On this day last year (9 March 2021),
A star fell into the deep, the sun withdrew its shine
dawn became dusk, the earth turned upside down
we lost the rhyme to our poem, and the rhythm to our song
as one of the greatest heroes exited

the mangoe lost its succulence and savour
life gave up its sweet taste, the cord that binds got severed
the drums ceased their melodious echoes
when the Prince of nobility flew out of reach
leaving our heart shattered, empty but heavy

this reality remains hard to accept
but, our resort is the Almighty
the sure strength on which to rest
the architect of life on whose design we are destined
and Christ, whose steadfastness changeth not
the Rock that remains unbreakable

each day of your absence exposes our humanness
evidence of your indispensable, endowed role
and a great gulf created, extremely difficult to bridge
which still draws tears from our flooded ducts
that only dreams and your cherished the memories dry up

Truly, your time with us was extremely short
but your works amongst us was monumental
reaching from the skies to earth, the East to the West.
You are as alive, brother, so alive as your accomplishments
A reason to be weary, but must inevitably say,
Adieu, Dehinde! my most beloved brother, Adieu!

Adieu Bros Dehiinde.
It is so painful that you are no more with us. I will miss your fatherly love. You are a loving brother, always on point, caring and ready to listen to me. I will always remember you Bros.
Big daddy, Continuous to rest in the bossom of the LORD Almighty. Amen.

Where do i start? What do I say?

We met in year 2000 and have bonded ever since like brothers even when fate chose to put us hundreds of kilometers apart, we remained in contact

Our last call shortly before you departed this sinful world was to focus fully on our retirement but we can't question God.

You are gone but you still live on within the hearts of all who truly know you and can vouch for your sincerity, steadfastness, your undisguised love and desire to stretch for friends and family, no matter the cost.

Not once were you ever angry no matter what one may have done to you. I will not mourn but rather, I will celebrate your love, our brotherliness, your impeccable character and beautiful times we spent together.

May the Lord God Almighty continue to rest your gentle and loving soul in peace. Adieu, my brother.....

Words can not express my personal sense of loss at your death.
Your smiles keep appearing
So it is so easy to die?
Bros Dehinde good night ooo

Aaaaah Big D!! Mmmmmmmm Bros D!! Ejen shano ro!! Ena lakata ano? Eta ne mune aya? What do we tell the children and younger cousins? Your place as bridge builder and networker cutting across young and old, different spectra of cousins remains vacant. I still hear your voice calling out to me 'K' , l have called Buoro or Boss, K do this or that! K, so what do we do about this or that? You have run your course, l thank God for journeying part with you. Thank God that you knew Him Whom alone is eternal. Tiya don Osibina uba. Tigure Osuda Oboro. Isubu eke fomore naben Ijesu Uhuru

Goodnight cousin ShoDehinde Edwin Akerejola
Scion and Prince of the Akerejola family, cousin and confidant to the Asiribo’s,
I kept hoping against hope that it was a dream, I waited in vain that the news was not true.
Ahh death! Thou art wicked and done thy worst.

Bros D! Bros D!! Bros D!!! You gave a new meaning to brotherhood.
Main man and organizer to all the cousins,
Networker extraordinaire and connection fabric for family and friends
Always making things happen for the benefit of others.
Last man standing for family and friends

Our brother, O Eminefo and Asiribo, on thy high places is wounded;
An illustrious prince of Okpa is slain upon the mountains and heights.
How are the valiant fallen? How the mighty have fallen;
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God
Tigure to osuda oboro

It is still a great shock to know that you are gone.

You were indeed my surefooted Uncle will a large heart,
A Master at Planning, logistics and Implementation.
Even in the difficult times your great sense of humor never failed to shine through.

Memories of the time with you on this side of eternity will forever warm our hearts.

Rest well Sir.

Dad, uncle and our friend. We are going to miss you so much, a father, an epitome of development to the youth. Goodnight sir. Rest well.

MY DEAR UNCLE,WHO ALWAYS CALLED ME MY BURSAR BECAUSE,HE BELIEVED THAT ONE DAY I WILL BE ONE.
THE BABA ÉTÓ OF THE FAMILY,ALWAYS THERE FOR ALL.
I AM MISSING YOU SO MUCH, IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE. 
CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE.

Big D your lessons shall forever stay with me. The Man with the purest of heart “Who instilled discipline in his Lifestyle” Never thought I’d be writing this eulogy which saddens me for you had to go this soon. Now who’s going to guide us as a family with different background? Baba E’to, His alway there to neutralize any situation. Grateful for the time spent with you. Every day came with new principles... His erudition was apparently endless, He Loved all and Hated non. A man of the people, BigD routed for Togetherness, Loyalty, Respect and to Keep faith in proper planning. Best believe you’d thrive on the Afterlife Thank you for been you. Love Joseph Akerejola

Writing this tribute on big D even after one month of his passing is such a herculean task . How do you say farewell to a dearly beloved brother and friend who was an extraordinary person, an angel in human form while here with us. Words still fail me hmmm .
Though I knew you were sick big D. I even had the privilege of speaking with you and praying for you on your sick bed on a few occasions but it never crossed my mind that you will pass on to eternity from your sick bed. I was eagerly looking forward to your discharge so I could hear gists and we could crack jokes. Haha! Still so difficult to believe that you passed on from there. 
Big D you were so special to everyone of us.
You were a shoulder to lean and cry upon.
You were a caring personality always there to check up on us and brighten our days. Hardly was there a single week that you did not call my phone no at least once and your opening greeting was usually ‘good morning my love. How are you all? ‘
You were there to give us joy with your kind and loving ways.
You were there as an encourager and a role model to the younger ones.
No matter what was happening,you knew just what to do.
You were the organizer, coordinator,facilitator and arranger for all family occasions. You were always ready to volunteer to carry out assignments in the family when the need for such arose even when it involved traveling .
Now you have left us because the Lord has chosen to call you home. You have left a huge vacuum in the family and you’re already missed daily. 
Adieu big D. Rest in perfect peace beloved. We will no longer see you physically but you will continue to live on in our hearts. We love you 

Mhmmmmm....
I'm still yet to come to term with your sudden exit, uncle Dehinde...
I was shocked to hear the news of your death but who are we to question God Almighty...

They say, the iroko has fallen, I say the iroko has been uprooted...

You were more than an uncle, you were a friend and a confidant...

BigD, you'll be forever missed   

Bros D,
Gone so soon. My family and I will miss you,will miss your jokes. Continue to rest in the bossom of the Lord. Tigure.

Our very own uncle Dehinde. How are the mighty fallen. Death has dealt a big blow by taking you away suddenly from us. When I spoke to you, there was the assurance that you will come out stronger. On the 8th I still spoke to aunty Marian who told me you are fine. Then what happened? 2021 a year not to forget in a hurry.

You were a strong pillar in this family. We saw you as the bridge between the young and old, a man of many part. Who do we ask all the questions?

You will be solely missed by us all. Rest in the bosom of the Lord

Tigure uncle.

Adetokunbo and Osanemo Fayemiwo

BigD, I'm still very shocked and I 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 as your nephew.
You touched so many lives by your selfless and countless acts of kindness, always giving and never expecting any favours in return. 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. The Bible says in everything give thanks, and I am indeed full of thanksgiving for the privilege of having had you in my life. You are INIMITABLE and IRREPLACEABLE. We love you but God loves you more and I know that he has you resting comfortably in his everlasting arms. Rest Well BigD

Mr Dehindus….as I would normally call you and you would respond with either “Aburo” or “Pepe yoyo”. I still find it difficult referring to you in the past tense. I recall the last string of WhatsApp chat and subsequent telephone conversations we had just before you went to be with the Lord. Starting on 3rd March 2021 with a message from you “Pepe yoyo, I don enter one chance ooo. I dey Gwagwalada Isolation Centre”. I was alarmed, but then played it down as we continued talking and chatting for a couple of days after, in your characteristic ebullient style. I never imagined those conversations would be the end of a deep friendship that started almost four decades ago. Deinde, you were a bridge-builder and a people person. You were incredibly good at nurturing relationships - calling, visiting and messaging your friends and family. Good at remembering names, birthdays and phone numbers. You touched many lives and would go out of your way to make others around you happy. I’d like to just keep the wonderful memories we shared together until we meet at the feet of Jesus, from where we part no more. Sleep well, omo Oba Ogori!

TRIBUTE TO A MAN OF HONOUR-LATE PRINCE
EDWIN DEHINDE AKEREJOLA

On the peak of rainy season, no water to drink and behold the sun set at the very dawn. The rude shock and excruciating news of the death of our brother, friend and age mate (PRINCE EDWIN DEHINDE AKEREJOLA) Ooged out like a wild storm. God gives and takes but why at this morning hours. But who can live and never die? How can man keep himself from the grave? Yes, the living know they are going to die.
The glory of a gem (PRINCE EDWIN DEHINDE AKEREJOLA) is slain upon the high places. How are the strength of the might fallen. Tell it not in the EMINAFO ROYAL DYNASTY, publish it not in the streets of Ogori-Magongo, National Open University of Nigeria and cosmic.
Prince Edwin Dehinde Akerejola a complete gentleman …… generous, cheerful, sagacious, vibrant, vigorous, active and a dynamic man as a member of 23RD AGE GROUP-ABOWOTO’ OPA ENI-OGORI. Our gentle easy going friend is gone. He has made a significant pact with God by sowing a seed of faith and has put his treasure in heaven. How painful it is to the people when one dies, well earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Our age mate and brother-Prince Edwin Dehinde Akerejola is gone to his final resting place and then there is mouring in the streets. The silver chain has snaped, the golden lamp fallen and broken, the rope at the well has broken and the water picher has completely shattered. His body has returned to the dust of the earth and the breath of life gone back to his creator. Death’s power to hurt is swallowed up in victory.
Good people die and no-one understands or even cares, but when they die no calamity can ever hurt them again. Those who live good life find peace and rest in death. Rest in the Lord PRINCE EDWIN DEHINDE AKEREJOCA. The 23RD AGE GROUP ABOWOTO-OPA, ENI OGORI, the entire Ogori Community and the cosmic at large join Millions of your sympathizers of the family of Prince E.D. Akerejola to mourn and pray that God gives him very sweet repose and we the living peace …… Amen.
Adieu, good night.
 
Signed:
23RD AGE GROUP ABOWOTO-OPA, ENI-OGORI.

Without a proper goodbye you left me in this cold world.... Tuesday 9th of March was a black Tuesday for me, You had taken the space of a father in my life Mr Akerejola I had grown so fond of you, you were my role model, my counselor, my greatest advicer, my friend and father. I felt safe to tell you the things that affected me as you treated me like your very own child
You were always there to correct me when I'm wrong and was a shoulder for I and mum to lean on, you made sure you solved all the issues between I and mum and always say to me that my mom is my second God, this your words had always encouraged me and made me know the importance of a mother in the life of a kid
You had promised to come visit as soon as the pandemic is over but how was I supposed to know that it was take you away forever from me?????
When mum had told me about the illness in my ignorance I refused to believe as I thought of it as a scam but now I do
Who would scold me the way you do now??
You were a people's person and this made your personality so simple.



I will really miss you Dad and I pray that the good works you have done while here on Earth would stand in testimony of you on the last day.Amen
Rest in the bossom of the Lord ✝️✝️Till we meet at the bottom feet of Christ to part no more

Without a proper goodbye you left me in this cold world.... Tuesday 9th of March was a black Tuesday for me, You had taken the space of a father in my life Mr Akerejola I had grown so fond of you, you were my role model, my counselor, my greatest advicer, my friend and father. I felt safe to tell you the things that affected me as you treated me like your very own child
You were always there to correct me when I'm wrong and was a shoulder for I and mum to lean on, you made sure you solved all the issues between I and mum and always say to me that my mom is my second God, this your words had always encouraged me and made me know the importance of a mother in the life of a kid
You had promised to come visit as soon as the pandemic is over but how was I supposed to know that it was take you away forever from me?????
When mum had told me about the illness in my ignorance I refused to believe as I thought of it as a scam but now I do
Who would scold me the way you do now??
You were a people's person and this made your personality so simple.



I will really miss you Dad and I pray that the good works you have done while here on Earth would stand in testimony of you on the last day.Amen
Rest in the bossom of the Lord ✝️✝️Till we meet at the bottom feet of Christ to part no more

I cannot fine the right set of words to express how I truly feel. In and through the good times, bad times, and the ups and downs you were there. Your leadership and guidance was what made you stand out of crowd as my best friend.

Where do i start from? Who will guide and scold me when i go astray?

In all ways, I will say this "Indeed, you were a father, you listened, cared, stood for what you felt was right, you expressed your love in your own way, some may say your method were crude or blunt but those attributes part of what made you stand out". 

My Dendus never joked with his pride and integrity. Circumstances and situations never made him lower his standards.
"Big daddy" was not without limits. He raised his voice to scold anybody whenever and wherever. He didn't give a hoot how the person felt whenever he vocalised his thoughts. I feel this helped him not to bear grudges.

Very few people are blessed enough to call you their father a legend, and an even smaller number are able to share that notion with the rest of the world.

My Dendus you lived an exemplary life which has set a standard I am determined to surpass. Your sacrifices shall not be forgotten, your efforts shall not be discarded nor your legacies be left in shambles. At least now you can oversee my affairs from up there. 

The swiftness of your departure remain so shocking to me, you left the day I least expected but I cannot fight God because he owns your life. I know that it was time and God called you home because the doctors tried there humanly possible best to keep you with with us, or at least prolong your stay with us here on earth but God knows best.

Again! Who can say 'no' to the almighty God? You walked steadfastly with him. Going away with such peace that you can only bow to God's sovereignty, our heart still laden with grief since your departure.

Though the sadness caused by your departure will linger but we take solace in the fact that you are resting with the saints.
Even in death I still love and cherish you. I celebrate your life my Dendus!!!

TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER IN LAW

It was very devastating and heart breaking when I got the news that you were no more. It is not only hard to believe but very shocking. I am still struggling to accept this reality. You were not just a brother in law to me but you also played the role of an elder brother, you were a kind man, loving, and caring. You always tried as much as possible to give your best in every situation. Everybody's problem is your problem which you always look for a way of solving. I am proud to say you were always there for me. You always look out for the best for me, my children were your children. We love you big D but our Almighty father loves you most reason why he has called you home to him. May he grant you a perfect rest. Amen.
Adieu ededa oboro!
                         Titi Akerejola

Big D(eded'oboro), it is one month since you left us and it still feels like a dream. My fight buddy- we had little fights cos i was too young to understand that all you wanted was a better life for me. You were very funny, and a jovial man, you put smile in others people's face, i remember how any time my dad has problems dealing with situations;you take it upon yourself to see that he scales through. His fight was your fight. You preached loved to us everytime and you showed us love even if i particularly i can be a hard nut to crack. You were always there for my mum(you loved her like she was you blood sister), thank you sir for all the support and love, thank you for always putting me right back on track, i definitely will miss the family holiday trips you always put together. We love you daddy but Our heavenly father loves you most and has his perfect reasons for bringing you home with him. I pray that God forgive you all your sins and that you rest in bossom of the lord. TIGURE BIG DADDY. till we meet to part no more.

*MY TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED BROTHER (Big Daddy)*

Oh my beloved my brother, like a dream or play you are gone?
kabiyesi left us to the world,
Olaribigbe to join him soon after.
Dehinde you left when I need you most.

You all left me to this wicked world of no mercy.
This world of hate.
The world of insincerity.
The world full of deceit.
This wicked world of hopeless!

Bros Dehinde, you are leaving me when we are just
beginning to understand,
beginning to love,
beginning to cherish,
beginning to know each other better.

The man who loves me regardless of my inequalities and shortcomings/flaws; never had "NO" in his dictionary.
All he does is throw his full weight in the face of
impossibilities to ensure the possible.
The man with a changing wand at all times.

Your straightness puts you in trouble most of the time which you never cared about.
You believe in what you believe, no matter what!
Your thinking and thoughts were extraordinary;
very explicit and down to earth, rationally prudent.

Hard nut to crack but couldn't hault death; hard to change but death softened you.

Tell Papa and 'Yiwola that you all abandoned me in this sinful world.
Tigure osud'oboro, isubu eke fomore naben.

Prince Julius Banji Bawa Akerejola,
TheOsiako of Ogori.

Tuesday 9th March 2021 was a dark Tuesday for me. It was a day that the earth stood still and everything was dark. It was the day I lost you my husband. You were not just my husband but you were also the love of my life, my soulmate, my companion, my father, my brother, my best friend, my confidant, my adviser, I can go on and on because you played so many roles in different capacity in my life.

I thank God Almighty for the years we spent together as one, to Him alone be all Adoration.

You were a man of the people. You stood for all, you loved and cared for all unconditionally. You put smile on people's faces. You were full of life until God called you home to be with Him.

My heart aches for you everyday. I miss you terribly and it hurts. Everyone says, Mariam you are a strong woman little do they know that I am weak, I bleed inside, I feel so much pain. Your exit broke me but I cannot question God's decision I can only hold on to the fact that you are in a better place, with our Lord Jesus Christ.

The years we spent together were not always smooth or rosy but they were the best years of my life and I am happy to have been your wife. You were not a perfect man (who is anyway, but God) but you were perfect for me.

I will always deeply miss you in my quiet moments and trying times when you are not there assure me and give me advice.

I trust God will heal me of this weakness and pain and lead the children and I in this new journey of life because He alone is our and Sure Anchor.

You will forever be in my heart and my love for you will never ever die. Rest in peace my Love.

Mrs Dehinde AKEREJOLA

I have lost a friend and brother. A bridge Builder, an epitome of humility and kindness. Death has been so unfair to us. We met in the course of duty in 2007 and our Friendship has grown in leeps and bonds. Your love for my family is indescribable. We can't question GOD he knows more than us. It is unarguable that you lived a fulfilled life even though short than expected. Keep resting in the bosom of the Lord untill we meet and part no more.
Mr. Bola FERUKE, FCA
Bursar, UNIOSUN

It is quite unbelievable that you actually left us just like that you remember again it was me and you that was all the way through preparing to lay to our mother Earth our sweet and ever loving brother Prof. Asiribo so busy together between January 18 and finally 23rd, could not believe that so soon and in less than two months it will be your turn for us to be in pain I cannot question God again on this but to say God should keep in that place smiling and rejoicing, may God console us all so much wonderful things have been said about you I cannot agree less. Rest in peace my brother. Tigure Tigure Tigure

Daddy,
You were the Daddy we never had; the very first that we ever called Daddy. You were our Daddy and will always be. We love you so much and will miss you so much more. Thank you sir, for the fatherly love and care you showed us. Rest in eternal peace Daddy.
Ovie and Itafe Ohijemeshon.

You were the very epitome of goodness, an indefatigable promoter of unity and togetherness. Your passing is a very bitter reality to accept, you were simply a very good man, a phenomenon. Rest in eternal peace my worthy in-law. We love you so much but God loves you most.
Omorhe Daudu.

DEHINDE
(for Dehinde E. Akerejola)

Melancholy overwhelmed me
you too left
one too many

You fought it with pharmakon
your better-half did
we too. On our knees

You embraced it
like Christ in Gesthemane
"...not what l will..."

The windingsheet fell
it seems over
but nay! It's not

Images. Of your love and light
are engraved. And embalmed
in our memories. Forever

Dehinde, you can never be
a finished silence
though Homeward you turn and plod now

Until we finish
living and reminiscing
you are not over

Dehinde, you are not over

@Tokura Doval (9/3/2021)

And so EDA, my soul mate is no more. You left us all without a word of goodbye. What is ironic about the news of your demise is the fact that you who had always admonished me and others to be very careful, was the very victim, cut down by the same pandemic. We shall all keep alive all the ideals you were very well known for,your fortrightness, your unalloyed love for all and sundry and your generosity. May God provide for all your family members and we your friends alike. Rest in peace, my dear EDA.

Akerejola Dehinde Etimaife.


It all started when mummy gave birth to me
You were always there to take care of me
Although I wish you were still here to do that
But God's time is the best
And I know that no matter what, you will still be taking care of us in heaven
Anytime I look at the mirror and see myself
I always see you because obviously we are alike in more ways than one
So I know you still live in me
I remember all the fun times we had together
All the advice you gave me
No doubt that you were a wise man
You always told me to thank God in all we do and all that happens
So I thank God for your death
All we need to do is to celebrate and make you happy and proud
Thank you dad.


Akerejola Dehinde Etimaife

Akerejola Dehinde Miberon.


Hey dad, is so sad that you had to leave us so soon, well we can't do anything but to thank God.
You were a very humble and great man, the best dad I could ever have.
You have made so much impact and sacrifices in my life and I thank you for that.
If the world was to come to an end so we could have a redo, I would want you to be my dad over and over again.
You were the best father, husband, friend, brother, son-in-law etc that anyone could wish for.
There's just no one in this whole world that could replace a father's love for his daughter and no Father can ever replace you and the love I have for you daddy.
I don't want to call this a tribute but an apprication letter to you.
Thank you daddy for always being there for me and I know that as you are in heaven you are still here for me and all of us.
I love you daddy, was the last thing I told you when I last saw you , but guess what daddy I still love u and I will always love you. Thank you daddy.


Akerejola Dehinde Miberon

Words cannot express how I feel. God only knows why he needed you in Heaven more than we need you here. An Angel in life and eternally remembered. You lived the type of life most would aspire to. A man of virtue, values and faith; you showed us how to walk the path close to Christ by setting us an example.

I can still remember all of the talks we had, All of the laughs and smiles. I remember when you told me you were proud of me. I remember every time you called me how we would chat a debate and learn more about each other. I can remember all the pieces of advise you gave me to help me become a better woman. I thank God every day for bringing us back together. There is nothing in the world more valuable than the relationship we built even after being apart for so long. You are the perfect example of a father.

I still don’t want to believe some days but I know God needed you by his side. I love you so much ❤️

It's still a shock to me,I remembered how you always encourage us to speak oko.i will forever miss you uncle.

Akerejola Dehinde Obinpilasha.

It's hard writing this and almost still impossible that this has actually happened. But who are we to question God.

Daddy, throughout the years
you’ve always been a wonderful man to us. When we were small you took the time to bounce us on your knee

As we grew older, you were there see

We only had to call

We knew that we could count on you and never let us fall

Look at how time flies

So many hard times in our lives

You’ve helped to get us through

I’m so glad God gave us
a father and husband as special as you.

Believing the words I imagine you will be saying to my mom, siblings and I will be,
"A limb has fallen from the family tree

It's okay to grieve, but don't grieve too much for me

Remember the best times, the laughter and the songs

The good I lived while I was strong
Continue my legacy, I’m counting on you

Keep on smiling, the sun will shine through

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest

Remembering all…how I was truly blessed

Continue traditions, no matter how small

Go on with your lives, don’t stare at the wall

I miss you all dearly so keep up your chin

Until the beautiful day in paradise that we’re together again

For me to live in Christ, and to die is gain"

Akerejola Obinpilasha

Prince Dehinde Akerejola,(big bros.)you had done your best as golden hearted man, you had lived a good life that show your kindness and gentleness with generousity.may you continuing rest in perfect peace in the lord in Jesus name(Amen.)

Uncle Dehinde, rest on until the resurrection morning.
Adieu.

My father's twin, you call yourselves Senior and junior, always in contact with him not minding the distance. The distance couldn't stop you two.
Did you really leave March 9th? Exactly 3 years Senior left this world? Did you both planned it? Who can give me answeres to all these questions?
Bridge builder,truth upholder,humble, straight forward,very strict,very principled,
Oh Uncle Dehinde, ílè dàhòròò.
My heart bleeds,my tears are red.
Who can heal and take away this pain that I feel so much?
Thank you for loving me like your own.
Even in death,God bless you.
Rest in peace uncle,rest in perfect peace till we meet again,God loves you more.
Adieu............

The darkness is so palpable
The grief is so unbearable
The tears are so unstoppable
To say, “adieu” now is so unimaginable

We love you, but God loves you best.
But, Almighty God, you owned,
You gave and you took away
Glory to your Name!