QUINTESSENTIAL DOLA BAMGBOYE (1962-2020)
By, Seye Adetunmbi
The sad news of the transition of Okundola Bamgboye on Saturday October 10, 2020 came as a rude shock to family members, other relations, friends, colleagues, associates and others who came across him in his 58 eventful years on earth. I was not prepared for it to end too soon! Considering the fact that we were born the same year, he celebrated his natal day on January 13th while I mark mine on July 21st; my hope was that we will celebrate many milestone-birthday anniversaries together as he stood by me in 2012 as the co-anchor of my 50th birthday party. Naturally, I broke down (mo baraje) after the phone call came on October 10 and I was informed that my buddy slept but didn't wake up! Consequently, I am not prepared to write posthumous tribute here. My wish is to celebrate him in our old age and say it to his face that I love him and appreciate our friendship right from when we met as teenagers in Ekiti during his vacation to Usi-Ekiti, his home town. Alas, the unexpected happened! Death where is thy sting? What I have been able to do here is to bid him farewell with some selected vintage pictures of him and highlights of some of the things people have said about him after his sudden exit. I call this publication, "Very Fond Memories of Dola in Pictures" - A Pictorial Tribute. We have indeed lost a gem!
Suave, debonair and a good man
The Event and Sponsorship Manager of MTN Nigeria - Okundola Bamgboye (1962-2020)
Olumide, Dola, Mummy and Bola Bamgboye
1) Bola Bamgboye and Dola Bamgboye with their nanny in 1965 (2) Dola, his sister etc part of a bridal train
Dola in the middle row, standing 5th from right in December 1976 at CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos.
Dola, his lovely wife and children Mrs Ochee Bamgboye, Seye Adetunmbi & Dola Bamgboye on his 4th birthday
Dola on 13/1/2007, his 45th birthday with his children and Seye Adetunmbi
Some of the things various people said about Dola are quoted here. One thing remain constant in most of the testimonies, he was not inclined to turn blind eye to the needs of others. In whatever capacity he could, he often tried to assist others. His colleagues said that he went all out to support them with his energy, time and financial resources. He was down to earth and very humble. He generously shared his personality and character to the admiration of many who had encounter with him. He was a unique dude with an enormous heart and great sense of fun. He made people around him happy and long for his friendship and a was wonderful company to keep.
Dola in front of L-R: Wole Sowole, Mr & Mrs Dapo Adelegan, Funso Daramola, Seye Adetunmbi, Mrs Foluso Olaniyan, Segilola Oluwole and Duro Omogbenigun at the 50th birthday celebration of Seye on July 21st 2012 in Lagos 
Dola meant a lot to his wide range of admirers, friends, relations, school mates, mentees and other integrated associates. Dr Kweku Adedayo Tandoh wrote: "The Dollar $ Man”, that was my way of hailing him and his reply was “much respect bro”. In the last two years we had the opportunity on at least two occasions to have real and deep heart to heart conversations about life and its vanities. One time was May 2019 in France when we spent 3 nights attending a wedding and the 2nd time in March 2020 in Dubai, attending a 90th birthday. Dola, you were a true friend and bro; honest, humble, loyal, forthright and a family man who truly loved God. If one wanted to hear the truth about any matter, you could count on Dola to give you that truth, whether you want to hear it or not. You loved your wife Ochee and was always thanking God for giving you a true devoted “help meet”. You adored your children and was so proud of the great adults they had become; you never could stop talking about them too. There can only be one Dollar $ Man, and my wife Kunbi, my children and myself will never forget you. I pray that the Almighty God will comfort and console your wife, children and entire family in Jesus Name. Good night, the Dollar $ Man, much respect bro....."
Dola meant a lot to his wide range of admirers, friends, relations, school mates, mentees and other integrated associates. Dr Kweku Adedayo Tandoh wrote: "The Dollar $ Man”, that was my way of hailing him and his reply was “much respect bro”. In the last two years we had the opportunity on at least two occasions to have real and deep heart to heart conversations about life and its vanities. One time was May 2019 in France when we spent 3 nights attending a wedding and the 2nd time in March 2020 in Dubai, attending a 90th birthday. Dola, you were a true friend and bro; honest, humble, loyal, forthright and a family man who truly loved God. If one wanted to hear the truth about any matter, you could count on Dola to give you that truth, whether you want to hear it or not. You loved your wife Ochee and was always thanking God for giving you a true devoted “help meet”. You adored your children and was so proud of the great adults they had become; you never could stop talking about them too. There can only be one Dollar $ Man, and my wife Kunbi, my children and myself will never forget you. I pray that the Almighty God will comfort and console your wife, children and entire family in Jesus Name. Good night, the Dollar $ Man, much respect bro....."
Omotayo Tanwa Arewa wrote: "Egbon was truly larger than life. His gait and personality stood out wherever he went. His humility and keen sense of humour were such a gift that stood him in good stead. He was unmoved by “arranging” because he knew that he was enough. Egbon Dola ($) embraced my friends as his and would correct you in love and humour. He was a unique and lovely human in good and bad times." Also Manny Osifo wrote: Dola was a fantastic guy who touched many generations. He was full of life and there was never a dull moment with him. Our paths crossed nearly 50 years ago in primary school and we remained family friends and eventually brothers till he passed on. Growing up back in the good old days in Lagos, he was a great social influencer, mentor and pacesetter to many in my generation and others that followed. He was so loved by all. Dola was indeed larger than life. Dola's social prowess and charisma warmed him into the hearts of so many cutting across gender, age and social class. This made him so popular in the Nigerian social circle at home and abroad, and one of the most popular happening guys of my growing up days in Lagos."
The social media among his circle of associates, colleagues, relations, friends, school mates and other constituencies globally stood-still for him when the news of his death broke. Expectedly, the first Zoom Night of Tribute held for him on October 17th had 669 participants. Within nine minutes at the start of the zoom, the Zoom had 330 people. Yes, Dola was popular in life and in his transition. How could anyone forget a rare gem who made everyone around him felt special and loved? Yes, Dolapo was indeed amiable, kind, unpretentious, easy-going and jovial.
Dola was born on January 13, 1962 to the family Chief & Mrs Claudius Agboola Bamgboye of Usi-Ekiti. His father was the Federal Minister of State for Education in 1979. He attended CMS Grammar School, Bariga (1974-79 set) and was a product of University of Middlesex, University of Lagos and Brunel University in London. Until his transition, he was the Event and Sponsorship Manager of MTN Nigeria Limited.
The real McCoy and a jolly good fellow!
Well rounded Okundola
Suave and debonair Dola.
A good man and an outstanding jolly nice fellow has gone home!
I am short of words!
Just like that, our very dear brother and worthy friend left us!
We surrender all to God....
So sad
Fare thee well, buddy.
Till we meet to part no more.
1
Seye
1
Seye
1 comment:
May God Almighty rest Dola's soul in perfect peace. May the Most High comfort the entire family and friends he left behind 🙏🙏
Post a Comment