Can this really be true, that I am writing a eulogy for Tunji ‘TJ’ Olayinka – A Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army, a fellow Lagosian, a true friend and brother, a detribalised Nigerian and one of the most respected gentlemen officers of the 40th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.



I met Tunji in 1982 as Boy Soldiers at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria. At that time, he was a year ahead of my set and we didn’t really interact much because we were not in the same Company (House).



Our paths crossed again in 1987 when we met at the Lagos State University after leaving Secondary School and that was when our friendship started until 21 May 2021 when the unthinkable happened.



Our days together in LASU marked the period when as young school leavers, we began to explore life. Tunji and I practiced lyrics on how to toast babes, shared sticks of Rothmans until we reached “claro”, Tunji and I attended most of the raves and parties together in the University, waking up with hangovers and dashing to lectures the following morning. I met my very first girlfriend through Tunji’s girlfriend. The only time Tunji and I were not together was when we were in our separate lecture rooms. Alhaji Masha Street was a second home for me, and I knew everyone in the immediate Olayinka family. I was welcome into the home at any time.



Our lives continued until we both sat for the entrance examination into NDA, attended the interview together and threw one of the wildest parties on campus to celebrate our admission into NDA. We, along with others, trudged on with the grinding and rigorous military training and never missed an opportunity to enjoy ourselves to the fullest when on break. Back in the day, it was either one party or rave and of course Fela’sShrine at Ikeja. At some point in NDA, Tunji had to leave for the UK to continue his military cadet training at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. When he came back, we continued from where we stopped. I recall he came back with so many CDs of hot jams at that time. There was never a dull moment around Tunji.



Our separate military careers naturally kept us away as expected. But that didn’t affect the friendship we shared even though we didn’t meet as frequently owing to exigencies of military service.



At about 1042 am on 21 May 2021, my phone rang, and it was Tunji who called me. We spoke for exactly six minutes, exchanged banters, as we always did, and planned to play golf together the following Saturday. Little did I know that I would be speaking to Tunji for the very last time on that day.



Tunji, you left this mortal world without giving me a hint......



Tunji, you never indicated that I would be speaking to you for the very last time on that morning of 21 May 2021. This wasn’t how we used to do it back in 1987....,



Tunji, you gave your life in service to our nation...,



Tunji, you sure made an impact in so many lives as your footprints would remain indelible forever.......



Tunji, you will forever remain a brother and a true friend........till we meet, again.



Rest on brother and may God bless your soul.



Adieu, Olatunji Lookman Olayinka!



Exemplo Ducemus!!!



- Olusegun Ferreira

Brother mi, I know the Bible says we shouldn't communicate with the dead but inside of me says you live somewhere in my heart and my subconciousness.
If I knew you'll be leaving this soon, maybe I could have done something to make me see you smile at me for one last time. 
I have cried and cried and don't really know when this would stop. Sometimes I cry as if I had the power to bring u back or at least stopped you from boarding that plane.
Mummy is, with each day, finding it hard to reckon with the fact that she won't see you again. What saddens me the most is that I didn't get to see your remains nor pay my last respect as should before you were buried. Brother mi, it's hard and impossible to find someone of your repute and candor however I believe that I shall see you again in paradise.
I will certainly be back bcos here is where I can be myself and pour out my heart as it concerns your demise.
God bless your soul brother mi... Amen

An erudite officer, diligent, disciplined, dedicated. Peace loving,unassuming, very caring, cerebral, generous, loyal, thoughtful and I can go on. TJ, I am very proud of you. You did your job and merited everything you ever got. Never lobbied and took everything as a challenge. I knew you from the rank lieutenant and you have always been a good example in the army. Followed all rules and procedures as prescribed in the ordinance of your profession. This is a big loss to Nigeria and Nigerian army. I will miss you beloved brother. Rest on.... United with your maker and may the roads of heaven arise to welcome you. You are sorely missed. Adeiu Tjloco. 

GENERAL,
YOU ARE A BROTHER AND FRIEND I REMEMBER WE FONDLY CALL YOU TJ LINO YOU WERE NICE GENTLE FRIENDLY ACCOMODATING AND CARING. YOU ALWAYS CALL ME YOMI KEKERE. AND SHOWERED GENUINE LOVE . WILL MISS YOU FOREVER. AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN.