Always in my heart......

SYO, continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord. You left your mark and it was solid. I met you at PwC and later at Omega Bank. You were honest, transparent and very hard working. You never failed to impact the lives of the young ones. It is well with your family.

Seasons follow seasons....
Rest well Daddy....

Happy heavenly birthday Dad.

Your footprints of love and kindness remain ingrained in our hearts; and in your memory, we find comfort and warmth.

Forever loved, forever missed.

Keep resting...

You would have been 73 today! Happy birthday pops

Unkulu mi. O ga o.
You are unforgettable,fondly loved and sorely missed. Your legacy lives on; my dear uncle and for that I'm glad.
Ma sinmi laya Olugbala re.

Words still fail me, miss you loads pops. Till that day...

Seven years, and still waiting to exhale.
Miss you Dad...
Miss you...
Ope

May you find peace, happiness and joy in the great beyond. Your memory is a blessing to generations. Fare thee well, mentor and friend.

7 years! wow! It's been a while uncle Foli. It's sad that when I look forward, you aren't there and now, neither is Aunty D, how?????

So, I look back and I just want to say Thank You.  For love, laughter, corrections, having my back, unsuccessful matchmaking attemptsss (LoL), beautiful memories and all the "small" things you did that made BIG impact.

I love you always.
Mobolaji

Happy heavenly birthday Dad.

I trust you are having an even more glorious celebration this year now that mum's with you. Miss you sorely as always. I remember how much you loved cake, if you were here you would have been on your 5th or 6th plate by now, I would have been warning you to eat it in moderation, and you would have said: "dake, is it your birthday, is that what you called me for?" And we would both burst out laughing. God knows best. See you in my dreams as always.

Love you my guardian angel.

Your little girl

Just checking in Dad... I miss you sorely. Wish you were here.. so much to say, so much to share. You were my best friend, and no one has been able to take that place since you left. Wish you could see your little girl now, you would be so proud. I promised you dad, and I did it. I did it Dad, but you are not here to witness it. My heart aches everyday when I think of you, a sore that never really heals, but I know you are in a better place; constantly looking down at us.. smiling. Keep resting till we meet again, your little girl (even after 2 kids).

I was shocked to hear about the home call of SYO today. A man of integrity and great values, I worked with SYO at PwC and Omega Bank. It was at Omega Bank that we worked closely and I saw in full display the honesty, grit and transparency of Yinka Odunfa. He never minced words though the wolves never liked it, and the embedded agents of the corrupt leadership were quick to brief their master. 

I remembered how SYO refused to allow the bank to buy him a Pajero as an official car because it was too expensive settling instead for a CRV! I also remembered how he refused a gift of a suit from a branch he had gone to audit and he promptly reported it to me for investigation and disciplinary actions, but senior management refused to enforce the disciplinary actions outlined. 

SYO won't touch dirt, won't subscribe to blackmail and won't follow the path of the indecent and crooked. The fear of the Lord and the love of the Lord ruled his life and he was true to His calling. He was a huge example to point to.

I am sure his spouse and children knows SYO is with the angels in heaven and has conquered death. 
Babs Ajayi, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Continue to rest in peace my dear uncle.

Another April without you .... loads of beautiful memories orchestrated by you. Thankful, rest in peace dear dad.

Five years still feels like a dream...
Rest well dear Daddy.
Couldn't have asked for a better Father.
Love always.
Ope

Thinking of you today uncle Foli. My first accounting tutor. Will always remember your contributions to my life. Love always

SYO?!
My desk partner during that training at FITC, and eventually my wise, understanding, forthright and down-to-earth boss at Omegabank?
Shocking, to say the least.
God knows best.
Rest in eternal peace.

Remembering you dad, today and always. ❤

Told my kids yesterday it was my fav. uncle's birthday and one of them replied "oh I know, the one with the fireworks". LOL.

Still on my mind❤.

Sweet memories-always. Hunkulu mi.

Happy birthday Pops!

It's your day. Still no words, ❤❤❤

This is still so hard to do! I guess not being home makes closure even tougher but in all things we thank God for his faithfulness. You remain on my mind uncle Foli.

Remembering you today and always Dear Dad.....

Fondly remembered

I still look out for your face in the crowds, and some days are easier than others....

Remembering you today, as with every other day...and choosing to thank God for the gift your life has been to us all.

Your words still linger, your memories remain blessed, your legacies live on -- wouldn't trade any of these for another who'd walked with us a minute longer.

These words expose the pain - You're not here, but it's ok.

Rest well Dad.

Having done all to stand, Stand still....(Eph 6:13)

- Still Standing
 Yemi O

Life seems more sweet that Thou didst live
And men more true Thou wert one;
Nothing is lost that Thou didst give,
Nothing destroyed that Thou hast done.

2years today..Sleep on Pops

Your favourite month..season...not the same without you...rest in peace pops.

Thinking of you on April 1 as usual. Happy celestial birthday Uncle Foli. Love always...

Dear uncle Foli
It s hard to believe a year has gone past since that painful day. We continue to thank God for your life and all that you accomplished. You raised 4 fanstatic children who are carrying on and making you proud. We miss you and remember you fondly now and always. Continue to Rest In Peace and give my mum and Aunty Susan a hug for me.

A year already! Thankful for the gift of having been born and raised by such a wonderful man!!

Finally, I'm here on this page and it still hurts. I smile at the beautiful memories I have of you and also cry because there will be no new memories to create; my second home is just not the same without you. Thank you for the great times, unreserved love and acceptance, ever open arms to run into, wide shoulders to cry on and of course, your poor (though heartwarming) attempts at matchmaking :).

You remain unforgettable and forever loved.

Bolaji

Happy birthday dad!....

Dear Dad........

We remember you today and always

My darling uncle foli :) thinking of you this morning. Happy birthday in heaven. So proud and lucky to have had you in my life. Love always ....

Fond memories of April the 1st, you are sorely missed. Sleep on dad

It was with unbelief that I googled for your full name (Stephen Yinka Odunfa) when I heard from a friend and colleague that you are no more hoping to not find any unpalatable news. Alas, it is true.
You were such a good man and leader of men. You never dealt with people on the basis of presumptions or assumptions.

You were forthright and demanded upright conducts from us your Internal Control & Audit Staff of then Omegabank. You taught us to see ourselves as internal consultants seeking to enshrine order and credibility where such was lacking. It was no secret that your approach to audit and control helped in changing the perception of Omegabank's audit staff from 'Thief Catchers' to troubleshooters who brought solutions to problem situations. Whenever there was infraction, you taught us to look for motive rather than outcome because the motive defined the man, his conducts, behaviours etc. You must be convinced beyond reasonable doubts before you wield the big stick as a member of the Discom.

You encouraged me to pioneer the concept of Resident Internal Control staff in the then Ondo & Ekiti branches of the bank when the group was to be split into core audit and internal control sections. You stood by me in my reports and

How i wish I had the privilege of seeing you before you eventually transited after slight health indisposition as I gathered in some of the tributes. Not because I had any money to give you but to just appreciate and encourage you for being such a great mind that God made you. May your lineage reap from the legacy of mercy and good name that I sincerely believe you bequeathed.

Sleep on in eternal rest SYO

My Oga and Mentor of high esteem. The best boss in the world. My guru of professional accountancy practice in Nigeria.

My prayer is that God will give your lovely Wife and Children the fortitude to bear the great loss.

ODUNFA FAMILY ORATION AT FOLI’S LYING-IN-STATE     21/4/2016 

Four months ago our family was inconsolable over the death of our sister, mother and grandmother Mrs Adepeju Agbeke Seriki. That we are again gathered today in mourning over another, even more painful, death is a manifestation of the inexorable way of God which passes all understanding.

As human beings we have tended to situate our grief in the fact of this death, paying no attention whatsoever to yet another fact – that it could have been worse.  So it took 65 years for him to succumb to death, a period during which God blessed him generously, he raised his own family, he dutifully raised his children to a level at which their life success was guaranteed and he saw his children’s children.

Therefore even in our deep sorrow we realize and we proclaim that God has been faithful to the Odunfa family. Foli, we thank God for your life. Your last days were not as we would wish but we have chosen to remember you as you were in life – a hardworking man, an uncompromisingly honest person, very stubborn in sticking to your decided course of action, a husband without blemish, a devoted father and, above all, a true Christian. We can never forget the episode in your life story when Satan mobilized a fearsome army against your integrity. Rather than bow to the lure of instant wealth you remained true to your conscience and to God. We are proud of you now as we were then. Where are those warriors of iniquity today? We believe it would have been better had they never lived.

Last week Seyi sent a message to the family on his discussion with you on your birthday, 1st of April. I quote him: “he emphasized the need for love and unity. Please remember him for who he was before his illness: a man who loved you all dearly and fought very hard to remain with us until he could fight no more.” Foli, we shall not do less.

Dotun, may God Almighty stand by you in this unexpected phase of your life. You performed your wifely duty almost to perfection. Foli himself expressed it in the impromptu dance both of you performed at Bukola’s wedding party last September – a dance which drew all the guests’ attention and applause. Foli told us later that it was to mark your wedding anniversary. There could have been no better and public expression of the love between you.
Have faith, our dear ‘Iya Alaje’, as all our children call you affectionately, the God who prospered our widowed mother will take care of you.

Seyi, Opeyemi, Folake and Dayo, you are exemplary children. May God reward you generously for the excellent care you took of your father in his last years. You will receive more from your own children.

Foli, omo agbo d’ere n’Isheri, o d’igb’ose, O d’arin’na ko, o d’oju ala!

And today we had your funeral...im sure you're proud of us all.....❤ Rest in peace dad

May his gentle soul rest in peace in the Lord Jesus Christ! Adeniyi Sotayo & Family

Dearest Uncle Yinka,

Reading all your tributes has been very comforting to say the least. Your actions and the content of your character have indeed spoken louder than your voice. It is very difficult to deal with the fact that you are no longer with us physically. We wanted you to be here with us longer. We wanted you to bounce back from this being the resilient strong man of the family that you are but you did your best. You fought the good fight and you finished your course. We will remember you for your generosity, the many sleep overs at Wemabod. Trips to Big treat on Sunday after church, Saturday morning fellowship, buying delicious bread, lagos country club e.t.c. The memories are endless, which speaks volumes of your character. You taught us all how to be responsible and accountable by taking up responsibility at a young age. I remember from the many sleep overs at Wemabod, where you assigned everyone chores. It was fun to do as it was a valuable, learning and rewarding experience. We had fun times because you created an enabling environment for us to do so. You were a very principled man and an advocate for fairness. I remember when we pranked you on your birthday on April Fools in Wemabod with some burning palm oil(Seyi's doing). You woke up ready to put out the 'fake fire' and realized it was a prank and took it all as good fun. Looking through your pictures from Ope's wedding, you looked really happy Uncle, and I know it was a very proud moment for you amongst many others. I imagine you smiling from wherever you are. I know you are happy and still with us Uncle. We love you and will miss you very dearly.

"TRIBUTE FROM THE CHRISTIAN GUARDIANS, ANGLICAN CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, OPEBI

What a loss. What a bewildering sadness.

We were waiting for our brother Stephen Yinka Odunfa to return to fellowship in our church society believing that the worst was over concerning his health challenges. Alas, it was not to be.

His Creator had a time-table invisible to us. He recalled the soul of our brother back to himself when we imagined the home-call was decades away. Now he has transited to join the saints in heaven and we are left with memories of him. Memories of a true gentleman, genial, accommodating and always ready to help even at noticeable inconvenience to himself.

We will always remember him for his roles in the parish (as Harvest Chairman, Building Committee Secretary, Auditor as well as Consultant for Admin & Financial Procedures at different times) and in our church society (Treasurer). We will remember that he was not given to being voluble in expression. Always a man of very few words but never failing to make his point. Many of us are still in shock. Our immediate individual reactions, when the news was broken on social media, are sampled below. May his soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.



Bro. Folahan Olumide, President Christian Guardians:
"Our brother struggled for life for a while, so we must trust that the Lord took him for a rest. May his soul rest in peace"

Bro. Dayo Sowemimo:
"We thank God for the life of our departed brother. This reminds all of us of our temporary sojourn on earth. We believe that God called him at his own time for reasons beyond our human understanding. It is well"

Bro. Bisi Sanda
"What a big loss. Yinka was a genial and likeable during all our being together since 1990 that we got closer in PWC. May God grant him eternal rest and grant the wife and children the fortitude to bear the loss"

Bro. Kayode Onabowale:
"A sad loss. May his soul rest in peace"

Bro. Wale Adepitan
"In shock"

Bro. Yinka Oladitan
"Bewildering. May the Lord grant him eternal rest"

Bro. Sam Falayi
"It is well. May the Lord grant him eternal rest"

Bro Kola Onadipe
"Very, very sad"

Bro. Sola Akingboye
"So sad. What a loss. May he rest well in the Lord"

Bro. Wole Ogunjobi
"May his gentle soul rest in peace"

Bro. Bolaji Oladehinde
"May his gentle soul find rest in the bosom of God Almighty"

Bro. Dapo Ojo
"Painful. But God knows best"

Bro. Lanre Akin-Deko
"May the Lord grant him eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss"

Bro. Olumide Ojutalayo
"Oh dear...!! May his soul rest in perfect peace. So sad"

Bro. Laolu Sholate:
"May his soul rest in peace"

Bro. Omo Oleghe:
"Lost for words! This is quite sad. Our hearts go to the family"

Bro. Tayo Douglas:
"May the Almighty admit his soul to life and rest eternal"

Bro. Jide Johnson:
"My condlences and prayers to his family at this difficult time"

Bro. Segun Oshinyimika:
"What a shocking news. May God grant him eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear this great los

Bro. Tokunbo Fowode:
"My heart goes to the family of our departed brother. May God grant his soul a good repose"

Bro. & Sis. Tokunbo Akanbi:
"Sad news indeed. Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Odunfa and the children. Requisecat in peace, dear brother"

Bro. Funto Adebayo:
"Really sad news. May his soul rest in peace"

Bro. Dayo Ajakaiye:
"Shocking. This life sef....May his soul rest in perfect peace"

Bro. Supo Adebayo:
"God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss and may the soul of the departed rest in peace"


Bro. Gbade Amao
"It was well. It is well. It will still be well""

I fondly referred to you as my Chairman. I would call from afar " My Chair, My Chair" and you would always respond with a smile and genuine warmth.

Bro Leye Kupoluyi & I were the Church Wardens, during the period of your stewardship as Church Auditor at The Anglican Church of Ascension (ACA) Opebi.

How could we ever forget your total commitment to the service of God during your tenure? You were a thorough bred professional and The Lord endowed you with uncommon wisdom. You gave your best talents, treasure and time to the church.

You would spend long hours to painstakingly and diligently check through the church records and account reports. The Lord surely remembers your labour in His vineyard and He would give you a crown to wear, now that you have finished your race.

It was such a surprise to learn of your transition.
How true the words of William Cowper when he wrote:
"Sometimes a light Surprises
The Christian while He sings
It is The Lord who rises
With healing in His wings"

We pray that The Lord would comfort your wife - Sister Adedotun, your children, their spouses, grandchildren and the entire family .

Femi & Foluke Dosumu

OLUDAYO ODUNFA (SON)

This really is a tough one, words can’t possibly describe it. I never thought I’ll be writing this at my young age. But no worries dad, you raised one tough young man! Although it’s not easy to accept this, I take solace in the fact that God works all things together for the good of His own.
You taught me everything I know. Everything I am, I owe to you. You were my career mentor, my confidant, my counselor, my friend and father. You were that one person who understood my ‘last born tantrums’ as a child. You weren’t perfect but you were my role model. Words can’t express how much I miss you...
Good night daddy, keep watch over us from heaven.
I love you

Word fail me but the reality is Uncle Yinka is gone!.
Gone from the troubles and challenges of this world.
You have answered the clarion call to be with the saints.
There in our solace lies.

I walk into the house hoping to hear 'Bawo ni' Tola as i kneel to say good evening Uncle.

I remember Sunday mornings of omelette and bread made by you while you hurry us up to get ready for church. I also remember Saturday morning devotions.

I remember you enrolling with myself, Ope & Folake for swimming classes at the Lagos Country Club. You even got me my first set of swimming costumes. You ensured I learnt how to drive by paying for an instructor. You equally ensured I attended confirmation classes so I can get married in an Anglican Church.

I remember the days i get reprimanded by Aunty Dot and how you'd quietly say 'o ti to Dotun'. You taught me how to say sorry and mean it.

I hold on dear to these memories and get consolation in the fact that you are now at rest.

Sun re O! Uncle Yinka

It is sad you left your love ones so soon. But we believe you have gone to rest with the Lord. May your gentle soul rest in peace.
Teniola Olusola-Ogunti

ZAINAB AJANAKU

Dayo... I am sorry about your dad...
His passing away has been nothing but surreal to me. His face was all I could think about throughout the day I heard
I can probably count how many times I met your dad but he was always so awesome and I saw nothing but love respect and pride for him in your eyes no matter how many times you said " don't mind the man jare"
Through everyone of us, his memories will live on and always be cherished. And though he has left us in body... his legacy continues through everybody who knew and loved him.
I pray God grants your family peace.