•His Sons & Daughters Reveal A Lot
TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER AND VERY CLOSE FRIEND
My father loved his children, but he was also a strict, no-nonsense disciplinarian. He did not spare the rod to spoil the child.
Daddy was very hard-working, and he instilled that discipline in all of his children. I remember
sometime in 1960, his mother, Mama Ologi, gave me a heavy load to carry back home from our ‘Eseyin’ farm some 10 miles away. My neck sank in and remained sunken for a long time afterwards. I went to show my neck to daddy thinking he would admonish her. But to him, it was not a big deal, that hard work does not kill but prepares one for the future. Later he told my grandmother not to make my load that heavy next time.
Daddy left for the United Kingdom when I was still young, and having lived with him for a short while on his return, we were not very close. But God orchestrated circumstances to bond us together.
Sometime in 2014, daddy fell ill. I asked him the nature of the illness, and he said the doctor had diagnosed it as an old age-related illness. I sent him anti-aging supplements from the US, but as I followed up with him daily, I observed that the supplements were not achieving the desired results. So, I told him I would begin to pray for him. He told me that the Vicar of his Church in Ijebu Igbo had already sent two reverend gentlemen to be praying for him. I want to appreciate the Vicar for playing this pastoral role in my father’s life. As a minister of faith, I called him on a daily basis; teaching him the principles of faith/healing confession, leading him in confessing his healing and praying with him. It was a gradual process, and he recovered. Those daily ministrations drew us closer together. The daily ministrations continued into other aspects of his life, with testimonies. This strengthened his faith in God and His Word; and I became his pastor and his spiritual adviser for the rest of his life. Apostle Segun Adebowale also ministered to him, leading him to Christ and being born again on August 8, 2014.
In our daily interactions, I also learnt some wisdom nuggets from him. There were times I would want to share confidential information with him and would ask whether he was alone. The first time I asked, he didn’t respond. He later told me that that was an embarrassing question. I apologized and asked for his advice on how to ask. He said that next time, I should say there is something I want to discuss with him and request him to call me when he had time. And since then, that was how I handled the issue. Sometimes, he would reply and ask me to say what I wanted to say, that he was alone, and at other times he would tell me he would call me back.
When we spoke, he kept reminding me to teach my young boys how to do household chores. He always said they are, first and foremost, Nigerians and so should not be brought up as Americans.
Daddy had a lot of respect for servants of God. I noticed that the way he related with me as a pastor was different from the way he related with me as my father.
In the last two or three years of his life, when he could no longer attend church services regularly, he would participate in online ministrations from Archbishop Olusegun Adeyemi, whom he told me was the son of Baba
Adeyemi, the organist at St John’s Anglican Church, Olokuta, in the 1950s and I 960s, and other men of God.
After his 94th birthday, his health started declining. I guessed that the end had come, confirming what God had told me many years before and also prophesied through Apostle Adebowale; and so I led him to reaffirm his faith in Christ.
God says in His Word that He would help us to fulfill the number of our days (Exodus 23:26). God, in His faithfulness, did precisely that for my father. I give God the glory for giving him 94 years and for preserving him in good health and in good condition.
This is the faith journey of this child of God. I firmly believe that he is in the bosom of his Maker, occupying one of the mansions that Jesus talked about.
Daddy, I miss you so much. I miss the daily phone calls that I had grown accustomed to over the years and the private conversations we shared.
Good night child of God, till we meet at Jesus’ feet.
– Olatunde Rowaiye
Son
TRIBUTE TO A LOVELY FATHER
First of all, I thank God for helping you to make HEAVEN, and I also thank Him for allowing me to know you and have you as my father-in-law.
Daddy, you were such a wonderful and very caring father who always showed interest in the progress and wellbeing of your children.
When I was in the hospital, you regularly came from Ijebu to visit me, and you would also encourage me by telling me that you had prayed that none of your children would die before you. And that you would rather die than see any of your children die. You would also tell the doctor to do everything possible for me to be okay.
I was overwhelmed by your encouragement and how you mobilized people to attend the burial of my biological father in Ekiti. I will surely miss you, especially the New Year celebration you always had in your Lagos house on the 1st of January every year, but now you are on your seat anymore to welcome us. I will also miss your jokes about life in London and how you never forgot the welfare of your children and your mother in Nigeria. Good night daddy, and rest in peace.
– Mrs. Dupe Rowaiye, Daughter
TRIBUTE TO MY DAD
Words cannot describe the loss I feel, saying farewell to you. I wish we could have more time together; I wish that God had let you stay, but heaven has chosen that it is time for you to come home.
You are too precious to be forgotten and too priceless to be replaced.
Now you are at peace and your soul is at rest, but that won’t stop the tears as I remember the special times we shared, the advice over the years. The fact that you are no longer here still fills my heart with pain.
I was 5 years old when you traveled to Great Britain and a teenager when you returned, I was very happy to go and stay with my father whom I had missed for years but your discipline and your strictness nearly drove me back to our grandmother whom you left us with, thinking that you neither missed us for those number of years nor liked us.
There were times that we disagree but your discipline and strictness really shaped my life.
You were highly contented, you do not inconvenience anyone, you were honest and humble, loving and caring and supportive and God fearing.
When I was secretly learning how to drive by driving your car out of the garage when I was in the Secondary school, you gave me the UK driving manual Textbook to read. With this book and some practises with the Tipper lorry (unknown to you then) I passed my driving test.
After I had passed the driving test, you said to me that it was the government test I passed, I would have to pass your own test, which you did test me on various roads together with Highway Codes. You passed down some of your driving skills and experiences to me.
Apart from education, you taught every one of us some skills, (Do It Yourself) like, Interior decoration (wall papering and painting) car battery charging, electrical installation, changing of pressing iron elements, wire, and plugs.
I still remember very well; when you sent my 6th year birthday gift of a View Master Education film slide toy. (Only my immediate family members and few friends I allowed to view the slides free of charge)
Every year you never forgot my birthday, you would post the birthday card, and since the existence of mobile telecommunication you were always the first person to call to wish me happy birthday with prayers, which I am going to miss.
I am also going to miss your great fatherly love of daily telephone calls and text messages.
Thank you for being my dad
I will forever miss you. Rest in perfect peace, Daddy.
– Abayomi Rowaiye
Son
TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER
Daddy, It is so hard to believe that you are no more. I am, however, consoled that you have lived a good life. For everything that has a beginning must have an end.
You tried your best in giving us a proper upbringing. You were a hardworking person. This you tried to inculcate in us your children. Every child was given a chore to which he or she was held accountable and God save such child who failed to do his or her chore, you would not spare such any child, you didn’t have to look too far for a cane, there were canes distributed on top of curtain panels all around the house. All you needed to do was to stretch your hand foracane.
Our training was not limited to formal education. You were a do-it-yourself person. You taught us artisanship in different works of life. When on holidays we were always busy doing one thing or the other with you, concerning the maintenance of the house. In our home, even a woman could change a bulb or plug. My upbringing made me so versatile to the extent that people wonder how I know about most things I do myself.
You were such a disciplinarian who would not tolerate nonsense. You molded our moral values and demonstrated to us by living by example. All those days, we thought you were too tough and conservative. I did not realise you were right, until my adult life when I started benefiting from what I learnt from you. Thank God for giving you long
life and good health to witness the proper upbringing you have given your children bear fruits in their lives in your lifetime.
Your lifestyle has been a book through which I have learnt so much in life. You were not only hardworking, but you were also very enterprising. As a young man, as much as you were a trained Sanitary Inspector (Wole-wole), you were also an Electrical Technician (also selling electrical materials), a kerosene seller, a piiggery farmer, a professional photographer and also a transporter. You were a man with foresight, as this is what is called multiple streams of income in the modern-day financial independence model. You were never complacent. In spite of you
doing well relative to your peers, you still traveled abroad to study Electrical engineering.
So much has been learnt from you. You were a self reliant person who was never dependent on any person including your children till your last day. You were frugal to a fault. You demonstrated that small resources could be used to achieve great things through a purposeful lifestyle. I have learnt also that when I am unable to do a great thing I should do small things in a great way.
Thank you for being my father.
Adieu Daddy, Good night. Rest in peace till we meet and part no more.
– Babajide Rowaiye
Son
TRIBUTE TO MY DAD
You were an elder with a difference. You were up-to-date on social media channels – your engineering background definitely kept you in touch with technology. The first time I saw a three-pin electric socket with a USB port incorporated was in your bedroom! I remember you asking me why I was not on Facebook saying that’s how you kept tabs on everyone’s birthdays! I quickly went to open an account. And you enjoyed solving jigsaw puzzles on your tablet.
You always took special interest in our work and projects, listening and offering useful tips for effective execution.
I’m so glad you got to see Dubai just before the COVID-19 lockdown. At 92, you walked tall and unaided and marveled at how far the world had come.
I am now thankful for your strict and disciplined guidance in our earlier years. We didn’t like the
firmness then, but now we know it came from a good place. I’m glad I was able to prove I would be alright ‘without studying Chemistry’. That was my motivational booster from you!! Thank you.
We are thankful for the excellent health you enjoyed right up to the very end. You did not joke
with that!!! Going for regular checkups and promptly dealing with issues before they escalated. We take that as a learning point, thanks to you.
I am thankful for the stories and wonderful memories you shared …. the old days growing up in ljebu, times in London, how things have changed today. I sat with you, in awe, as you recounted our family history, edited our extended family tree, correcting dates and adding anecdotes …
And I’m thankful for your foresight.
I will miss you. Unity Rd is not the same without you. Adieu Daddy. You have lived a life worth emulating. Now it’s time to rest. Sun re o Daddy. Thank you for everything.
– Tai Oshisanya (nee Rowaiye)
Daughter
Daddy,
Throughout Your exemplary life You sustained the social engineering position that discipline lies in straightforward observation of law and regulations, adherence to it’s clarity and simplicity; shunning crooked cord of complex jurisprudence. Adieu Obedient Servant of God, Great-grandPa and overall, shepherd. ‘Iai Amities sinceres
– ‘Iai Oshisanya
Son
TRIBUTE TO MY DAD
Dear Daddy,
We loved you with a childish love when we were young. I fondly remember our stopovers at Adekunle and Railway Compound, accompanied by gala sausage rolls, on our way home with you from school. You would occasionally ‘test’ Tai & I by making us walk home from a distance down the road. We ‘strategically’ passed those tests! Later, you became astrict disciplinarian, in your own way, molding us for the future.
We didn’t really understand why you went back to the UK. We are wiser now; and understand that you did it for the family. Such selflessness! The children and I had a wonderful time on our visit to the UK to see you. But we were more glad to have you back home.
I remember you for your deep sense of self, your quiet gentle words of wisdom, your outstretched hand of help, your independence, your astute attention to detail, your thoroughness, your enthusiasm to get onto the internet highway (you surpassed some of usl), the many tales you told us- they were priceless. I remember you paid for my professional exams, even after I was married and working, when I didn’t have the money to pay for it. That seed
germinated in the consultant Paediatrician I am today. I thank God for all the times of fellowship we had as a family, especially the New Year events – we were your pride and joy. Those moments are forever cherished.
I often asked you how you coped with the dark moments, but you always responded that it is better to dwell on the good times.
I thank God for your resilience and courage. You were truly blessed of God. I tell people you were hale and hearty till the end, of sound mind and judgment, and all your exploits. They always respond in awe and say, ‘He was truly a great man!’ .
We know you are in heaven with mummy and all our uncles and aunts, and heaven is rejoicing at your homecoming. Rest in peace, daddy.
– Dr. Kehinde Toyin Wenike-Briggs (nee Rowaiye)
Daughter
Adieu Pa Rowaiye! A quiet, gentle personality. Rest In Peace.
– Kroma Wenike-Briggs, Son
TRIBUTE
Very fond memories of my Dad, especially the latter years – they were the best, and I cherish them.
A wise man, thoughtful, generous and so willing to help. He sincerely cared about your progress with your children, your ministry, business, and things that concerned you. He always had practical words of wisdom, and then would follow up with you in each project.
Whenever we stayed over during conferences, he would personally cook for us, set the table, and then wait up till we got back. Few years ago, he came to visit me in school (MBA in UK) with a trunk-load of provisions – enough supply for like 6 months! I think he remembered Shagamu days!
He liked to laugh, and tell us stories of his adventures in life and history lessons too. We were never bored; in fact, we would even intentionally poke for the stories to flow.
He was very principled, detailed and organised. He made a lot of impact.
I thank God for his salvation and divine health – even till the end (I never knew him to be sick).
Thank you Daddy for the legacy you left behind in us. Thank you for your love. Thank you for the deep confidence reposed in me -I don’t take it for granted.
I will see you again.
I Thess 4: 16 – 17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
– Pastor Adetutu Balogun (nee Rowaiye)
Daughter
Daddy,
Growing up with you was tough! The no-nonsense ever strict dad that you are. Always had that thought at the back of my mind – “would daddy approve of my actions?”. I was a kid then and I dreaded the strictness and toughness. In my eyes you were to much a disciplinarian.
Fast forward many years ahead (a father myself now) – This strict nature and sense of discipline has shaped my life in many ways and helped mould who I am today. The DIY man I have become, fixing things all around the house and community. I learnt so much about electric parts and machinery even before I knew what career path to pursue –
The practical lessons and experiences have proven invaluable – Thank you Daddy.
Always energetic and active. You will always walk me downstairs whenever I came to visit and tell me you need the exercise. Your walking stick hanging on the stair rail, you had no use for it. No slowing down even after 90 years of age.
Daddy The Great Storyteller, Whao! You always had so much to say, I miss your stories, wise words,
your experiences growing up and your struggles. You would go on for hours. There was never a
quick visit or stopover at Unity Road, be prepared for gist! Your look of amazement and prayers
for my safety when we talk and I tell you what I have been up to and where I had been lately. Keep looking down and interceding for us all from above papa. I really miss you – Wish the stories could go on.
You always wanted the best for us all. Your caring nature and sense of family – FAMILY IS ALL – A mantra I live by every day. As you would always say, “don’t fight with your sisters and/or brothers”. You were always thankful for the bond and love we all share….the way we eat and share and just have a lovely time together delighted you.
Your kind and generous nature to all whom you came across and required your assistance is inspiring. You were the Head of your clan, and everyone revered and respected you for your impartial nature and sense of duty. A true role model.
Really miss your phone calls (when you haven’t heard from me in a while), to check I am okay and the concern when things were not going so well and the lengths you would go, to ensure I was okay. Your connection with the grandkids was amazing …. pampering them. The techy Grandpa …. always on your phone or tab, sending messages and emojis and the latest memes. You discovered social media (even in your late years) and you embraced it completely.
The delight in your eyes whenever you see me ….., I felt the love. Indeed, I am truly blessed to call you Dad, blessed that you made me your own, blessed and honoured that you and (Mom) call me Son. Sleep easy Dad. Miss you and love you always.
– Bunmi Jacobson, Son
My Dearest Daddy Row….
How do I express into words the impact you had on me? It was obvious I wasn’t ready to let you go …. seems like everyone but me saw it coming! Frankly how could I? You came into my life when some would consider you already in your twilight years and managed to deceive me with your strength and active lifestyle …. driving yourself to and from Ijebu Igbo, rarely needing assistance to look after yourself, etc.
Whatever you put your mind to, you achieved which was a great life lesson for me. At 88 years you chose to take a solo trip to the United Kingdom to revisit where you lived for so long. Still at over 90 years you decided on a boat cruise and a visit to the wonder city in the desert called Dubai. To be honest, I took your quiet strength for granted …. felt you would be around for a while longer. Your words of wisdom, quiet and peaceful nature I will always cherish and keep in my heart. Some people may argue that I was fortunate to meet the loving Grandpa and not the strict disciplinarian but whichever way it would have been, I will forever be thankful for the gift/blessing of having had you in my life.
Thank you for being a living example of what a loving father should be. The last few months with Bunmi being away at work, I got used to your increased calls to checking up on me, encouraging me not to miss him too much; your response to my question “how are you doing daddy” would always be “I’m still kicking” ….. and thereafter we would both laugh!!
Thank you for being you, Daddy Row, thank you for being true!!
Rest Easy Grandpa, Adieu Daddy Row, I will always love and miss you.
– Adebisi Olubunmi-Jacobson
Daughter
I had my fair share of the strict, firm talking, no nonsense side of you growing up. Today, it has
helped me understand and appreciate being hard on a child but also loving the child to bits.
You were extra caring, understanding, considerate, very liberal and very giving – of yourself, your time, and your resources.
I’m glad I got to spend good time with you in the last few years. While I was doing your weekly cooking, you would sit with me and tell me all about your past – the farm life, going to school, walking from Ibadan to Ijebu, photography, your many jobs, coming to Lagos, your sojourn to London and back, your visit to Japan in 1980, business and all. Your memory was impeccable and you would say “don’t be in a hurry when you come to see me”. You told the stories over with excitement each time being grateful to God, saying “I owe nobody anything, not even money”. Now you are gone we’ve gotten to hear your untold stories of how you got to work with so many Churches especially at Ijebu.
At 94 you were tech savvy, you kept up with Facebook and always called via WhatsApp. I’m glad you got to see Dubai in 2020 just before the Covid Lockdown, moving around unaided and not allowing us to leave you in the apartment while we shopped.
You were the Chief Non-Executive Director of myadireisbeautiful . You encouraged me, cheered me on, advertised for me and even helped source fabric and manage my staff. You made sure I eventually opened the MAiB Store, which you personally supervised the setup up till January before you passed. I’m indeed grateful.
I thank God for the opportunity I had to pray with you the night before you passed. You held my hand and squeezed with your last strength affirming your ‘Amen”. I know there is another fellowship in Heaven, till then …. Rest on Daddy.
– Oluwatosin Usifoh (Nee Rowaiye)
Daughter
TRIBUTE TO MY DAD
My Dad, You came, you saw, and you conquered … You lived till a very ripe age of 94. And most joyously it was in good health. You could still cook, walk up and down the stairs, visit our homes, take us down many memory lanes, gist and most importantly give advice and words of wisdom.
Dad, I am so glad you lived long enough to see the beautiful children, grandchildren and great grand children we all turned out to be. I remember, my punishment whenever I offended was to write “I will never….” in a sixty leaves exercise book, and submit at a specific time. The good side of it was it helped improve my handwriting (Lool) But My solace with your strictness was that whenever mum was strict, you were extra loving and kind. I always had a hiding place in you.
Growing up, you used to tell me many many bedtime stories. It was our bonding time. As an adult, you looked out for me. You always had a listening ear, and spurred me up to greater height of achievements. Your constant calls to check up the family was awesome.
One of my learnings from you was, invest while you are young, so that in old age, you can still be your own boss. I remember at 90, when you traveled abroad for your grand-daughters wedding, with no ones permission, You didn’t need money from anyone, you had your own funds. And yes, off to London you went – Yes we all gave, but it was voluntary. I learnt a big lesson on funds management. I was and am proud that my Father, at an old age of 90, you still had good financial culture to do that. You lead us in that path, and yes Dad we all sure do you proud.
Countless time, you told us, and everyone of how happy and proud you were of my siblings and I. You are the true epitome of ‘wa jeun omo pe’ – (You will be alive to see and eat the fruit of your labour’) my Family and I tap into your grace. You were a happy and fulfilled old man. I remember each time I called and ask how you are doing, you will say – I am still kicking, and we happily chatted away.
You were very thoughtful, and sought to always be a blessing to us all. Whenever you went to the village, you would come back bearing gifts for us all. We just needed to ask in passing, and your fatherly figure to provide for your children was activated – This happened till you died.
God answered my greatest prayer for you to die without pain or sickness. Glad to know you with the angels. I love you Dad, my ever supportive cheerleader Sir.
The many January 1st party we had, you will stay with the butchers to ensure that meat was intact, and that we all start the year with enough meat and full freezer of food. This you did happily, even when we opted to stop the cooking in the house, you refused, stating that it was a source of joy to you. I will miss that soo much Dad. The dancing……(a big smile on my face)…..Maybe I would have taught you ‘One Legge’ this year.
Your last born.
Titilayo Tolulope Derin-Adefuwa (nee Rowaiye)
Daughter
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