This is a tribute to the eternal memory of my former Mathematics teacher in St Barnabas Secondary School, Kabba. A great man while he was on this side of the heavens, a notable strong personality, an amiable fellow, Mr Rapheal Dada Maiye was undoubtedly a worthy brother to many of us. He is surely and sorely missed.

FAREWELL TO A FRIEND OF ALL SEASONS

We knew each other as far back as 1961, the year our set graduated from the Primary school in Kabba. We – Raphael Maiye, John Owope, Emmanuel Obasaju, Ayo Onighaiye, James Olumudi, and I – were not close until 1967 when we were in our 6th Form. Then, during summer holiday, we all assembled from our different colleges in the country to study together at St. Andrew’s Primary School, Kabba, in preparation for our final HSC examination. After the day’s study programme, we would move from Aiyeteju through Aiyewa to Odo-Afin to eat together each person’s meal. It was great fun as at each person’s house, the target of every one of us was to “capture” the meat and fish of the meal. This bond of friendship was nurtured and carried over to our undergraduate years in A.B.U. Zaria between 1969 and 1972.

We developed in those years, the bond of looking after each other. The bond was so strong that each person’s problems were handled by the group as the responsibility of all in the group. At our graduation in 1972, the parting was made as each of us went different directions in pursuit of a career. Despite the physical separation, we kept in touch throughout and occasionally met on holidays in Kabba or wherever any of us had an event to celebrate.

Although Dada Maiye was a highly intelligent member of the milieu, the most striking thing about him was the fact that he was a man of few words. To every question you put to him, he would answer you “mathematically”, almost in monosyllables. He took life easy and no matter how much you complain about this attitude of his, he would give a one-word answer to justify his position.

As a man, Dada was a warm, kind-hearted person and as a friend, he was loyalty personified. This sense of loyalty to a friend was demonstrated by him in my two-year travails under late Prince Abubakar Audu, the then Governor of Kogi State, who kept me out of job between 1991 and 2001 for political reasons. Dada Maiye was one of the few close friends who stood by me to make my ordeal at the time bearable.

The ten-year demobilization of Dada on account of his illness was a heavy blow on us all – he the sufferer and us the friends who had to watch helplessly for that spell of time. But all through this time, he held on tenaciously to life and each time I went to Lagos to see him, we would hang on for hours reminiscing on our shared past. We thank God for letting him go to rest now and we pray that the Good Lord will forgive him his shortcomings on earth and grant his soul eternal rest. Rest in perfect peace, oba Dada.

Stephen Makun
Lokoja 

Broda Dada ,

When we spoke on Sunday, the 7th of March, as has been our weekly Sunday custom, I did not have the slightest inkling that it was your earthly valedictory session with me. You can therefore imagine my shock and bewilderment when your brother Mr Kunle Maiye called me on Wednesday, the 10th of March to announce you had passed on to eternity.

I am ever grateful that our paths converged. You were an ever-visible resource person - in any gathering. You were also a very delightful company. Your sense of humour was unique, picking on yourself and your friends without any condescension whatsoever. You were a generous giver that blended easily with people. I commend your devotion to your family in all seasons. You handled adversity stoically and left in the sands of time - for posterity - life lesson notes for handling adversity.

Take your deserved rest in the bosom of our Lord. You must be content now in fellowship with your beloved Mary (Nee Oniemola). There has always been this contention on who is senior between you and I. You have gone ahead; I concede you are my Senior. Adieu, Broda Dada.

- Dr. Stephen Abiola Olorunfemi.

MY SOULMATE IS GONE.
One of the realities of life that is often lost in us is the fact that we came to this world differently and we shall depart individually- notwithstanding how closely related we have been.

Despite the fact that I knew that my bosom friend, the friend of my youth, indeed, my soul mate, Raphael Dada Babatunde Maiye, had been bedridden for quite a while, I was shocked, dumbfounded, and depressed when I heard of his demise. I forgot that the bell had just tolled for him. And who is next?

My life journey and that of Dada or oba Deidei, as I fondly called him started close to seventy years ago in our Owode Quarters neighbourhood. We were "omo aladugbo". We played street football together, ate in each other's house, enjoyed Christmas seasons together and trekked to our primary school together carrying our wooden slates and boxes on the head. We attended the same primary school and were loyal to each other. When one of us failed an exam, the other will do the same so we could be in the same class the following year. That is how close we were. Our friendship continued into our adulthood. We continued to keep in touch, visiting one another and sharing great memories.

All through our relationship, I found you, Dada, a worthy friend, reliable and highly predictable for your forthrightness. You were down to earth. You would express your views frankly no matter whose ox is gored. By nature, you were simple despite your brilliance and uncanny retentive memory. You were a mathematician of repute. I lost a cherished friend, a confidant, a soul mate. I will continue to forever cherish your friendship and the great moments we shared together.

I pray God to grant your soul eternal rest.

Adieu my soul mate. Adieu oba Deidei.

Mr Raphael Adebola

Daddy Seward as I fondly called you.

You were a very cheerful man to both young and old. I can say this because of you constantly calling me ‘Madam Okun ma’ despite the Age difference and my being a wife to your immediate younger Brother Kunle. 

Your health challenges did not change you from being a jovial Man, you were always fun to be with. Thank you for being the best Brother in-law.
Continue to rest in with your maker, where there is no pain nor sickness.

Adieu Daddy Seward

Mrs Adunni Adekunle

A TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER

Oh, Brother Dada, at last you have alighted from the bus at the bus stop.
I say this because during most of our discussions, you always said that it was difficult to come down from the bus at the bus stop having been there for so many years.

At God’s own time, I have always told you. No more going to Nigeria.
How about our usual calls twice daily? Whom do I speak to again about things, like the happenings in Kabba and around?

Oh, death where thy sting is. This is a hit below the belt.
Broda, continue to rest in the bosom of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Oh, I remember how you call my name -

DEKUNLE

Broad Dada, my true brother. Each time I called you, you responded with Happy new year even if we spoke the day before. You were wonderful, nice, and easy going. You have passed on, but your memory lingers on. We love you but God loves you best. You deserve your rest. No more pains, No more tears. Rest in peace with the Lord. Adieu.
Mrs Esther Maiye

Tribute from wife
My dearest husband, I thank God for your great life and you going back home finally to meet with your maker. Your cheerfulness, sense of humour, your ever smiling face and solid faith in your God are the things that kept me stronger by the day. 
Adieu, continue to rest in the bosom of your creator, till we meet again to part no more. 
Olaronke Maiye.

Broda Dada Mr Nigeria ,I remember our growing up years when mama will cook vegetable soup and you love your draw soup
You will get so angry and my Dad your step father would say epata okunrin
Then when I came down to Lagos with my family you always visited us to have your pounded yam and when I ask you about your next port of call you will tell me you are going to Nigeria ma
One thing that I will always give kudos to you for is when you lost your wife and became a father and mother to them and saw them through their education and become the successful children that they are ,I admired you,, that cannot be taking away from you
Rest in the bosom of our lord Jesus Mr Nigeria.

Our ‘Daddy in Lagos’ as we fondly referred to the late Mr T.R Maiye was quite down-to-earth and practical in his approach to life. While growing up in Ilorin, his not-too-frequent trips were some of the most anticipated visits back then. What made such visits memorable were two main highlights, one of them was the ‘suya nights’. Often, he would go out with my Dad and return quite late, always with a big pack of suya, (a spicy barbecued beef delicacy). So, no matter how sleepy you were, you kept awake to be able to partake of the treat. The other highlight demonstrates vividly the generosity of Daddy in Lagos. He would always call each one of the 4 children and give us monetary gifts, often in crisp notes (mints).

I had 2 opportunities to stay with the family while growing up (in my junior secondary school year and soon after completing secondary school). I was required to visit a factory/ commercial facility to learn about the scientific details of manufacturing. Thus, I had the privilege of visiting AJ Seward, a subsidiary of United Africa Company (later became UNILIVER). Mr T.R Maiye who was then a senior manager and facilitated my getting a one-week internship, in order to be able to complete my science project report. It was also complimented with souvenirs of their products, which I proudly brandished when giving my feedback to my secondary school class.

The other period was soon after completing secondary school and I was trying to spend time with an Aunt of mine located in the eastern part of the country. Transportation was difficult from my place of abode in Ilorin, hence going to Lagos served as a stopgap prior to connecting via bus to my final destination. What was supposed to be a few days or probably a week ended up being about 3 months. I couldn’t complain because it was quite a pleasant and happy visit. Our weekends were the most pleasurable as it usually involved a ride to a pre-determined place of interest, which was then capped with eating at a restaurant/eatery.

The simplicity and yet congenial atmosphere that Mr T.R Maiye often generated was quite intriguing. Sadly, I wasn’t able to keep the lines of communication open and glean from those his abundant reservoir of wisdom. I pray that the Lord grant the family the fortitude to bear his loss (amen). Fondly remembered by,

Oluwatosin Adebola

My Father-in-love,

Since your passing, I find myself reflecting quite a bit about the last years spent knowing and learning from your amiable self - To friends I bragged about my amazing Father-in-law who is a true father to me in many ways than one. You were one of the most considerate and honest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. You loved me as though I were biologically yours... it was always a pleasure to discuss office politics and strategies with you . Your love for sudoku and mathematics in general was infectious, I was always excited each time I found a sudoku puzzle on trips that I believed you’d enjoy, especially the difficult ones.

Over the last 10+years of your life on earth, I watched how dedicated Dipo was with his Sunday visits to see you, I could tell it pleased him so much to spend the time with you... I am thankful for the strong moral values you instilled in my husband and all your children.

Indeed, you lived an exemplary life and I will forever relish the memories of the times shared.

Adieu Daddy

TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR FRIEND

In 1954, when I was 9, my mother brought us her children to Kabba from Kano leaving our father behind. I was given out to the Onaiyekan to be brought up in Kabba way and learn the Owe language.

My father returned from Kano in 1956 and I had to move to my father’s house in Owode Quarters.

That was when I saw you Dada cutting grass in front of your grandma’s house which was just 2 houses away from my father house. You were amused of my dress of caftan and sokoto. You sized me up and challenged me to a wrestling march. We wrestled but honestly I cannot now remember who won but our friendship started there and then. We were often in each other’s house and shared our meals. Since you knew nothing about farming you would follow me to my father’s farm usually to harvest yams. We were both in our Owode’s football team as we played Toronto balls bare footed of course.

I left you and went to, PSS Okene and the next year you went to St. Barnabas, Kabba where you performed excellently well as a member of the first set. Through you, I became a good friend of St. Barnabas.

Our studies in different locations affected our friendship a bit but then my posting to Lagos in 1992 brought us together again as we explored Lagos at weekend and located the best Isi Ewu joints in Ikeja and Yaba. Several times we travelled to Ilorin together and were always looking forward to eat hot amala as we stopped in Oyo while going or coming from Ilorin.

You were there for me during my commissioning as an officer and was with me to bless my new house in Ilorin. You visited me several times in Badagry and in Aba, Kaduna, Sokoto…

Although you could be naughty, you were always a good fellow, full of life, brilliant and very humble with no airs. You were well known and loved by people. What a simple, humble man you were. I can still hear your laughter and jokes ringing in my ears as I write this tribute.

Then, it happened a few years after your retirement when you had this unexpected sickness. Serious as it was, it did not change you a bit as you were still your usual self, full of life, jokes and with your wits. A stranger hearing you speak will not believe your state of health. You were an inspiration to us all.

I’m sure you noticed the shock on my face during my last visit to you. You had aged considerably and lost so much weight and it set me thinking but hopeful as usual that all was well. Some weeks later however, you had to fight for your dear life but you succumbed to God’s call who called you to Himself. Bless your soul my faithful friend. One day we shall meet to part no more. Requiescant In Pace.

Brig Gen EF Olutumogun (rtd)

"A FALLEN IROKO"

It was with a great shock that I received the news that my good friend, and dear brother, Mr Raphael Dada Tunde Maiye, had passed on. My immediate reaction was a thoroughly mixed one, knowing what the deceased had passed through in the last few years. This, undoubtedly, is the fall of a great Iroko !!!

Mr Maiye was a sincerely pleasant character, and a charming personality, with an unquantifiable sense of humour. He related very well with me and members of my entire household, as a true, reliable and dependable friend who could always be trusted. He will be surely missed.

It's my prayer that our kind Lord will grant his soul eternal repose, and comfort those who are left behind to mourn him.

We shall meet to part no more, at the feet of Jesus.

Engr & Mrs Mike Kayode Adebola.

My dear egbon, you were always full of life and didn't allow anything to bother you unnecessarily. You remained in high spirits till the end. You were a good friend to my brother Idowu Olumudi. Rest on till Resurrection Day.

“My Dad (Oga sir) as he fondly called me was an incredible man. He was both father and mother after the passing of my Mum thirty (30) years ago. He provided for his family and made sure his children had the education and guidance they needed. I am grateful for my dad and I miss him every day.”

“Today I am remembering my Dad and the great memories we shared. He was one of a kind and my best friend. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him and smile.”

“My father was my biggest fan and my greatest role model. I could call him at any time and he always has a solution to my problem. Life is different without him, but I am grateful I got to call him my dad.”

“When I remember my dad, I smile each time. He was a jokester and he made us all laugh. He taught me not to take life too seriously. He was always in good spirits, even until the day he died.” 

“My dad was my hero. He was the most courageous and resourceful man. I never questioned if he loved or cared for me because he made it so obvious. I still feel him with me each day and I am living life for the both of us now.” 

I reminisce on one of the last conversations we had, i called dad on 10th February 2021, to remind him that it was Mums thirtieth year remembrance. Dad said to me Dotun, do you think I can ever forget my wife's remembrance !!!

If we had our way, we would have kept you a little bit longer with us, but God saw your pain and chose to take you home to rest where you will no longer feel pain nor sorrow.

To say I miss you, its an understatement because I will continually miss you till eternity.
I will try my best to uphold the good legacies and the ideals you left behind.

Dad, i know you are resting in peace with Mum now.
May your gentle souls continually rest in the bosom of God Almighty Amen.

Such a fun loving man, whenever you ask him where he is going, he will say "I am going to Nigeria"

Adieu "Mr Nigeria"