Prof Ojo rest in power. You taught us a lot in the department of economics, University of Eswatini. You were committed to your work through and through, but you also enjoyed life. You danced, loved soccer, laughed easily, loved children, shared what you had easily with others and cared for your friends and colleagues. Goodnight Prof.....

MRS DORCAS OMONIYI

My dear brother, the news of your death broke my heart and the thought of it remains unbearable for me ever since. If tears could bring you back, you would have been awake so that you can remain with us. I remember our beautiful childhood days together at Okelapa and the fond memories of impactful life you had with all your relatives. Thank you for your love for the family and the unifying role you played in it. Indeed, Your death has left a big vacuum in the family for ever.
You will forever hold a place in my heart that no one could ever fill. ''Omo olode okuta, Omo abuoke di e soogun, Omo iroro Agbo ti mbi kooko ninu. Omo gbe Ile Iya ati baba e Niyi. Sun re o''
Adieu my brother. Till resurrection Morning.

Your life time on Earth was impactful, you live for God and humanity. Personally, your influence upon my life was tremendous. You gave me life to be whom I am now. Your departure from this clime is a great loss but certainly heaven's gain. Forever will your memory live with us. Adieu Baba

TRIBUTE TO PROF FOLAYAN OJO

Professor Folayan and I first met in 2001 at University of Swaziland (now University of Eswatini), Kwaluseni when he joined the University as a Professor of Economics. Since then, we were in contact until his passing. We and members of our families used to visit each other when we were in Swaziland. I thank God that I had the privilege of testifying of the caliber of his person in Volume Two of his autobiography.
Prof Ojo, an eminent scholar of international repute had many sterling qualities which I believe he must have developed right from his childhood. By the time he joined the University of Swaziland (UNISWA) he was already a renowned Professor of Economics of many years of experience. At UNISWA he brought his wealth of experience on broad providing the needed academic and administrative leadership not only in his faculty but at the university level.
His humble and humane dispositions were displaced by the way he provided academic leadership to both staff and students in his faculty. His calm demeanor, calibre and academic status soon became very obvious to all, and he was saddled with great responsibilities at faculty and university levels.
He served diligently on virtually all key committees of the University, including the Council, Senate, Deans Committee, Research Board, just to mention a few. He was the Editor of UNISWA Research Journal which was one of the two journals published by the University. He brought in a lot of innovative ideas when he acted as Pro-Chancellor of the University in 2006. He was the first and only expatriate to occupy such an esteem management position in UNISWA. He was a resource person on many occasions at both local and international conferences, seminars and workshops which the University hosted. He provided academic leadership as the Academic Coordinator for the 2009 World Trade Organization (WTO) Regional Trade Policy Course (RTCP) hosted by Swaziland. RTCP was a three-month trade policy course jointly mounted by WTO and UNISWA for governments and academics from English-speaking African countries. His appointment as the Academic Coordinator for RTCP was a clear testimony to his international stature as an astute scholar. He was a worthy ambassador who did Nigeria proud.
Professor Ojo was surely a great statesman of high integrity and moral values. He contributed immensely in other areas of life from his vast experience but I am limiting this tribute to the period we worked together in a foreign country. However, I must comment briefly on his family life.
He was a good family man. Our close interaction outside academics afforded me the awareness of his deep love for his nucleus and extended family, who certainly shall miss him more than any of us. May God grant his wife, children and grandchildren comfort and fortitude to bear his departure to glory.

Prof Oluwole O. G. Amusan

PASTOR MRS FOLUKE OLAYEMI

Daddy Prof. as i used to call you, you left us suddenly though at the appointed time of God.
Your impact on the entire family is immeasurable. Personally, you had a huge impact on me. I was the first of our family members that joined you and mummy immediately you came back from Canada. You took me as your daughter , taking me everywhere you had to go including bar beach. You send me to school and finally secured me a job where I worked till my retirement recently.

When I lost my husband, your encouragement and financial support were extremely helpful. You were so kind prof and your love of family was legendary. You made sure you touched almost all segment of the entire extended family.

You left a wide vacuum which only Christ can occupy...Sleep well at the bossom of our lord ABA MI OWON...

PASTOR MRS FOLUKE OLUWAYEMI

I'm so very sad that the family has lost one of it's TRUE examples of excellence, and even though we mourn this loss I thank God for the life you were able to live.

I thank you for always wanting the best for me and my brothers and always checking in on us to see how we were progressing in life. I'll never forget when you spent some time with us some years back and everything you showed me in your book and all your experiences.

I will always cherish those times and keep them close to my heart. Your legacy will continue to live on in the generation that you have helped nurture and you will never be forgotten. I appreciate you uncle. May you forever rest in perfect peace.

OLUFUNKE SAMUEL

My dear prof, your death comes to us as an irreplaceable loss to the entire family because you were a father to all of us. You and my father, Pa Olayinka Aboloyinjo were only cousins, but you took me as your daughter.
Without you i would be nothing today. When you were appointed state commissioner, I was one of the first beneficiary of that appointment. You did not only secure employment for me at the state civil service, you offered me accommodation at your official quarters before i later secured my own place. I'm still a civil servant till today.

When I lost my husband too , your encouragement and kind support would never be forgotten.

I must also thank you for the love you showed to my Father. You would not fail to see and say hello to him anytime you visited Ijero no matter how difficult your schedules.

How can i forget to thank you for your tremendous impact on my junior brother, Omoniyi Aboloyinjo who you took early enough as your own son.

Infact, your impact in the whole extended family will for ever remain eternal.

' kato ri erin o digbo, kato ri ekun o di odan
May God grant your soul Eternal peace.

Olufunke Samuel.

It was with profound sense of loss that I got to learn of the passing of my dear friend and colleague Prof. Ojo. I met and got to know Prof in 2001 as a colleague in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Swaziland. His family and mine remained closely associated for the period they lived in Swaziland, and we thereafter kept in touch via email, WhatsApp and an occasional phone call. It is these connections and the shared moments we had that my family and I will treasure regarding this truly remarkable man. Prof was a gentle, kind and humble person with a sense of humour that reflected the joy that he always felt to be with others, to support and uplift them, and to give them the feeling that life is about being happy, social, and of service to others. Even at work, Prof had the the unique capacity to tap into the strengths of those he worked with, and provide them the guidance that brought out his caring qualities and his profound sense of duty. I feel fortunate to have been closely associated with Prof and to have benefitted from his selfless mentorship. His life and accomplishments can indeed be summed up as ‘A Dream Fulfilled’, the title of the second volume of his autobiography. I will miss this exceptionally kind and great human being: ‘Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen’. 

"My Prof" as I often call you, your death came suddenly in a shocking manner through an SMS and I cried. Sir, you were one in a million. All through your stay in Swaziland you were like a father to me and you imparted so many values in me. You lived a fulfilled life with mummy your virtuous wife. We love you but God loves you more.
Rest in perfect peace sir, till we meet again in the bosom of the Lord. Goodnight.

Hmm still can’t comprehend this great loss. Daddy, Uncle to me and us. You stepped into our lives when we lost our parents. Always calling me, sending me WhatsApp messages and emails checking on me and my immediate family. You were the only one i had and i was close to on my Dad’s side of the family. Who will check on me now? Rest in power and you will surely be missed Sir. You lived a good and exemplary life what a consolation. 

Prof, my brother who unconditionally loved me throughout his lifetime, right from my youthful days, you protected me like a hen would shield its chicken. In my choice of a spouse, you were not left out. You never failed to show your love for me and my family. You were my husband’s friend and were there for me as brother, and father. Immediately my husband passed on, you took up the role, provided everything I needed for me and took care of me like a baby. You got me my first grinding machine which became a regular source of income for a very long time and brought ease to my family. At times, my children would even laugh at me and as they kept wondering what manner of man you were that loved his sister like this. You made available everything you felt I would need ranging from matches to used newspaper to cooking pots. We talked about anything and everything. You never stopped calling the name Ajigbo and making people realized how much you loved me. When I started having children, you took all of them like yours and all my children lived with you at one time or the other. You have been the rallying point of all the extended families. You were a strong unity point among all your step siblings and all the extended families. I can go on and on. It is an understatement that I am missing you but I cannot mourn but celebrate your good legacies. Your legacies gladden my heart and I pray the Almighty rest your soul. Egbon mi atata, I really wished there was no death and we would have been together forever.
Sun re o. Afolayanka Omo Olure, omo oluroko gogorogo kii lopon nigeru.Uroko ki loriire kan suwe akun i han. uroko ki loriire kan seso i un lule uwe. Omo olopon ude kan we tirigin. Omo ojumu odo, omo oloni gboran ora re.omo olode okuta. Omo amule oti gboungboun. Moba Otun omo olorogbo. 
Ajigbotola Ajoje (Nee OJo)

THANK YOU DADDY
Yes! We called you daddy because you were a father to us. Thank you for your mentoring which guided my choice of profession till today. Thank you for your support when I was in UNILAG Economics department. I remember how happy you were when I made a second class upper and you patted me at the back and said “Iyabo, well done”. You were a source of inspiration. Thank you for teaching me how to organise myself and do so many things within a limited time. Thank you for the monthly upkeep while I was with you. Thank you for taking me and my siblings like your children. One of the thing I learnt from you is that giving will never make anyone poor. You were a silent philanthropist. Thank you, thank you and thank you daddy.
Iyabo

I was blessed to have Prof Ojo as my Father-in-law. He was a kind, supportive, thoughtful, good humoured gentleman. He was firm in his beliefs but would not impose them nor himself on anyone. He had a deep rumbling laugh that invited you to join him. He was always fair. He called/FaceTimed every weekend and birthday without fail (outstanding memory).
He was a Man. United fan when he clearly should have supported Arsenal (but no one is perfect).
He made the world better by making a difference in whatever patch of earth he occupied- as a commissioner, private scholarships, in church, Ekiti organisation, to name a few.
A gentleman, through and through. It was an pleasure and honour to have walked part of the way with him.
I will miss you Daddy Ojo.

It is hard to believe that 'my Prof' as I used to call him has passed on. He was a humble, hardworking free minded with high integrity. He inspired me in so many ways. He touched positively lives of so many people.
He was our 'Chief Ekuulu-ilu nunn' group
during his time in Swaziland. Ekuulu was a group of like minded people who used to gather together to make themselves happy...the Owambe.
Prof was our Chief dancer. We loved you but God loves you most that is why he has decided to call you back home. And I know that you are dancing on your way to Him.
May God comfort and strength your family.
May your soul rest in peace Prof.

We missed an icon, though we will face the same one day but we will forever miss you and your legacy is still alive speaking about you though, the body has gone but the legacy is a spirit in which it can never die that's the beautiful impactation you have made on earth sir. You made our name OJO proud sir. We loved you but God loves you most. Rest on sir

My Grandfather, Professor Folayan Ojo was a man of respect and honor, he was a mentor not only to me but to many others. Although we are saddened by his death we know that Heaven has gained an Angel. Rest in perfect peace Grandpa.
I love you

Grandpa was a great man of pleasure; he was my mentor and my teacher. I miss you so much Grandpa, thank you for the days.
Tamaratare Masah, Tare baby

...AND THE ICON PASSED ON

Rest in power Daddy, Prof. Folayan Ojo.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 - “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

Ecclesiastes 3:2 - “... a time to be born, and time to die,” ...

Religiously proved and philosophically ascertained, all humans are mortals.
Relying on the biblical assertion in Genesis 3:19b - “for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return”, Prof. Folayan Ojo, we submit to the will of God on your demise.

Baba Folayan Ojo, though you have gone to join the saints, still, reviewing and remembering your fulfilled sojourn on earth leaves us with nostalgia.

Highlighting your indelible touches in life may take decades to actualise, as such, submitting to the will of God that enabled you traversed thus far will be our faithful solace.

I knew you in many ways and your worth all through is enviably emulative.

Reading many testimonials of your helpful, selfless, patriotic, academic, iconic and ebullient dispositions while you lived is another pointer that you lived well.

On your transition, I pray that God Almighty rests your soul eternally.

You will be sorely missed here but rest on till the resurrection day, when we shall meet and part no more.

Adieu! Adieu! Adieu!

Dear Daddy,
I just can't believe you are gone, when Kemi called me to break the news, i just kept my cool but for several days my heart has been heavy but i know the Lord will comfort your family and everyone that loved you so dearly.

You were indeed a Great Daddy and A Great Person. Meeting you through Kemi years ago was truly a honour. Working on some of your briefs, working with you and getting to know you is knowing that truly you were an Extraordinary Gentleman. You were very Kind, Thoughtful and Truly Good to me Daddy. A Very Considerate Client, you made my work very easy and never complained even when i was late for a meeting

You will be missed Daddy Ojo, Rest in Perfect Peace

I want to start by thanking you for everything you have done for your family and your community. You have always been a pillar to Whom we can always seek wise counsel. You've been there for me since the beginning, helping to raise me and teaching me the fundamentals that I've kept with me throughout my entire life. I've always looked up to you and try to follow your lead as my older brother. I'm happy that I've been able to make you proud of what I've also accomplished.

Even though losing you hurts, I will always cherish the numerous memories that we've had throughout life. In this season of mourning I know God will get us through it.

Your legacy continues to live on in bot only our lives but the lives of everyone you have touched. I can and will never forget you brother. I will continue to strive for the best as you would have always wanted. Thank you again for everything you have done. May your soul forever rest in peace and may you continue to watch over all of us here.

It’s difficult to accept but very true. It is difficult to understand but very real. Daddy, it’s hard to believe that you have gone to be seen no more in this world. I never dream of your death so near, the blow was hard and the shock was severe. Prof. I still can’t believe I am writing a tribute because of your passing, but if this is the last time I have to say goodbye then, I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself fortunate to have engaged with you.

Daddy, as I fondly called you, your death left a big vacuum, especially when I remember Mummy (Your wife) with your aged mother-in law and imagine what pain goes through both of them missing lovely husband and a great son in law, and how I wish someone will reassure us that all is rumour. However, while we mourn, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission here on earth would have been fulfilled, but we feel it’s quite too soon. But then, such is life and we had to accept that God had decided to bring you home.

Daddy, I know it is the will of God and we have no authority to question Him. Though, you might be physically gone, your thought shall never depart from my mind, neither your place in my heart be replaced. The fact that you are no longer here with us is painful, I think of you every day in silence, I often speak your name but all I have is memory, your memory is a keepsake from which I will never forget forever in my heart with each passing day filled with memories of times shared.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, may you continue to rest in perfect peace of our Lord whom you served till will meet again to part no more as you enter your heavenly home

Rest on Baba Omo and continue to sleep in the bosom of our Lord till we meet to part no more, amen.

Steve Akinwale Ogunlola

MY JOURNEY OF LIFE WITH PROFESSOR FOLAYAN OJO
How can I write a tribute to Professor Folayan Ojo without mentioning some of his incisive, decisive and absolutely significant positive interventions in my journey of life. Professor Ojo and my biological father late Pa Olayinka Aboloyinjo were first cousins. But Professor Ojo played actively the fatherly role in my development.

Right from my childhood as a primary six pupil, he recognized perhaps intuitevily, my academic abilities, he encouraged my father to put me in boarding school when i gained admission to DMGS with promise of regular funding in that regard. My father did not eventually put me in boarding school because I was helping him in his farm and business. But my father was always encouraging me to do well in school in order not to disappoint his cousin. He would always remind me of Prof promise to take me to Lagos to further my studies if I came out well in my exams. The strategy worked well. I did well in my final exam.

Few months later Prof fulfilled his promise, he came to Ijero to pick me up for upward journey to Lagos. The few days during the preparation for the trip and the actual journey were most joyous moments of my life.
Professor was full of life, happy through out the journey, though driving, he was singing and dancing to Ebenezer's melodies.
At arrival in Lagos, he quickly enrolled me for Jamb lessons, ensured I secured university admission and assisted my father greatly though out my university program.

During my NYSC program prof already started feverish efforts at securing a job for me . Immediately after my National service, I visited him in Akure. After our usual father and son exchange of familiarities , prof brought out his call card and wrote to Regional Controller, Nigerian General Insurance Plc. On the card he wrote "Dear Madam, I have discussed with Mr. Awopetu, the employment of The bearer. Kindly assist." The following day I took the card to the office and resumed work immediately. My appointment was normalized a month later.

That momentous event was a defining moment of my illustrious career in Nigeria insurance industry where I later rose to top management positions.

Time and space would not allow me give full highlights of others significant contributions of Prof to my progress and development. I also wonder if I ever thank you enough for the huge impact you had in me but have solace that God will reward your soul with Eternal Goodness in recognition of your kindness to all that crossed your path.

Obviously, In Professor Folayan Ojo, I lost a loving ,caring and affectionate father who God sent to me as my earthly guardian.

You will surely be missed ABAMI . MAY GOD GRANT YOUR HUMBLE, LOVING AND RADIANT SOUL ETERNAL GRACE AND MERCY.

NIYI ABOLOYINJO.

Thank God for a fulfilled life.l think enough has been said about Prof. but one thing l cherish about Prof, and for which l continue to live with is the word; "l am sorry Sir"no matter the level of your offence,Prof, will forgive. A man with a Large Heart. That's the kind of person Prof,his.
We are missing him already but we take solace in the fact that he lived a life worthy of emolution.Rest on Daddy.

I will continue to miss you my confidant. You were always there for me even when at crossroads in life. You put smile on my face. Where should I start  from? is it when I joined you in Ozolua road at Unilag staff Quaters? You accommodated me and stood by me and my siblings including my mom, your younger sister not to feel much of the absence of our father you were always there for her as a father, husband and a good brother. You always put my mom first in your mind.. Daddy my children will continue to miss you . We will all miss your dancing steps .we love you but God loves you more than anyone. We shall all continue to celebrate you as a role model, father.. I pray to God to grant you eternal rest prof Folayan Ojo. Rest in peace

Grandpa, as my kids called him , was a man of honour. His word was his bond and he was an epitome of a good man with a caring heart and a gentle soul. I never saw a man so organized. His attention to details and his memory of events, names and dates was profound.

Though he was my father in-law, we shared a bond like father and son, ikus-ikus he called me. We often discussed  just about anything while taking our "usual " (drinks) , sometimes, late into the night.

He was a family man who loved his wife, children and grandchildren very dearly. 
He lived a life without frills and loved to laugh and to dance. My kids always looked forward to visit him because he always spoilt them with gifts.

Thank you daddy for all your love and support, we love you but God loves you more. I still can't believe I am writing a tribute to you . You were a good man with a good heart and a gentle soul
Till we meet again in heaven, continue to rest in perfect peace daddy.
May God grant you eternal rest and bless your soul.
Amen.

Dear Daddy,

Words fail your "T" for Toyin. My father was the symbol of love, emphathy, simplicity, humility, integrity and hardwork.

i still cannot believe i am refering to you in the past tense. You were selfless, always assisting anyone who needs the help you can give.

You were always time conscious, never late and the most organized person i have ever known. Your attention to details was second to none.

How can i forget that you were the life of the party with your hearty distinct laughter while enjoying yourself and the unbeatable, unique dance steps?

I thank God for the opportunity of knowing you. Moreover, i also thank Him for the priviledge of being your daughter

Thank you Dad for being the best Dad i could ever ask for. Thank you for the endless love you showered on my mum, brothers and sisters, in-laws, grandchildren and the entire family.

You will surely be missed greatly. I love you Dad! Dance with the angels in Heaven till we meet to part no more.

Eternal rest grant him o Lord and let perpertual light shine upon him. Amen

I want to start by thanking you for everything you have done for your family and your community. You have always been a pillar to Whom we can always seek wise counsel. You've been there for me since the beginning, helping to raise me and teaching me the fundamentals that I've kept with me throughout my entire life. I've always looked up to you and try to follow your lead as my older brother. I'm happy that I've been able to make you proud of what I've also accomplished.

Even though losing you hurts, I will always cherish the numerous memories that we've had throughout life. In this season of mourning I know God will get us through it.

Your legacy continues to live on in bot only our lives but the lives of everyone you have touched. I can and will never forget you brother. I will continue to strive for the best as you would have always wanted. Thank you again for everything you have done. May your soul forever rest in peace and may you continue to watch over all of us here.

I met Professor Ojo as Dean at the University of Swaziland in 2006 during the graduation ceremony. His voice when reading the names of graduating students was like velvet. When he suspected that the listeners were reacting positively, he changed his voice to be less endearing. He was such a scholar that could adjust positively to situations. In spite of his great achievements, he was humble in disposition and dressing. He headed important committees with humility and wisdom. He was a rare and talented scholar who never allowed his achievements to make him look down on others. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Prof. A. A. Jibowo

Grandpa, I really really really really miss you by Timi Feyisetan

TRIBUTE TO A GRANDPA
A man as humble and loving as grandpa will always be remembered by those of us who knew and love him. Although we will miss him, his smile, his gists, love and our usual token. We take consolation in the good feelings of our memories. Grandpa, I and my siblings will always miss you. Though, I have so many wonderful memories to hang on especially you made us to know that electricity supply was extended to our maternal home town Ido Ile Ekiti while you were commissioner with a prove of picture which you gave to mum from your archive. Grandpa, we know you are in a better place. Rest on Grandpa. Oluwapelumi Ajoje.

Each time I address you as daddy in the presence of my children, they always ask if you are not my uncle. But my response had always been if there is any word bigger than daddy, that's what you should be called. This is to show how important you were to my life and family. I still remember your effort while going to Ministry of Defence at Moloney, Lagos. You would be on queue under very hot sun for me to be enlisted into the Nigerian Navy. Daddy you did not stop there, you were always monitoring my progress and I can still remember in the sitting room when you made it clear that you were proud of me. All I could say was, I could not afford to fail your fatherly effort. My wife which you accepted as your daughter and my children are singing your praises though yet to believe that you are no more. My solace is the fact that you lived a righteous life. Your death actually left a scar in our hearts but your legacy will stand in our life. Adieu Daddy! We all miss you.

Heaven gained an angel. However, my heart is filled with joy and gladness that Daddy lived a gracious and fulfilled life. I will miss our conversation and your wise words and I pray I’m half the man you were. My inspiration, my hero and my mentor. Father of many, always full of encouragement and a pillar of support.
Daddy, thank you for laying such a wonderful path for us all with your love beliefs,values and hard work.

I love you daddy. I will miss u dearly

Heaven has gained an angel
Even though I am writing this tribute with sadness, I am glad that Daddy Prof Afolayan Ojo lived a purposeful and fulfilled life. I will miss so many of his virtues. He was an encourager, a pillar of support, a motivator, and a man filled with so much grace and wisdom. Yes, he was very spiritual too. He fitted into everything I like to talk about.
I pray that the Lord will console all that he left behind and give everyone of us the fortitude to bear the huge loss.
Thank you sir for showing this generation what it means to be loving, courteous, hard working and interesting. I have loads of fond memories. Rest on sir.
Princess Adetoun Agboola
(Nee Adewole)

TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR FOLAYAN OJO.       The death of our Daddy professor Folayan Ojo represent a great loss to the entire family and entire Ijero Ekiti community for his pioneering roles in education, human development family and community leadership.    If you lived for 50 more years,the vacuum would anytime have remained conspicuously a void too difficult to fill.It is a historical responsibility shouldered with courage, passion and commitment one thing in unique that you meaningfully engineer relevance beyond the dogma of university training, you rose through the ranks and file to become an emeritus professor, a legacy that has actually put you and family in the respectable ranking of the elite in the Ijero home and diaspora, see how are mighty fallen! Life is all about rise and fall of human pointing to the extraordinary destination called eternity. Our pride in your pioneer leadership will remain evergreen in us and propel us to move on while you will be missed by we your siblings and the entire Ijero Ekiti community. Rest in peace our dear Daddy professor Folayan Ojo. Elder & Mrs Olayemi O.P

Dear daddy,
You were many things to many people, a dedicated professional, a philanthropist, a great dancer, a father figure etc but you were definitely the best daddy I could have ever asked for. I learnt so much from you on how to be good person because you were the best person I had the privilege of knowing. You cared so much about the upliftment of others, you were always willing to learn and improve yourself no matter how old you got, you took other people's problems personally that sometimes I would not want to tell you if I was going through any challenge because I knew you would worry more than me over it. One thing that give me joy is when people say I have integrity, I am generous, impartial, organized and time conscious, I know I got the best parts of you. I also get to look like you :). Thank you for your investment into my life. I miss you but I know you are in a better place

Daddy, You were a pillar that held all the extended families (paternal and maternal) together. A father of many parts, your selflessness is second to none. You impacted all lives that came your way. My mentor and role model, you have been there for all of us since our father's demise. You took care of my mother like a baby till you died. No words can describe your person daddy as you were just different. You had a large heart that accommodated all of us despite our shortcomings. You lived a fulfilled life and we are not mourning you but we just wished you stayed with us a little longer. Rest on daddy till we meet and part no more.

When I think of my father I think UBUNTU. Ubuntu means "I am, because you are". In fact, the word ubuntu is just part of the Zulu (South African) phrase "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu", which literally means that a person is a person through other people. Ubuntu has its roots in humanist African philosophy, where the idea of community is one of the building blocks of society. Ubuntu is that nebulous concept of common humanity, oneness: humanity, you and me both.

Daddy gave himself totally to the upliftment and service of others. Nothing brought him greater joy, nothing motivated him more, than to help people better versions of themselves. How do we fill such big shoes? How? Where do I start from? I thank you Daddy for all the lessons, for all the godly principles. You have left an indelible mark on my personality, on my existence.  I have a strong desire to continuously improve my relationship with my Heavenly father because my earthly father showed me how to love another as myself. Thank you for keeping the love strong amongst our family and with our extended family members. Growing up was such a joy.

For so many years, in Swaziland it was just you and me. I remember always enjoying listening to you and your friends talk and discuss various issues and couldn't believe how much wisdom I was freely receiving. I will always admire your hardworking spirit, your time consciousness, your endearing ability to always to always reach out to family members and your ability to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, your willingness to always learn. I will miss helping you with your computer and devices. It's amazing how in your old age you still quickly learnt the new tips regarding these tech devices. Working with you on your autobiographies was a great pleasure.

There are not enough words. My mind isn't really settled yet. I didn't want to leave your side at the hospital, I couldn't. You were loyal, almost to a fault. Your have fought a good fight and run a good race. I thank God for your life. I thank God for making you my father. I couldn't have asked for a better role model. Thank you Daddy. Till the resurrection morning... you are forever loved. Your legacy lives on...

Time is something that can't be bought time is how we live our life. Growing up as a young boy in the early 70s when uncle had just returned to Nigeria after his studies in Canada, l remember vividly my siblings and l used to visit you at your Akoka Lagos residence. l see you as a role model little did l know that your enviable educational achievements will inspire me so much.
"Only a child sees things with perfect clarity, because he or she hasn't developed all those filters which prevent people from seeing things that they don't expect to see." Douglas Adams

After reading uncle's autobiography sometime ago, a much clearer impression of you was formed in my mind which further reenforce a common saying,if you can dream you can achieve even in the face of obstacles. In your words “no pain no gain” you’ve taught us great lessons that nothing good come easy.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that count" Winston Churchill. Uncle you exemplified the words of Churchill. In the last few years, l had the opportunity to get more closer to you and was able to ask questions about my family background little did l know that window of opportunity is about to close. A bridge builder you are Uncle but l know you are resting with your maker. You will be forever missed.

Daddy, I still can’t believe I am writing a tribute because of your passing. Words cannot describe the way I feel , 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 niece and more like a daughter.
You touched so many lives by your selfless and countless acts of kindness and always giving.
You held everyone’s hands most especially my mother who is your sister. We often tease her how you buy almost everything for her. From old newspapers , to cookies jars because you think Ajigbo will always find something to do with it.
You took all her responsibilities without a doubt.
Daddy, you were the first and the only man who took me to the Bar Beach, how can I ever forget how you bought all my coloured pencils, how we struggle to go to your office with you because of the biscuits and bottles of coke we will get?
You chose my secondary school which laid the foundation of my independence which I am forever grateful for. How many more do I want to remember Daddy? I never thought for a second that you would die. No, never in my thought.
Thank you for teaching me how to put my to do list together, thank you for letting me know the importance of keeping to time. Daddy I am sorry I wasn’t close by in your last days. It hurts so bad.
The benefits of your hard work is a living testimony for so many young men and women you took under your wings at a personal and professional level.
Daddy, you were and will always be an inspiration to me.
You have left a void in the family that will never be filled.
We take comfort in the fact that your missions on earth have been fulfilled. We thank the Lord for your life and bid you farewell until we meet again.
I love you with all my heart.
Rest in the bosom of your maker.
Amoke

Dearest Daddy,
Words fail me. Writing this is really hard at a time when I'm really still processing all this. You are a hero of sorts; my hero. You were a steady rock in our lives. You were there at every turn, helping, supporting and anticipating our needs. You stood tall with your principles and integrity, passing them unto us. You touched so, so many lives and spent yourself on behalf of others. You always gave thanks, recognising that you had been truly blessed of the Lord. In your autobiographies, you have left us a golden legacy of who you are and my children will read and get to know Grandpa even more - not from hearsay, but in your own very detailed and very descriptive words. They are indeed a blessing beyond comparison. Thank you for being such a wonderful and truly awesome father. Goodnight Daddy.

To my dear dear Prof, my nickname for my loving father, I want to thank you for being a wonderful husband to my mum, father to me and my siblings and granddad to my nieces and nephew. Thank you for the principles and values you instilled in us, the love, support and care you showed us. You are my true hero. I will continue to look up to you and remember my time with you. Your words remain with me. I love you Dad. Your life is indeed a dream fulfilled and we will celebrate you life. ❤️