Tributes have continued to pour in from children, friends, family members and relations of Pa Joseph Oyedokun Alade, Adeyemo, who died at aged 101, in his Modakeke, Osun State home, on Friday, November 9, 2018.
The late Pa Adeyemo was father in-law of the publisher of Sunrise Nigeria and Lagos State Safety Ambassador, Mr Yinka Aderibigbe.
Deaconess Mrs Titilayo Ayoni Odumosu, foremost educationist and daughter, described her father, as a disciplinarian, who would be sorely missed for his commitment and dedication to things of God.
Mrs Odumosu said through her father, she and her siblings learnt the virtues of love, kindness, dedication and hard work, adding that with no one but God, her father struggled to raise all his children and gave them quality education.
“My irreplaceable father, you are a disciplinarian. You are very loving, truthful, considerate and a trustworthy man,” Mrs Odumosu said in her tribute.
She said she would continue to be guided by the sterling attributes that made her father unique in order to preserve his cherished memory.
His son Olajide Adeyemo who said his father’s death was a personal loss, described him as a super dad.
Adeyemo, a Chartered Surveyor, said though he and his father had their differences while he was growing up, they soon became inseparable and close confidant as they both grew to appreciate and respect each other.
He said he would forever remember his father for his forthrightness, courage and discipline, recalling that behind his stern appearance were a witty, jocular, kind hearted and a selfless father.
“Baba could literally take a bullet to ensure Western education for his children and wards. And I took full advantage of his weakness for good school reports, to get approval for my frequent requests. His generosity was without bias and knew no limitations. He was a dependable ally among his friends. A devote Christian of the Anglican Communion. Our major disagreement in the last decade was his refusal to stop observing his fasting days even at such an advanced age.
“Baba was a neat and trendy dresser, and a good dancer.”
Also, Moses Adeyemo said his late dad always look for the best in others. “You lived for others and left the world better than you met it,” he surmised.
Other daughters, led by Mrs Romoke Aderibigbe described their dead father as compassionate and dedicated dad. Mrs Aderibigbe said she would always remember him for his wise counsels, wittiness and courage.
Dupe Abiola Adeyemo, a business woman said Pa Adeyemo lived a sacrificial life, who never wanted to see anyone deprived of the good things of life.
Deaconness Omoyemi Olajugbagbe, a Malaysian based clothier and accessories enthusiast, thanked God for “blessing her with the best father in the world.” She recalled the day the old man left the house and vowed not to return until he got for her an eye drop she badly needed for an infestion. She said, such selflessness are uncountable in the life of the man who was her father.
Bolanle Sennaike said she will remember her father for his commitment to things of God, adding that he was not just religious, but loved God with all his heart.
“You laid a solid Christian foundation for us all. We would keep your sermon jotter notes in the family library for generations yet unborn,” she added.
Elder Adewale Odumosu described Pa Adeyemo as a committed father who gave his all to all that he came in contact with. He recalled that since their path crossed in 1974, he has admired him as a father, and a teacher whose wise counsels would be sorely missed.
Dr Olowoyo Idowu, papa’s personal physician said papa was a special kind of patient who showed that he truly cared for all, including his doctor. There’s no day I come to see him that he would not try to give me a parting gift even for my family. He loved all and showed it.
“My father, you will forever be on my mind because of your love and the good legacy you laid down for us! The good works you did will speak for ever. I love you my father,” Dr Idowu said.
Publisher of the Sunrise Newspaper Mr Yinka Aderibigbe, said Papa remained for him a source of strength, who he loved for his character, courage and integrity. “He loved us all and loved all his grand children more and he showed it unabashedly. He was a great man, who silently changed the narrative of his world.”
Roseline Oyeleye said Pa Adeyemo was the reason why she got educated. She added that her life changed when she started living under his roof.
One of his grand children Josephine Adeyemo reminisced on the day he took her and his brother Joseph Olayele to the village church where he had his vast farmlands for their first baptism. She said she was proud of her grand dad and the stories she was regaled with of his valour, courage and character.
Olayele Adeyemo was no less loving in his tribute, saying for a man who lost his parents at infancy, only God could have moulded him to becoming who he eventually became.
Another grandchild Dabira Aderibigbe said of her granddad; You are a warm and caring person. You are as priceless as can be. You always made me and my siblings so good through the love you showed us. You’ve always been a very strong influence, who is always there and would always ask of us as we grow. You are always so thoughtful, caring and reliable. You are more than a grandpa, you are a special person and you will remain so in my heart.”
Friendly reminiscences have also been pouring in from associates on the life of Pa Adeyemo.
Mr Yinka Fagbamigbe, a United States of America based Surveyor lifelong friend of the family said death of Papa was a rude shock.
He said: “In him I found a mentor and confidant. He could read my moods and predict my moves. To say that I loved him is an understatement. But, let me reveal that as I grew closer to him, my friend Jide grew closer to my Dad in Lagos. My Dad would rather call and discuss crucial issues with Jide other than me and, I would just hear of their plans afterward. Anyway, what have I got to lose, I had a Dad in Ile Kule.
Even from the church had been flowing torrents of tributes, Pastor Ayorinde Omosuwa of the Fountain of Gory Area LP38, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, said: What we see in our own Elder Olajide Adeyemo are testimonies of good Christian values of friendliness generosity, quality leadership and fear of the Lord. He therefore prayed that god reposed the soul of the departed.
Elder Olufemi Adediran, Papa’s inlaw said Pa Adeyemo is not an inlaw but a father, who would be sorely missed for his wizened counsel and his guiding and guarding role towards all that come in contact with him.
Pa Adeyemo’s final obsequies would begin on April 25, 2019 with the lying in state at his 18, kule Street, Off Oke Amola Street, Modakeke, Osun state, and a Christian wake would hold at the same venue and date from 5pm.
Funeral service will take place at St Stephen’s Anglicn Church, Modakeke, on Friday April 26, 2019, while reception will hold at the Hill Sring Events Centre, Old NEPA, Ondo Road, Modakeke, Osun State.
Pa Adeyemo is survived by his wife, children, including Mrs Titilayo Ayoni Odumosu, and Surveyor Jide Adeyemo of Adeyemo, Fagbamigbe & Co, Lagos and many relatives and friends.