever be with us and heaven has gained an angel in perfect peace . Daddy...continue to rest in the blossom of the Lord until the day of resurrection that we shall meet to part no more.

TPl (Mrs) Opawale Funmilayo Deborah (Wife)

I know the pain of losing you will never leave me. How can you get over a person who has been there since even before you were aware of yourself? But your life, your influence and energy will I take comfort in, knowing how much you have positively affected the lives of others.
You left an impact on every person you met even strangers. The love you spread on the earth will continue to grow and will live on, that's the ultimate measure of any human being.
I have lost you dad but only in body, I know your spirit will keep watch over us.
I love you dad Now and forever more.
Rest on my best dad

The first day I met you, I felt so welcomed since then you took me like your son.
You motivated, inspired and encouraged me, your advice went a long mile.
A good father-in-law you were, your absence left a deep wound in my heart.
Your love was an indication and part of my overall marital happiness.
It is so sad to feel that you are no more on earth with us, but your love and memories will continue to keep us together.
Rest on Daddy...

My grandfather was a quiet man,
But his silence could speak volumes.

The warmth of his gaze said, "I love you."
The strength of his hugs said, "I will keep you safe."
The gentleness of his hands said, "You're precious to me."

In the years to come, I may not remember many of the words my grandfather spoke,
But the memories of what he conveyed without speaking a word will stay in my heart.

Naomi Opawale.

You will remain in my heart forever Grandpa, since there will not be any other person who can replace you in my heart and the great love I have for you. A heart made of gold has stopped beating! One of the most hard working hand has been laid to rest! Until your death you were a giver and as a way of God showing his interest at its best. Even though you are dead grandpa your memories will stay in my heart. To us grandchildren you have been a perfect father.

Miss you Grandpa

Ayomide

My grandpa was my best friend and one of the most likeable charming person I had ever met. He meant so much to me. One day unexpectedly he called just called me just to say....good morning. My brother out of nowhere came downstairs and said you know I love grandpa!

Grandpa always used to fight with Enzo when he was younger and say..... Get away! Because Enzo would take his stuff.

For the first time in my life I saw my dad cry but everyone says.... Men don't cry! And that is not true because I just seen my own father shed a tear... Thank you for listening to me and Rest well

LOVE Aphiwe

The Royal Shepherds
Christ Apostolic Church-Babalola Region HQRTS
Eleta Ibadan

PA (Elder) we received the news of your death with shock, though death is inevitable but we thank God for a life well spent. Baba was a lover of young men and women. A silent giver, humble, a good adviser, a father and a disciplined elder.

He was as meek as a dove always fly as an eagle. God endowed him with energy, hard worker and segacity. His good deeds and values, his humour and forthrigthtness will be missed by all who came in contact with him like Ibadan land Royal Shepherd, Oyo State Grand.
Patron/Patroness most especially The Royal Shepherds, Christ Apostolic Church, Babalola Region where he served diligently and ever keep his flag flying till his last breath.

Adieu great soldier of Christ May your soul rest in peace.

Amen

Elder Moses O. Oshungbure JP Psc
Rts Asst. Commr of Police Chairman Royal Shepherds-Babalola Region

Poem from Oludeji Opawale

Grandpa You never said... I AM LEAVING!
You left me asking questions?
All I heard from my daddy is....
You were
Galland
Soldier
Sweet
Mommy and Daddy
Philanthropists
Caregiver
You took care of everyone
Ever smiling
Fun to be with
My daddies friend.... He looks sad now
As my daddy wept with sorrow and pain
And I said daddy.....dont cry daddy
I don't understand death
If Love alone could have saved you
You never would have died
You were loved
In death I love you still
The painful memories are embossed in my heart
That no one can ever erase
I will never forget my dad weeping for you for days

Rest well Grandpa

Poem from Imisi and Tara

Grandpa

You are missed
You miss us
We know you are no more
You are loved
You are love
We love you
No stress in Heaven
So much to do with you
Gone too soon
Daddy misses you so much
Daddy's tears teared us
Daddy's pain pained us
Rest in peace and May God bless you Grandpa

TRIBUTE TO DADDY

Daddy as we all fondly called you. I never believed that I will be writing this tribute this soon. We (everyone in Oladejo family) grew up knowing you as our HERO. I remember Babaleko told us so many stories of how you fought all odds to become who you were till your passing. We were always proud of you and we'll forever be. It sounds so odd referring to you with past tense now but what can we do? I asked Bro Kunle and Aunty Ranty if there will still be Opadere family after your demise because you were the bridge the entire family rest on. You were the rallying point for everyone. The entire Oladejo family will greatly miss you Daddy. My personal consolation is that I had a beautiful time with you before you slept. You even told me family history that I have never heard before. You were so proud to introduce me to the Nurses that were taking care of you. I will greatly miss you Daddy.

Rest on our HERO till we meet to part no more.

Femi Oladejo for the Oladejo family

It is a deep sadness for the demise of a great leader (immediately passed party chairman of APC Egbeda L.G, Oyo State), Elder Olu Opawale.
We send our condolences to his family, the whole party mourns with you and celebrates the extraordinary life of this remarkable man who devoted his life to peacefully protecting every members of the party, Elder Olu Opawale had played a significant role in the development and strengthening of the party. The memory of his passion and achievements will remain as an inspiration to all who continue in the struggle of the party’s development.
On behalf of the Oyo State APC Egbeda Local Government in Solidarity, We pray May his soul continues to rest in perfect peace. AMEN

OYO STATE APC EGBEDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Mode’s Eulogy

G - great
R - resilient
A - amazing
N - nice
D - dazzling
P - precious
A- adoring

Grandpa you were handsome and kind man. You are a flower who, you are going to blossom in a early new life. You were so loving, genial and more adoring than ever.

Lots of love ModesolaJesu.

Gabby’s eulogy:

Grandpa was humorous, witty and clever. When he came to the UK he always picked me up from school , and dropped me off. My Grandpa, lit up the room every time. You could feel
his presence whenever he was somewhere. Grandpa taught me so much about life and I will always remember his teachings. Grandpa is one of the most humble person I knew. He cared for everyone around him and vehemently loved his family. I will miss my Grandpa and his late-night calls, and his travels to the UK. I will always have him and his memories in my hearts until we meet again. 

Always yours Gabriella.

Eulogy from Oreoluwa Fagbemi:

I was there when you breathed your last ,tears streamed down my eyes when I saw you that way, I couldn't help but screamed, it was too painful.
As tears raced down my eyes; I knew you are in a better and happier place.
Heaven has received another Angel, the night sky another star. Your life has become a loving memory. I know you will never be far from us.
I love you grandpa and will miss you dearly.
Goodbye Grandpa

Rest on P.A Olu Opawale
From Oreoluwa

Grandpa was a truly great man, the kind of person whose presence was always felt. You never failed to notice him when you were in a room together. He was a kind, caring and selfless man who cared for his family and his community. We all wish he was still with us. I especially wish he and I got to spend more time together but I take solace in knowing that he lived a long and fulfilled life surrounded by people who truly cared for him and whose lives he greatly impacted.

NOAH OPAWALE

Pa,Elder Opawale,we received the news of your death with shock,though death is inevitable but we thank God for a life well spent. Baba was a lover of young men and women.A silent giver,humble,a good adviser,a father of fathers and a disciplined Elder.                   He was as meek as a dove,and always fly as an eagle. God endowed him with energy,hardwork and sagacity.His good deeds and values,his humor and forthrightness will be greatly missed by all who came in contact with him like Ibadan Land Royal Shepherd,Oyo State Grand Patron/Patroness and most especially The Royal Shepherds,Christ Apostolic Church,Babalola Region where he served diligently and ever keep her flag flying till his last breath.          Adieu,great Soldier of Christ .May your soul rest in peace. Amen.        Signed by:Elder Moses. O .Oshungbure JP,Psc Rtd Asst. Comm.of Police,Chairman Royal Shepherd,Babalola Region.

"People of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” Leonardo da Vinci.

This succinctly captured the essence of my father, he is not an idler or siddon look. At every phase of his life whether as a family man, soldier, diplomat, administrator, business man or politician, he left indelible marks.

He recreated his world. Touching lives and leaving a trail of visible accomplishments. From the son of a poor carpenter, he built himself to the prodigy we are celebrating today.

He made a success of everything that the Lord committed to him. A consumate problem solver, no matter how heavy your heart are, you will always leave his presence relieved. He had an answer to every problem. No mountain is insurmountable.

Totally committed to the poor and needy. He derived joy in the joy of others. A bridge builder, to him, there is no class, tribe or religion but one humanity. And our responsibility is to leave it better than we met it.

Now the big elephant is gone. My father, friend and mentor is no more. My rock is shattered. But knowing you well enough, I know you are there, watching over us. Oku olomo ki sun!!

Sun re o, yaku agbon, omo afi oyo jiyan. Omo a fi lasa je eko. Apola osun!!

Adieu Baami.

Dad I really miss you, never knew you would leave us so suddenly, you were a good man, you advised me and did your best to provide for my siblings and I and as more than comes Your way, tried your best in helping people, I am saddened that death took you away, but God said in all things we should give him thanks. Your death left a scar in our hearts but your legacy will stand in our life. We miss you Dad.. Adieu….

My Daddy, Oludeji David Ajani Opawale is a man of many colours, a rare gem, a family man to the core, lovers of children, generous giver, lover of God , abiyamo to the core, a very responsible personality Your love to your children is in explainable, always eager , ready and available to help. You are always by our sides in all situation. Dad mi your place in our life is irreplaceable. Dad mi, you flaunt us anywhere and anyday likewise we your children were never tired of show case our Dad. You left us with good and beautiful memories that cannot be eroded with time.My Dad l can't finish writing your story but l give God the glory that you live a life of fulfilment and an impactful life . Even on your sick bed you were full of life and gave me the assurance that you're in Christ Jesus. My Dad you are too much. Dad, l love you and l will continue to love you more and more. . Adieu abiyamo totoo

Daddy, you came, you saw and you conquered. You were an astitue politician, a fearless soldier in the Nigerian army and soldier of Christ. You were a father to be proud of, very accommodating, cheerful and a model for fatherhood.
You lived a fulfilled life and surely you have gone to rest. God will uphold the family you left behind and give them fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Adieu daddy, rest in the bossom of the Lord. Good night sister.

Adedayo Adelu Owolabi
Ranti's friend.

Baba rere..
Continue to rest on. May the good Lord guide, keep your family and grant you good rest.

Dad, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. My condolences to the family and l pray that God will comfort you ijn.

My father in-love was a true worshipper, generous and hospitable, a man who deeply loved others, a man with a great sense of humor even on his sick bed he was still cracking jokes

It is few weeks since you went to meet your maker, It still feels unreal.

Thank you for being the footprint Ademola follows.
I always see his love in another light, as an obedient, faithful and loving son to whom his father was his biggest hero.

Through this beautiful family i have witnessed the undying love of a father for his children and in return the love and affection of children to their father.

Thank you for accepting me with open arms from the very first day i stepped into your home. Imisioluwa is still young and can not fathom the number of visitors trouping into the house since your demise.

We will miss you dearly but I am confident that your legacy will live on.

My heart aches badly  feels like a deep stab as well as a terrible nightmare. I want to wake up but looks like it’s actually real.

Anybody that knows me know how I feel about my dad, he had so many sides, he served his nation both nationally and internationally, a gallant solider, an administrator per excellence, a worthy diplomat, a grass-root politician and above all a people’s person. He’s integrity was intact and loyalty was second to none.

I didn’t see this coming, 2021 took the best, you took my dad! How can you? I was always very proud to show off my dad more than my mum even with is Ibadan tribal marks.

He was a rare gem and he’s type is definitely hard to find. A polygamist that was extremely fair and brought us all up to love one another, outsiders find it hard to fathom the cord we share in my household.

Dad was responsible to the core, he played both the role of a father and mother, our mothers had a easy ride. He never missed my visiting days in secondary school and will follow up with our progress even up to university level, dad will sneakily go to the dean of our different faculties just to ensure we have not derailed.

I have so many fond memories of my dad, you showed up unexpectedly for my 40th, you were full of surprises. Dad is self sufficient but the way he appreciates little gestures leaves me marvelling and wondering. I have not repaid a quarter of what my dad has done for me. I resolved never to let him know again whenever am out of contract, the last time I told him he offered to send me money, imagine! I responded by saying “dad it’s not that bad”.

The news of your death spread like wildfire within hours, people are trooping in like ants, definitely a testament to your generosity and kind heart.

Dad you have left a vacuum too big to fill, no one can fit in your shoes, it’s just enormous! If I come again to this world, I’ll choose you over and over again. He’s last words were “I love you all” I love love love you too dad, with a heavy heart I bid you farewell, sleep on till we meet again.