Growing up, I had never had a grandfather figure, from both sides of the family. All I had known about grandfathers was from movies and other people's family's.

In 2019, for the first time, I found someone who changed that for me. He was the first person I called grandpa and showed me what a grandfather's love felt like. I remember being so nervous to meet him but he very quickly made me feel very comfortable and welcome in his home. I was in awe of is strength, wisdom, kind heart and warm smile. Thinking of him makes my heart happy when I think of how sweet he was towards me. I remember sitting on the couch and hearing whispers in the distance. I was not sure of what he was saying, but soon, I was brought McVitie's All butter shortbread biscuits that were specially bought for me! He won my heart in that moment. Why he thought of me and how he knew that shortbread biscuits had been my old time favourite since I was a child was very heart warming. 

Upon leaving from my short visit, we had a long conversation where I shared my worries and he in turn shared his wisdom with me. He put his hands on me and blessed me. I told him He would see me again soon. I remember coming home to tell my mum of how strong he was, how well he spoke and how I was sure he would live till over a hundred. I did not think he would leave us this soon, but God had other plans.

I enjoyed each and every video call with him. There was never a time that I encountered him where I did not feel loved. When telling him of my father's passing, I could see the pain in his eyes as he genuinely sympathized with me. As I mentioned in the beginning, I had never known a grandfathers love till I met him... It was really special. I am just grateful to have met such an amazing man, my 1st Grandpa. I thank God for a life well lived and for such an inspiration.

Rest in peace Grandpa. Till we meet on that beautiful shore...

Tribute to our late daddy who worked so hard to earn the price of winning the best flower garden in three consecutive years in Benedict Square Surulere. You were never tired. I worked along with you for the zeal you showed in achieving this feat. Surulere never had it so good. I grew up to know that you were a workerhaholic never tied of having a new idea of how to improve on an old idea you were always innovative.
Rest in the bossom of the Lord until resurection morning.
Your pet Eruke.

Big Daddy,
You will forever live in our heart. Your patriarch words and love would be greatly missed. You were such a loving father and indeed a father of all. May the good Lord grant your departed soul rest.

Andrew Ejekukor.

My Big Daddy A Wonderful Father.
A great man has gone to rest. That great man i s Big Daddy. I am so grateful for a life well spent. A remarkable father, a man with a large heart, who loves to give, a cheerful giver
A caring and an accommodating father. A disciplinery and a very strong lover of Education. An example of a father to emulate. A father or all fathers. A devoted Christian, a father whose references points is the word of God, the Bible.
A father who holds no grudges against any one but tells you the way it is and how he feels about it. Daddy hates cheating and oppression. Daddy is a rugged fighter against oppression.
Big Daddy the King Solomon of our time, a reservoir of wisdom and knowledge, oh your kindness is beyond words and these are values you instilled in us.
Daddy, Daddy I will never forget that you made your house an international Guest House for all, relations, extended relation and family friends travelling out of the the country or coming into the country with a very high hospitality.
Daddy you will be celebrated, Daddy we are celebrating you, Daddy we will continue to celebrate you for, we can not tell it all, for all we have to say is thank you lord. Daddy we are going to miss you, we love but God loves you more.

Ejekukor Duke E.

It was with deep sorrow and sadness that I write this tribute to you. Dad was humble, kind, loving and caring with a pure heart.

Dad likes education and this explains why all the children were educated. He also monitor the academic progress of members of the extended family to ensure that they were equally educated.

He was God fearing, a devoted Christian who takes his morning devotion very serious, he attend church and weekly services regularly and this the children and members of the extended family emulated.

He was very caring and accommodating. He accommodated his junior brother, my father with his entire family in his house when he returned from London without a house on ground. Anytime we have issues beging for solution, he allows us to air our views and he gives the fatherly advice and this makes him a problem solver.
He was strict with great sense of humour and this makes anyone going to him for anything to be well composed.

Your demise came as a shock. We would have hope to continue to appreciate you.
May our Lord comfort and sustain your children and family members now and always.
May God Almighty keep you safe till resurrection day.
       AMEN

Big Daddy,

I called you a day before you went to be with the Lord. I just wanted to hear your gentle and calming voice. You have been a great support to my mum and her children. I want to say thank you.

Your wisdom and your questioning technique to gently stir us aright are worth emulating.

I admire your open-door policy to your home, your tolerance, and the accommodation of others. You will be greatly missed. 

Love: (Fulorunsho your favorite niece) her children: Dayo, Bunmi, Tunbosun, and Ebun.

Grandpa,
You are an amazing person, You always had a way of making me laugh even though you never mean to do so. You were a ma that had a strong discipline for what you wanted. You are not the type of person that changes his mind easily.
Apart from being strong and disciplined, you are an amazing cook. You having an inbuilt kitchen in your room was one one thing that surprised me about you. You may not have had a specific way of showing your love us but you did love us a lot. Now the house is empty, no one can fill the vacuum that you have left but God.

I love you Grandpa, Rest in peace.

Onome Onajite Ejekukor

Grandpaaaaa,

How I miss those times we would watch zee world together and those days when my cousins would make you talk. One which conversation is:
Grandpa:  Mary
Mary: Sir
Grandpa:  Mary!
Mary: Sirr
Grandpa:  Mary!!
Mary: Sirrr
Grandpa:  Where is the remote?
Mary: Daddy, it is on the decoder

Now the house is quiet, no one to call Mary or to make me laugh. Grandpa your presence will be truly missed. We love you Grandpa.

May your soul rest in peace

Tega Onajite Ejekukor

Grandpa, oh grandpa!!!

I really really do miss you and the love shared and your caring heart to all of us for giving us what we needed with the passion you had. You did not let being old stop you from who you are and being passionate of what you wanted.

I pray, may your soul rest in peace.

Kevwe Onajite Ejekukor

Oh my God, how time flies.
It was like yesterday, the day I first saw you. I remember the story telling, the prayers and the joy of a wonderful Grandpa around us. All gone in a twinkle of an eye, never to exist again.

Oh death, you don't have respect for peoples joy. The vacuum you have created can only be filled by God.

Grandpa, we love you but God loves you most.

Adieu Grandpa,

Maureen Onajite Ejekukor.

Tribute to a very special person

You are indeed special in all your ways. We appreciate you for who you are to us all and for what you did over the years for each and everyone of us. Thank you for being there for all of us.

Adieu till we meet again

Gloria Eshalomi Osehore (Warri)

A father indeed, that is who you were to me,

You loved me like your own despite being a relative of your late wife. Your advice and care was second to non. Your home was home to us all.

Your support during my daughters wedding was wonderful. You are indeed a father, no wonder you and your wife had a glorious passing to glory. We could not wish for a better exit than this for you both. We pray we all live to a ripe age like yours.

Adieu....

Aunty Martha ( in Evwreni)

To my blessed grandfather, father and all.

So loving and kind. You taught me how to behave and placed me on the right path You are always ready to accommodate and help a thousand and one way or the other.
BIG DADDY YOU ARE ALL TO ME. THE VERY BEST FATHER.
SLEEP WELL BY GOD SIDE, WE ALL LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

BABA RERE,
Your Son, Dayo Eyefe Palmer.

Tribute to a wonderful father 


Daddy, you are a father amongst fathers. Words cannot express how much you mean to me and how you taught me to work hard. You were always there for me when I am in need. Even when you don't have, you go the extra mile to make sure I stand.
Daddy, the wisdom you handle each of your children endears me to you.You will forever be in my heart.    
Adieu!!! Papa

Onajite Ejekukor.

To God be the glory,Dad was very caring his house was open to every member of his family, in-laws and friends. His words of wisdom, advises guide me daily.words can not really express how much i miss him.He loved Boxing and Football.His words to me was "Rukewe never forget the son of who you are"He was a very good dad.we love and miss you daddy.

Dear Daddy, being the husband of our eldest sister (Late Mummy Constance) you took the role of a father and you were a good father to everyone around you. Your house was a point for everyone that came to Lagos for one reason or the other. You never turned anyone back, you made everyone comfortable. Your good words and advice were very useful and it helped me a lot in life. I still remember you asking me during the period of my stay in your house "baby Turi, you don chop?" You were a wonderful daddy and fun to be with. You took me like one of your biological children during my short stay with you in 1973. Your good works and kind deeds live on and linger in our hearts.
Rest on Daddy, till we meet at the resurrection morning.
Turi Ogbebor (nee Mariere)

A DADDY that you can always count on throughout every journey in our lives has left a BIG void in our hearts. BIG DADDY, my role model you will be truly missed.

Daddy,
you fought for what is right always and very disciplined. My living with you taught me a few life lessons. Whatever action you want to take on anything is always in your in your mind. Your decisions are always unexpected and this attribute I have taken from you. You taught me that, when driving on the road, I should assume that I am the only normal person on the road or else I will hit anyone on the road. This thought has help me in driving my personal vehicle. You kept the Ejekukor family united. You told me at one point that "Your time will soon be up as you are closer to your grave and as the direct son of Edeki Ejekukor, it over to me to lead the family. I am next to you, you have fought with your resources to keep papa's legacy and you hand over the Barton to me, as your Junior brother". Daddy I promise to fulfill your last wish.

I had prayed that God would grant you more time, but four days after that prayer, the news of your departure hit me. Rest peace, sir.

Your Junior brother,

ESE Edeki Ejekukor,

In loving memory of my Grandpa.
You will be forever present in my heart.

❤Yours Naomi❤

Hi grand dad,

I miss you everyday. I cannot believe you are no longer here even though I know you have been here a long time. Anytime i think of your absence I cry. You are alive in my heart and mind. I love you so much and I'm glad i spent the last few years living with you. I would have loved for you to live longer lol and i cannot believe i won't see you anytime i go to Eric Manuel. Rest easy grand dad. You really were the best grand daddy in the whole wide world.

Daddy, as I fondly call you.

You are indeed a father to me. You have been a great support to me and my family. Thanks for your unflinching love and care. I will for ever miss you until we shall meet again.

Adieu grandpa

Alex Akpojowvo

Grandpabi,

Your Jeru misses you every day. I can't still phantom that you are gone.....I miss the goodnight kiss while tucking you in bed at night and the early morning prophetic prayers I receive everyday. 
I Love you grandpa.

Rest in peace.

Your Jerusha

Dear dad,
You were special. Your demise has definitely left a vacuum.
I recall as a young lady that I always asked God to bless me with a husband that was kind, loving, caring, tolerant, accommodating and understanding like you, when I grow up.
I am grateful that the Lord answered my prayers. I often wandered what would have happened if I had not seen those qualities in you then and had not prayed to God to thus bless me.

You were an inspiration, an encourager, a lover of peace, always ready to help those around you.
You made every child of yours feel special, no wonder you hold a special place in our individual hearts.
You did your utmost best to see that all your children were properly educated, taken care of and comfortable even after marriage.
This courtesy was equally extended to your siblings and family members.
You welcomed and accommodated them with ease and love. Even when it was obvious at your age that you were the one that needed care, you cared for them.
You were fun to be with and easy to talk to. Always ready to help when help is needed.
I am grateful to God for the privilege given me to have you as my dad.
I am grateful for the Length of days granted you to enable us spend good quality times together. Your words of wisdom and advice on issues will remain indelible in my memory.
My prayer is that the good Lord grant your kind, loving and caring soul Eternal rest.

Your daughter Onome Oyewole.

Dear father,
Since we were introduced over forty years ago by your eldest child - Onome, you have been a dear friend, a confidant and a great father in-law. You and our late mum gladly welcomed me into your family. Your ninety seven year old mother also happily welcomed me to her home. I remembered, she ordered six bottles of Coca-Cola for me alone when I first visited her. 

We enjoyed lots of great moments together.
I recall on one occasion, we travelled to Aba via Port Harcourt, with you and Onome for Onajite's wedding. We had fun all the way. There was never a dull moment with you.

Onome, your grandchildren and I always looked forward to attending services with you at your Church, Bishop Adelakun Howells, whenever you had special functions like family harvest / thanksgiving.

You were highly elated when our grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, started arriving. Coincidentally, your first great-grandchild was born on your late wife's birthday.

We also enjoyed each other's company on the numerous occasions that I escorted you to the Dental Clinic. All the staff at the Clinic miss their Papa, as you were fondly called.

We deeply cherish your prayers and words of advice for us during all these years.

May our lord forgive your sins and grant you eternal rest in His bosom.

Olu Oyewole

Hmmn Daddy,

I will always thank the Almighty God that you are my Father. You were loving, caring and jealously concerned over all your children. You loved us all unreservedly.
Daddy I thank God for the grace to grow with you in your old age with all your hairs so white as snow. You were a Wealth of sound wisdom in my life's journey. I miss you terribly Dad and I thank God that you accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour. I know we shall meet again to part no more on Resurrection morning.

Adieu beloved.       

Your Daughter Oritsewehinmi Akpojowvo

He accepted me as a son inlaw and loved me like this own, showed me the kind of love any father would have given to this own, no wonder the bible said “In old age u will still bear fruit” I felt like the last born (which I am). I still miss him calling to check on me periodically. Now I have lost a father. Rest in peace daddy

My father in law has always been a source of inspiration, hope and encouragement. He has always been there for us in prayers.

It is sad to feel that you are no more with us on earth, but your love and peaceful memories are still our guide.

We all love you but God loves you most. May your perfect soul rest in peace!

Dear Grandaddy,

There are Two life lessons you lived by that I am grateful to have learnt from you. Firstly, you valued your family above all, and always wanted unity among your children. Secondly you valued your name, I remembered when you always told me
"You are an Ejekukor, and never forget that."
I'm indeed humbled and grateful for every moment and life lessons you shared with me, however short they might have been, they were both precious and priceless.
Thank you so much Grandpa for a life shared and well spent.

To my Dad,my hero, and my best friend!. I have always never thought that you would leave when you left....I just cant find the words or come to terms that you are gone...I so miss calling ,talking , and teasing you..I love you so much.your
advise, encouragements ,prayers ...will so be missed. However ...it is well.....The kids so miss talking to you....Rest on my Darling Daddy.

My Grandpa

A gift from God. An exceptional thinker, town planner, husbandry man, a builder, a handy grandpa like no other, farmer (he loved floral gardens), a strong man (even at 95 he was still preparing his own meals) , a prayerful man, a kind man, a clever man, a funny man, a caring man, a strict man, a principled man, a leader, a fighter, a man of many talents and a lover of God.

I'm so grateful to have been as close as I was to you. Thank you for your wisdom, thank you for your teachings, thank you for your love, and thank you for your prayers. It is now our prayer that you have reaped the joy and love you've sown in all our hearts. Migwo grandpa. Forever in our hearts.

Silver-haired, with a radiant smile and a twinkle in your eye,
Grandpa, you were such a wonderful guy.
To all your children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren who know and love you, your memory will warm our hearts until we go to heaven too.
Rest in Peace, Grandpa.

Dear Grandpa,

I am grateful for how God has used you to bless our family. Everyone can attest to the greatness you have bestowed upon us. Through your every action in discipline, giving and in wisdom.

All the Knowledge you have giving us. I promise to apply it in wisdom. I will make you proud as your grandson, and i will aim for greatness.

I still do not want it to be true that you have ascended, I wanted you to stay many more years but that is selfish of me to want. God has taken you back home, and you have joined Grandma.

I love you Grandpa, you will never cease to be in my memory.

Dear Grandpa, we are grateful for all the loving moments we shared. We will miss you.... rest in perfect peace.

My heart still aches in sadness,
My silent tears still flows
for what it meant to lose you
No one will ever know.
Dearest Dad to hear your voice
and see your smile
And just to sit and talk to you...
Although you can't be here with me
We are truly not apart,
Until we meet again, you'll be living in my heart. Peaceful sleep.

Grandpa, you were a blessing to me as your grandchild and in so many ways you live on within us your children. Thank you for all the laughs, the life lessons, your support, teachings and guidance. Till we see again.

You were indeed a Father so full of Wisdom. Living with you created an evergreen memory and I will forever miss u greatly Daddy.

Grand-daddy you were wonderful. You never really grew old; your smile was made of sunshine,
And your heart was solid gold; your eyes were as bright as shining stars. I will miss you so much Grandpa. Rest well.

The call to glory of our dear Dad, firmly reminded me that the gift of life from God is just for a season and we should use it well for His glory. I have no doubt that Daddy used it well, lived a great and fulfilled life.

Daddy, it is a great privilege from God that you were with us for more years than many of your contemporaries as we had opportunities to gain a lot from you and had things that money cannot buy. It was indeed a memorable experience.
The memory of your legacies will linger on forever. Among them are:
- Your kindness
- Your inclination for truth and just deeds…he says as it is
- Your openness: I related with you as pally(same level…discussed intimate things forgetting that I am your son or In-law)
- Your readiness to share childhood experience and life story that could be useful
- You readiness to assist without request
- Your constant checks on your children, and grandchildren.
Thank you Daddy for being a great and loving father. Do have an awesome rest in God’s bosom. You came, and achieved. Ademola Oni

I recall the first time I met big daddy. His calm, soft voice, how he was so excited to see me and welcomed me with open arms, ha! I will never forget. As I sat conversing with him in the living room I started to immediately understand why he was called "Big Daddy", his wisdom, love for family, faith so elegantly displayed as people walked in (old and young) to say hello to him. Now it occurs to me that for about 96 years heaven has been missing an angle and we have had you all the while to guide us, to love us, to protect us, to impact your wisdom and faith. We will miss you now that heaven has called back home his beloved, but the memories you left us will forever guide our hearts till we see you again. Rest easy, BIG DADDY.

I came in contact with you in 1974 when Onome and I met in our High School Aiyetoro and we became very close friends. By extension you and late mummy took me as your daughter and a member of the Ejekukor family. I saw in you a spirit of humility, quiet but firm,a lover of not only his immediate family but also extended family as well as neighbors and friends. Your home was opened to all and you knew almost everybody that entered your compound in Eric Manuel by name! You were a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. You were generous to a fault and ever ready to help, correct as well as advice.
You gave us room to express, debate and discuss many issues ranging from political, life issues, etc
Even at your last birthday last year, I was still amazed at the level with which we were discussing!
Your thinking faculty was still very much intact!!
You will surely be missed daddy, but you have left behind a good and enduring Legacy in your children, Onome, Tejere, Wehinmi, Toju and others as well as your grand and great grand children.
May your good soul rest in perfect peace in Jesus Name

It is with a heavy heart that am writing this tribute. Spoke with you in January for over 20 minutes and I never knew that would be the last time I would hear your voice. I really appreciate all the prayers and advice you have always given me , and am indeed grateful to God for a life well spent. Sweet memoir repose Daddy!!!

You are One of the best Souls I know.
I pray that you are at peace.
Know that you will be forever missed.
Rest well Daddy.
Migwo Sir!❤️

Dear Daddy,
almost exactly two years after Mummy you followed to meet her in heaven. It gives me the impression that an era comes to an end.
But your love, wisdom, faith, goodness and joy will live on in family members and friends.
Your bond of love, belief and trust was unbreakable, although we were separated
by two continents. ❤
It is a great gift and I'm very grateful for it.
I have adopted your tradition of calling a family reunion when needed.

Love you always
Beatrice Ejekukor

A Daddy indeed to all his wife's siblings and co-inlaws. We thank God for a life well spent. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace in the bosom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Apostle & Rev(Mrs) Mike & Odeme Okofu-Newman & Family.

You were the best grandpa anyone could have asked for. Thank you for everything you ever did, you will forever remain in our thoughts and hearts.

Big Daddy,

I thank God that you were in my life growing up and for being a loving father to many.
Your words of wisdom lingers on, especially your proverbs which defines accurately all situations.
You will be greatly missed big daddy.
May God almighty grant you eternal rest.

Sleep well Big Daddy

Stella Williams

We had a Wonderful Grandpa, one who never really grow old. His Smiles was made of Sunshine, and his heart was solid Gold. His eyes were as bright as Shinny Stars You see.
We had a Wonderful Grandpa and that's the way it will always be. A man whose Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding are not affected by his age, ever
Focus,meticulouss, firm yet you Care,

Grandpa we will miss you. You attend to every issues brought before you and always want Peace, Unity, and Love.

But take heed because He's Still keeping an eye on all of us, so let's make sure He will like what he sees..
Ajiboye Florence

Big Daddy you were more than a father,so loving,a discipline daddy,you always fight for our unit,togetherness,bond,you were giver,helper,selfless towards our greatness and well being of us all
Big Daddy that I miss you hmm is an understatement
Big Daddy rest on as join the angels to sing to the Almighty God Hosanna songs in the bossom of your our creator
Ochuko and Precious Dafe

“That man is a success –
who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children;
who has filled his niche
and accomplished his task,
who leaves the world better
than he found it,
who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty
or failed to express it.;
who looked for the best in others
and gave the best he had.”
We will miss you Daddy.
Rest in peace in the hands of our lord

I thank God for the life you leave here on earth before you left,a father to all, know matter your tribe he's always welcoming, advicing and very prayerful, caring, supporting daddy to all.I will miss you greatly,Rest in Peace daddy.