TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER
Ever since your untimely departure from this sinful world, when I wake up every day, Olubamiji Olusegun Adekunle I think of you. How can all of these be true? I cannot believe you are really gone; I still have a tough time accepting it, even after so long. It keeps resounding like yesterday. Just the thought of your demise makes me see life in a unique way. The shock of death snatching you away from us at such a prime life left a bitter taste in our mouths but who are we to question God.
The word of God in Job 1:21b (KJV) reads” … The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed
be the name of the Lord” . I never even got the chance to say goodbye, kept thinking you were going to survive the illness. All the memories we shared; they were part of what bonded us to you. We grew up to find we have a love that is extraordinarily strong as brothers. It is a love shared by our family, which will never fade away. You are our brother not by choice, but by the nature of our birth I could not have chosen a better one, you were the best on earth. When I was young, I wanted to do everything you did,
because I wanted to be just like you, now I sit here wondering what to do, because there is no one to replace you. I never did tell you all the things I felt -like how much I really did love you, I guess just like men… Por having you in our lives, we have all been blessed. I wish we could go back and start over again; I need my brother. It makes me think of all the times we have spent together when I was young. I followed you almost everywhere; attended the same primary school, the same secondary school, slept on the same bed sometimes rolled over you, wore your leftover clothing and shoes – I was always proud and happy anytime you passed on things to me. When I was young, my interest was always football and table tennis until I saw you playing field hockey, then I started playing too. You coached me until I represented the school in my third year at Olivet. Your friends started calling me Aka junior that even my high school friends followed suite, up until now some of my friends do not remember my name because they were used to calling me Aka. When I posted your obituary on my high school forum, some of them thought it was me …. (Although I was not sure why a dead person would post his obituary) I guess people can now easily figure out it is me not you. Distance kept us apart for some time, but you were always there for your siblings. You are my brother, I loved you like no other – in my heart you will always be. You have been a guide to your siblings in a lot of ways talk less of your record on education – you set standards for us to meet. I adored you that I asked my wife to visit you before corning to join me in America as if I needed your permission for her to be my wife. I will never forget your soothing voice, 1 wish you sweet sleep, my dear brother.
Although there is so much that you have left bare, I hate that you had to endure such pain when we saw you on video in your last minutes. On our minds, your saddened eyes left a stain in our minds; it really is like a hole in our lives carved out by knives. Yet we believe, no more suffering, sickness, yes not even pain, O Death, where is your sting?
In 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV, Apostle Paul says “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing”.
My brother had fought a good fight, he had finished his course, he had kept the faith … and henceforth there awaits him a crown of righteousness our Lord will award him on that day in the mighty name of Jesus Amen!
Taking your place to provide advice to my siblings will not be easy, I have no other choice, with the help of God nothing is impossible. We miss you with all our hearts, you are a loving brother. You were too young to go, it did not have to be like this, you did not have to die prematurely. I pray that God will grant the rest of us long lives and good health in Jesus’ name. We promise to cherish your memories. We will miss you very much, it is indeed well in Jesus’ name. The Holy Spirit will give all of us affected by your death the fortitude to bear this great loss.
If God could grant us one last wish, we would ask to say “Goodbye.” So now this is our goodbye. Rest in peace and we wish you sweet sleep our beloved brother until we meet again at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ. Olusegun, Adekunle – Adieu!
–Sir (Dr.) Engr. Adetoye & Lady (Dr.) Folake Adeniyi
MY BROTHER, OLUSEGUN ADEKUNLE ADENIYI
The quintessential gentleman. When we were goring up, you were the proverbial leading horse to me. I wished to emulate everything about you, your mannerisms, your dress sense, even your gait when you walked. You were a good role model to we, your siblings. You were very kind, generous, gentle and you radiated this peaceful mien that I hardly saw in other people. Your “hand me downs” were like brand new, that made me the” cool dude” amongst my peers. Did I ever see you lose your cool? Hardly!
When I was in England in the early 80s (which you made possible), you visited regularly and spread your generosity among my friends. We almost couldn’t wait for your next visit because we knew our pockets would be lined yet again with few extra cash. I remember a story told by a friend, that when he was working in the banking industry, they would all gather themselves from different banks during lunch break and walk to BCCI, Marina Branch, where you were the Manager, just to check out what you were putting on each day! Another one told me “You can smell Aka’s cologne a mile away” Lol! I so much enjoyed being Aka’s younger brother at BCCL, because there were many peoples attached to that mane. You were a banking guru, the kind that paid attention to every detail, crossing the Ts and dotting the Is. You had tremendous good will at work and among your friends.
My wife and I never came to you for advice and left dissatisfied. You hardly ever complained about life’s adversities; always going with the flow. Even, towards the end, you always told me, “Dayo, I’m
fine. I’m going to be okay.” How I wish I saw beyond your ready calmness.
We loved you, Aka, but God loves you more. Rest on! By the special grace bf God, we shall meet to part
no more. And if I ever return to this world in another lifetime, I still wish to come back as your younger
brother.
–Olujide Adedayo & Olamide Adeniyi
MY CHAMPION DEPARTS
It was indeed a privileged providential arrangement to have been birthed by the same loins as you. I grew up to know you, not-just as my big brother, but as a father figure. You were a trail-blazer and a reference point in our family. Very early in life, you set the pace of success for us, your siblings. Your
accomplishments in the banking sector at a very young age was a strong motivating and propelling force for me to be focused and excel in my pursuits.
Since your passage, I had continued to be assailed by the fond memories of those good times we had shared as siblings and as family. Will I ever forget how I always looked forward to spending my long vacations with your family in Lagos in my university days? I always returned to school at the beginning of every session with the best of shirts and French suits. You truly pampered me with material stuffs. You were firm and no-nonsense; yet compassionate and endearing. What about my days in the Law School, how your home at Off-Allen, Ikeja, was my comfort place?
Every time I have ever had to be around you always provided me the opportunity to drink from the fountain of your uncanny intellect, wisdom and ever effervescent mind. You had answers to every question. You would readily discuss any topic under the sun. You never compromised your values of hard work, excellence, honesty, uprightness and contentment. Your attention to detail was unbelievable, just like our dad. Your constant admonition to us, your brothers, to be upright and to uphold our enviable family name never cease to resonate with me.
Your upheld the values of friendship. It was always a delight to observe you amongst your friends. They loved you, admired you and held you in high esteem. Their affection for you is truly demonstrated by the huge encouragement, comfort and support the family has received from their folds since you departed.
Life happened to you, as it does everyone: but I was always amazed at your ability and grace to bear adversities and contain challenges with unbelievable calmness, equanimity and fortitude. You would
rather bear your pain alone; yet ever ready to bear the pains of others and offer wise counsel with the
most compelling and comforting words.
As if I had a premonition of your soon exit, two years ago I decided with my family that we shall thenceforth spend every Christmas with you in Lagos. Memories of the quality time we had those moments remain fresh. Morifeoluwa continued to recall gleefully the exciting dancing session you had with her at last year’s Christmas.
I thank God for the opportunity to share wonderful and cherished memories with you. I will sorely miss our very special first-born/last-born bond. You will ever remain my champion, my super hero, mv father, my brother, my friend.
As you were, even when you were ailing; in my sight you remained the same invincible she was grew up to know. I had felt you were too precious to God to let you go this early. I recall how, my last visit, you were as cheerful as always. You were so enthusiastic about your recovery and you .confidently shared how you looked forward to celebrating your 70th birthday with reckless thanksgiving to God. But the Sovereign God had better plans for you. You are too precious to Him to let you stay here longer. Your loss to us is heaven’s gain. Now, you have been completely weaned and severed from all earthly worries, troubles and struggles. Glory be to God!
I continue to draw consolation and immense joy in knowing that you embraced Christ and this you demonstrated In your guided and contented strides those latter years. You served God faithfully and committedly. You showed love and kindness to all around you.
The true value of life is not in its duration but in its donation. You impacted humanity with the talent and gifts God gave you. Now, your assignment is done. You deserve a good rest. We will meet again, my Champion, at the feet of the Lord on the last day.
Your kid brother,- Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi
TRIBUTE TO \1Y BROTHER KUNLE
I have heard some people say, /I sometimes, a brother-in-law comes in form of a brother from another
mother.” This is so true of Brother Kunle, my brother from another mother! You gave me all the support I needed as the wife of Adegbola, your youngest brother.
From the sound of your voice, your warm smile, you always had a way with words. I recall the many times you had conversations with me; your gentle encouragement to me to steadfastly love and support my husband regardless of the circumstances of life. You made me always feel comfortable enough to share my worries.
Brother Kunle, you knew how to live and embrace every moment. You had great qualities but the most endearing, for me, was your ability to get people to open up. You, at all times, gave me assurance. You were always there for the family. I recall that you attended my Call to Bar in Lagos, in 1991. You also attended my swearing-in ceremony as a judge in 2017, though at great inconvenience. You were also there at my 50th birthday celebrations. You toiled so much, cared and shared from your wealth of wisdom. Never did we think that you will leave us so soon.
I am proud and glad that I had the opportunity to spend time with you during your last days. I will never forget how incredibly grateful you were for our support when you were in the hospital. Even in pain, you kept saying, “Mo dupe a” (I’m grateful). It was a wonderful privilege to have known you. How much we prayed for your recovery. I remember you sent prayers to me on my last birthday. I always looked forward to those special birthday wishes and prayers from you every year. Hmmm! So, that is it. No more birthday prayers from my dearest brother?
I recall our last conversation over the phone. You were so positive that you will recover and testify to the goodness of God. Little did I know it will be our last conversation. Now, all we have is your memories. Good night, my Brother Kunle! May you rest in the hands of your Creator who has called you home.
Your sister from another mother,
–Hon. Justice Sinmisola Adeniyi
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