Your memory shall ever remain in our heart as long as as the earth remains. To forget you and your good deeds, how you affect lives both in secular and spiritual is enormous. Words are too small to express your Gods given gift & talent. Is it your caring, loving and concerns attitude that I av to talked about, too voluminous. We shall continue to celebrate u dear brother. The Lord in His infinite mercy will continue to uphold your children, family and friends that you left behind, ijn.

I love and miss you so much Daddy

Now, it is gradually becoming real that my Mentor, my role model, my father figure is gone. Prof. A. A. Ladele, the great, gently closed the door of this world. As I gather his life and times in pictures, I can't but remember year 2008 when my path cross his shortly after my Masters programme at the University of Ibadan. In his characteristic approach to selecting the best, he placed out vacancy for research assistant, which my friend Chinwe and I applied for. He conducted an interview for us and found us fit for the job, since that day he became the giant on whose shoulder i ride till the day of his final exit.
Prof played his part to the best of his ability, he made his impact felt everywhere he found himself. Brilliant and full of great ideas with matching energy to pursue them. Nothing restraints him, nothing constraints him, for him  when there's a will there's a way . You can't be with him and remain at the least of your potentials . Prof's death was shocking and came with unexplainable pain.  - July 8th, 2021

TRIBUTE
You were a good man. I could recount how you sent "sand paper" leaves to me. The news of your demise came as a rude shock but with total submission to the will of God the Almighty.
Sleep on Sir.


Prof G. B. Adesiji
Dean's Office Faculty of Agric. UniIlorin

Dear Comrade Prof,
Your departure from this side was shocking and most devastating to ASUU-UI. We however take solace that you are peacefully with your Creator whose work you faithfully did while on earth.
Adieu our respected Comrade.

Prof Ayoola Akin ( ASUU-UI)

I am writing on behalf of Prime Cooperative Society of which Prof. Ladele was a member before his demise, Prof. was such an amiable jolly fellow, simple and truthful in nature. We will surely miss your candid opinon on issues.

From Suulola Olatunde (Prime Cooperative Society)

Every individual make entrances and exits on this stage called life and we play our parts well or otherwise but for this galant soldier of Christ pastor professor Adekunte Ademola Ladele he played his role well to the glory of God. Where do I start from an academic father par excellence, I was his student in the eighties at the then young state College of Education Ila-orogun. He taught with passion and had interest in the progress and development of his students. He was a bridge builder who always looked out for the good of his students.After several years fate brought us together again in the Redeemed Christian Church of God mission as a pastors . He ran his race with caution and served God to the end. He was firm and believed whatever one is doing should be done very well. No wonder Oga served as an area Pastor under his student with no friction. This is a demonstration of humility virtue. An incurable believer, prayer addict even on his sick bed. He never questioned God, rather he was full of gratitude and encouraging words. I can go on and on. We were not ready for your transition but God has the final say. God make a way where it seems to be no way and His way passeth human understanding hmmmmmm.

We take solace in God, rest on in the bosom your maker.

Prof Folake Aderemi

PICZ, Rehoboth RCCG

Oyo 2, Ibadan.

FULFILED DESTINY IN CHRIST: GOOD NIGHT HONEY

My Honey, My Nkem, My Prof, My Pastor, My Daddy, It’s your sweetheart!!!

Truly, this world is not our home, when I noticedin the last few weeks that you often call me by my Oriki “Agbeke”, I smile because it brings a memory of Mama Ladele, but I asked why this sudden Agbeke!!!Agbeke!!! You said you are just greeting me and enjoying the smile on my face that makes you happy. Also you started reflecting on God’s love upon your life over 60years ago, and marvelled at how God created us in His image and everything in place. You were just full of gist of life as a young man with friends and that to the glory of God you all have come to know Christ and moving His kingdom. You pondered so deeply on the sure mercies of God, you were so grateful to God on daily basis and had a real time with Our FATHER. All these for me put the Joy of a Fulfilled Destiny in Christ in my heart.

You are a man of many parts: I can’t say it all here, very open minded, transparent, truthful, neat, compassionate, too detailed that I sometimes call you “Honey the Perfectionist”. (Laugh) Oh!!How you love things done orderly.

Our marriage was one of the huge steps and risks you took as a man. It still surprises me and many others till date, despite the cultural differences, material, spiritual and academic gaps, we bonded and all your fears turned to joy. What a fulfilment, because God was in it all. It was peaceful and joyous though short years, what a fulfilled time together. Did we have moments of disagreement, of course YES, sometimes I marvelled at your humility and respect for me and others around you, very humble Hubby.

Honey you are such a rare personality, you value relationship, time; you must not be late to church, to lectures, to family meetings etc. As a family man, you provided our basic needs and comfort that we needed; you are not extravagant at all, but prudent, very contented and reserved, you love your siblings and want the good of all members of the Ladele’s family, checking to make sure there is progress and unity. As a man of principle, you make sure everything goes well; making sure no loop holes at all, our jokes about your principled nature still run through my mind.

We crossed roads, bridges, rivers and God brought us together. It was the beginning of a new phase and was a fulfilled phase of your life, am eternally grateful to God. When I look back to 2018, I smile because the faithful God made a name for Himself and He is still that God of yesterday, today and forever more. Oluwa Eseun.

As a lecturer, you love to impact knowledge, you are so excited to share with me story about your students whose works impress you when I see you read cover to cover of voluminous projects and assessment. It takes a committed heart to do such detailed work, at some point you call my attention to few academic papers, and ask for my view, that gladdens my heart, you gave me the space to contribute in all areas of your engagement. As a minister of the gospel, you thought the word and never took service to God with levity, the things of God were your uttermost priority. God who knows the end from the beginning, I give Him thanks.

You always created a fun filled atmosphere when you call me names like MaMa Professor, Mama Ambassador Ndewo, and I call you the Baba Prof Pastor (PP), Ekaro, and that leads to Igbo/Yoruba teaching (am full of memories of you). Your zeal for kingdom’s service keeps me going, your passion for following principle is my strength, your commitment to humanity and development inspires me to carry on.

The wilderness experience was a time of reconciling fully. I’m grateful to God that you finished strong and finished well. We will all see on that resurrection morning, singing songs of melody to our creator. Men may not understand how far God has brought us, it’s still a mystery, but divine. Your words of blessings and prayers are my strength to run with.

I look back to our wedding programme, Fulfilment of Destiny, I smile and thank God you fulfilled that glorious destiny in God. You fought, you won in the wilderness experience of life, you came out victorious.

"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say,'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that please'.(Isaiah 46:10 NIV)

"You are God from beginning to the end, There's no place for argument, You are God all by yourself" (one of your favourite songs)

I refuse to question God, He knows the end from the beginning. Yes He knows. All I say is LORD, lead the way and I will follow.

Holy Spirit will help and comfort us, Amen.

Forever Love You Honey.

Ijeoma Ladele (Agbeke)

Your Wife

Father of Professors
I have battled with this reality for days  and still could not believe  that you are gone to a place of no return

You had been our academic father, mentor and boss to many of scholars. Your untimely demise was too sudden and shocking. Your demise was an eclipse at noon; it is still incredible and bewildering. Your demise is a thunderous fall of a giant pillar of citadel of learning in Nigeria and beyond Africa.
Your demise is a great quake in the entire literary world.

You believed in diligent, excellent and total reliance on God, u imbibed these attributes to our life's.
Your impact's can never be forgotten or undermined.
A defender of the weak and the oppressed.
 Your exit has left a gulf, a vacuum which non can fill, a shoe too large for any to step into; you were just phenomenal

Thank you for reaching out to us and giving us an opportunity to learn and be mentored by you.

We will surely miss your reassuring, assertive speeches, candour and encouragement

Indeed, we have lost,  but we’re glad ... heaven has gained
 We love you but His love overshadow our love.
From: HOD, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development,  Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta.

Tribute to a dearly loved brother, mentor, Friend, motivator, a bridge builder, problem solver, pace setter, go getter, an Inspiration, an encourager, and above all, a great leader.

Great people die everyday. Yet not all of them affirm for us the goodness in humanity and leadership the way Prof Ademola Adekunte Ladele did. Egbon Passed away 10th June 2021, so painful and heartbreaking as we received the shocking news, still couldn’t come to terms with his exit, the emotional trauma of his death seems like a dream to us, but reality came knocking as we came across various Facebook posts. Egbon left a legacy of positive experiences for anyone who took the time to know him or have come in contact with him by chance – You may not know whom Prof is or was, but you can learn from the legacy he left.

His passion, selflessness, love for the people and hard work led him to become a great leader with the ability to navigate around the Elite, Middle class and the Low class(Masses), these qualities and ability to relate with everyone made Prof a great leader.

The people side of things

Prof loved people, and was willing to do the hard work it takes to build all kinds of relationships. Because he worked as one who will never hide his feelings from anyone, not everyone was satisfied. Yet, Prof made friends. He intentionally built the kind of relationships in the communities he lived and worked so as to bring people together and along. Because he was so good at relationship building, things got done.

It would have been easy for Prof to slip into an authoritative power mode, but Adekunte’s humility was the real power he had in the relationships he cultivated. Being humble helped him to be known as someone who acted out ethically even while others in similar positions did not.

And of course, he was human. Prof Ademola Adekunte Ladele made his share of mistakes. The difference between him and other leaders is that he pondered those mistakes, quietly learned from them and had a free mindset towards everyone around him.

His humanity extended to his family, friends, and anyone else who knew him. People liked him. He was easy to know, an open book. We all thought we knew him, but now we know that we would have liked to have known him even better and had him stay around longer.

The legacy

If he could look back on who he was and what he did, I think he might be more than a little surprised to see that not only did his passion for leadership drive the people in his communities, those he worked with, the faith organization he belonged to, the Academic class he was part of and the cities he lived in to be better than he found them, he also embodied the mantra of “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Prof Ademola Adekunte Ladele not only made positive changes in the communities he was a part of, but he also cared about people. He believed that positive change and caring about people were intricately linked.

Egbon was known for mentoring others in the profession he loved; he was the “go to” person for young leaders to gain the self-confidence needed to do the difficult work of public service. He sought to develop the people who worked with because he knew they would be better leaders as a result of what they learned.

It seems trite to say that Prof will be missed, or that he went away too soon. But it’s true. The bottom line is that he was a great leader and a loving Son, brother, husband, father and friend to everyone. And when you pulled back the curtain of all that entails, you can also see that he was also good person who cared about others. We can all learn a lot about leadership and humanity just as Egbon Prof Ademola Adekunte Ladele lived to make an incredible impact in so many people around him.

Egbon, we love you yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever, but one thing that’s certain is that you will always be remembered for all the love you showed us and great things learnt from you.

Rest On our beloved Egbon Confidant and Mentor.

FROM: THE OYEDOKUN'S FAMILY

My dear brother in-law, words of mouth is not enough to describe you , you are disciplinarian to the call , the blessed day of your departure caught us unaware a day no one expected it was hectic no one could understand why. No chance to say goodbye but deep inside I knew that you're okay. No matter what people have to say I knew all the good things you've done to me  . This is my goodbye message letting you know that we miss you and love  and things will never be the same. Till we meet to part no more o daaro o.
Ladele Mojisola

TRIBUTE TO OUR LATE PASTOR (PROFESSOR) ADEMOLA LADELE.
The entire Members and Pastorates of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Calvary Top Zone, Oyo 18, commiserate with the Family of our dearly Beloved Late Pastor (Professor) Ademola Ladele.
Death is inevitable and will be experienced by all and sundry.
However, the timing is unknown to all except the Almighty God.
The only assurance we have, is in Christ Jesus who has gone to prepare a place for us, so that we can be  where He is.
This is a comfort to us, that our Beloved Father, Pastor, Husband and Mentor Pastor Ademola Ladele, is resting in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He came, he saw and conquered.
Pastor Ademola Ladele was known to be a Pace setter, a Prayer Champion and an indefatigable gentleman per excellence.
He dedicated his life to the Service of God and humanity.
Your deeds and legacies will never be forgotten in a hurry.
You impacted your generation to the extent of your calling.
Your exit came when we needed you the most, but who are we to query your Maker.
Till we meet at the feet of our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ, rest on Pastor, we love you, but Christ loves you more.
Goodnight Pastor.
Pastor Adegbola Olugbenga Joseph.
PIC, RCCG Calvary Top Zone, Oyo 18.

MY TRIBUTE FOR THE PASSING INTO GLORY OF PROFESSOR DEMOLA LADELE

Professor Demola Ladele, I am overwhelmed with the sadness of your sudden departure from this world but remain full of thankfulness to God for the faithful life you lived, your unshaken faith and the tenacity with which you held unto God during your trying times.
My beloved Prof, when you were on the mountain top of success, you were appropriately celebrated and congratulated. But, you knew it's hard to stay grounded on the mountain when everyone including God said you were special. Prof, you came down from the mountain and humbly served others in the valley: in the neighborhood where you lived, in the Church and in your place of work. For over fifteen years, we were brought closely together by the love and grace of God, and for those number of years, our fellowship, interactions, spiritual, prayer and social support have tremendously impacted not only the two families but the entire neighborhood where you lived.
My brother, I know that the Lord Jesus Christ who gave God the price of your life has welcomed you into His Father's house with open hands. Sleep on my dearest and closest neighbor and a great soldier of Christ. You have triumphed and joined the saints beyond. Sooner very soon, we shall meet to part no more. Good Night!!!

Presiding Elder & Deaconess Olu Akisanya.

Daddy Olumide, to say that I am sad at your departure is an understatement.

You were such a friendly and jovial person. We will miss your presence at the family get together during Christmas and other occasions. Only God can fill the vacuum that you have created.


We take comfort in the assurance that you are resting in the bosom of the Lord. Sleep on beloved. Adieu till we meet again.

Biodun Ladele

Tribute ::::::::

We love you but God loves you most. The news of your demise came as a shock to us.
Though we started out like neighbours, we were like a family. You were very precious to us.

The Oparindes (kosobo, Oyo.).

FAREWELL TO PROF ADEMOLA LADELE.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saint" Psalm 116:15.
We learnt with heavy heart the sudden loss of our son in law and brother Prof A. A. LADELE.
The entire members of the OKEUGO'S family and people of Isuikwuato, Abia state, are lost in grief over this sudden departure of our son in-law Prof A. A. LADELE.
When the message came, we refused to accept it because we couldn't absorb the shock, it took me days to mention it to our Mummy.
Life level's all men; Death reveals the eminent.
It is evident that you have lived a fullfilled life, finished your course, fought a good fight, raised a generation and left a legacy.
Prof, i sincerely and humbly adjudge you as a father and a brother in-law that was caring to a fault.
We are consoled that the Good LORD who brought you into this Arena is the one who has called you to sit by his side.
May the Lord keep you in his holy Bosom. Amen.


Signed: Prince Iheanacho Daniel Okeugo.
(for Okeugo's family)

Prof Ademola Adekunte Ladele- An intense family man, a sturdy intellectual, and a devoted Sky Pilot - A tribute.
We mourn the loss of a great man of character. Your death to us was like a sudden eclipse of a brilliant sunshine. We will forever cherish the sweet memory of intimately knowing you.
I have known Prof. for nearly 40years.It was a very purposeful relationship. I am,  therefore, in a good position to recount his metamorphosis from one stage of his life to the other to show that, his, was a glorious life. Nevertheless,  l will be guided by the title of the tribute.because Prof Ladele. Is a mighty subject that cannot be exhausted in this short paean.
*An intense family man: Prof loved his nuclear and extended family with an uncommon zeal. I knew. He made sacrifices for them and in many instances inconvenienced himself for their comfort. His relationship with his family and  all persons that he had dealings with were guided by responsibility, integrity,  honesty, pragmatism, candour, and respect. He took the advice of Paul in the Bible seriously as he firmly believed that a man who does not provide for his family is worst than an infidel. May God fill with His presence,  the vacuum he left behind in the family.
 A Sturdy intellectual :                Prof was brilliant and very articulate. A knowledgeable man and a master of his discipline - Agricultural Extension. As a core ASUU man, he was principled, courageous, hardworking, dependable, and full of integrity. Prof was a committed ASUU unionist. He never breaks an ASUU strike. While at the University of Ilorin, during the 1996 ASUU strike,  as a member of the strike coordinating committee, he would bring his sound system to Congress and set the system up to play revolutionary musics  of Sunny Okosun, Fela Kuti, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, etc.  all of which were from his personal music collection.
The elderly Professors and the young faculty members would take to the floor stomping their feet on the ground with beautiful dance steps- indeed, all agreed with Karl Marx that.                     " Revolution is the festival of the oppressed people all over the world " Prof was naturally quiet but dangerous to the Military regime in power then. Our deceased Comrade and Pastor
 was a Jolly good fellow.
At a distance, Prof looked distant and stern but I can say he was never a.    " sour puss " ( all work and no play personality ). No,  he was never.
Prof was a humor merchant with rib-cracking jokes especially when we relaxed at the University staff club.
Some of his jokes were     " hard " especially before he became a pastor.   
We are crying but as a tribute to his humorous memory( and l know he will be smiling in heaven ) l will give one of the jokes in a shortened form: Venue : College of Education, Ila (not Orangun )According to the master storyteller,  Prof Ladele " It happened in the evening. Baba ode( security man) was moving around his duty post . Suddenly, Baba ode had some strange movements in a nearby cassava farm. He moved nearer to the scene with his dane gun. He was shocked to meet a man on top of a lady inside the cassava farm in hot passion.   Baba ode asked " eyin wo ni yen?" (Who are you?) The man replied " emi Dean ni o" ( l am the Dean of faculty)  Baba ode retorted " Dean ni e wo? Dean inu ege? " (what manner of Dean doing this in a cassava plot?)Dide l'ori e kia ".( get up from her quickly) Baba ode warned that if the man did not get down from the lady, he would fire his dane gun( ibon a dun)
The Dean jumped down from the lady as if beaten by a snake. At this, listeners in  the club went into a frenzy of laughter and for a period of time ,  Deans who visited the club were usually teased " Dean ni e wo? Dide l' ori e kia " This was when our brother was yet to give his life to Christ.( caveat empetor:  names, title and venue are fictitious or and coincidental )To all who may exclaimed, Ah! Pastor- Please go and read Psalm 27 :5 and enjoy the God Prof Ladele served with all commitment.
 As a Christian and Pastor, recounting one      " holy joke" Pastor Ladele shared with me will take much space in this already long piece.
 He enjoyed good food and hearty laughter. With him,  you could never had a dull moment..
The University of Ibadan has lost a great teacher.
A devout Sky Pilot. Since Prof became a born again Christian, he had one aim - to lead all to Christ. He was a great pilot teaching and leading many on how to meet their Lord in the sky when life ceases.  Prof was a mighty man of God. A great shepherd who led his congregation by personal holy living. Our brother, as if in anticipation of a short life,  never wasted his time. Like Daniel in the Good book, our Sky Pilot   "prayed every morning, noon and night"
Prof had a deep knowledge of the Bible and l dare say, just like you would describe Charles Spurgeon, " If you spill his blood, it is Bibline"
His congregation will miss, not only a great sermonist but a great doer of the word .He was indeed an anointed Prophet of Jehovah.
 Prof loved his God, served Him with all his might, and left a legacy of faithfulness in his ministry.
 Conclusion: Prof, we will not mourn you as those without hope. You have lived a good life, ran a beautiful race, and has gone home for a well-deserved rest.
Prof ( Pastor) Ladele, with deep pain in our hearts but with total submission to the will of God, we reluctantly say:    " Con te Patiro" This is a phrase in Latin, meaning  " It is time to say goodbye"
Baba Olumide, Sun re o.
     Prof Debo Ajayi
     Ekiti State University,
      Ado- Ekiti.

Prof Ladele. You are a friend in form of a biological brother, truthful and helpful. You lived a good Christian life worthy of emulation. In my trial period, you and Dr Oyeranti regular visits to me and daily midnight prayer for almost a month still remains in my memory. Now, you have overcome all the tribulations of this world. May your gentle soul rest in peace.
Kehinde Adediran.

Daddy, you were strong till the very end! Each time I call to check up on you, you will say it is well. Few days to your demise, we had a little chat and you asked me to stay safe. Your death caught us all unaware, we miss you but God loves you more. Keep resting with your maker Professor Ademola Adekunte Ladele, till we meet again to part no more .
Omolabake Ladele

Dearest in-law,
You answered the glorious call so soon.
Our family missed you as you left this world of vanity.
Nevertheless, your kind hearted and loving smiling lingers in our hearts.
'Till we meet at the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rest on Prof.
-Eniolawun family

TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR (PASTOR) ADEMOLA ADEKUNTE LADELE

"Since man's days are determined, the number of his months is under your control, you have set his limit and he cannot pass it" job 4:5 " O death where art thou sting?" You took away a precious man of honour, integrity and dignity. You took away my very dear friend of over four decades-Professor Ademola Adekunte ladele. "O grave, where is thy victory". I fondly call him Kunte while he called me Tai. One can imagine the high degree of our intimacy. Our deepened age-longed relationship is without stain and this made me to be saddened and shocked by the news of his demise.

He laboured hard and painstakingly to bag doctorate degree. I expected him to clock 70 and retire to a more blissful life. Also my wish is for him to write tribute on me but who can query God.

He was caring, loving, polite and decent in his relationship with people. He was a good listener and would not hesitate to say sorry (i.e to apologize) for not meeting appointment or promise. He could hardly hurt a fly. My love for him is without blemish. Professor ladele was a devout Christian of an impeccable character, devoted husband and highly responsible father. He would be remembered for being a humble, disciplined and a man of high integrity who valued honour above riches and above all, for keeping the faith till death.

To his wife and children, please take heart, be calm, positive and move on. God will console you, compensate you, move you forward and make His beauty and glory shine upon you in Jesus name. Until we meet to part no more at the feet of Jesus Christ , our Lord and saviour, rest in peace.



Pastor Taiwo Adediran
His Bestman

Tribute
Here I am, thinking, wishing and asking a lot of maybe questions.
I wish I had done better daddy.

Thank you for being a father to me, thank you for reaching out to me.

You would be greatly missed daddy.

Till we meet to part no more, Adieu daddy.


~Olawumi Ladele

TRIBUTE TO PASTOR PROF. ADEMOLA ADEKUNTE LADELE

I have many glorious memories of my relationship with Prof. Ladele (Demola as I usually call him), he is an individual that any reasonable person will love to associate with.
Although we are products of the same secondary school, I did not know him (I left before he came in) until 1996 when we were both on sabbatical in the University of Ghana, Legon. We had a wonderful time together, we were prayer partners and members of the same Church –Legon Interdenominational Church and the Legon Chapter of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International during the one year. He was then in the University of Ilorin, not long after our return to Nigeria, he transferred to the University of Ibadan and the relationship became increasingly deeper.
The things that endeared me to Demola are many, I will mention some: he loves and fears God, is very diligent in his service to God and as an academic, he is pragmatic, selfless, a good planner and superb in human relation. As a Pastor, Demola practices what he preaches.
Though it is very painful to even think that Prof. Ladele has passed on, it is a thing of joy that I know that he is resting in the bosom of the Lord. Obviously, he has fought a good fight, he has kept the faith and has finished his race. I believe that he is praying for all of us that we too will finish well. God is faithful and can be trusted to take care of his wife and children. Let’s continue to pray for them and play our part as God does His.

Professor Ayo Ogunkunle

TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL GUARDIAN

My brother and I were honoured to have the opportunity to visit the home of Prof Ladele during the years we studied at the University of Ibadan. We were always welcome and it was home away from home for us. We would always be deeply grateful for the kindness he showed us. I would forever cherish his wise counsel and the support he gave us when needed.

Throughout his lifetime, Prof. Ladele displayed a great capacity for hard work which was visible to everybody around him and very inspiring. He was tough and he never slowed down at all. He matched hard work with a great sense of discipline which he personified and demanded from everyone. Taking every task with great passion and giving his all to everything his name was associated with.

He was devoted to God whom he served with his remarkable energy. Starting his day in the early hours with a morning devotion and ending the day with evening devotion. Attending mid-week services and taking the altar on Sundays.

I fondly remember our discussions on the happenings in the country. He was a great patriot who had an unwavering passion for his country, lamenting our poor leadership. So sad that he never got to see the country he hoped for.

While our hearts are heavy today, they are also filled with gratitude for the strong friendship he shared with my family which spans decades. He would be missed deeply and live on in our hearts.

                   Dr Gbende Ajayi
                    LUTH Idi Araba

Uncle, I still can’t believe I am writing a tribute because of your passing. Words cannot describe this difficult moment, but if this is the last time I get to say goodbye then I know I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself blessed to have lived this life 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. Your dedication to a cause was what set you apart. I can still remember just last December when you organized such a wonderful family time. And how you always checked up on me while I was at school. While we mourn today, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on earth have been fulfilled. We thank the Lord for your life and bid you farewell until we meet again
Ladele Tiwalade

Daddy,
        Hmm everything just happened suddenly. You were there for us after the demise of my dad.You will check on me and tell me atoke I never knew you're this strong.I cherished all your encouragement,the drive when you knew how far and well I was doing in Agric.The time I came to check you last you told me "ATOKE DONT WORRY THE DEVIL IS  LIAR I WILL SIT AS YOUR FATHER ON YOUR WEDDING DAY".You gave us hope not to loose focus and to always ensure our faith is strong in the Lord.You have really helped me a lot. I will miss you.If truly the dead sees each other I am sure you would have seen your loved ones there too.
Daddy o di gbere,o di Arinako,Iyoku tun di oju Ala.Titi ti a o tun fi pade lese olugbala.O di gba ose.
Ladele Temitope.

You were a great uncle and a great father and you were so fun to be around. Whenever I visited you and stayed for several months during my IT I was met with a big hug and a warm smile. You were kind, hospitable, loving and generous, and we all loved you very much. You provided for your family and raised four children. You fought your sickness to the end and now you are in a better place. May the Lord be with you and with your spirit. I’ll miss you a lot.
Ladele Tolulope

While we mourn today, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on earth have been fulfilled. We thank the Lord for your life and bid you farewell until we meet again
Your Nephew
Agboola Pius

Prof Ademola Ladele: Lived by Example!
Professor Ademola Ladele’s father, Alagba TAA Ladele, was the headmaster of my maternal Grandfather, Revd John Adegoke Okesiji, JP in 1944 at the Baptist Day School, Okeho. He lived with the renowned author, and the following year, 1945, the young John was made the General Monitor of the school although he had stopped living with him.
 
Alagba TAA Ladele kept monitoring the progress of his pupil and the relationship later became more of a family and collaborator on different projects that positively impacted Okeho. History had that TPL Iyiola Ladele resided with the family of John Adegoke Okesiji at Ogbomoso for some years. That showed how the relationship grew and the family became more intertwined.
 
By the time the family of Dr. Ademola Ladele relocated to Ibadan from Ilorin, my Mum and the late Mrs. Yinka Ladele were both teachers at Orogun Grammar School and that was the beginning of my relationship with him.
 
I will just want to share some lessons I learnt over the years:

Go the extra mile: While I was seeking admission to the University of Ilorin, he wrote a letter to Professor Yomi Omotesho, in the company of my father, Ademola Irantiola, we took the letter to him. The rest is history like they say!

Make an Example of yourself: Professor Ladele made an example of his life for me. Through this, he encouraged me to look beyond my state and hope for a better future and that led to my early marriage.

Show the way of faith: Professor Ladele showed me the way of faith. For many years, I was a part of the family’s monthly trip to the Redemption Camp. Neither he nor Mummy Olumide got tired of my addition to the family.

 Entrust People with tasks and believe in their ability: Professor Ladele entrusted me with various tasks professionally and he believed in my ability to deliver. I worked with him on several projects including the newly birth Alagba TAA Ladele Foundation and for this, I am eternally grateful.

Celebrate with them with Presence and Presents: The late Prof and Mrs. Yinka Ladele were at the launch of the biography of Rev JA Okesiji, JP, and at my wedding in Ilorin. He equally was at the funeral of Revd JA Okesiji last year.

Learn when you should take the back seat: In 2017, my wife and I went to Iseyin with Prof Ladele. He left the driver’s seat for me while my wife sat by me. He sat at the back of the seat. That showed how much he prepared us to continue the race.

Never silence an idea: For every idea, I shared with Prof, he never silenced any of it. That led to the “Asale Asayan Oro” at the death of Pa TAA Ladele amongst others. He aired his opinion at all times to ensure that every idea is well thought through.

Opened his doors to even my friends: I visited his office many times with my friends and he never turned us back for once. He was very accessible and I had great confidence that I would leave better than when I came into his office.

Keep your mentees informed: So, Prof Ladele kept me informed at all times both personally and professionally. When he was Head of Department, Founding Chairman of Diamond FM, UI; Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture; his inaugural lecture and other personal information.

Take charge: The family traditions of the Ladeles which included Periodic meetings and vigils amongst the siblings; raising their children together; founding of the TAAL Foundation continued effortlessly after TPL Iyiola Ladele passed the baton; quite painful that he too passed the baton soon.

Learn how to take a break: In my last conversation with Prof, he urged me to learn how to take a break per time. He knew that I was on many personal and collaborative projects. I paraphrase his words, "We all desire to die empty because we would not want to take our talents to the grave, however, it is important to learn how to take a break."

I have learnt a great deal from you, Sir. You opened yourself as a book for me to study and I have picked valuable lessons. By God’s grace, I will hold the fort and ensure that the transgenerational heritage of 80 years is kept in honour of the departed patriarchs, TPL Ladele and you.
 
Take heart, be strong and courageous, Aunty IJ, Olumide, Labisi, Dotun and Ore.
 
Rest in Power, Sir.
 
Your boy,
 
Olutayo IRANTIOLA

UNQUESTIONABLY YOU ARE THE LORD.
My darling brother Prof.Ademola Adekunte Ladele, left this planet on Thursday 10th June 2021 to meet his maker. I couldn't question God because He didn't ask for my permission before you are born into this world, therefore my permission is not needed before taking you back home.
My brother, my birthday mate and a selfless servant of God that affect humanity  positivity. You foresee death coming, yet you are Thankful, full of life and hold on to your faith in God (Oba ti o le pa,ti o si le ji) to the end. You are NEVER ready to compromise your faith in God. I never knew it will be so soon.
You came,you saw and conquered.
My solace is that one day,we shall  meet at the feet of our Maker.
Sleep on!!! Ademola Adekunte omo Ladele. We love you but God loves you most.
Moni Ladele Agboola

Dear Prof, We Love you but God loves you more, continue to rest in the Lord, Adieu