MATTERS ARISING, BUT LIFE GOES ON

January 1941 - December 2024

'Matters Arising' a catchphrase quintessentially his, meaning 'What's Up' sets the tone for most of his deliberations. He had a knack for pleasant Nicknames, mine is Shollyman, and my spouse, Princess. He was called several nicknames also, like IG DADDY (Big Daddy), BABA ONIRIGBON FUNFUN ( the man with a white beard), and BABA HAPPY DAY (He greats people with weekday-specific Happy Day). He was a great pillar of unrivaled wisdom with an impeccably forthright persona and a synchrony of determination and perseverance. However, his greatest strength and asset was in inspiring others to attain their optimum best in all endeavors, life situations, and circumstances.

He was a tactful disciplinarian who, thankfully, spared not or condoned any iota of indiscipline. I was privileged to express my profound gratitude for this over a decade ago via a rather lengthy telephone conversation. The talk was after a simple yet significant attainment at work, a few months into my first job, half a thousand miles away from home, and during my mandatory National Service.

While generously granting favors and providing necessary assistance for others, he never expected or demanded anything in return. On one occasion, a gift he rejected at work was brought home, only to be vehemently re-rejected with a reprimand.

Though he scolded most for unaligned behaviors, he never complained about hairstyles. A rare privilege that we creatively exploited while growing up. We always wondered why he never complained about hairstyles, but we never asked since he wore an AFRO and was seemingly a pioneer of the BEARDED GANG. His sincerity and integrity thus facilitated the resultant hair exploits and the seemingly reciprocal tacit approval.

Even in death, we marvel at your great wisdom as we come to terms with the thoughtfulness of your instructions. BABA HAPPY DAY, should you reincarnate as an IROKO TREE, I will gladly be a branch of your STRENGTH, but should you choose to be a LILLY OF THE VALLEY, I will be honored to be a seed of your SINCERITY.

'MATTERS ARISING, but LIFE GOES ON' in your comforting tone has always been a gentle reminder of the dogged courage to surmount challenges. It is the realization that life challenges are inevitable. However, the human spirit is very well acquainted with the courage and innate power to face these challenges and rise above them, but regardless, LIFE's JOURNEY hopefully continues. Your popular catchphrase is the gentle nudge to cultivate resilience, perseverance, and hope.

IG DADDY, may your LEGACY always be a profound blessing to us all as you rest peacefully in the bosom of our Lord, whom you graciously served until your last breath.

May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. AMEN!!!!!

Omo OLOGOTUN OJORUBE, Omo eleni ateeka, Omo eleni ewele, Omo amuru ekun sere nibuje, Eja gbogbo dade, Towena dade akun.

Shollyman.

On behalf of IJ, TJ, OJ & MJ

In one of your favorite proficiently spoken languages, the FRENCH LANGUAGE

'DES CHOSES SURGISSENT, MAIS LA VIE CONTINUE' sur votre ton réconfortant a toujours été un doux rappel du courage tenace nécessaire pour surmonter les défis. C'est la prise de conscience que les défis de la vie sont inévitables. Cependant, l'esprit humain connaît très bien le courage et le pouvoir inné de faire face à ces défis et de les surmonter, mais quoi qu'il en soit, le VOYAGE DE LA VIE continue, espérons-le. Votre slogan populaire est le petit coup de pouce pour cultiver la résilience, la persévérance et l'espoir.