What His Children & Family Will Miss About Him
On Saturday 12th August, 2023, the remains of Pa Felix Amujo Okunola Bello who slept in the Lord on 13th March 2023 was laid to rest in Akunu Akoko, Ondo State. It was a Celebration of Life. The Funeral Service was held at St. Andrew’s Church, Akunu Akoko.
Felix Amujo Okunola Bello, alias BabaTailor, was born in Akunu Akoko in the year 1928 into the family of Pa Afeli Ogungbemi Bello from Odo Oro Ekiti and Madam Sarah Ron Bello from Akunu Akoko (both of blessed memory). His Father was a trader and his Mother a farmer. He was the 5th child of his parent’s six children. He was popularly called Tailor Amujo. Amujo was a nickname given to him when he was young because he was a good dancer so they called him Amujo gbaa.
Tailoring was his occupation. Many people did not know his real name as Tailor and Amujo became the names everyone called him. He was not privileged to have formal education because of logistics reason beyond h s control. However his penchant for professional career took him to Ikare Akoko in the late 40s to learn tailoring work with the assistance of his late senior brother, Chief Ajakaiye Julius Owolabi Bello. After completing his apprenticeship, he returned to Akunu to put into practice the knowledge he acquired in tailoring, a profession he was successful in, as well as engaging in subsistence farming on a large scale.
He got married to Mrs Rekiyat Ayomo Bello and Mrs Agnes Jaratu Fehinto a Bello al of blessed memory. After a while in Akunu and in search of greener pasture, he moved to Ibillo in the present Akoko-Edo local government of Edo State to assist those that were involved in buying and selling of Cocoa farm produce and in return received monetary compensation. Notably among the Cocoa merchants whom he worked with in that area at that time was late Pa Michael Ogunbiyi Oluwole of blessed memory. It was the money realized from this venture and having the financial backing of is senior brother late Pa Chief Julius Owolabi Bello that he was able to purchase expanse of land at Eda in Ekiti State to start Cocoa faming. He worked hard all his life, he never stayed idle.
When he wasn’t working in Eda Ekiti on his Cocoa plantation he would be home working on the farm. After coming from the farm, he showered and back on his sewing machine. Pa Felix Amujo Okunola Bello in his journey of life got married to Mrs Felicia Aweni Bello in 1968 and they have been living happily together until death separated them.
Baba Tailor was a great man and a devoted Christian per excellence and a staunch member of Egbe Alafiatayo of St. Andrew Anglican Church. Until his death, he was the only member of the group left. He was truly great as measured by his strength of character, his outmost generosity and the values he championed and lived by.
He is survived by his wife: Mrs Felicia Aweni Bello. His sisters: Mama Ikeota Shado and Mama Dada lkoto. His Children: Mrs B.B Ganiyu, Mrs Busola Famove, Mrs Toyin Aiyedun, Mr Adeyinka Bello, Mrs Sola Daramola, Mr Monday Bello, Hon. Olumide Bello, Mr Akinwumi Bello and Mr Abidemi Bello. Many Grand Children and great-grandchildren. Below are the tributes off his wife, daughter and sons.
TRIBUTES
Baba Felix Amujo Sello je oko mi lati bi aadota odun o Ie marun sehin. Oko mi je olooto eniyan, ti o ni afojusun ohun rere, O je eniti o ko ebi ati ara mora. Gege bi okunrin to ni iran rere ojo iwaju fun awon omo re,o se gudu-gudu meje lati ran gbogbo awon omo re 1o si ile iwe giga.
Oko mi je okunrin to loye pupo. Nigba ti mo wo ile re gege bi iyawo o ri daju wipe emi pelu iyale mi ngbe ni irepo ni igba ti won fi wa laye. Oko mi je eni ti kin f ebi npa iyawo ati awon omo re, O nife Iyawo pelu awon omo reo Ko gbe enikan lori enikeji. Eyan pataki ni oko mi je laarin ebi ati lIu re lapapo.
Oko mi je oloju aanu, O je eni ti o fi dukia ati owo ran opolopo lowo.Titi de oju iku ni oko mi je olooto eniyan, ti ki fi igba kan bokan ninu.ko ni sope dudu nigba ti nkan baje funfun. Olowo ori mi, titi lai ni o ma se idaro re, ki olorun tewo gba e si isimi ayeraye, odaaro a O pade lese Jesu.
Mrs. Felicia Aweni Bello (Iyawo Baba)
In loving memory of my dear father. Our bond might have been with a little moment of distance and misunderstanding, but I am grateful for the wonderful connection we shared. In a lot of moments, there were show of love and care, like the bright
light of candles in the darkness.
You showed me strength and toughness through your own actions, even when our paths were not the same. I carry those lessons with me; evidence to the impact you had on my life. Today, I choose to focus on the memories we shared together, however small they may be. From laughter shared to simple acts of kindness, those moments have left a remarkable mark on my soul. I hold them close, appreciating the part of you that wilt forever remain within me. In this final farewell, I find peace in the opportunity to honour you, my father. I am grateful forthe love we shared; however imperfect it might have been. Rest peacefully baba mi Amujo, knowing that you will be remembered and missed. Your presence in my life has left an everlasting impression. With heartfelt love,
Mrs. Beatrice Bimbo Ganiyu (Daughter)
Baba Tailor Amujo was a very cheerful, knowledgeable, and kind person who left behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and cherished memories. He was a family man. Whenever he came home, he was warmly greeted by us. He was accessible and approachable to anyone. No child was afraid of him; he was not the type of dad that came home, and everyone went to their room.
Kids were always around him; he wanted to know if you had eaten, and if you were okay. Growing up, my dad would come to our room and said good night to us before going to bed.
He would then come again in the morning before going to the farm to check on us to make sure we slept
well. It was something we got used to and gave us comfort. He was so nice that h h rdly punished kids;
however, he had a very tough, no-nonsense mother (lya Sarah Rowen) that helped him raised his kids and sometimes his wives. If our dad did not punish us, Iya made sure we did not get away with anything. Everyone in the house was afraid of Iya. She would always override my dad, but my dad had a way of shielding us from his tough mom. I remember going to dance at Akunu, which Iya always disapproved of. When we came back at midnight, we would knock at my dad’s window, and he would open the door to let us in. In the morning, he would be in trouble with Iya for letting us in. We would just leave the two of them to duke it out.
My parents divorced when I was very young. As the youngest of three girls, I moved with my mother but always come to Akunu for festivals and holidays. After elementary school, my father brought me back to Akunu to attend the newly found Modern School (where I met Felix Famoye). This was the time I bonded with my dad and his family including my siblings. He was always present in my life.
My dad used to tell me that one of his mistakes was not sending our eldest sister to higher institution,
because he listened to the advice from people who told him not to send girls to higher institutions. It was a mistake he did not repeat. After elementary school, my dad sent our eldest sister to learn how to sew and bought her a sewing machine. She became a very successful seamstress. My eldest sister and my dad worked together in the same shop until she got married. After my eldest sister, he decided to give the remaining children an equal opportunity. He sent us all to school; a man of great vision. I am so thankful for all of the sacrifices he made to see us through; today we are standing shoulder to shoulder with our brothers.
Pa Amujo was a very diligent man. A great farmer, both in cash crops and subsistence (food) crops, and also a good tailor. I remember my dad having sleepless nights sewing clothes for men and children during harvesting (lkore), Christmas. New Year, and Easter periods. He instilled in his children the values of strong work ethics, resilience, and kindness. Education became a great passion for my dad.
I remember after finishing at OSCAS (Post High School), I went to look for a teaching job at Ajowa
Community High School. The late Mr. Oladunni was the school principal and I graduated from OSCAS
birth his son. I gave him my credentials and he told me that I would not stay if he hired me. He asked me
Why I was looking for a job and asked if I applied for admission into universities. I told him yes, l applied. I also told him that I have a lot of brothers coming behind me and that my father would not be able to pay for everyone. He said to me that -, know your father; he would rather sell his house than not send the children to school”, I was surprised to hear that. Mr. Oladunni did hire me but a few months later I left (just as he said) when I gained admission to University of Ibadan. I also remember when my senior sister BB decided to go back to school after marriage. Her then husband did not want to send a wife to school, My dad was eager to support her and paid the tuition. My dad firmly believed that education is a way out of poverty. He opened his door to anyone who wanted to come in. His friends’ children from Ikakumo were living with us while going to school in Akunu.
When his brother decided to go back to school, his family came to live with my dad at Akunu. That was the kind of a man h was always putting family first. Growing up, I always looked forward to going to Akunu for holidays or any festivaI. There was so much love and food in the house. My dad faced many adversities and challenges in his lifetime. All through those periods, his faith in God never wavered. In the midst of an obstacle, when I asked how he was doing, my dad always said, “I have faith in the Lord”. He taught us to be courageous in times of adversity.
One thing I miss most about my dad is the way he greeted people, You cannot greet or call my dad and be in a rush; he first 2 or 3 minutes was always about greetings, and the greetings go on and on and on. I always felt good after talking to my dad, he had that effect on people. Although he had many children, he made you feel as if you are the only child when you were with him.
He was a, very generous and selfless man, generous with his time and his money. He was very funny too. Anytime my dad was around, be ready to laugh, he could make fun of anyone or anything. He always ended our calls with “bye-bye 0”, teasing me because I always say that at the end of our conversation, and we would all burst into laughter. My dad was not a perfect man, but he was a damn good one. Today with deep, heartfelt sorrow I say bye Dad, it is a pleasure being you r daughter. I am forever grateful for your love And sacrifices.
May your departed soul find eternal peace, and may your memory be a blessing to all who knew you. Rest in Peace, knowing that you are deeply loved and wil be forever missed. Eta se chor!
Mrs. Eunice Busola Bosede Famoye (Daughter)
Although we knew it would come one day, but my father’s strength, ability, and intelligence blind folded our eyes to the fact that it could be any time. Baba was, a loving Father, a family man to the core. When we were growing up, my father couldn’t stay away from his house for more than an hour without coming back to check his family, even if it means going back after 5 minutes. Baba was highly respectful; no matter your age, he would greet and address everyone he came across respectivefully; caring, generous to a fault. My father was not a disciplinarian because he hardly beat nor even scolded, but he was highly favoured by God Almighty and a mother that was a disciplinarian. Majority of his children are highly disciplined, responsible and respectful. Baba was a strong man, hardworking and highly intelligent. Despite the fact that he had no formal education, he cherished education so much.
There was a trait I loved so much in him and l am happy that I have that trait; Baba Amujo will always stand for the truth even if it means standing alone. I love my father so much.
For reasons best known to him, he believed so much in me. He loved gisting with his children a lot. Baba prayed for grace to live long, and God answered his prayer. I remember vividly when his elder brother, Late Chief Julius Owolabi Bello (Ajakaye of Akunnu)d’ed, Saba said, “Egbon awon ri ore ofe gba, ki Olorun ko fun awon ni ore ofe be”; God answered his prayer of that day, his brother died at 92yrs and he died at 95yrs.
Baba was a strong man, when he was faced with life challenges of losing a wife and children; God helped him to overcome. What else can we ask for that God didn’t do for my father? He lived a fulfilled life full of grace, strength, and vitality. I give God all the glory for the grace he gave my father while he was with us. I will never forget the rain of tears you rained when you gave my hands out in marriage because you felt Igbaja was far, you cried uncontrollably that day. Thanks for the bond of father and daughter that we shared throughout. Baba mi, I will surely miss that simple prayer of yours to all your children ‘si bo du eezor kuor’ meaning, literally, you will never lack. Baba, thanks so much for being there for me when I lost my mother, my brothers, and my husband. You always said to me, “hold unto God and hold yourself”. Your life was so impactful. God has been so faithful; I give Him all the glory. Sun re o baba mi. Adieu to a wonderful Father.
Mrs. Igbekele Toyin Aiyedun (Daughter)
A day I wished never came, a day I wished wasn’t in calendar. It was a black Monday March 13, 2023. It was the day the man I loved and respected most passed on. Daddy, your transition to the new above left a void in us that no one can ever fill. After a brief illness, we sadly say Good bye to an Icon who brought joy to us as your children and entire family.
I would have loved you to stay longer with us to see you enjoy the fruit of your endeavours but the decision of God is Supreme. Daddy, lived a life of generosity, kind hearted ness, dignity and love. You were a selfless giver that loved Pleasing People. You always Preferred to Sacrifice your comfort for the Welfare of Your Children.
Your Passion for Education Reflected on the qualitative education that you provided for your children. Your drive in bringing positive results reflected in everything around you, both in your Christian life and in training of your children. Daddy, I will miss your slogan whenever am with you; for example: – Kaabo, Bamatas Wayi, Yakotoh. Daddy, as we bid you good bye, May the light of God brighten your path to eternal rest in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen.
Mr Bello Michael Adeyinka (Son)
You had no equal among the fathers, you were outstanding in taking care of your children by giving us
adequate education. You were a father, mentor, friend and all in all to me. Whenever I remember your
struggles at cocoa plantation in Eda Ekiti, all in the name to put we your children at the right direction of life.
I used to pray for you that God should give you long life and good health condition to eat the fruits of your labour. I give glory to God that you achieved it. I love you, I could have done all things possible, to immortalise you but only God is immortal.
BABA, I cannot forget your advice given to me concerning my marital life and my children’s.education.
BABA you were too good to me. When my sister (lgbekele), Akin and I came to visit you at the hospital, you said we should not be afraid that we would not lack good things in our lives, and that we would achieve our aims in He. Little did we know that was your last prayer for us. Baami, as I used to call you, if it is possible to come back to this life, you will still be my father.
Adieu Baami, may God give you eternal rest. May God continue to bless the family you left behind
including your wife. Goodnight, Baba Sola.
Mrs. Olusola Daramola (Daughter)
Dad, I love you for an infinite number of reasons, I feel so blessed to have had you as my father and I’m
thankful for the wonderful love and care you have given me. My heart bleeds each time I remember that
you have gone; but your loving and caring fatherly role will continue, lingering in my heart. I thank God that you lived a life of emulation and died a fulfilled life. I remembered the day you joined your creator in March 13, which was on Monday, I made a call to Victor to ask about your health but took him some minutes to pick up his phone. The moment he picked up the phone, I was just hearing him shouting and screaming Baba! Baba!! Baba!! The Doctor and Nurses rushed down to try their best but your creator said it was time for you to come home.
You were a fearless Dad who always said the truth and you could go to extra lengths to satisfy your children’s needs. I could remember there was a day I came from school and asked for money and you said you were so buoyant that I should go and meet your friend Mr. Agboola. My surprise was that you never asked me, how much did I need? And I went ahead to meet the man, it was him that asked me how much I needed, and I told him and he didn’t hesitate to give me the money. In fact, you were one in a million. I also remembered when I was young then, my elder sisters and brothers would come and meet you in Eda Ekiti via Omuo Ekiti and you would tell them to go and meet Baba Ajigbon for their needs. You were just a lovely father. I thank God that you came to the world and you enjoyed the world.
Rest in perfect peace until we meet again. Adieu!
Mr. Monday Bello (Son)
There is no night without a dawning! No winter without a spring! And beyond the dark horizon, our hearts will once more sing …. , for those who left us for a while have only gone away out of a restless, care worn world into a brighter day. O death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? Thanks be to God who has granted my father victory through our lord Jesus Christ. God noticed that you were getting tired and a cure was not to be; so, He wrapped His Arms around you and whispered, “COME WITH ME”! Dad, even though you’re no longer with me, I want you to know that I think about you every day! I miss you so much, but I am grateful for the time we had together. You were an amazing father, and I’m so lucky to have had you in my life. Your son, Akela (as you fondly called me).
Hon. Olumide Bello (Son)
I say a big farewell to my father. A man of exceptional qualities and discipline, it’s hard to believe you are no longer with us, but I am thankful to God that you were my father. You were a father in mi lion, I am so glad to be trained by you.
I will always miss the time we shared together. There is a lot to say about you, my amazing father but I have to stop here. I salute you, daddy.
Mr. Akinwunmi Bello- Ilufemiloye1 (Son)
Success comes not by wishes but by hard work! Baba rni, you have done more than enough for me in my life. You were my hero, daddy mi! You trained us and showed us how to survive in life. No one can replace you in my heart, because you did more than enough for me. You gave me chance of everything as your last born. I knew before now, that one day it would happen like this, because there is a time to be born and a time to die, no matter how old one is. You will forever be in my life history, never to be forgotten. Good night, Saba.
Mr. Bidemi Gbenga Bello (Son)
