•The Tribute Of BADE Boy, DADEMU & A-BABSY-BABY
It is with a comforting heart that I write this tribute to my Father, Dr. (Prince) Bolusanmi Akin-Olugbade the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Field Marshal) of Owu Kingdom. Subsequent to my Dad’s passing I have received numerous accounts of his personality and character. Descriptions used to depict him have included but not been limited to adjectives such as warm, considerate, gregarious, good-humoured, forthright, handsome and magnificent.
My paternal grandparents passed away when I was quite young, yet for all intents and purposes, they were a constant part of my Father’s household. He spoke of them perpetually, hardly a week would go by without a reference being made to their influence in his life. He missed them always, however, he took comfort in their continual guiding presence in Spirit, and I will do the same, knowing he always loves and guides me, my brothers, Dademu and Babatunde Akin-Olugbade and his loving wife, Chief (Mrs.) Oladunni Akin-Olugbade through the enduring course of life. Even though he has passed, by virtue of the manner in which he raised us, I have faith that he is still here with his devoted wife and children, in Spirit.
From an early age, I learnt that as a son, pleasing my Dad meant showing an interest in academics. He
was forever proud of his academic accomplishments most notably his Doctorate degree in Corporate
Law from Cambridge University. Ever the Lawyer, whilst at a tender age, my Father began making his case for why I should pursue a career in Law. To be honest it did not take much convincing because I wholeheartedly looked up to my Dad. To follow in his footsteps, as well as those of my Grandfathers both paternal and maternal was an easy decision. In my adult age, I further grasped that by stating his case to me so early, my Father was instilling in me the ethos of legacy and the duty of honouring the tradition of our forebearers. He shepherded each of his sons into worthwhile careers and spared no expense on our educations.
My Dad was well known for his love of automobiles. I can honestly say that living vicariously through
him I’ve seen, been seen, driving and been driving in too many to mention. He owned luxury cars made by such automakers as Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover and Bentley, however, the honourable mention goes to the carmaker he was most well-known for, the indomitable Rolls Royce. I appreciated these automotive marvels, but often inadvertently showed a certain nonchalance towards them at the same time. When occasionally questioned on why I was so carefree about such expensive and impressive toys my response was often that post-birth “I came home from the hospital in a Rolls Royce so it was a little difficult to be impressed”.
Truth be told, my Dad was obsessed with premium cars, but that obsession paled in comparison to his love and obsession for his family. I can guarantee that if given a choice between spending a day, driving around Lagos, Abeokuta, London or Los Angeles in one of his luxury vehicles or spending a quiet day bonding with his immediate family the choice would be family every time. He cherished his moments with us. Whenever I was in the company of his friends and extended family members, I would constantly be told of how my Dad had recounted a seemingly everyday moment spent together with him. In these moments I would realise that the simplest things meant the most to him Ordinary and regular as they might have seemed at the time, they meant the world to him, more than any vehicle Rolls Royce could or ever envision making. His relatable quality meant that we were very close, he was incredibly close to all his boys.
Conversations between us were intimate with no fear of any topic being off the table. Dad was so open and willing to bond with his sons as a friend that I would sometimes get caught off-guard by the casual nature with which he would display his unique point of view on any subject matter regardless of the topic. I would often call him for advise, but once in a blue moon, prior to doing so, for whatever reason, I would resolve to perhaps tell him a part of the story but not the whole story, however within minutes sometimes seconds all that resolve was out of the window, and we were back to talking about everything, as friends, as we always did. These conversations will never end, we will talk forever. I always bared my soul to my best friend, my DAD. He gave the best advise bar none and I know he will continue to advise and guide me, forever. All my love.
Badenrele “Bade Boy” Akin-Olugbade
DEAR DAD
People remember you for your many accomplishments, coupled with your high intellect, loving heart,
lending hand, boisterous personality, eternal optimism, and sense of style.
For us, first and foremost; a very present Father, ever-loving husband to our Mother, your darling Wife and as a proud Owu Prince and patriotic Nigerian. It is comforting, for me to witness the impact you had on so many lives across family, business, friends, and community. This is an accomplishment only
few can attest to achieving.
You were my protector, my mentor, my source of inspiration and you possessed an astute understanding of your son and you took the extra time to guide me through life. I remember fondly as you would say at the beginning of every conversation “Lord Dademus the biggest Lord in Town”.
These are the moments I will forever cherish along with our special and everlasting father-son bond.
I take solace knowing that you are with our Heavenly Father who knows best and has called you to bring your abundant joy and kind heart to rest eternally in his Kingdom.
Dad, rest assured, my brothers, Bade, Babatunde and I will continue to honour your Legacy in our path forward as you live through us now and will always be with us.
A true Patriarch in every sense of the word.
Love you,
Dademu Akin-Olugbade
DEAR DAD
I thank God every day for blessing me with you as my Father. For as long as I can remember you have always been my number one role model and inspiration. Growing up, when I got asked what I want to be, I always proudly answered that “1 want to be a successful man and leader like my father because of how much of an influential figure he is in Nigeria!”. This goal has never changed, constantly driving me to work as hard as I can in any endeavor I take on. With your unwavering belief in me and wise words, I have gone through life with the confidence that I can handle any challenge that comes my way, no matter how difficult as long as I focus, believe that I can achieve my objective with all my heart, and put in the required effort.
I deeply cherish the many things that I got from you. I gained my handsome looks, deep voice, humble
personality to talk to people from all social classes, interest in history (particularly of Nigeria and Owu Kingdom), intellect, creativity, humor, entrepreneurial spirit, financial discipline, love for music (particularly
Afrobeats), dancing, cartoons (especially the Flinstones) and superheroes like your favorite The Hulk, thirst for knowledge, curiosity, spirituality, and above all, the honor of being named after your idol, the Great Statesman and Balogun of Owu Kingdom, Chief Ohu Babatunde Akin-Olugbade.
Words cannot begin to describe how grateful I am for the encouragement and support you consistently gave me to get a top-quality education, chase after my entrepreneurial dreams and be myself. From when I started selling suya to my classmates in secondary school so I could contribute towards your 50th birthday gift with my own money to when I decided to launch a technology startup after I graduated from college. Even when things did not go the way I planned, you never gave up on me or let me think for one second that you thought I was a failure. Instead, you pushed me to always keep my mind open and never get too fixated on just one opportunity for success. You have taught me so much! Yet, there is a lot more I wanted to learn so, I truly wish I had more time to spend with you.
My heart aches to know that you won’t be available to attend my wedding and meet my future kids, your grandchildren. However, I feel blessed that you got to see me attain my MBA with top grades to make you proud! I will miss your hugs, smile, jokes, deep Mufasa like voice, fashion style, charisma, advice, company to watch movies, presence at family events, prayers, fondness of Rolls Royce cars, positivity, physical expression of your deep love for our family and so so much more!
Despite this, I take solace knowing that you are by the side of our ever-loving Father in heaven, God, who you spent your life devoutly praising and worshipping in full faith. I LOVE YOU DAD AND PRAY YOU REST IN PERFECT PEACE!!! Also, please rest assured that Bade, Dademu, and I will keep working hard to continue and surpass the great legacy you have left behind for us to follow while taking care of our Mother, your beloved Queen!! With Lots of Love,
Babatunde Akin-Olugbade aka A-babsy-baby
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