Omoboye

ODUNLAMI OMOBOYE (1963-2026) 

A Diligent Professional, An Inimitable Family Man and a Devout Man of God

By, Seye Adetunmbi

The God almighty who created man in His own image has a way of blessing every family with outstanding children in the different walks of life. Every child is unique in their own way with the innate abilities to standout in one way or the other through their natural distinctive dispositions. Odunlami Thoney Omoboye was one person of the people in this category due to his integrated godly ways and accomplishments in his 62 years in the land of the living. He was born on October 8, 1963 to the family of Elijah Dada Omoboye in Ejemu compound of Ilero Quarter, Ifaki. His octogenarian mother is Mrs Aina Agnes Omoboye, a native of Ifaki-Ekiti. Odunlami had his primary education at St Michael's Anglican Primary School, Ifaki-Ekiti in the late 1960s to early 1970s and attended Ifaki Grammar School where he belonged to the 1975 to 1980 set. He opted for the medical line to further his education and obtained Registered Nursing Certificate from the Seventh Day School of Nursing, Ile-Ife in Osun-State of Nigeria in 1985. He relocated to the United States of America in 1996 where he earned degree in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the Lehman College, Bronx, New York and went further to obtain Master of Science (M. Sc.) in Clinical Informatics from the New York University (NYU) in 2006. He "cut his teeth" in the nursing profession at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife where he began his clinical career. As a focused and diligent practitioner, not too long after his relocation, he passed the qualifying exams to become a Registered Nurse in the New York.

He secured employment with the New York City Department of Health where serving the public proficiently and dedicatedly. He worked at HHC Harlem Hospital, New York and  HHC Lincoln Hospital in Bronx. His kindness by nature manifested significantly while providing bedside care at Bronx Care Hospital. He also made his mark in Clinical Informatics as a passionate medical practitioner.

He got married to his heart throb, Dr Mrs Cecilia Omoboye in 1996 and God blessed the matrimony with well brought up children in the Christian way - Bunmi, Opeyemi, Foluke and Wole. 

Odun was a devoted Christian and a pastor in the Deeper Life Bible Church in the United States of America.

He was a dotting husband and father

He encouraged and supported his wife to obtain PhD in Nursing. A good husband indeed.

Son and Mother. May God console her

Odunlami and my father, Chief D. O. Adetunmbi were first cousins. His father, Pa Elijah Omoboye a.k.a. Baba Ilorin was the only sibling of my paternal grandmother, Adetunmbi Omoboye. His paternal grandmother, Iya-elepa Maria Omoboye was my father's maternal grandmother. His father and my father were practically brought up as older and younger brothers by my paternal great-grandmother.

Odun's grandmother was my great-grandmother and we grew up as brothers. Three plots separated our parents' houses at Ilero quarter in Ifaki-Ekiti. My parents and older siblings lived in their house for a while before I was born. After my father's house was completed in the early 1960s, we called our house "ule titun". He was like my immediate younger brother in the family lineage of the maternal side of my father. A number of times I went to his father's farm in Agbara, close to Esure-Ekiti in company with Baba Ilorin, Odun, his brothers and sisters. We all took bath in the Agbara stream after the day's work on the farm.

He visited me together with his wife at my office in Marina, Lagos during his short visit to Nigeria in 1997

We the children played toronto together in every available space in their compound and our neighbourhood generally. We also shared in the food of my father's uncle, Baba Ilorin each time I played late into the dinner time in their compound. Baba would give every child around him while eating one okele from the plates of food brought by his wives. I looked forward to such opportunity in my childhood days. As a matter of fact, I would deliberately hang around with my cousins who were mostly under the age of 10 then - Bode, Alake, Femi, Iyalola, Odun, Ade, Funke and Oke; roaming around Baba so that we can collect our own okele.

During my visit to New York City in 2013

At Ekiti Parapo New York event in 2013

We attended the same primary school (CMS) and secondary school (IGS) together. The first time I was in the New York I stayed with him. He was a worthy brother indeed. Out of generosity, he was there for family members and anyone who needed his help.

He was a brilliant practitioner in the health sector which he discharged with utmost compassionate kindness to his patients. 

Odun left his mark as a progressive intellectual who stood by what is just and the best for the society and Nigeria in particular. He was active as a member of Ekitipanupo Indigenous Intellectual Roundtable and in the debates of Atokeibeirosi forum. The flag was flown half mast on the Atokeibeirosi platform after I broke the sad news of his transition.

My last message to him was on January 26 to ask after him and his family during the winter storm. I was worried when he didn't reply my message while assuming that he was taking his time. Alas, he was under medical care when my text came!

No doubt, family members and everyone who associated with him will miss him. It is only God who can console his aged mother.

God giveth, He taketh.
Life indeed is short and for a while.

His time came on February 3rd 2026, and he went home.

It is a reminder to all of us still here that we are all just passing through the surface of the earth.
All we can ask from God is "ki ojo jinna si ra"
Fare thee well, Odunlami, abu mi luka.

Omo eku, omo elu,
Elu ilugbo odo
O gb'agba yun ori Ekiti ya lu

Omo Ewi, omo Akin,
Omo Bobo, omo Efinrin,
Omo Aaye inisin
Oteniwejo,
Ejo tin inyun un tin.

Omo Alagbara
Agbara ila wo rere
Agbara awe gb'okun gbe
Agbara kan we'ri we'ra,
Kan gb'odira okun gbe si
O sun kun iyan ikasin l'ori Ekiti

Omo Ejemu
Ori mi, o ki'arian l'ori
O l'eguru, O l'okuta
O p'ana jare
O ta ana re l'ofa l'orun.
Usu gbo, ale le

O su s'ugbo, o lakaka le
O k'omo usu wa gbo, o d'eyiyi wa be

Omo olona oja kan ti i t'ebo,
O mu 'yan ikasin s'abe eu je
I se l'oju ti data l'ugbi ki mo ti d'Esure.
Aba re li l'ale la t'agbara ko mu d'eti Isurin

Kare o Odun
Mo sayiyun re o
Ka to r'erin o d'igbo;
K'a to r'efon, o d'odan....
O d'oju ala, oni mi ayiye

It is tough to say goodbye, yet we surrender all to God!
Sleep well, my beloved brother, Odunlami.

CONDOLENCES FROM ATOKEIBEIROSI PLATFORM

[04/02, 5:27 pm] Ayo Omowunmi: Oh my goodness.  He was an active contributor on the Platform. May his soul Rest in Peace. Our platform collectively through the Administrators should convey our regrets and condolences to his family.  Very sorry about it Seye.

[04/02, 5:30 pm] Raphael Okunmuyide: May his soul rest in peace, Amen!😭😭😭😭😭😭

[04/02, 5:36 pm] Wole Akindahunsi: This is very serious and terrible! A week ago I noticed his absence here, I called but no response.

My condolences to you Seye, the family and all of us on this platform. May his soul rest in perfect peace

[04/02, 5:38 pm] Tokunbo Ibikunle: May his soul rest in perfect peace. Seye please accept my condolences and his family. He was indeed active on the platform. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

[04/02, 5:44 pm] Gabriel Akinyemi: So sad indeed 😭😭. 

May God comfort his family and all the loved ones he left behind. 

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

[04/02, 6:02 pm] Bode Ojo: This is so sad. May his gentle soul rest in peace. May God comfort his family and friends.

[04/02, 6:03 pm] Dr. Dokun Adedeji: May God rest his soul and comfort his family. 

Seye, please accept my deepest condolences.

[04/02, 6:12 pm] Segun Sanni: Wow! So sad to read this! Odun Omoboye was a friend and ideological ally in this forum! We will surely miss his principled comments and contributions in the group. 😔😩

[04/02, 6:22 pm] Bode Ojo: The sudden flight of a saint.

My brother has joined the saints triumphant. Tony, omo Ifaki orikiran, was my immediate junior in secondary school -  Ifaki Grammar School, Ifaki - Ekiti. We reconnected on Ekitipanupo several years after we parted ways in 1979. Initially I could not place his face very well because I thought he is one of the Omobulejos.

He was a team player, very humble and amiable. This is a huge loss. I am in deep shock.

There have been too many departures this year, starting from the first day of January. It is necessary for us to pray without ceasing. Life however long, is for a short time.

We miss you so dearly. Fare-thee-well!

[04/02, 6:31 pm] Wale Adeoye: May his soul rest in peace

[04/02, 6:33 pm] Wale Adeoye: May God strengthen the people he left behind to be able to shoulder this heavy cross. May his soul rest in peace.

[04/02, 6:39 pm] Emmanuel Ogunremi: What a great loss! May his soul rest in peace. It is well with the family.

[04/02, 6:41 pm] Deji Adeyeye Osanyinbi: May his soul find eternal peace. Sad news. 😢

[04/02, 6:44 pm] Deji Okeya: 🙆🏿‍♂️Oh no, I used to enjoy his banter with uncle Biodun.  May the Almighty comfort and strengthen His loved ones.😭

[04/02, 7:14 pm] Adedapo Osanyinbi: Seye, sorry to hear about the sudden passing of our dear brother Odun. Be comforted by the inspirations he gave out and do not be depressed but be uplifted by the very life he lived! He has left his footprints 👣 on the Sands of Time! May his soul rest in Peace! My heartfelt condolences to the Family!🕊️

[04/02, 7:26 pm] Biodun Adu: This is a wrench for me. Gosh! I am numb. Odun was a favourite of mine, Difficult to take this in as we exchanged banter privately a few weeks ago. May the Good God grant him a peaceful rest.

[04/02, 7:44 pm] Williams Aborisade: Odunnn! We spoke about four weeks ago. I just started to think that it's been awhile, seeking time to call him! Ha!

Rest in peace, oni ayiye

A wonderful fellow.

[04/02, 7:48 pm] Banjo Ogunrosoye: Very sad . 

May the soul of Odun rest in perfect peace.

[04/02, 9:29 pm] Segun Olubummo: I called him Egbon - 

Hard to fathom your sudden demise - but I knew you were done with your work on earth.

Your life taught us a lot - you were intentionally kind hearted, no length you didn’t go to ensure those around you were comfortable.

Your sudden demise is a profound loss to humanity, but, we sorrow not like those without hope, for we believe the Word of God that those who sleep in Christ, will God bring with Him at the rapture. Adieu!!

[04/02, 10:16 pm] Teniola Akande: May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace...🙏🏼

[04/02, 10:25 pm] Mofe Akinbanji: May the Lord comfort the wife, children and mother of the departed at this difficult time.

May his soul rest in peace in the Lord.

[04/02, 10:26 pm] Teniola Akande: Condolence Message on the Passing of Mr. Odunlami Anthony Omoboye

The Governorship Candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Mr. Praise Ayodele, has received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Mr. Odunlami Anthony Omoboye, an esteemed and active member of the Atokeibeirosi Initiative.

Although not a member of this platform, Mr. Ayodele and the leadership of the People’s Redemption Party deeply acknowledge the intellectual depth, civic engagement, and quality of discourse that define the Atokeibeirosi Initiative. The loss of Mr. Omoboye is therefore not only a painful bereavement to his immediate family but also a significant loss to a community committed to thoughtful dialogue and nation-building.

Mr. Omoboye’s active participation and contributions to discussions over the years reflect a life devoted to ideas, responsibility, and service. His absence will be deeply felt within the Initiative and beyond.

On behalf of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Mr. Praise Ayodele extends his heartfelt condolences to the wife, children, aged mother, extended family of the deceased, and members of the Atokeibeirosi Initiative. 

We pray that the Almighty God grants the family fortitude, comfort, and enduring peace during this moment of grief.

May the soul of Mr. Odunlami Anthony Omoboye rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy of thoughtful engagement endure.

Signed:

Mr. Praise Ayodele

Governorship Candidate

People’s Redemption Party (PRP)

Ekiti State

4th February, 2026

[04/02, 10:28 pm] Sina Fagbenro-Byron: Sincere condolences Seye and to all of us

[04/02, 10:54 pm] Sola Ojo: May his soul peacefully rest!

[05/02, 12:06 am] Gbenga Ogunsakin: His regular banter with Uncle Bee came to me straight. Ki Oloun saanu wa o🙌

[05/02, 12:20 am] Biodun Adu: I will miss him.

[05/02, 1:19 am] Oluwole Osagie-Jacob: May his soul rest in peace. Please accept my condolences.

[05/02, 2:30 am] Prince Sunday Adelusi: May God grant his entire family the fortitude to forebear the lost.

May God grant him internal rest.

[05/02, 2:55 am] James Ayodele: I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your brother. May God console you and all the family sir

[05/02, 3:24 am] Esther Ezekiel Iyang: Sad occurrence. Sincerest condolences to you and the entire family. May his soul rest in peace🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[05/02, 3:39 am] Victor Adewusi: 🤔 Life is short and unpredictable. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace, and all the loved ones left behind be comforted by his memory. 1, please accept my condolences.

[05/02, 4:04 am] Wole Akindahunsi: Seye, This is my heartfelt tribute honoring Odun Omoboye- a special person who has passed away!

Odun was a true reflection of his humble beginning. He was one of the best on Atokeibeirosi platform. His respect for elders, decency, and politeness are immeasurable.

As an elder, Odun will call from time to time to check on me. And thus, he became part of my family. I am a better person because I knew him, better for loving him, and better for having met him on this platform.

On Atokeibeirosi Odun brought us joy and smile in every debate, wonderful in every question, and love in every opinion. He filled our platform with magic. Laughed loudly, loved freely, and saw the world with a heart that knew no limits.  Odun life was a blessing, his memory a treasure. He loved beyond words. I will missed Odun beyond measure.

My deepest sympathy to Odun’s family. During this difficult time I know there are no words that can ease your pain. But my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rest in perfect peace Odun☮️🙏

[05/02, 5:42 am] Tope Omojola: Oh my goodness, please accept my condolences sir. What a great loss. 

May the good Lord Jesus console and comfort the entire family in Jesus name.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGES FROM EKITIPANUPO

Chief, Accept my condolences. May his gentle soul continue to rest well in peace.

Thanks, Anthony Ayodele

My heartfelt condolence to the family of our late great brother and son of Ifaki Orinkinran, Odunlami Omoboye.
Although I don't remember knowing him here in Ifaki, but Seye, the tons of Tributes I read in respect of him on the Ifaki Patriot platform and this your complete rendition of his Ifaki "oriki" make me to join in saying "adieu" our departed compatriot, Odunlami.
Seye, I say thank you for letting us read and remind us of this your comprehensive "oriki" because am sure you also share same.
God bless you abu mi luka.
Egbon re, 

Tayo Agbelese

May his gentle soul rest in peace
Victor Adewusi

May God rest Pastor Omoboye's soul, and comfort his family. Okanlomo, a ku ara f'era ku
Olumide Fayomi

It's sad to learn of Odun's demise, i remember him representing Chief Seye Adetunmbi at a public function organized by Ekiti Parapo Association of NY, USA to present Scholarship to Ekiti students in Higher Institutions in Nigeria at Ekiti before Covid. May his soul continue to rest in peace and God will give the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
Aare Taiye Ogunleye

May his Soul rest in peace
Niyi Ojo

So sorry to hear this
May his soul rest in peace and his family and friends receive healing and encouragement. Amen
Debo Adeduntan

May the Lord grant him eternal peace.
Ekitipanupo, hin ku ọra fẹraku ọniyan uyi kọ lọ.
Segun Popoola

Waoh!
I remember Brother Thoney and his impressive contributions during those our heady days on Panupo.
May the good Lord grant him eternal rest and comfort the family.
Okan take heart.
Oloun a tu nyin ninu.
A ku ara feral ku.
Dr Femi Orebe

Our heartfelt condolences to the family. May the soul of the departed rest in peace. Ojo a jinna sira won!
Tope Orolu

FINAL RITES

20/2/2026: Service of Songs, 4pm at Deeper Life Bible Church, Irvington, Jersey

21/2/2026: Funeral Service by 9:00 AM at Flynn Funeral Home, New York

May his gentle soul rest in peace, amen.

Babatunde Nathaniel Omoboye 

(29/5/1959 - 1/2/2026)

Adawa, as he was popularly called, inspired us, his brothers and sisters, over the years by his resilience as a determined and focussed person.

He first trained in carpentry and furniture, making and was very good at it. After the apprenticeship, his brilliance caused him to go back to secondary school to further his education, and he finished it in flying colours. He later acquired additional technical skills, which enabled him to work in engineering companies and factories in Lagos.

    He was, by nature, a structured person and took up responsibilities at a relatively young age and was very hardworking. God blessed him with a virtuous wife, and his children turned out well. Adawa and his wife complemented each other. They are naturally gentle, humble, diligent in their callings, and God-fearing.

    He applied himself positively in the community where he lived in Lagos-State. He was called Engineer Omoboye by the members of the community. His good nature and leadership qualities manifested during the befitting funeral ceremony he and his siblings gave to "eye elepo" in Lagos in 2013.

    He was always attending every family function at every opportunity. This afforded me the opportunity to see him during the wedding ceremony of the child of boda Sunday in Ado-Ekiti and the traditional wedding of Dupe in Ifaki.

    We were always keeping in touch. He would ask after everyone from time to time and encouraged his family members on their respective endeavours. He acknowledged my message this past Christmas, and that was the last time we exchanged WhatsApp messages.

    How devastated I was can only be imagined when I was told that he passed on 2 days before Odunlami. It was a double devastation for me. I was just exclaiming "oruse"!

Unto Jesus, we surrender all.

O d'igba Adawa.

Omo eku, omo elu,

Elu ilugbo odo

O gb'agba yun or'Ekiti ya lu

Omo Ewi, omo Akin,

Omo Bobo, omo Efinrin,

Omo Aaye inisin

Oteniwejo,

Ejo tin i yun un tin.

Omo Alagbara

Agbara ila wo rere

Agbara awe gb'okun gbe

Agbara kan we'ri we'ra,

Kan gb'odira okun gbe si

O sun kun iyan ikasin l'ori Ekiti

Omo Ejemu

Ori mi, o ki'arian l'ori

O l'eguru, O l'okuta

O p'ana jare

O ta ana re l'ofa l'orun.

Usu gbo, ale le

O su s'ugbo, o lakaka le

O k'omo usu wa gbo, o d'eyiyi wa be

Omo olona oja kan ti i t'ebo,

O mu 'yan ikasin s'abe eu je

I se l'oju ti data l'ugbi ki mo ti d'Esure.

Aba re li l'ale la t'agbara ko mu d'eti Isurin

Mo sayiyun re egbon mi luka.

Sleep well, my beloved brother Tunde.

Celebrating Oluwafemi Orebe at 80

THE OCTOGENARIAN CITIZEN JOURNALIST: FEMI OREBE
By, Seye Adetunmbi, 24/9/2025

It is a thing of joy to live long in good health and happiness with a peace of mind. To be consistently intellectually savvy in old age, is a rare gift and the icing of the cake. This is why I am particularly excited for Dr (honoris causa) Femi Orebe for "breasting" the tape of the race to the 80th natal anniversary, in his lifetime journey, on 24/9/25 to the glory of God and for the benefit of the journalistic world. To specifically celebrate him for gracefully making it to the 8th floor, let me share the preface of his book scheduled for public presentation in October 2025.
I quote verbatim:

It is considered a privilege to be associated with the publishing of this unique book written by one of the reputable, erudite, and very prolific writers in the history of newspaper columnists in Nigeria. Dr Femi Orebe is an outstanding, talented, and consistent newspaper columnist with a large followership of devoted readers. Expectedly, his complete published weekly article between 2006 and 2024 is quite huge. It was a real editorial challenge going through over 1,282,200 words to come up with a consolidated 2,285-page in A4 size and extract this maiden edition of 300,000+ words book of 7x10 inches size. This is about a pool of materials that are worthy of being published in a book for posterity. His complete work would fit into three separate books of 800 pages each in A4 sizes. 

His articles over the years of course covered a wide range of subjects. Consequently, the contents of this book were structured into sections and subsections to bring topics that bear relevance to the title of each section under the same category, and in order of the dates they were published in the newspaper. Some of the sections have more than enough materials for them to be published as a book independently which may still manifest in future as the author continues to share his perspectives on contemporary issues as a going concern. Being a corpus of his weekly published articles in his column in the newspaper, they have to be clinically and strategically packaged in a sequence towards making it more interesting to read for everyone who gets a copy to explore. There were times that he addressed two or more different headings in an article. We took out some and placed them in the section or subsection they belong to while the majority of the essays were published in this book, verbatim. In all, there are five sections in this book. 

The first section is about his reminiscences on how his journey started as a citizen journalist as well as early working life after graduating from the university and related stories. Section two covers some of his articles classified to be political, which was divided into six categories as subsections. Section three underscores his versatility as an inexhaustible writer; it is a compilation of integrated cogitative articles on contemporary issues of communal and national concern. Majority of his published articles fell in this category and they were arranged in subsections in order of dates too. At various times he paid tributes to individuals and institutions which constitute the fourth section of this book. He also had cause to review some books in his column. These reviews constitute the fifth section. 

A book to cherish, available on Amazon ahead of the public presentation

 Albeit, the book tells the story of the author, revealing him aggregately as an administrator, technocrat, business manager, politician, business owner, public relations guru, prolific writer, and in fact as a consummate public intellectual. This was done with some vintage pictures to plan the pages, also to further give the compendium a distinct character and complement some of the contents in the book which all together should make the exemplar-literature refreshing to read. It was indeed a remarkable task working with the author by making sure that every department of his complete published work as a columnist featured in this maiden book of the distinguished citizen journalist. The humility of Dr Femi Orebe is exemplary. 

The 74% (6As and 1B+) he scored in his final result at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), more than qualify him for a First-Class degree, which would have been the first ever to be awarded in the history of his department at the great university. His brilliance shined in all his writings and published essays over the years. Yet, he will tell you that he is not a trained journalist. This among other reasons informed his choice of the title for this splendid literary work; “Simply a Citizen Journalist”.

On behalf of Mindscope Africa, Dr. Orebe is appreciated for giving Mindscope Africa the opportunity to associate with this terrific legendary work. It is a must-have book in the library of all ranks of schools, colleges, universities, and individuals who want an irresistible reference-trusted-material on integrated contemporary issues (politics, economy, government, history, dramatis personae in the scheme of things etc) in Nigeria and around the world in the 20th and 21st century.

Unquote

The inimitable Odidimade, Chief Dele Fajemirokun is the Lead Presenter of the book to the public when the it is formally unveiled on October 25, 2025 in Lagos. Meanwhile, the book is available on Amazon through this link Simply a Citizen Journalist

What else can I say to oga Orebe as he becomes an octogenarian today, September 24, 2025 than to pray for ajinde ara and that may God grant him the grace to see things of joy in his household for the rest of his life in Jesus Christ's name, amen.

Happy 80th birthday to you, sir 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊 

1A

PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES ACE COLUMNIST FEMI OREBE AT 80

President Bola Tinubu congratulates pro-democracy activist and celebrated columnist, Dr Femi Orebe, on his 80th birthday on September 24.

Over the last three decades, Dr Orebe has written extensively on Nigerian and international politics and issues.

President Tinubu acknowledges Orebe's incisive articles and regular interventions in public affairs, which have impacted many and helped to shape public policies.

Describing him as an ally and brother, the President also highlights Orebe's contributions to the knowledge world through his book "Simply A Citizen Journalist," which is due for public presentation soon.

"I have followed Dr Orebe's columns and informed commentaries over the years, first in the defunct Comet newspapers and later in The Nation.

"Dr Orebe lives his appellation as a Citizen Journalist. His pen is transformative. He writes to correct the ills of society and proffers ideas to engender the necessary changes. His struggles and advocacy for democracy and good governance in the land are also noteworthy," the President remarks.

As Dr Orebe joins the Octogenarian Club, President Tinubu wishes him more strength and continued grace of God.

 

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

September 24, 2025

Dr Abiodun Adu wrote:

TRIBUTE TO DR FEMI OREBE AT 80

Femi and l have been good friends for over six decades dating back to our time at the famous Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti fondly referred to as THE SCHOOL. We belonged to the 1959/63 set. Femi actually joined our Set in year 2 in 1960. l guess he must have done brilliantly in his Primary School to be so recommended. He soon became a popular member of our set and that holds true till today.He was a lovable rascal and got away with a lot of his antics largely because some of our seniors especially those in Dallimore House liked him and that included my senior brother Tunji Adu. His name if l can recall correctly never appeared in the imposition book and the dreaded Detention Book, unlike some of us. 😁

Femi's sense of humour is legendary. He used to bend us over with laughter doing the impression of some of our teachers.😁His best party piece was the impression of one Yoruba teacher from lyin Ekiti who used to mix mainstream Yoruba language with Ekiti dialect. To say it was hilarious would be an understatement!Femi usually left us in stitches with his impressions😁.

At the end of year 3, it was the norm at the School for those science oriented to be separated from those humanities subjects inclined. Femi was in the humanities section. He soon shone brightly and was one of the 3 who cropped 5As in that section at WAEC exams. Soon after WAEC, he secured a job at a commercial bank in Lagos for a year or two. As a dashing bank employee, always immaculately turned out, he became constant in the social life of Lagos. l leave the rest to your imagination.😁He gained admission to the then University of lfe now OAU to major in History under the tutelage of the world renowned historian, Professor Banji Akintoye, the current Yoruba leader. He graduated with a 2/1 missing the first class by a whisker. Even though he missed out on a first class, he won the faculty award for the best performing Student that year. 

After graduation, he embarked on his chosen career of university administration starting of from University of lbadan, then University of lfe and finally as Deputy Registrar at the University of llorin. His stellar career in iniversity administration was propelled by formidable professors such as Professor Kayode Oshuntokun, Professor Oluwasanmi, VC Unife and Professor Akinkugbe,   VC Unilorin to mention just a few.

While he pursued his university administration career, he wrote copoiusly for some Nigeria print media such as the defunct Comet, Tribune and the Nation. His full excursion and deep dive to full-time journalism took him to the Nation Newspaper where he has been a steady and compelling Sunday columnist for over 10 years. Femi's articles bear the hallmarks of who he is, a man of unshakable integrity, honesty, single mindedness with an unrestrained philosophical principles and ideology, a progressive to the core with a compassionate social conscience and moral compass. 

Dr Abiodun Adu 

His book, Simply a Citizen Journalist that would be formally launched in October 2025 to mark the 80th birthday knees-up encapsulates the essence of him. He does not suffer fools gladly and does not mind whose ox is gored with his incisive articles. What you see is what you get with Femi, no airs and graces. I am proud to say my friend today sits at the top table of Nigeria’s formidable columnists. 

He remains a trustworthy and dependable friend. Double and warm congratulations on joining the octogenarian select Club and launching your much awaited book.

We give all the praise to God for all he has blessed you with. With God as your strength, we will celebrate you at 90, 100 and beyond. I wish you God's richest blessings now and in the future in robust health. My warm regards to Olori Tinu, your beautiful daughters, Kemi and Yetunde and dashing Femi Jr, and the grandchildren. Knowing you, you don't need any encouragement to enjoy yourself to the fullest tonight. Okun o 🩷

Ladipo Ladapo Eso

DISTINGUISHED NONAGENARIAN: The Venerable Archdeacon Ladipo Ladapo Eso 

Celebrating Baba L. L. Eso at 90 

By 

Seye Adetunmbi, 25/8/2025

It is a thing of joy that Baba Eso marked 90th birthday gracefully and in good health on August 25, 2025 to the glory of God. Exactly 10 years ago, we gathered at Anglican Church of the Ascension, Opebi, Ikeja Lagos for a thanksgiving service marking 80th birthday anniversary of the venerable Archdeacon. Thereafter, his biography which I wrote was formally presented to the public at the reception for guests. To celebrate the nonagenarian on the anniversary of his 90th birthday, I have pulled out my write-up 10 years ago, marking his 80th birthday which was published in The Nation newspaper and embellish it with many remarkable pictures that further tell the story of a distinguished man of God and a statesman. This pictorial tribute is the least I can do to celebrate my beloved father in the Lord, a mentor, and an exemplar who had inspired me a great deal on so many fronts.

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Considering the background, adventurous lifestyle in his youth, professional disposition as a chartered Estate Surveyor, and his career as an ordained priest of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) as well as his tireless ongoing inclination to honourable ways in retirement; it would be most complementary to have such a remarkable lifetime journey documented in a book for posterity. Thus, when Venerable L. L. Eso first called my attention to his desire for me to put his biography together it was a welcome call to duty for me, with all humility.

I have worked on the biography of my very venerable father of blessed memory and a number of other historical books, yet writing the biography of a living mentor figure came with its challenges. Writing about him went beyond chronicling his early days in Ilesha up to his career as a chartered Estate Surveyor of repute and as a remarkable priest. The biography put into proper perspective his selflessness as a public servant in the early days of Nigeria Building Society, an appointment which took him to all the then states in Nigeria. He discharged his duties in the development of all established housing estates extending to all areas of land opened up by industrial property developers. His philosophy was that every qualified Nigerian must be able to own a dwelling place through the offer from the mortgage institutions. Throughout this period, he never acquired any property for himself until just before his retirement which by sheer providence he secured the place where he lives today. In fact his contemporaries couldn’t believe it that he never had a plot to himself before the time he built his plot in Ikeja GRA.

The distinct gift of the ability of Venerable Eso to recall events contributed to the depth of the book, his biography which I titled, "Like he that Serveth". His rich photograph collections made it possible for his biography to be distinctly pictorial with some vintage pictures that tell the story of Baba Eso as a multi-dimensional Nigerian with a remarkable lifestyle. The essence and authority of the book rest with when the narrative is placed in the wider cultural, economic and social context couple with analyzing other contemporary issues. Albeit, a good biography should relate good history and this is what I have tried to do with the book on Venerable L.L. Eso. Writing about Venerable Eso could not be complete without putting the rich historical background of his Ijesa root into proper perspective. Naturally the value of character that influenced and nurtured him in uprightness as well as fruitful independent-mind that runs in the Akomolafe Eso dynasty is characteristic of Ijesa culture to a great extent.

Of course with the privilege of my serving as a member of the Parish Church Council by virtue of my being a Synod delegate for many years and as an altar server in the Anglican Church of the Ascension, Opebi Lagos under his watch as the Vicar, I was able to put in perspective his sagacity as a church administrator and as a dedicated spirit filled man of God. As the spirit directed him while praying in English, he would buttress it with deep Yoruba prayerful words. I longed for his early morning call on my birthday anniversary as he did for all parishioners; to “su ire fun mi” (pray for me). This he kept doing after he has retired as my church priest and did it for my children and wife as well as many other co-parishioners that he has the records of their birthday anniversaries.

His amiable character notwithstanding, when it comes to spiritual and parish matters his discipline and firmness were not negotiable. Saying things the way they are, runs in the gene of an Eso and this is one of the things that stands Baba L. L. Eso out. The formal nature of delivering sermons in the Anglican Communion would not stop Baba Eso to call you to order before the congregation if you are caught dosing during service. As an altar sever, you have to be alert with him when on duty as the celebrant. His standing instruction for you as priests or altar servers and church workers is to be alert and never to lose sight of the flow of worship. The altar as a temple of God is held in high esteem by Venerable Eso, the no-nonsense quintessential priest.

Those who knew him when he worked for the Federal Mortgage Bank attested to the fact that his position ordinarily was strategic to attract all kinds of unsolicited money from Nigerians who came for mortgage finance. After he politely turned down the bribe of a highly placed Nigerian, those with such tendency got the message and let him be to sustain his enduring self discipline and innate lasting virtues. To the glory of God he finished well as an upright public servant in a tempting and corrupt public service setting. This singular path of dignity points to one fact that individuals can always make the difference in most circumstances they find themselves. These virtues were strictly maintained when he was invited by the then International Bank for West Africa (later Afribank) to establish a bank property company to cater for development of bank buildings all over the country. The venerable man of God is ever ready to serve and always accessible to all God’s children who need him for one thing or the other. The summation of his disposition as a professional in the secular world; in active service as a priest and in retirement culminates into a lifetime in the service to mankind. This essentially informed my choice of the title for his biography, “Bi eni ti nse iranse” (Like He That Serveth).

Venerable Eso was born to the famous Eso family in Ilesa, Osun State on August 25, 1935. The younger brother of the Justice Kayode Eso the legal luminary of blessed memory, attended Ilesa Grammar School and one of the early students of Nigeria College of Arts & Science, Enugu, which subsequently transformed to University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied Estate Management. He later attended University of London and qualified as a Chartered Estate Surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Buckingham Gate, London. He co-founded the Nigerian Chapter Royal Institution of Estate Surveyors and Nigerian Institution of Estate of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in which he served as the 8th Chairman of the professional body. The highpoint of his working career was when he became an ordained priest in the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion in 1995. Prior to this, he served as a Licensed Lay Reader and rose through the ranks to retire as an Archdeacon in 2005.

His ability to recall Ijesa and family histories is legendary and commendable. The facts gathering and manuscript review sessions with Baba Eso in his Ikeja GRA residence remain indelible in my mind. Baba Eso is remarkably thorough; he ensured that I got the facts in the book right. The healthy living of the Venerable L. L. Eso is remarkable coupled with a robust diet that he adhered to over the years. I must also state that Venerable Eso told the story of his life and events around him, all I did was to structure and package the biography such that we can put in proper outlook the lifetime pursuit of excellence to the best of the towering abilities of the exemplary priest. The historical book expectedly has inspirational and spiritual touch. Therefore it should make a delightful reading to those who are inspired by reading biographies and people who are inclined to learning from the experiences of others who have done well for themselves and mankind in their lifetime activities. The Right Reverend (Prof) Dapo Asaju wrote the foreword of the biography. The book was reviewed by Prof Wole Omole; Chief Dele Fajemirokun unveiled the book at the launching ceremony, while Chief Festus Fadeyi led the formal presentation of the book to the public....

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What else can I say than to appreciate God for granting Baba Eso a long healthy life and ask God to continue to uphold him in his old age. Ajinde ora a je l'ase Edumare. Family members, friends and all ranks of other associates surrounded him on 25/8/25 to give thanks to God on the anniversary of his 90th birthday. It was a glorious thanksgiving service at the Anglican Church of the Ascension, followed by a grand reception. It was a well deserved memorable occassion to celebrate an exemplar. I wish the distinguished family man and quintessential priest, a happy 90th natal day.