Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise
"If you live each day as it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right."
― Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc.
Obituary
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise, a distinguished environmentalist and cherished patriarch, who departed this life on July 1, 2024. Chief Awobamise, who dedicated his life to the stewardship of our environment and the betterment of our world, passed away surrounded by his loving family.
Born on Sunday, October 4, 1953, in Minna, Niger State, to Pa Jonathan Omojola Awobamise of the great Apoti warrior lineage of Ipetu Ijesha, and Madam Clara Olufunke Collins, a princess from Abeokuta, Akinlabi's early years were steeped in rich cultural heritage and values.
He attended Ipetu Ijesha Grammar School and pursued his Higher School Certificate at the Federal School of Science, Victoria Island Lagos. His academic journey continued at the University of Lagos, where he studied Botany from 1975 to 1978. Upon completing his NYSC in Bauchi in 1978-1979, he furthered his education at the University of Bangor, North Wales, UK, earning a Master's degree in Marine Biology.
Chief Awobamise's remarkable career began in 1979 with the Federal Ministry of Industry, later moving to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, where he rose to the position of Chief Scientific Officer. His early work included significant national environmental surveys and beautification programs that shaped the landscape of state capitals across Nigeria.
In 1990, Akinlabi's expertise was recognized with his involvement in the establishment of the ECOWAS Dump Water Program. His rise through the ranks saw him taking on pivotal roles, including Head of FEPA’s Eastern Region Zonal Office and later the Northern Region Zonal Office. He was instrumental in developing FEPA’s criteria, guidelines, and assessments for oil spill clean-up operations, promoting environmental compliance, and spearheading environmental management initiatives.
Akinlabi's illustrious career also included his tenure at the Federal Ministry of Environment and later NESREA, where he held various senior positions. His work extended beyond national boundaries as a technical expert on the institutional aspects of the African process for developing and managing marine and coastal environments in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Chief Awobamise was not just a civil servant; he was a scholar, a mentor, and a prolific author. He published numerous articles in esteemed journals, ensuring his vast knowledge and experiences were shared with future generations. His memberships in prestigious bodies such as the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Society of Environmental Managers and Planners (SEMP), Institute of Biology, and Marine Biology Association, UK, highlight his commitment to advancing the field of environmental science.
Beyond his professional achievements, Akinlabi was a man of integrity, wisdom, and compassion. His contributions to environmental conservation and his dedication to nurturing young minds will leave an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His certifications, including those from Harvard University and various international environmental organizations, underscore his commitment to lifelong learning and excellence.
Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise is survived by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Kofoworola Awobamise a retired Permanent Secretary); his children, Dr. Babajide Olatokunbo & Mrs. Olushola Awobamise, Prof. Ayodeji Olalekan & Mrs. Dolapo Awobamise, Mr. Olajide & Mrs. Abimbola Oni, and Arch. Tobiloba Awobamise; his grandchildren; his sisters, Chief (Mrs) Modupe Fanoiki, Prof. (Mrs) Mopelola Omoegun, and Pastor (Mrs) Olufunmilayo Aiyelabola; and his brother, Dr. Bolarinwa Awobamise. They will continue to cherish his memory and uphold his legacy. His passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched. As we mourn the loss of a great man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the enduring impact of his work.
Rest in peace, Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us.
Timeline
1953
October 4th
Birth
Chief Akinlabi was born on Sunday, October 4, 1953,
1978
Completed BSc.
Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Lagos
1979
Joined the Federal Ministry of Industry
Started his career with the Federal Government of Nigeria
1979
Completed his National Youth Service Corp
Completed his National Youth Service Corp in Bauchi State
1982
Got Married
Married Kofoworola Blaize
1984
Graduated with a MSc. in Marine Biology
Graduated from University of Bangor, North Wales, UK with a Masters of Science degree in Marine Biology
1994
Rose to position of Head of the Eastern Region Zonal Office, FEPA
Continued his career with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA)
1995
Became the Head of FEPA’s Northern region Zonal Office
Continued his career with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA)
1996
Became the Assistant Director, Environment Technology and Research Department
Continued his career with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA)
1997
Became Zonal Director (South-West) FEPA
Continued his career with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA)
2004
Became the Deputy Director Soil Erosion and Control at the federal Ministry of Environment
Continued his career with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA)
2007
Joined the National environmental Standards and Enforcement Regulations Agency (NESREA), as Di
2012
Rose to the position of Director of the North West Zone
2013
October
Retired from the Federal Civil Service
Retirement
2024
July 1st
Passed on
Dad died on July 1, 2024 at the age of 70
Gallery
Memory wall
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September 4, 2024
Tribute to Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise
Reflecting on the life of Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise leaves my heart burdened and at the same instant uplifted. I only had the privilege of meeting Daddy Awobamise once, during a hospital visit to pray with him in early March. That brief encounter left a lasting impression on my heart.
In the few moments we shared, I saw in him a strength rooted not in personal remarkable achievements, but in a faith submitted to God. Chief Awobamise’s life was a testament to the truth mused by the Psalmist, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God" (Ps.92:12-13). His flourishing was evident not only in his professional life, where he made indelible marks as a civil servant, scholar, mentor, and author, but also in the rich legacy of wisdom and love he has now left behind for his family, the Church, the Nation, and the world at large.
Daddy Awobamise's dedication to the stewardship of our environment and his commitment to the betterment of society were reflections of a life lived with purpose, a life that understood the sacredness of creation. He was not only a man of knowledge but one who believed in passing on that knowledge, ensuring that future generations would be equipped to continue the work he started.
As we remember him today, we are reminded of the words of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who wrote, "Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time” (A Psalm of Life). Indeed, Chief Awobamise has left such footprints—deep, lasting, and inspirational.
Chief, Mummy Kofo, the children, and all who love and mourn you find comfort in knowing that you lived a life of significance and impact. You fought the good fight, you’ve finished your race, and have truly now kept faith with your maker (2 Timothy 4:7).
Rest On!
Reflecting on the life of Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise leaves my heart burdened and at the same instant uplifted. I only had the privilege of meeting Daddy Awobamise once, during a hospital visit to pray with him in early March. That brief encounter left a lasting impression on my heart.
In the few moments we shared, I saw in him a strength rooted not in personal remarkable achievements, but in a faith submitted to God. Chief Awobamise’s life was a testament to the truth mused by the Psalmist, "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God" (Ps.92:12-13). His flourishing was evident not only in his professional life, where he made indelible marks as a civil servant, scholar, mentor, and author, but also in the rich legacy of wisdom and love he has now left behind for his family, the Church, the Nation, and the world at large.
Daddy Awobamise's dedication to the stewardship of our environment and his commitment to the betterment of society were reflections of a life lived with purpose, a life that understood the sacredness of creation. He was not only a man of knowledge but one who believed in passing on that knowledge, ensuring that future generations would be equipped to continue the work he started.
As we remember him today, we are reminded of the words of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who wrote, "Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time” (A Psalm of Life). Indeed, Chief Awobamise has left such footprints—deep, lasting, and inspirational.
Chief, Mummy Kofo, the children, and all who love and mourn you find comfort in knowing that you lived a life of significance and impact. You fought the good fight, you’ve finished your race, and have truly now kept faith with your maker (2 Timothy 4:7).
Rest On!
September 3, 2024
A TRIBUTE TO CHIEF AKINLABI AWOBAMISE
Thanking God for your life, brother, and for His grace, mercy, and favour that saw you through!!! This is in spite of the shocking news of your departure! It is well! Kabio o si, Baba.
May the Lord God Almighty Who loved you, and Who we cannot question, continue to be with your beloved family. May He continue to comfort, strengthen, uphold and grant them rest on every side in Jesus Name. Amen!!!
Rest on in perfect peace in God's bosom, dear brother and fellow labourer in environmental pioneering work - as you were one of the first 5 Professional Officers of the Environmental Planning and Protection Division (EPPD), Federal Ministry of Industries, the precursor of the former Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Adieu, brother!!!
Mrs. Bisi Owolabi
Thanking God for your life, brother, and for His grace, mercy, and favour that saw you through!!! This is in spite of the shocking news of your departure! It is well! Kabio o si, Baba.
May the Lord God Almighty Who loved you, and Who we cannot question, continue to be with your beloved family. May He continue to comfort, strengthen, uphold and grant them rest on every side in Jesus Name. Amen!!!
Rest on in perfect peace in God's bosom, dear brother and fellow labourer in environmental pioneering work - as you were one of the first 5 Professional Officers of the Environmental Planning and Protection Division (EPPD), Federal Ministry of Industries, the precursor of the former Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Adieu, brother!!!
Mrs. Bisi Owolabi
September 3, 2024
We thank the Lord for a wonderful life well lived to the glory of God. We appreciate your heart of sacrifice and love for people around you and especially your family. Your support for your family cannot be described with words. We celebrate God's love and favor upon you. Sir, keep resting on the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ until resurrection morning.
We pray for our dear Mother, Mama Kofoworola Awobamise and the children, God shall continue to preserve you and perfect all that concerns you in Jesus name. Keep trusting in the Lord. Emmanuel! Our God is with us
We pray for our dear Mother, Mama Kofoworola Awobamise and the children, God shall continue to preserve you and perfect all that concerns you in Jesus name. Keep trusting in the Lord. Emmanuel! Our God is with us
September 3, 2024
My dear brother Sunday as we use call to you, it's quite unfortunate that you left us at this time, God knows why, but my prayers is that God will grant you Eternal rest and preserve all the family members remain and the children.
Sun re ooo Egbon mi runrun abi akun. In
Sun re ooo Egbon mi runrun abi akun. In
September 2, 2024
To my dear Uncle,
It’s taken me a while to pen this tribute as I have repeatedly reflected on the early memories we shared & more recently the monthly telephone chats till your health started to fail.
Like my sister already stated, whenever you came to visit us in Eric Moore, you would always ask us to massage your toes and there was something about that you appeared to enjoy on each occasion. If we refused, you would humorously threaten to use our ears to drink garri. There was never really a dull moment around you.
I was extremely grateful to have been able to share monthly telephone calls/messages with you before & after your 70th last year which you challenged me on & appeared to always look forward to it, no matter how brief.
I am sorry I didn’t sustain it to the very end but I have no doubt that you knew you were very much loved & dear to us. I do miss the calls with your humorous voice & jokes. We’ll miss you but you’ve gone to rest. Rest in peace dear Uncle.
It’s taken me a while to pen this tribute as I have repeatedly reflected on the early memories we shared & more recently the monthly telephone chats till your health started to fail.
Like my sister already stated, whenever you came to visit us in Eric Moore, you would always ask us to massage your toes and there was something about that you appeared to enjoy on each occasion. If we refused, you would humorously threaten to use our ears to drink garri. There was never really a dull moment around you.
I was extremely grateful to have been able to share monthly telephone calls/messages with you before & after your 70th last year which you challenged me on & appeared to always look forward to it, no matter how brief.
I am sorry I didn’t sustain it to the very end but I have no doubt that you knew you were very much loved & dear to us. I do miss the calls with your humorous voice & jokes. We’ll miss you but you’ve gone to rest. Rest in peace dear Uncle.
August 28, 2024
Grandpa was always making us laugh with funny jokes and games.I wish he was still here to make us laugh even more,I wish all the best for the family. Rest in peace ❤️❤️🙏
August 18, 2024
My condolences.
I started coastal and marine phase of my work life under Mr Awobamise's tutelage.
I started coastal and marine phase of my work life under Mr Awobamise's tutelage.
August 14, 2024
We thank God for the life well spent by our beloved Director. We are celebrating and recounting his influence, impacts and sacrifices made on us all while alive especially professionally. Pls accept our condolences. Our prayer is that God will grant the family and us all the fortitude to be able to bear the irreparable loss in Jesus name. Environmental Quinessential is gone!
August 12, 2024
REFLECTION ON A COMMITTED ENVIRONMENTAL VANGUARD.
My Oga, Baba Awo as you were fondly called inspired quite a lot of people who served under your leadership. To you, in the field of environment, no mountain was insurmountable.
I owe the foundation of my field experience to you when posted to River State in 1993.
You challenged many of us to always think
out of the box. One experience with you that I'll always remember, was on an official trip to one of NAOC's station in Emago, Abua Odua Local Government, Rivers State with Mr. Eugene George, then General Manager, Rivers State Environmental Protection Agency on a chopper. As the chopper landed, the youth were very hostile to us. For over an hour, they would not allow the chopper to come back for us. Being a green horn on the field, you kept encouraging and assuring that it was going to be over very soon. This and many other technical expertise were the experiences I gained while posted to serve under you. I am very sure many of my colleagues would have good story to tell.
In spite of official hostilities, you were undaunted til you retired honourably.
My Oga, Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise, as you continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord, may He continue to comfort & strengthen your Beloved Wife, Children, Family, Friends, FEPA, ENVIRONMENT & NESREA Families in Jesus' name..
Adieu, good night.
My Oga, Baba Awo as you were fondly called inspired quite a lot of people who served under your leadership. To you, in the field of environment, no mountain was insurmountable.
I owe the foundation of my field experience to you when posted to River State in 1993.
You challenged many of us to always think
out of the box. One experience with you that I'll always remember, was on an official trip to one of NAOC's station in Emago, Abua Odua Local Government, Rivers State with Mr. Eugene George, then General Manager, Rivers State Environmental Protection Agency on a chopper. As the chopper landed, the youth were very hostile to us. For over an hour, they would not allow the chopper to come back for us. Being a green horn on the field, you kept encouraging and assuring that it was going to be over very soon. This and many other technical expertise were the experiences I gained while posted to serve under you. I am very sure many of my colleagues would have good story to tell.
In spite of official hostilities, you were undaunted til you retired honourably.
My Oga, Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise, as you continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord, may He continue to comfort & strengthen your Beloved Wife, Children, Family, Friends, FEPA, ENVIRONMENT & NESREA Families in Jesus' name..
Adieu, good night.
August 10, 2024
A true father! We are grateful to God for life well spent. My condolence to the family.
August 10, 2024
AWOO GBANGBA, ADIEU, SUN RE O
No matter what the reality or a likely outcome of a situation is, some truths are simply too difficult to accept or come to terms with. The news of the passage of my cherished cousin, brother, friend and confidant, Chief Akinlabi Awobamise (aka Awoo Gbangba, Ma se yeye, O fe lo smart ju) was one such reality. A sun had set at noon, a super great engine had ground to a sudden halt.
Akin, you kept assuring me and everyone else that your ailment was not unto death. You demonstrated the attributes and pedigree of a true AKIN as you fought the battle with rare courage, determination and strong will.
Akin and I grew up together, closely-knitted and shared life’s experiences, both pleasant and otherwise. After my close shave with death in 2009/2010, I never imagined that we would be separated by death this early. I can still vividly recall that emotion-filled night in my hospital room in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of LASUTH on the eve of my flight abroad for a major life-threatening procedure. On that eerie night, amidst a palpable sense of foreboding, the four of us – Akin, Debo (my bank manager), our mutual friend Barr Aina and I – had to hurriedly prepare and sign my post-death documents because my chances of surviving that major surgery and medical procedure, according to the doctors, was 30/70. Akin, you took control of the discussion ad proceedings on that night to my admiration and satisfaction.
At the height of your health challenges, I recall vividly that you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and surrendered your life to Him. You looked forward eagerly every day to the Daily Reflection as well as the Christian Health Talk. Your constant prayer requests to the Lord were (1) that you be granted the grace to attain the biblical age of 70. You mandated your children to ensure that your 70th birthday was grandly celebrated in appreciation of God’s goodness and mercy, and (2) that the Lord will spare your life to witness physically and in good health, the wedding of Tobiloba, your last born.
Awostic, you were not just a friend and cousin, you were a reliable and dependable confidant. You lived your life very well and you spared nothing to give your children the best education, stretching your resources to the limit and denying yourself some comforts so that they can realize their academic aspirations. That was a passion you inherited from your late father, my unforgettable benefactor who practically forced me to embrace education as against footballing.
I also want to commend your children for their unwavering care and constant support for you.
Good night, my quintessential soul mate. We have all submitted totally to the WILL of the Almighty God, consoled by His word in Thessalonians 4, 17-18.
My wife, Dupe, your friend, has kept asking after you even though she herself has been in critical condition for the past two months. I simply have not mustered sufficient strength to break the news of your passage to her. My children and grandchildren, especially your Ike Kekere, as you fondly called her right from cradle; your friend, my driver Ben Odu, who was always eager to drive you around town, knowing fully well that you would stop by at a good eatery for lunch. Whenever I challenged you about eating those “banned” food items, Ben was my source of information!! They will all miss you. You will be sorely missed by all our mutual friends – members of the great Young Men Progressive League, Methodist Church Odi-Olowo, Mushin, the Odi-Olowo Boys in the 60s/70s, the Professor Omikorede’s Unilag group of friends, the Kola Bellos, Baruwas, Bakares and the Animashauns.
I pray that God, the great Comforter, will comfort your dear wife, Kofo, my dear sister from the source, your wonderful and loving children, your siblings, especially Dr Bola Awobamise, the Blaize extended family, our Collins connection, and all your other loved ones , in Jesus name. Amen.
SIR (OTUNBA) ‘AKIN HANSON KJW
Cousin and Friend
No matter what the reality or a likely outcome of a situation is, some truths are simply too difficult to accept or come to terms with. The news of the passage of my cherished cousin, brother, friend and confidant, Chief Akinlabi Awobamise (aka Awoo Gbangba, Ma se yeye, O fe lo smart ju) was one such reality. A sun had set at noon, a super great engine had ground to a sudden halt.
Akin, you kept assuring me and everyone else that your ailment was not unto death. You demonstrated the attributes and pedigree of a true AKIN as you fought the battle with rare courage, determination and strong will.
Akin and I grew up together, closely-knitted and shared life’s experiences, both pleasant and otherwise. After my close shave with death in 2009/2010, I never imagined that we would be separated by death this early. I can still vividly recall that emotion-filled night in my hospital room in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of LASUTH on the eve of my flight abroad for a major life-threatening procedure. On that eerie night, amidst a palpable sense of foreboding, the four of us – Akin, Debo (my bank manager), our mutual friend Barr Aina and I – had to hurriedly prepare and sign my post-death documents because my chances of surviving that major surgery and medical procedure, according to the doctors, was 30/70. Akin, you took control of the discussion ad proceedings on that night to my admiration and satisfaction.
At the height of your health challenges, I recall vividly that you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and surrendered your life to Him. You looked forward eagerly every day to the Daily Reflection as well as the Christian Health Talk. Your constant prayer requests to the Lord were (1) that you be granted the grace to attain the biblical age of 70. You mandated your children to ensure that your 70th birthday was grandly celebrated in appreciation of God’s goodness and mercy, and (2) that the Lord will spare your life to witness physically and in good health, the wedding of Tobiloba, your last born.
Awostic, you were not just a friend and cousin, you were a reliable and dependable confidant. You lived your life very well and you spared nothing to give your children the best education, stretching your resources to the limit and denying yourself some comforts so that they can realize their academic aspirations. That was a passion you inherited from your late father, my unforgettable benefactor who practically forced me to embrace education as against footballing.
I also want to commend your children for their unwavering care and constant support for you.
Good night, my quintessential soul mate. We have all submitted totally to the WILL of the Almighty God, consoled by His word in Thessalonians 4, 17-18.
My wife, Dupe, your friend, has kept asking after you even though she herself has been in critical condition for the past two months. I simply have not mustered sufficient strength to break the news of your passage to her. My children and grandchildren, especially your Ike Kekere, as you fondly called her right from cradle; your friend, my driver Ben Odu, who was always eager to drive you around town, knowing fully well that you would stop by at a good eatery for lunch. Whenever I challenged you about eating those “banned” food items, Ben was my source of information!! They will all miss you. You will be sorely missed by all our mutual friends – members of the great Young Men Progressive League, Methodist Church Odi-Olowo, Mushin, the Odi-Olowo Boys in the 60s/70s, the Professor Omikorede’s Unilag group of friends, the Kola Bellos, Baruwas, Bakares and the Animashauns.
I pray that God, the great Comforter, will comfort your dear wife, Kofo, my dear sister from the source, your wonderful and loving children, your siblings, especially Dr Bola Awobamise, the Blaize extended family, our Collins connection, and all your other loved ones , in Jesus name. Amen.
SIR (OTUNBA) ‘AKIN HANSON KJW
Cousin and Friend
August 10, 2024
Akin was a remarkable person who touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be missed.
August 9, 2024
Dear Dad,
You were more than a father-in-law to me; a source of unwavering support, and a true friend. Your generosity of spirit, gentle humor, and steadfast love for the family will forever be cherished. Though you are no longer with us, your legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you. We are grateful for the time we had with you and will carry your memory with us always.
You were a man whose warmth, wisdom, and kindness touched the lives of everyone you met.
Sleep Well.
From Olajide Oni and the Grand -Kids
You were more than a father-in-law to me; a source of unwavering support, and a true friend. Your generosity of spirit, gentle humor, and steadfast love for the family will forever be cherished. Though you are no longer with us, your legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved you. We are grateful for the time we had with you and will carry your memory with us always.
You were a man whose warmth, wisdom, and kindness touched the lives of everyone you met.
Sleep Well.
From Olajide Oni and the Grand -Kids
August 8, 2024
Sending my most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Awobamise.I wish you nothing but comfort,peace and strength.May the deceased soul rest in peace (AMEN).
August 7, 2024
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
We know daddy is resting with the Lord.
We know daddy is resting with the Lord.
August 7, 2024
Baba Awo, it is very hard for me to call you my boss because ever since I came across you, you have been there like an Uncle to me, you showed me love, cares, perfection always. Your numerous advice and encouragement makes me whom I am today as a Musician and a qualified Accountant. It’s shocking to hear of your demise, nobody could have imagined it would come so soon. Your memories will forever be in my heart, and your legacy will continue to guide me as you fondly called me “Olu Mighty” . Rest In Peace my great Boss Rest In Peace my great Uncle Rest In Peace Bagbimo Of Omole Land . Till we meet to part no more May your gently soul continue to rest in the lord. Olumide Odumosu (Olu Osmond)
August 6, 2024
To my dear friend's husband, we all wish you had lived longer, but only God knows and we believe He loves you better. Rest peacefully in His bossom .
August 5, 2024
There are times that words lose their meaning, not unlike salt when it loses its taste. One of such moments was when I learnt of Uncle Akinlabi’s death. The painful months heralding the final end did not dull the impact of the blow of losing you. The grave might not have won a victory with your transition. But this death comes with a great sting. Fare thee well, my dear uncle. I will always remember you. Sún rẹ ó, Akin ọmọ Akin. Sún rẹ àrólé Pa Jonathan Ọmọ́jọlá ọmọ Awóbámiṣé.
August 5, 2024
Tribute to Akin Awobamise
It was with deep shock and grief that I received the news of passing away of my close friend/brother Akin Awobamise.
My first contact with Akin was in 1975 at the faculty of science in the university of Lagos during registration exercise of new students.
2. The two of us maintained our friendship throughout the undergraduate days up till his point of exit from this earthly world. Akin is a wonderful and lively person. When you are with him it was never a dull movement. I reminisce our youthful days when the two of us exhibited youthful delinquency and exuburances during the undergraduate days. We jump some lectures and will go and start looking for kofo(Mrs Awobamise) in her father's house in Ebute- Metta. On the way chasing his love, he will assure me that the topic we are missing can never come out in the examination. He was always confident and of the opinion that whoever knows the answer is the brightest student. In his words "Eni to mo answer lo mo iwe".
3. The two of us continued our friendship after graduation which later matured into brotherhood relationship. There was nothing Akin was celebrating with his family members that my own family will not be present. In fact there were occasions when his children spent weekends with my family without their parents. Anytime I am in his house, he used to hail me with a Nick name"Akapostic"and I too will hail him back "Awostic"
4. Looking back at all the interesting moments I had with my friend/brother Akin I am now in a fix as to whether I can still have this type of company again. I am still at a loss.
5. It is however my prayers that since he had transit to a higher world, may he be accepted to the bossom of the Lord and may his sins and misdeeds be forgiven. Rest in perfect peace my friend/ brother. Adieu Awostic!!!
It was with deep shock and grief that I received the news of passing away of my close friend/brother Akin Awobamise.
My first contact with Akin was in 1975 at the faculty of science in the university of Lagos during registration exercise of new students.
2. The two of us maintained our friendship throughout the undergraduate days up till his point of exit from this earthly world. Akin is a wonderful and lively person. When you are with him it was never a dull movement. I reminisce our youthful days when the two of us exhibited youthful delinquency and exuburances during the undergraduate days. We jump some lectures and will go and start looking for kofo(Mrs Awobamise) in her father's house in Ebute- Metta. On the way chasing his love, he will assure me that the topic we are missing can never come out in the examination. He was always confident and of the opinion that whoever knows the answer is the brightest student. In his words "Eni to mo answer lo mo iwe".
3. The two of us continued our friendship after graduation which later matured into brotherhood relationship. There was nothing Akin was celebrating with his family members that my own family will not be present. In fact there were occasions when his children spent weekends with my family without their parents. Anytime I am in his house, he used to hail me with a Nick name"Akapostic"and I too will hail him back "Awostic"
4. Looking back at all the interesting moments I had with my friend/brother Akin I am now in a fix as to whether I can still have this type of company again. I am still at a loss.
5. It is however my prayers that since he had transit to a higher world, may he be accepted to the bossom of the Lord and may his sins and misdeeds be forgiven. Rest in perfect peace my friend/ brother. Adieu Awostic!!!
August 4, 2024
Tribute To Mr Akin Awobamise
It was a rude shock to me when I heard about the demise of Mr Akin Awobamise. I happen to know him in year 1984 as my husband close friend. Since then I have been very close to the family of Mr and Mrs Awobamise. He was a very jovial and interesting person to be with. I still remember vividly one of his jokes whenever he was with my family, one of his jokes is as follow if you ask him if he's aware of any events that happened in the country he would reply that how do you want me to know when he's not soothsayer. In his words he would say MI O WE OJU NIGBATI Mi OKIN SE ALADURA. I am going to miss all the jokes of Mr Awobamise as he always call me my sister whenever he sees me. Adieu my brother Mr Awobamise. may God grant you entenal rest and give the give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. SUNRE O AWOSTIC.
From Mrs Oyinlola Akapo, children, and grand children.
It was a rude shock to me when I heard about the demise of Mr Akin Awobamise. I happen to know him in year 1984 as my husband close friend. Since then I have been very close to the family of Mr and Mrs Awobamise. He was a very jovial and interesting person to be with. I still remember vividly one of his jokes whenever he was with my family, one of his jokes is as follow if you ask him if he's aware of any events that happened in the country he would reply that how do you want me to know when he's not soothsayer. In his words he would say MI O WE OJU NIGBATI Mi OKIN SE ALADURA. I am going to miss all the jokes of Mr Awobamise as he always call me my sister whenever he sees me. Adieu my brother Mr Awobamise. may God grant you entenal rest and give the give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. SUNRE O AWOSTIC.
From Mrs Oyinlola Akapo, children, and grand children.
August 2, 2024
TRIBUTE TO CHIEF AKINLABI AWOBAMISE.
"When peace like a river attendeth my way,when sorrow like sea billows roll,whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul."
It is well with Kofoworola Awobamise and the children.
Chief Akinlabi Awobamise came to the world, he saw,and he conquered. It is not how long, but how well. Glory be to the Lord for a life well spent.
Like Apostle Paul, "You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, and you have kept the faith. "
Rest on till the Resurrection day. May the Lord uphold the family you left behind.
"When peace like a river attendeth my way,when sorrow like sea billows roll,whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul."
It is well with Kofoworola Awobamise and the children.
Chief Akinlabi Awobamise came to the world, he saw,and he conquered. It is not how long, but how well. Glory be to the Lord for a life well spent.
Like Apostle Paul, "You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, and you have kept the faith. "
Rest on till the Resurrection day. May the Lord uphold the family you left behind.
August 2, 2024
A Colossus has gone home. May your soul rest in peace
August 2, 2024
TRIBUTE TO UNCLE AKIN
I remember him as a young boy, living with my sister,his wife at Pilot Crescent, Surulere,he inspired me to take my studies seriously and I admired how he travels on couses and assignments on behalf of the Nigerian Government and I did look forward to be like that,maybe as an Ambassador or anything that would take me to international limelight.
I had my knowledge of the environment and when Koko toxic waste happened he was on the team of experts at FEPA.
I also admired the high esteem he held his then boss Dr Ojikutu,he showed so much respect and reference and it left an impression on my young mind.
May his soul rest in peace.
Barrister Femi Blaize.
(Brother in-law)
I remember him as a young boy, living with my sister,his wife at Pilot Crescent, Surulere,he inspired me to take my studies seriously and I admired how he travels on couses and assignments on behalf of the Nigerian Government and I did look forward to be like that,maybe as an Ambassador or anything that would take me to international limelight.
I had my knowledge of the environment and when Koko toxic waste happened he was on the team of experts at FEPA.
I also admired the high esteem he held his then boss Dr Ojikutu,he showed so much respect and reference and it left an impression on my young mind.
May his soul rest in peace.
Barrister Femi Blaize.
(Brother in-law)
August 2, 2024
A Tribute to My Dad
My dad was a man of many passions, and one of his greatest loves was loud music. It filled our home and brought joy to his heart. Even after he retired, he loved to drive himself around, always with the music turned up loud. He had a youthful spirit and was very young at heart. He would sometimes let me drive, and I'd connect my songs to the car's sound system. He'd often ask me, "Tobi, who sang this song?" with a curious and amused look on his face.
He was a social person, always eager to connect with others and share stories. In many ways, he was an encyclopedia of life, having traveled to so many places and experienced diverse cultures. His knowledge and wisdom seemed boundless, spanning topics from cars to books, philosophy, science, and politics.
Professionally, my dad served his country with great integrity. He worked for the federal government of Nigeria as a civil servant, known for his honesty and incorruptibility. He took pride in his work and retired from NESREA (National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency), having made significant contributions to his field.
My dad had a saying that he often shared: “Everyone is the architect of his fortune and misfortunes.” It was a reflection of his belief in personal responsibility and the power of our choices.
As the youngest in the family, I was fortunate to have a special bond with my dad. He loved me deeply, and I knew I could always count on him. No matter what, he was there for me, ready to give everything he had. I could ask him for the world, and he would find a way to make it happen. His love and support made me feel safe and secure, knowing that he was always in my corner.
My dad fought so hard in the end, showing incredible strength and courage. God knows best, and while I struggle to accept that he’s gone, I know he is in a better place. I remember him telling me he would be there for my wedding, a promise that meant so much to me. It’s heartbreaking that death had to be so cruel, taking him away from us too soon.
Dad, I’m so sorry if I didn’t say it enough, but I love you deeply and always will. You were a pillar of strength and knowledge, a true lover of life, and most importantly, a loving father who cherished his family. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but your spirit and the memories we shared will live on in our hearts forever.
Rest in peace, Dad. I will carry your love and lessons with me always.
arc Awobamise Oluwatobiloba
My dad was a man of many passions, and one of his greatest loves was loud music. It filled our home and brought joy to his heart. Even after he retired, he loved to drive himself around, always with the music turned up loud. He had a youthful spirit and was very young at heart. He would sometimes let me drive, and I'd connect my songs to the car's sound system. He'd often ask me, "Tobi, who sang this song?" with a curious and amused look on his face.
He was a social person, always eager to connect with others and share stories. In many ways, he was an encyclopedia of life, having traveled to so many places and experienced diverse cultures. His knowledge and wisdom seemed boundless, spanning topics from cars to books, philosophy, science, and politics.
Professionally, my dad served his country with great integrity. He worked for the federal government of Nigeria as a civil servant, known for his honesty and incorruptibility. He took pride in his work and retired from NESREA (National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency), having made significant contributions to his field.
My dad had a saying that he often shared: “Everyone is the architect of his fortune and misfortunes.” It was a reflection of his belief in personal responsibility and the power of our choices.
As the youngest in the family, I was fortunate to have a special bond with my dad. He loved me deeply, and I knew I could always count on him. No matter what, he was there for me, ready to give everything he had. I could ask him for the world, and he would find a way to make it happen. His love and support made me feel safe and secure, knowing that he was always in my corner.
My dad fought so hard in the end, showing incredible strength and courage. God knows best, and while I struggle to accept that he’s gone, I know he is in a better place. I remember him telling me he would be there for my wedding, a promise that meant so much to me. It’s heartbreaking that death had to be so cruel, taking him away from us too soon.
Dad, I’m so sorry if I didn’t say it enough, but I love you deeply and always will. You were a pillar of strength and knowledge, a true lover of life, and most importantly, a loving father who cherished his family. Your absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but your spirit and the memories we shared will live on in our hearts forever.
Rest in peace, Dad. I will carry your love and lessons with me always.
arc Awobamise Oluwatobiloba
August 1, 2024
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Akinlabi. He lived a meaningful life and touched many people's lives through his work and care of his family. My deepest condenlences to his family and relatives. Rest in Peace.
Love,
Bukola
Love,
Bukola
August 1, 2024
My earliest memories of Uncle Akinlabi were through the lens of his sister, my mom, as she regaled us with stories of the joy and celebration that his birth heralded into their family. He was the much-awaited son. Parents and sisters were over the moon to have him, and from his very first breath, he was beloved. Every time the story of his birth was told, the echo of that joy still rings in her voice, even to this day.
As I grew older and knew him as Uncle Sunday, his boisterous nature and joy for life stood out to me. To know him was to know his devotion and love for his family. His kids were his pride and joy. He took so much pride in all their accomplishments, and sharing them brought him great delight. I thank God for sparing his life long enough to see his kids achieve the greatness they did, as that brought him immense happiness.
At his death, the joy that he brought into the world for his family dimmed but was not extinguished, as he continues to live in the hearts of his loved ones, and his memories are a great comfort.
Rest in peace, Uncle Akinlabi. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered forever.
Ronke Aiyelabola
As I grew older and knew him as Uncle Sunday, his boisterous nature and joy for life stood out to me. To know him was to know his devotion and love for his family. His kids were his pride and joy. He took so much pride in all their accomplishments, and sharing them brought him great delight. I thank God for sparing his life long enough to see his kids achieve the greatness they did, as that brought him immense happiness.
At his death, the joy that he brought into the world for his family dimmed but was not extinguished, as he continues to live in the hearts of his loved ones, and his memories are a great comfort.
Rest in peace, Uncle Akinlabi. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered forever.
Ronke Aiyelabola
July 31, 2024
I don’t know where to start and I’ve been putting off writing this tribute as words have failed me. Nevertheless, as hard as this has been for me, paying tribute to my only brother, just two years older than me, is not only a duty but also a way to get some closure with his passing. Akinlabi, as he preferred to be called, was not only my blood brother but my friend. We grew up together and shared all the trials & tribulations of our youthful exuberance. My brother was a lover of music, something we were both passionate about. He was also a fantastic table tennis player and as kids he was a great dancer. He was loyal and I can with all humility say that he was very proud of me, especially my academic and career accomplishments. However, his biggest legacy is the love for his children, he spared no expense to ensure that they always got the best. Education was the foundation upon which he built his worldview. Ethical fortitude was also another one of what defined my brother. He shared both of these attributes with our dad, who had instilled these in all his children. My brother was also blunt, honest and direct in all his undertakings and relationships. He made friends easily and was a party guy; he sure loved his beer cold and plentiful. He and I shared so many private moments and even though his passing wasn’t totally unexpected, it still hit me so hard. I can, however, take solace from the fact that during my last trip to Nigeria in April, I saw him practically every day over the 2 weeks or so I was around. He appeared to be recovering and we even gisted and reminisced about our childhood. Little did I know that would be the last time that I would see him and share memories together. My big brother, I’ll miss you more than I can say. You were more than a brother, I also lost a friend. You fought the good fight, the pains are gone now but your loss is everlasting. Rest in peace, bro!! I’m your one and only brother, Bolarin (Dr. Bola Awobamise)
July 31, 2024
Grandpa was so kind to my brother and I. Everytime we visited him he would always make us laugh in some way, it was like a superpower. I felt really sad when i heard the news. Rest in peace grandpa❤️
Tiki (Grandson)
Tiki (Grandson)
July 30, 2024
My dear cousin Sunday Awobamise. You came. You saw and conquered. Your life is a testimonial of a kind and real gentleman. Apart from the fun of childhood when we we're always looking forward to coming to your dad’s house in Fagbile for holiday. An incident stand out when you moved to pilot crescent Bode Thomas in SURULERE , I needed a guarantor for my step daughter that got admission into a secondary school across your house , you volunteer to follow me and be the guarantor for her admission.
You are such a pleasant person to be with. Humility par excellence. We spoke last when you could not attend the funeral of my mum and you took permission that you have to rush down to Ondo state for a younger cousin in the Awobamise family burial . That is who you were. Not taking anyone for granted .
I pray your truly gentle soul find peace in the bosom of our Lord.
Keep resting dear cousin . The lord will comfort my beautiful wife Chief Mrs Kofoworola , the children and the grandchildren.
From Your cousin Pastor Mrs Dupe Adisa née Collins
You are such a pleasant person to be with. Humility par excellence. We spoke last when you could not attend the funeral of my mum and you took permission that you have to rush down to Ondo state for a younger cousin in the Awobamise family burial . That is who you were. Not taking anyone for granted .
I pray your truly gentle soul find peace in the bosom of our Lord.
Keep resting dear cousin . The lord will comfort my beautiful wife Chief Mrs Kofoworola , the children and the grandchildren.
From Your cousin Pastor Mrs Dupe Adisa née Collins
July 29, 2024
What a loss?
May d soul of Mr Akinlabi Awobamise rest in peace..
He was a nice man.
May Lord guide & guard all what he left behind..
"Ehin won aadara o"
Sleep on !!!!!!!!
May d soul of Mr Akinlabi Awobamise rest in peace..
He was a nice man.
May Lord guide & guard all what he left behind..
"Ehin won aadara o"
Sleep on !!!!!!!!
July 29, 2024
Chief Akin Awobamise was a good Inlaw and a great father who took wonderful care of his family, he will surely be missed.
Rest in peace you have earned your desired rest.
Adieu!
Rest in peace you have earned your desired rest.
Adieu!
July 29, 2024
Mr Awo, our paths crossed for the first time in October 1979 at the Environmental Pkanning and Protection Division of the Federal Ministry of Industries at the Federal Secretariat, Ikoyi Lagos. We hit it up as friends and colleagues. We were about five members of staff then ,with our Director Dr Raimi Ojikutu. Our other colleagues then, were Ms Anne Ene-Ita, Mrs Bisi Owolabi, Mr Kamalu( Prof) and my humble self. We all had to share a table and just two chairs. My dear brother, you rose to the pinnacle of your career. A committed Environmentalist to the core,, You played a signifant role in the Marine Environment and travelled the length of the Country and nations in the quest of the profession you loved. My dear brother,you came, fought and conquered. A man of honour, integrity, disciplined, forthright and always saying the truth. No wonder you were honoured with the Justice of Peace. I was privileged to attend some of the milestone events of your life, your wedding, children's celebrations and parents. Mr Awo, rest in the bosom of The Lord, until we meet to part no more. May the Lord comfort my dear aburo Kofo, the children and grandchildren. Sunreoo. Olori Funke Babade née Omololu.
July 27, 2024
May Uncle s loving soul RIP anf may God Almighty console the family.Amen
July 27, 2024
"The Awobamise I Know"
Adieu my director, my oga.
We first met in November 2009 when I resumed duty as a newly posted officer. He received me warmly as if we had known before. There was no further introduction he just liked my name/face. That is the simplicity of the man.. Awobamise. He took us through the rudiments of the job and immediately put us on-the-run to do the job. There was no time to waste. That was the zest and passion with which he does his jobs, which we later imbibed as officers. He simplified situations with candor and calmness of the spirit. He made the job easier for everyone. He was jovial and receptive with heavy sense of humour. He has no enemy that I know. He can be angry this minute and turned it to a joke the next minute.. that's oga Awobamise for you. We loved his style most dearly when he was NESREA Director south-west. We've met again after retirement on few occasions and he has not changed. A good heart is endeared to many.
There's a time to go and this is possibly your time. May God grant repose your spirit and soul. Rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Adieu my director, my oga.
We first met in November 2009 when I resumed duty as a newly posted officer. He received me warmly as if we had known before. There was no further introduction he just liked my name/face. That is the simplicity of the man.. Awobamise. He took us through the rudiments of the job and immediately put us on-the-run to do the job. There was no time to waste. That was the zest and passion with which he does his jobs, which we later imbibed as officers. He simplified situations with candor and calmness of the spirit. He made the job easier for everyone. He was jovial and receptive with heavy sense of humour. He has no enemy that I know. He can be angry this minute and turned it to a joke the next minute.. that's oga Awobamise for you. We loved his style most dearly when he was NESREA Director south-west. We've met again after retirement on few occasions and he has not changed. A good heart is endeared to many.
There's a time to go and this is possibly your time. May God grant repose your spirit and soul. Rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
July 27, 2024
My sympathy and prayers for all the family.
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Chief Awobamise in 1980, following an oil well blowout off the coast of the Niger Delta. At the time, he was in the Environmental Planning and Protection Division of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Housing and Environment. He played a key role in organising the field work which was carried out to assess the environmental effects of oil pollution from the blowout, and was particularly involved in sea bed sampling and analysis. As a follow-up, he spent some time in the UK. We were very happy to welcome him at the Field Studies Council Oil Pollution Research Unit, and he also visited other centres of pollution experience.
Rest in peace, lover and defender of God's beautiful creation.
Dr Jenifer Baker, formerly Research Director of the Field Studies Council, and international oil pollution consultant.
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Chief Awobamise in 1980, following an oil well blowout off the coast of the Niger Delta. At the time, he was in the Environmental Planning and Protection Division of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Housing and Environment. He played a key role in organising the field work which was carried out to assess the environmental effects of oil pollution from the blowout, and was particularly involved in sea bed sampling and analysis. As a follow-up, he spent some time in the UK. We were very happy to welcome him at the Field Studies Council Oil Pollution Research Unit, and he also visited other centres of pollution experience.
Rest in peace, lover and defender of God's beautiful creation.
Dr Jenifer Baker, formerly Research Director of the Field Studies Council, and international oil pollution consultant.
July 27, 2024
Dear Grandpa:The last time I saw you were a big strong man.When I saw you in one of the pictures I prayed that night. Grandpa I prayed for you. Everyone says you make them laugh so much but I didn't get to hear you say much. I heard even when you were sick you were still making jokes. Continue to rest in peace Grandpa, your ‘Lawunmi will miss you so much. Love from Tanitoluwa.
July 26, 2024
SLEEP ON ,AKINLABI.
Honestly, I do not know how and where to start this epitaph.
We met in 1977, and got married on,25th Sept.1982.
Akin, being a Federal Civil Servant was almost always away from home, (Lagos)in the course of serving the country.
He loved his job and gave it his ALL!
I had to be strong,and, focused to 'fully' take charge of the children and still pursue my career.
Akin you were loyal to your senior colleagues and exemplary to your subordinates.
You were a jolly good fellow to our circle of friends and associates.
He loved his cold beer 🍺 🍻 .
To our children, you were the best dad any child could ask for!
You found time to be with them at school, Country Club or as grown up children, you had tete-a-tete with the boys over beer...
You never beat them,for any real or perceived wrong doing, unlike me, with my inherited slogan of "spare the rod and spoil the child".
Thankfully, all four kids have turned out right in their different professions, to the glory of God!
Yes,your regular transfers and frequent official trips outside the country, et-al have helped me to be this strong, confident, self reliant and generally resilient person that I am today.Thank you, Akinlabi!
Bagbimo as I called you, you fought the good fight, but it was God's appointed time and so you hearkened to the sound of the trumpet!
Thank you Lord for his life and legacy of hardwork and resilience, he has bequeathed to all those he came across,especially ,our children while on this part of the divide🙏
" The Lord giveth and taketh,blessed be the name of the Lord!"
I pray that our unquestionable God grants sweet repose to your soul, Akinlabi!
ADIEU, BAGBIMO.
Honestly, I do not know how and where to start this epitaph.
We met in 1977, and got married on,25th Sept.1982.
Akin, being a Federal Civil Servant was almost always away from home, (Lagos)in the course of serving the country.
He loved his job and gave it his ALL!
I had to be strong,and, focused to 'fully' take charge of the children and still pursue my career.
Akin you were loyal to your senior colleagues and exemplary to your subordinates.
You were a jolly good fellow to our circle of friends and associates.
He loved his cold beer 🍺 🍻 .
To our children, you were the best dad any child could ask for!
You found time to be with them at school, Country Club or as grown up children, you had tete-a-tete with the boys over beer...
You never beat them,for any real or perceived wrong doing, unlike me, with my inherited slogan of "spare the rod and spoil the child".
Thankfully, all four kids have turned out right in their different professions, to the glory of God!
Yes,your regular transfers and frequent official trips outside the country, et-al have helped me to be this strong, confident, self reliant and generally resilient person that I am today.Thank you, Akinlabi!
Bagbimo as I called you, you fought the good fight, but it was God's appointed time and so you hearkened to the sound of the trumpet!
Thank you Lord for his life and legacy of hardwork and resilience, he has bequeathed to all those he came across,especially ,our children while on this part of the divide🙏
" The Lord giveth and taketh,blessed be the name of the Lord!"
I pray that our unquestionable God grants sweet repose to your soul, Akinlabi!
ADIEU, BAGBIMO.
July 26, 2024
SLEEP ON, AKINLABI!
Hmmmmm,Bagbimo, as I used to call you in the last 15years,when we both became chiefs.
It has taken me a long time to put pen to paper to write this epitaph as I do not know how and where to really start.
Our first meeting was at a party held by the Kumolu-Johnsons, sometime in 1977.I went with my favorite cousin, Samuel Johnson who was your friend.
We became friends, this was easy, because you were pleasant to be with.
We became very close as I found you to be good-looking,cerebral, focused,easy going , considerate,and jovial.
Then,in 1982, you were to go abroad for your Master's degree while I had just finished my B.A.Hons(ENG/EDUCTION)at the University of Ife.
I had wanted to serve( NYSC), while you would go for your Master's degree in the UK,Akin you wouldn't have any of that .
We thereafter got married on 25th September 1982.
The kids started coming , and to His glory, today,we have four adorable children ,Babajide,
Ayodeji,Abimbola,and my IFAANU,Oluwatobiloba.
If there was anything you loved more than your job,it was our children,whom you would often say," I live and work for my children,and they must turn out well."
In deed,that fervent prayer has been adequately answered.Though you always said to our last child,'Tobiloba,that you would wait for his wedding and carry his children.Alas God's ways are not our ways!
The trumpet sounded,and you had to obey the call for higher Service.
To our children, they couldn't have asked for a better dad.You were part and parcel of their education.Any spare time you had was for, and with them at the Country Club or bar for a drink !
Our only daughter , Abimbola, you fondly called "baby Siganbra" and as she grew, she was again referred to as , "Abimbola kokoro ewa ", till you died.
(Till date, none if us knows the meanings)
Our grandchildren would miss your jokes and your demand for your feet to be massaged and pulled...
Akin,'WORK'was your middle name and you gave your all to it.Your Senior and junior colleagues in all the formations from the Ministry of Industries,to the Fed.Envi.Prot.Agency.(FEPA) and Nig.Envi.Stds Reg.& Evaluation (NESREA),knew you as a very committed servant and a great scholar who had authored and co authored books and international journals.
The history of activities on Environment,in Nigeria ,cannot be complete without a mention of your name,Akinlabi Awobamise.You with others championed the famous Koko dump waste, in Warri,Delta State in the 80s.You came,you saw, and conquered!
In your social circle, you were the quintessential FAAJI EXPONENT.What with your ACB( Any cold beer) and banters!You had fond names for your close friends, eg, your first cousin and dearly beloved Otunba Akin Hanson, whom he always called 'Hanson Lobito 'and Mr.SO Akapo was to Akin Akapostic, and he would Call our best man, Ademola Da-Costa instead of Ademola Costa.He was generally called,Awo Baba,or Awo gbangba .
He was a happy-go- fellow
Bagbimo, you enjoyed a good life when you were hale and hearty, and you left the stage at God's appointed time, like all living souls would when their turns come!
"The Lord giveth and taketh,blessed be the name of the Lord!"
I pray that our unquestionable God grants sweet repose to your soul, Akinlabi!
ADIEU, BAGBIMO.
Chief (Mrs)Kofoworola O.Awobamise .(Wife)
Hmmmmm,Bagbimo, as I used to call you in the last 15years,when we both became chiefs.
It has taken me a long time to put pen to paper to write this epitaph as I do not know how and where to really start.
Our first meeting was at a party held by the Kumolu-Johnsons, sometime in 1977.I went with my favorite cousin, Samuel Johnson who was your friend.
We became friends, this was easy, because you were pleasant to be with.
We became very close as I found you to be good-looking,cerebral, focused,easy going , considerate,and jovial.
Then,in 1982, you were to go abroad for your Master's degree while I had just finished my B.A.Hons(ENG/EDUCTION)at the University of Ife.
I had wanted to serve( NYSC), while you would go for your Master's degree in the UK,Akin you wouldn't have any of that .
We thereafter got married on 25th September 1982.
The kids started coming , and to His glory, today,we have four adorable children ,Babajide,
Ayodeji,Abimbola,and my IFAANU,Oluwatobiloba.
If there was anything you loved more than your job,it was our children,whom you would often say," I live and work for my children,and they must turn out well."
In deed,that fervent prayer has been adequately answered.Though you always said to our last child,'Tobiloba,that you would wait for his wedding and carry his children.Alas God's ways are not our ways!
The trumpet sounded,and you had to obey the call for higher Service.
To our children, they couldn't have asked for a better dad.You were part and parcel of their education.Any spare time you had was for, and with them at the Country Club or bar for a drink !
Our only daughter , Abimbola, you fondly called "baby Siganbra" and as she grew, she was again referred to as , "Abimbola kokoro ewa ", till you died.
(Till date, none if us knows the meanings)
Our grandchildren would miss your jokes and your demand for your feet to be massaged and pulled...
Akin,'WORK'was your middle name and you gave your all to it.Your Senior and junior colleagues in all the formations from the Ministry of Industries,to the Fed.Envi.Prot.Agency.(FEPA) and Nig.Envi.Stds Reg.& Evaluation (NESREA),knew you as a very committed servant and a great scholar who had authored and co authored books and international journals.
The history of activities on Environment,in Nigeria ,cannot be complete without a mention of your name,Akinlabi Awobamise.You with others championed the famous Koko dump waste, in Warri,Delta State in the 80s.You came,you saw, and conquered!
In your social circle, you were the quintessential FAAJI EXPONENT.What with your ACB( Any cold beer) and banters!You had fond names for your close friends, eg, your first cousin and dearly beloved Otunba Akin Hanson, whom he always called 'Hanson Lobito 'and Mr.SO Akapo was to Akin Akapostic, and he would Call our best man, Ademola Da-Costa instead of Ademola Costa.He was generally called,Awo Baba,or Awo gbangba .
He was a happy-go- fellow
Bagbimo, you enjoyed a good life when you were hale and hearty, and you left the stage at God's appointed time, like all living souls would when their turns come!
"The Lord giveth and taketh,blessed be the name of the Lord!"
I pray that our unquestionable God grants sweet repose to your soul, Akinlabi!
ADIEU, BAGBIMO.
Chief (Mrs)Kofoworola O.Awobamise .(Wife)
July 26, 2024
Daddy was an exceptionally kind person, always willing to go extra mile to help those around him. His selflessness and dedication to others were truly inspiring. He took me in as his daughter and always made my visits memorable by sharing fascinating stories from the past and family tales.
He was incredibly easy to please and showed immense gratitude for even the smallest gestures. Whether it was a simple visit or just the smallest of things. Daddy always made me feel very comfortable whenever I was around him, never causing me to fear that I might do something wrong or offend him.
Your legacy of kindness and appreciation for life’s little moments will forever remain in our hearts. We will miss you deeply. Rest well, Daddy.
He was incredibly easy to please and showed immense gratitude for even the smallest gestures. Whether it was a simple visit or just the smallest of things. Daddy always made me feel very comfortable whenever I was around him, never causing me to fear that I might do something wrong or offend him.
Your legacy of kindness and appreciation for life’s little moments will forever remain in our hearts. We will miss you deeply. Rest well, Daddy.
July 26, 2024
Awo gbangba!!!😱😢😳😐😭😭May your Creator be pleased with your home coming. You are too dear n loved to quit the stage. I remember those Unforgettable Years......
domo arigato...it pleases the Lord.. Adieu. Adieu Baba Awoooo
domo arigato...it pleases the Lord.. Adieu. Adieu Baba Awoooo
July 26, 2024
ADIEU UNCLE AKIN
You were a kind hearted man. You worked tirelessly to see your children Excel in life thank you.
You were a unique, hardworking quiet and wonderful person. Uncle I pray you're kept in the bosom of the Lord God Almighty. May your angelic soul rest in perfect peace . A o pade lese Jesu. Gbogbo ebi. OBASOHAN & FILANI nse idaro re. Sun un reo baba omo.
.
You were a kind hearted man. You worked tirelessly to see your children Excel in life thank you.
You were a unique, hardworking quiet and wonderful person. Uncle I pray you're kept in the bosom of the Lord God Almighty. May your angelic soul rest in perfect peace . A o pade lese Jesu. Gbogbo ebi. OBASOHAN & FILANI nse idaro re. Sun un reo baba omo.
.
July 26, 2024
Daddy, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.The short time I spent with you as a care giver, I knew you were a nice man.
Daddy, you died right in my presence and I could not help!
All I did was to call Mummy and bro Tobi.
I will miss your jokes, the kuli-kuli and corn...
I love you but God loves you more.
Rest well until we meet again and part no more.
Daddy, you died right in my presence and I could not help!
All I did was to call Mummy and bro Tobi.
I will miss your jokes, the kuli-kuli and corn...
I love you but God loves you more.
Rest well until we meet again and part no more.
July 26, 2024
Tribute, You are an uncle in a million generous friendly and always ready to help . Your picture will always be in my mind and I will forever remember you. Sleep on Uncle untill we meet on the resurrection day. Adieu uncle. Your brother in-law .
July 26, 2024
As we celebrate the life of our dear friend's husband, Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise. Let us remember the laughter, love and joy he brought into our lives. Even in his final moments, he was full of faith, courage and strength.
Chief Akinlabi Awobamise was an Environmentalist who contributed immensely to environmental conservation in Nigeria and West Africa.
It is with great sadness that we say our farewells to our dear brother and bid him a blissful rest in eternity. We find comfort in knowing that, although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on.
To HH. Kofoworola Awobamise and children, we know there are no words that can ease the pain, but please take solace in God that giveth as well as taketh and loves him more than we do.
Adieu Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise.
On behalf of the Happy Hearts Sisters.
Chief Akinlabi Awobamise was an Environmentalist who contributed immensely to environmental conservation in Nigeria and West Africa.
It is with great sadness that we say our farewells to our dear brother and bid him a blissful rest in eternity. We find comfort in knowing that, although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on.
To HH. Kofoworola Awobamise and children, we know there are no words that can ease the pain, but please take solace in God that giveth as well as taketh and loves him more than we do.
Adieu Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise.
On behalf of the Happy Hearts Sisters.
July 26, 2024
Dear daddy , the time we spent together has been filled with a lot of memories.
You used to tell me about your younger days and your world wide travels in the course of work in the environmental sector.
Now that you have transitted to higher glory,I will sorely and surely miss your jokes, your frequent calls of "Tomiwa, are you back...charge my phone and press and pull my feet....:
May your dear soul rest in perfect peace.
Your special granddaughter.
You used to tell me about your younger days and your world wide travels in the course of work in the environmental sector.
Now that you have transitted to higher glory,I will sorely and surely miss your jokes, your frequent calls of "Tomiwa, are you back...charge my phone and press and pull my feet....:
May your dear soul rest in perfect peace.
Your special granddaughter.
July 26, 2024
Daddy, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.The short time I spent with you as a care giver, I knew you were a nice man.
Daddy, you died right in my presence and I could not help!
All I did was to call Mummy and bro Tobi.
I will miss your jokes, the kuli-kuli and corn...
I love you but God loves you more.
Rest well until we meet again and part no more.
Daddy, you died right in my presence and I could not help!
All I did was to call Mummy and bro Tobi.
I will miss your jokes, the kuli-kuli and corn...
I love you but God loves you more.
Rest well until we meet again and part no more.
July 25, 2024
Dear Uncle, you will be greatly missed. Thank you for always reaching out to me ( your first niece) every now and then. I appreciate your kind words.
Rest in perfect peace my uncle.
Rest in perfect peace my uncle.
July 25, 2024
The death of Chief Akinlabi Awobamise was a shock to me especially when I haven't heard of his sickness.God would give him eternal rest.He would console and comfort his family, give them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.All the while,we thank God for giving him the opportunity to know Christ.My sister,Kofo you will not be for shaken,God Almighty would uphold you and the children to the end..Accept my Heartfelt condolences
July 24, 2024
He may not be there with you in person,
But, his love will always stay beside you, around you
To protect you through,
Very sorry to hear about this news!
May God ease the painful period for you,
Stay strong...Accept my heartfelt condolences my senior from AAGCSS 77 set
But, his love will always stay beside you, around you
To protect you through,
Very sorry to hear about this news!
May God ease the painful period for you,
Stay strong...Accept my heartfelt condolences my senior from AAGCSS 77 set
July 24, 2024
He was such a nice man nd always want people around him,with the little time l knew him he was such a person that love his siblings nd doesn't toy with them.May he find peace with his Lord
July 23, 2024
As we celebrate the life of our dear friend's husband, Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise. Let us remember the laughter, love and joy he brought into our lives. Even in his final moments, he was full of faith, courage and strength.
Chief Akinlabi Awobamise was an Environmentalist who contributed immensely to environmental conservation in Nigeria and West Africa.
It is with great sadness that we say our farewells to our dear brother and bid him a blissful rest in eternity. We find comfort in knowing that, although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on.
To HH. Kofoworola Awobamise and children, we know there are no words that can ease the pain, but please take solace in God that giveth as well as taketh and loves him more than we do.
Adieu Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise.
HH. Yinka Olatunji
On behalf of the Happy Hearts Sisters.
Chief Akinlabi Awobamise was an Environmentalist who contributed immensely to environmental conservation in Nigeria and West Africa.
It is with great sadness that we say our farewells to our dear brother and bid him a blissful rest in eternity. We find comfort in knowing that, although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on.
To HH. Kofoworola Awobamise and children, we know there are no words that can ease the pain, but please take solace in God that giveth as well as taketh and loves him more than we do.
Adieu Chief Akinlabi Olusoji Awobamise.
HH. Yinka Olatunji
On behalf of the Happy Hearts Sisters.
July 23, 2024
I have known Akin for over four decades, he was a good father at his soul rest in peace.
July 23, 2024
I was glad I met you daddy, every time I saw you, you were always so happy to share your memories with me. People you met, friends and how you did things you loved. I’m happy I got to share these moments though matter how little the time I got to spend with you was. Keep resting in God’s bosom daddy ❤
July 23, 2024
Uncle mi, e sunre o. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for all the happy memories.
July 23, 2024
Dad, wasn't just a parent; he was my hero, my pillar of strength, and the heart of our family.
Dad had a way of making everyone around him feel special. His love for children was boundless, and I, his only daughter, was his heart’s treasure, he fondly called me ‘kokoro ewa’ .
We shared a bond so deep, I could confide in him about just anything, and he always listened with unwavering attention.I could always count on his support.
My dad was fun to be with, quite humorous, always cracking jokes that lit up our lives with laughter. His joyous spirit made every event we attended together memorable. Dad would move mountains for his family!
Education was paramount to him, and he spared no effort in ensuring we lacked nothing.Our fees were promptly paid.
Dad would drive countless kilometers to check on us at schools, or just to spend time together
He knew many of our teachers up to our university days!
His career as an environmentalist was not just a profession but a passion he pursued with integrity and dedication. At NESREA, where he retired, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the respect and admiration his colleagues held for him.
When he was home, he was truly present. We cherished our quality time together, and his appreciation for life shone through in everything he did. Even the smallest gestures brought him immense joy, a reminder of his humble and grateful spirit.
Dad faced illness with incredible strength and fought bravely until the end, finally came on that fateful Monday morning ,of 1st July 2024.His resilience and love for life,shall continue to inspire me every day.
Losing him feels like a surreal nightmare, a pain that words cannot adequately express. His absence leaves a void that only his love and memories can fill.
Dad, your brilliance, kindness, and unwavering love touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. Your legacy of integrity, humility, and boundless love will forever guide and inspire me.
Rest peacefully, Dad. You will always be in my heart, cherished and deeply missed.
Abimbola Olamide Oni. Daughter
(Your kokoro ewa)
Dad had a way of making everyone around him feel special. His love for children was boundless, and I, his only daughter, was his heart’s treasure, he fondly called me ‘kokoro ewa’ .
We shared a bond so deep, I could confide in him about just anything, and he always listened with unwavering attention.I could always count on his support.
My dad was fun to be with, quite humorous, always cracking jokes that lit up our lives with laughter. His joyous spirit made every event we attended together memorable. Dad would move mountains for his family!
Education was paramount to him, and he spared no effort in ensuring we lacked nothing.Our fees were promptly paid.
Dad would drive countless kilometers to check on us at schools, or just to spend time together
He knew many of our teachers up to our university days!
His career as an environmentalist was not just a profession but a passion he pursued with integrity and dedication. At NESREA, where he retired, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the respect and admiration his colleagues held for him.
When he was home, he was truly present. We cherished our quality time together, and his appreciation for life shone through in everything he did. Even the smallest gestures brought him immense joy, a reminder of his humble and grateful spirit.
Dad faced illness with incredible strength and fought bravely until the end, finally came on that fateful Monday morning ,of 1st July 2024.His resilience and love for life,shall continue to inspire me every day.
Losing him feels like a surreal nightmare, a pain that words cannot adequately express. His absence leaves a void that only his love and memories can fill.
Dad, your brilliance, kindness, and unwavering love touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. Your legacy of integrity, humility, and boundless love will forever guide and inspire me.
Rest peacefully, Dad. You will always be in my heart, cherished and deeply missed.
Abimbola Olamide Oni. Daughter
(Your kokoro ewa)
July 23, 2024
Please accept my sincerest sympathy for your loss. I am thinking of you and sending love and comfort during this difficult time. Chief Akinlabi Awobamise was a wonderful husband and an amazing father, his legacy will always be remembered. He was a special person who will be deeply missed by many, including myself. Please know that you are not alone in your grief and the love of others is always here to lift you up. While it is with sadness that we learned of his passing, he inspired us all to live life to the fullest. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies and know that we hold fond memories of your husband.
July 23, 2024
It's always difficult to write a tribute for someone so close as to be called a brother rather than a friend. Our parth crossed way back in mid-seveties when we were undergraduates at the department of Biological Sciences at Unilag. Ten of us including Chief Akin Hanson, Elder Biodun Alimi , Late Prof. Wole Omikorede, Prof. Damola Oke, Mr. Mufutau Sowole, Mr. Bolu Babatunde, Mr. Yomi Oduwobi got together and formed a social club, The Executive Club of Unilag and nurtured it to prominence. Akin Awobamise was the Vice President at inception. After graduation in 1978, Akin and I even became closer much so that when I went for Masters degree at O.A. U, Ife my apartment at the Post Graduate Hall was his 'love nest'. Kofo was an undergraduate in O.A.U and was living in Mozambique hostel which was a stone throw from the P.G. hostel at that time.
Akin was an open and trusted friend. He was always proud of the achievements of his friends and associates. He waa a source of encouragement to everybody. He was a trail blazer in terms of personal achievement .
For the immediate family, Chief (Mrs) Kofo Awobamise and the children as well as the grand children, surely 'good byes' are simply not easy to say to loved ones. I pray that the Almighty comforts and strengthen you all.
To the entire Awobamise family of Ipetu- Ijesa , I express my heart felt condolences for the loss of our dear brother. I pray that the balm of Gilead heals this great wond in our hearts.
May Akin's soul rest in peace.
Akin was an open and trusted friend. He was always proud of the achievements of his friends and associates. He waa a source of encouragement to everybody. He was a trail blazer in terms of personal achievement .
For the immediate family, Chief (Mrs) Kofo Awobamise and the children as well as the grand children, surely 'good byes' are simply not easy to say to loved ones. I pray that the Almighty comforts and strengthen you all.
To the entire Awobamise family of Ipetu- Ijesa , I express my heart felt condolences for the loss of our dear brother. I pray that the balm of Gilead heals this great wond in our hearts.
May Akin's soul rest in peace.
July 23, 2024
Continue to rest in the blossom of the Lord,my amiable boss.You will always be remembered for your fatherly advice and assistance when I started my career in NESREA.Working with you was a great privilege.You never look down on your juniors.Adieu
July 23, 2024
Kofo dear friend of my youth from Unife days the news of your husband's passing was sad..You fought the battle of his sickness with great faith ...however the Lord in His Mightiness called him to His rest. Glad to know he gave his life to Christ...death has been defeated. May the Lord comfort you my friend the children and the entire family...May Akin's soul rest eternally in God's bosom. It is well. Oluyemisi Openiyi & family
July 22, 2024
I still cannot get over the fact that you are gone. I remember you, and I just burst into tears. Death is too final, man... just too final. TODAY, I just want to celebrate the man you were, the father and inspiration you are.
I don’t have one memory that stands out. It feels like my experience with you was just one long event that ended on July 1st. What I do know is that you inspired me to be the best version of myself. I believe in hard work, honesty, and family values—attributes that were instilled in me by simply observing how you lived your life.
Daddy, you were someone who never compromised on our education... I remember always having ALL the books for the term while in secondary school. Like clockwork, at the end of the session, you’d ask for the reading list for the next session and you’d immediately buy ALL of them. Of course, I’d have misplaced them all before the end of the first term—that didn’t stop you from buying next year’s. Daddy, you would travel hundreds of kilometers to come see us at Bowen. You wanted us to know that we were on this journey together and you wanted the best for us.
One thing you said that stuck with me for a long time was, “mi o je tete ri, I work hard for every penny I have”. Growing up, I used to think, “and so?” but now, I understand. You were not wasteful at all because you knew you could not be corrupt, you wouldn’t steal to get ahead. You built nice houses, bought good cars, sent us to the best schools, and met our every need all on the income of a civil servant. Having children of my own now, I understand... I just understand.
You did not tell us how much you loved us. I can’t even remember hearing it a lot growing up. You were more a man of action. You showed your love in very tangible ways. Driving (or being driven) from any of your job posts (Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano, Abuja, etc.) to Lagos every single weekend or every month just to spend time with the family. That must have been difficult. Not even a near-death experience on one of those trips caused you to stop making the very dangerous commute every week or month. You showed us how much you cared by making sure we never lacked anything. This couldn’t have been easy, sir. You were but a simple, humble civil servant, but you had your priorities straight.
Recently, I was browsing through Facebook Marketplace and saw a nice Jaguar XJ6 1986 model for sale. This brought back memories. I remember sometime in 1996, I was living in Abuja with you, and we were driving to one of the nice pepper soup joints for some quality time. We saw this sleek, greenish Jaguar, and you pointed and told me, “That is a powerful car.” I saw your eyes light up, and I saw real joy and longing in those eyes. You really loved the car. But till you died, you never bought it. I know you could afford it, but it might have come at a cost—maybe we’d have had to go to a government school instead of the private schools you sent us to. If you had gotten everything you wanted for yourself, maybe we wouldn’t have gotten the quality of life your sacrifices afforded us. You showed us love by denying your wants so you could meet our needs in abundance. Seeing that Jaguar for sale, I almost called my siblings to say we should get Dad this 1986 Jaguar—I could already see how happy that would have made you. But you were already too sick by that time. I knew it wouldn’t have amounted to much, so I kept quiet. Today, I wish I had called and we got you that car. You deserved this and more.
You were very optimistic but also very pragmatic. You never sought favors from anyone but would rather work extra hard to get what you want or need. This way, you did not put yourself in a situation to ‘shalaye’ to anybody. I live by this, Dad.
Every day, I think of all the things we’ve left unsaid. I have so many stories to tell you, Dad, but unfortunately, you’ll just have to watch from over there. What I do promise is that I will always make you proud.
I miss you Dad. Every single day.
I don’t have one memory that stands out. It feels like my experience with you was just one long event that ended on July 1st. What I do know is that you inspired me to be the best version of myself. I believe in hard work, honesty, and family values—attributes that were instilled in me by simply observing how you lived your life.
Daddy, you were someone who never compromised on our education... I remember always having ALL the books for the term while in secondary school. Like clockwork, at the end of the session, you’d ask for the reading list for the next session and you’d immediately buy ALL of them. Of course, I’d have misplaced them all before the end of the first term—that didn’t stop you from buying next year’s. Daddy, you would travel hundreds of kilometers to come see us at Bowen. You wanted us to know that we were on this journey together and you wanted the best for us.
One thing you said that stuck with me for a long time was, “mi o je tete ri, I work hard for every penny I have”. Growing up, I used to think, “and so?” but now, I understand. You were not wasteful at all because you knew you could not be corrupt, you wouldn’t steal to get ahead. You built nice houses, bought good cars, sent us to the best schools, and met our every need all on the income of a civil servant. Having children of my own now, I understand... I just understand.
You did not tell us how much you loved us. I can’t even remember hearing it a lot growing up. You were more a man of action. You showed your love in very tangible ways. Driving (or being driven) from any of your job posts (Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano, Abuja, etc.) to Lagos every single weekend or every month just to spend time with the family. That must have been difficult. Not even a near-death experience on one of those trips caused you to stop making the very dangerous commute every week or month. You showed us how much you cared by making sure we never lacked anything. This couldn’t have been easy, sir. You were but a simple, humble civil servant, but you had your priorities straight.
Recently, I was browsing through Facebook Marketplace and saw a nice Jaguar XJ6 1986 model for sale. This brought back memories. I remember sometime in 1996, I was living in Abuja with you, and we were driving to one of the nice pepper soup joints for some quality time. We saw this sleek, greenish Jaguar, and you pointed and told me, “That is a powerful car.” I saw your eyes light up, and I saw real joy and longing in those eyes. You really loved the car. But till you died, you never bought it. I know you could afford it, but it might have come at a cost—maybe we’d have had to go to a government school instead of the private schools you sent us to. If you had gotten everything you wanted for yourself, maybe we wouldn’t have gotten the quality of life your sacrifices afforded us. You showed us love by denying your wants so you could meet our needs in abundance. Seeing that Jaguar for sale, I almost called my siblings to say we should get Dad this 1986 Jaguar—I could already see how happy that would have made you. But you were already too sick by that time. I knew it wouldn’t have amounted to much, so I kept quiet. Today, I wish I had called and we got you that car. You deserved this and more.
You were very optimistic but also very pragmatic. You never sought favors from anyone but would rather work extra hard to get what you want or need. This way, you did not put yourself in a situation to ‘shalaye’ to anybody. I live by this, Dad.
Every day, I think of all the things we’ve left unsaid. I have so many stories to tell you, Dad, but unfortunately, you’ll just have to watch from over there. What I do promise is that I will always make you proud.
I miss you Dad. Every single day.
July 22, 2024
REST WELL!
"For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's."
Romans 14:8
Reflecting on the testimonies of many about Chief, it becomes evident that "bibi ire ko se fi owo ra" as the Yoruba say.
Daddy Awobamise, you have fought a good fight; continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty.
We thank God for a life well spent. Rest with the saints, Sir, and may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
May God comfort and uphold the Awobamise and Blaise families, granting them the strength to bear this loss.
Good night, Sir.
"For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's."
Romans 14:8
Reflecting on the testimonies of many about Chief, it becomes evident that "bibi ire ko se fi owo ra" as the Yoruba say.
Daddy Awobamise, you have fought a good fight; continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty.
We thank God for a life well spent. Rest with the saints, Sir, and may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
May God comfort and uphold the Awobamise and Blaise families, granting them the strength to bear this loss.
Good night, Sir.
July 22, 2024
You left too soon, my hope of continuing with the deep friendship we had when we were both in foreign shores was dashed by your living now. You were in deed a fellow that I learnt a lot from, you were never shy to use your experience of life to bring to my attention, where you feel I was going wrong or learn from, today when I look back at times, I say to myself you predicted what I am going through now. Yes we really had a good time wether it was in London or Bangor in North Wales, I still remembers the first I heard when I was about to enter your lodgings in Bangor North Wales, I heard Baba ti ku, fear gripped me that the Easterbreak I planned to spend with you had, vanished, I would have to go back too London the next day, alas you.said know that since you about to start writing your postgraduate project you won't leave for Nigerian immediately, one of H
my most cherish moment with you,was when i came to meet you at Heathrow Airport,rather than follow the signs that leads to the Tube, I made us follow the signs to the car park,then I reach my car and we both entered the car, I look at you saw the look on your face, for the first time since i started bought the car and started driving, and then driving from Heathrow Airport to Central London, i.glanced at you, the look in your eyes,for.the first time made me appreciate owning a car while still an undergraduate. For lack of space I will stop here, I wish the opportunity is there I would have recounted so many other joyful moments we were able to share while the opportunity made possible, but lastly being present at the christening of Babajide along with leading academics from Nigeria who were on sabbaticals and being chosen as one of his Godfathers was another moment that reminds me of those good times in foreign shores, I would like to use this opportunity to say thank you to your wife for being there with.you till your last breath. To your sisters i pray that almighty God will give them fortitude to bear your death,and as for my big brother bolarin I pray too that the fortitude to bear the loss of his big brother who was once his squatter at Unilag will be granted to him too.
my most cherish moment with you,was when i came to meet you at Heathrow Airport,rather than follow the signs that leads to the Tube, I made us follow the signs to the car park,then I reach my car and we both entered the car, I look at you saw the look on your face, for the first time since i started bought the car and started driving, and then driving from Heathrow Airport to Central London, i.glanced at you, the look in your eyes,for.the first time made me appreciate owning a car while still an undergraduate. For lack of space I will stop here, I wish the opportunity is there I would have recounted so many other joyful moments we were able to share while the opportunity made possible, but lastly being present at the christening of Babajide along with leading academics from Nigeria who were on sabbaticals and being chosen as one of his Godfathers was another moment that reminds me of those good times in foreign shores, I would like to use this opportunity to say thank you to your wife for being there with.you till your last breath. To your sisters i pray that almighty God will give them fortitude to bear your death,and as for my big brother bolarin I pray too that the fortitude to bear the loss of his big brother who was once his squatter at Unilag will be granted to him too.
July 22, 2024
Adieu daddy Awobamise, daddy is a very plain man he cares for his lived ones,he adores he grand children, daddy doesn't joke with his children, he will greatly be missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace, may the Lord protect and take care the family he left behind. Adieu daddy Awobamise simi laya Olugbala re.
July 22, 2024
Adieu to a great uncle, a wonderful family man, may your soul rest in peace and may the lord keep the family you left behind.
You will be greatly missed...
You will be greatly missed...
July 22, 2024
Awo Bam Bam as we fondly call you at Environmental planning and Protection Division of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing/ Federal Environmental Protection Agency. You were a go getter and shining example for us coming behind you in the late 80s and 90s.
We thank God for your life
God bless all those you left behind in Jesus name. AMEN
We thank God for your life
God bless all those you left behind in Jesus name. AMEN
July 21, 2024
Akinstic Woroworo as I fondly called him the news of your demise was so sad but what can we do because we can’t query the Lord “HE giveth and taketh” we have known ourselves for about 50years in our days at University of Lagos,we were classmates and more so roommates U222 in Baluba City. He was fun to be with, the relationship was so strong that we Co-founded with others a Club, “THE EXECUTIVE CLUB OF UNILAG “ where he was the Deputy Chief Executive and my humble self the Director of Finance. After our graduation the relationship with our other friends the likes of Prof Yemi Adeleye, Bolu Babatunde, Biodun Alimi. Prof Damola Oke,Late Prof Wole Omikorede, Yomi Oduwobi, Remi Adedayo, Sunny Adeda,Akin Hanson to mention but a few blossomed into family friends. Akin was a good friend who loved and cherished friendship he appreciated being around people always,a good family man. Our hearts go out to his wife KofKof as I always call her and the Children may the Lord grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. Adieu Akinstic you would be sorely missed. The WoleSowoles.
July 21, 2024
May your soul rest in peace. I love you and will miss you dearly. I will cherish my fond memories of you and how kind and caring you were to me and the family.
July 21, 2024
"Awoostic!" his friends would shout whenever they were around him or he was around them. Growing up with him was a mixture of ups and downs—yelling matches with my mum, multiple outings to his friends’ houses, parties, Lagos Country Club, nightclubs, or just hangout spots where there would be great music, a good time, and conversation.
Traveling man.
He’d travel for work, and I, being in primary school and not having seen him for almost six months, thought my mum was lying to me that he’d traveled abroad, just as some of my classmates whose parents had died but had been lied to that they’d traveled. He’d arrive in the middle of the night, and my mum would wake us (my siblings and I) to greet our dad. He’d have brought a box of new stuff—clothes and shoes. No computer games though! That was always my grouse with him.
He worked in different parts of the country, which I guess gave him the taste for driving. He once told me that one thing on his bucket list was to drive across the Sahara. He never got to do that. But if I had to sum up his travels across Nigeria by road, I bet that would more than suffice.
Dedication to Education
He was keen on education; we all knew that from the outset, and he put his money where his mouth was. There was no compromise about our schooling, and the efforts he put in to ensure we never let up were quite admirable. I remember trying to get into high school and him registering me for nine entrance examinations. Nine! Everyone I knew did two or three at most; I did nine, and of course, passed them all, ensuring I was spoilt for choice.
Nature vs nurture.
He wasn’t extremely patient and could be difficult to live with. This raises the nature versus nurture debate: how much of us is free will versus genetic coding? Studies suggest free will is only a fraction of what shapes us. Perhaps his flaws weren’t all his fault! On reflection, the same DNA runs through me and my siblings despite our best efforts, I’m triggered by the sound of a crinkling wrapper, my brothers snap in uncomfortable discussions, and my sister yells when disrespected. My dad's obsessive love for my mum, unable to let go, is something my brother has identified with. Exposure to my dad might have blurred the lines between nature and nurture, but perhaps the genes would manifest regardless.
Family and engagement
He loved his siblings, had absolute loyalty to his father. He forgave his dad everything and wouldn’t ever bring up flaws; he thought his dad was the best dad anyone could have. Even when he described being whipped as a child, he had a loving look on his face like his dad knew best.
You always knew he was home when he was! His booming voice would ring through the house—"Babajide!!!, wa bami se ese mi"—which meant I’d need to go bend the toes of his feet while he tried to squeeze information out of me about my life and activities.
The Final Battle
His quality of life had diminished. Each time I saw him, he seemed weaker. One day he called, mentioning blood in his urine. I hoped for a urinary tract infection but feared cancer. Multiple biopsies eventually revealed bladder cancer.
He underwent a full cycle of radiotherapy, attending sessions as diligently as he had gone to work. Despite immense discomfort, he persevered.I watched my once-strong father fade, his verve wane, yet he remained optimistic, insisting he would recover.
Years of poor health, graft and emotional turmoil had finally taken their toll. I had cried many times during his illness, but his death left me numb, then overwhelmed with grief. I had taken for granted that we could always talk—about his grandkids, life, or the weather. We did talk, but not enough. I once told him this last year—I never knew if he read my message.
Farewell, Dad
You were enough, Dad. We will honor your memory, we will never settle; if God would reward perseverance with life, you would still be here. We will meet again in Jesus’ name in a place where there is no pain or sorrow.
July 21, 2024
Brother Sunday as I fondly call you….
My early years' fun times include memories of spending part of my holidays at the family house in Mushin, sneaking up to the terrace to have a peak at the parties you and brother Bolarin threw and which my late sister Muheebat and a few cousins attended. I remember you as a lover of music and life, a man of not too many words, kind and loving. Several visits to your house in Surulere with my late mother were good memories of a close family relationship which unfortunately was lost along the way as we all follow different travails of life. Your smiles, demeanour and cheekie remarks are always remembered with smiles in moments of reflecting on my life. I pray the Lord grant the immediate family, extended family and friends the fortitude and strength to bear the loss.
We all came from the Lord and we will all go back to the Lord. I pray the Lord grant brother Sunday His mercies and reward him with a place in paradise. Amen.
Rest well in the comfort of the Lord.
Isimot Lawal(Nee Haroun)
My early years' fun times include memories of spending part of my holidays at the family house in Mushin, sneaking up to the terrace to have a peak at the parties you and brother Bolarin threw and which my late sister Muheebat and a few cousins attended. I remember you as a lover of music and life, a man of not too many words, kind and loving. Several visits to your house in Surulere with my late mother were good memories of a close family relationship which unfortunately was lost along the way as we all follow different travails of life. Your smiles, demeanour and cheekie remarks are always remembered with smiles in moments of reflecting on my life. I pray the Lord grant the immediate family, extended family and friends the fortitude and strength to bear the loss.
We all came from the Lord and we will all go back to the Lord. I pray the Lord grant brother Sunday His mercies and reward him with a place in paradise. Amen.
Rest well in the comfort of the Lord.
Isimot Lawal(Nee Haroun)
July 20, 2024
Full of life, full of Love. Rest in the Lord.
July 20, 2024
Uncle Akin lived a prosperous life and accomplished many great things during his lifetime. He will always be remembered as a kind and loving person. May he rest in perfect peace 🕊️🙏🩵🌺💙
July 15, 2024
Our Dear In-law, Chief Akinlabi Awobamise was indeed an inlaw.
Very Truthful and Down To Earth with No Room for Any form of Bitterness or Dull Moments.
Our Relationship with Him Has Been that of a Godly knitted Family.
Always Very Happy See and Be With You. So FREE MINDED.
He is So so OPTIMISTIC Over Every Situation and All The Children and Grandchildren. Readily Available To Advice when Needs Arises.
His Optimistic Spirit Can Be Contagious, Even When Medical Treatment Was Overwhelming, He Has this SMILE ALWAYS and The Hope That ALL WILL BE WELL.
Plans were Towards when He will be On His Feet Again BUT Knowing The God We Serve, Who Loves US Unconditionally and will always Draw Anyone To Himself At The Appointed Time.
Therefore, We Have The Assurance That God Has Called Him for the Fulfilment of His Love and Purpose.
ADIEU Chief Akinlabi Awobamise.
REST ON TILL THAT RESURRECTION MORNING IN JESUS AMAZING NAME AMEN.
( FOR THE ONI FAMILY)
Very Truthful and Down To Earth with No Room for Any form of Bitterness or Dull Moments.
Our Relationship with Him Has Been that of a Godly knitted Family.
Always Very Happy See and Be With You. So FREE MINDED.
He is So so OPTIMISTIC Over Every Situation and All The Children and Grandchildren. Readily Available To Advice when Needs Arises.
His Optimistic Spirit Can Be Contagious, Even When Medical Treatment Was Overwhelming, He Has this SMILE ALWAYS and The Hope That ALL WILL BE WELL.
Plans were Towards when He will be On His Feet Again BUT Knowing The God We Serve, Who Loves US Unconditionally and will always Draw Anyone To Himself At The Appointed Time.
Therefore, We Have The Assurance That God Has Called Him for the Fulfilment of His Love and Purpose.
ADIEU Chief Akinlabi Awobamise.
REST ON TILL THAT RESURRECTION MORNING IN JESUS AMAZING NAME AMEN.
( FOR THE ONI FAMILY)
July 14, 2024
Brother Sunday,
I always wanted to see you and show how you impacted my life. I thank you for kind words you shared with me over 40 years ago. Your memory will always be fresh with me.
I pray that the Lord will bless your family and loved ones with the fortitude to bear your loss.
Odigba.
I always wanted to see you and show how you impacted my life. I thank you for kind words you shared with me over 40 years ago. Your memory will always be fresh with me.
I pray that the Lord will bless your family and loved ones with the fortitude to bear your loss.
Odigba.
July 13, 2024
Baba Awobamise, one of the foremost Nigerian marine scientists trained abroad (Poland)… you were the National Expert at the time, and working with you on the UNIDO project to develop the National action plan (NAP) for the gulf of guinea west Africa coast was a great privilege...you spoke to me of the possibility of your post-retirement plan to UNILAG to revamp their Marine Biology department including the installation of a mega-aquarium to educate the public about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts... You were really a great scientist and meeting you was a great orientation for me..... Adieu baba Awo
July 13, 2024
Today, we gather to remember and honor the life of Awobanise Akinlabi Olusoji, a beloved landlord and a truly wonderful person.Akinlabi was more than just a landlord; he was a pillar of the community. His kindness and generosity were evident in every interaction. He treated everyone with respect and compassion, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a listening ear.Akinlabi's dedication to his tenants and his community was unparalleled. He ensured that everyone felt at home and that their needs were met, often going above and beyond what was expected. His warm smile and friendly demeanor made it easy for everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed in his presence.Beyond his role as a landlord, Akinlabi was a man of great integrity and character. His unwavering commitment to doing what was right and his genuine concern for others set him apart. He touched many lives with his selflessness and his ability to bring people together.As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the impact he had on our lives. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and community spirit will live on in our hearts. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will continue to inspire and guide us.Rest in peace, Awobanise Akinlabi Olusoji. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
July 13, 2024
The AWOBAMISE FAMILY have been a very close family friend years back till date.
Chief S. A Awobamise, A Quintessential and Highly accomplished Scientist who distinguished himself in his Chosen Profession was like a brother and a father.
Daddy Awobamise a Silent Achiever Indeed A very Simple ICON.
Your Life was a Blessing , Your memory a treasure , You may be gone from Our Sight but You are never gone from Our Hearts.
This hit so hard but who are we to question God for this unbearable loss.
May God comfort the family in all spheres and grant you all the fortitude to bear the loss.
May God grant his soul eternal rest.
Kindly Accept our deepest condolences.
God knows best.
The LAWAL FAMILY
Chief S. A Awobamise, A Quintessential and Highly accomplished Scientist who distinguished himself in his Chosen Profession was like a brother and a father.
Daddy Awobamise a Silent Achiever Indeed A very Simple ICON.
Your Life was a Blessing , Your memory a treasure , You may be gone from Our Sight but You are never gone from Our Hearts.
This hit so hard but who are we to question God for this unbearable loss.
May God comfort the family in all spheres and grant you all the fortitude to bear the loss.
May God grant his soul eternal rest.
Kindly Accept our deepest condolences.
God knows best.
The LAWAL FAMILY
July 12, 2024
Dearest Daddy, you were a very hard working and honest public servant, and i learnt that from you, i remember how we both sat down every evening to watch your favorite TV series and when you are tired, you will say Dolapo Mo lo sun ni yen o. I remember how you took we to Mushin to see your Dad’s house and you said Dolapo let us eat Amala before going home so you don’t have to worry about Dinner. Every time i call, you are always happy to see us on video, you made sure i did my Youth service in Lagos because you didn’t want me far away from you. You love intelligent people and you were always happy about people’s progress. I remember how happy you were when we had Tanny, and you were so happy when everyone said Tanny looks like. You almost cancelled your US trip because of your newborn grandchild. Thank you for your teachings, Thank you for being an amazing Dad and GrandDad. We will all miss you. Rest in peace Daddy. Love you.
July 12, 2024
Commiserations on the loss of Chief Akinlabi Awobamise. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. May he find peace with his creator.
July 12, 2024
Just last year, we talked about revisiting this particular bar and restaurant as soon as you recovered. But now, this has happened.
I am a brother-in-law and also an adopted child of the Awobamise family; I called him Daddy. Living with Daddy was an adventure, filled with a mix of laughter, candid conversations, love, anger, and reconciliation.
Daddy enjoyed eating "swallow" at home but occasionally preferred grains (like rice) when dining out. He also had a fondness for sweaty-green bottles. He maintained good relationships with his friends from his youth, and together we visited some of them in Mushin, Surulere, and Apapa.
Daddy loved to play loud music in the house and sometimes in his cars, and I enjoyed his spontaneous sing-alongs. He was passionate about car performance and loved driving himself. He had a great smile.
I celebrate the remarkable life Daddy lived.
Yemi Blaize
I am a brother-in-law and also an adopted child of the Awobamise family; I called him Daddy. Living with Daddy was an adventure, filled with a mix of laughter, candid conversations, love, anger, and reconciliation.
Daddy enjoyed eating "swallow" at home but occasionally preferred grains (like rice) when dining out. He also had a fondness for sweaty-green bottles. He maintained good relationships with his friends from his youth, and together we visited some of them in Mushin, Surulere, and Apapa.
Daddy loved to play loud music in the house and sometimes in his cars, and I enjoyed his spontaneous sing-alongs. He was passionate about car performance and loved driving himself. He had a great smile.
I celebrate the remarkable life Daddy lived.
Yemi Blaize
July 12, 2024
Hmnnn! Brother Sunday!
We never knew we would be writing a tribute on you so soon.
We visited you at Babcock UniversityTeaching Hospital, Illishan. You told us you would be discharged soon.. Truly you called us to inform us that you were discharged.
You told us assuredly that you would be alright! You indeed wanted to and fought to live.
Brother Sunday, we are short of words! You came, you saw and you conquered. You were a great family man. You loved anyone called Awobamise. You were always willing to associate and identify with us. You made your home at Games Village, Suru- Lere and your permanent place of abode at Berkley Estate, Lagos open to my husband and I. You mentored us. You were there for us when I got married. You supported and travelled with us to Ipetu- Ijesa when my father(Late Pa Olatunde Awobamise) passed on.
Brother Sunday, how can we forget you? You have fought a good fight of faith, you have finished your course, you have kept the faith. There is laid for you up for you a crown of righteousness which the Lord shall give you....2nd Timothy 4:7 & 8....." We pray that the Lord will take care of your wife, Babajide, Ayodeji, Abimbola, Oluwatobi and your immediate and ²extended family. Rest on Brother Sunday, until the resurrection morning when we shall meet to part no more. Rest on,omo Apoti, olu'ja ona! Adieu, our Brother!
We never knew we would be writing a tribute on you so soon.
We visited you at Babcock UniversityTeaching Hospital, Illishan. You told us you would be discharged soon.. Truly you called us to inform us that you were discharged.
You told us assuredly that you would be alright! You indeed wanted to and fought to live.
Brother Sunday, we are short of words! You came, you saw and you conquered. You were a great family man. You loved anyone called Awobamise. You were always willing to associate and identify with us. You made your home at Games Village, Suru- Lere and your permanent place of abode at Berkley Estate, Lagos open to my husband and I. You mentored us. You were there for us when I got married. You supported and travelled with us to Ipetu- Ijesa when my father(Late Pa Olatunde Awobamise) passed on.
Brother Sunday, how can we forget you? You have fought a good fight of faith, you have finished your course, you have kept the faith. There is laid for you up for you a crown of righteousness which the Lord shall give you....2nd Timothy 4:7 & 8....." We pray that the Lord will take care of your wife, Babajide, Ayodeji, Abimbola, Oluwatobi and your immediate and ²extended family. Rest on Brother Sunday, until the resurrection morning when we shall meet to part no more. Rest on,omo Apoti, olu'ja ona! Adieu, our Brother!
Family tree
Chief Aran Awobamise
Felicia Omijola
Chief Caleb Koleoso(Collins)
Princess Adelani Dosunmu
Jonathan Omojola Awobamise
Clara Olufunke Collins
Kofoworola Awobamise
Chief (Mrs) Modupe Fanoiki
Pastor (Mrs) Olufunmilayo Aiyelabola
Abimbola Awobamise-Oni
Ayodeji Awobamise
Tobiloba Awobamise
Babajide Awobamise
Prof (Mrs) Mopelola Omoegun
Dr. Bolarinwa Awobamise
Chief (Mrs) Modupe Fanoiki
Pastor (Mrs) Olufunmilayo Aiyelabola
Prof (Mrs) Mopelola Omoegun
Dr. Bolarinwa Awobamise
Kofoworola Awobamise
Abimbola Awobamise-Oni
Ayodeji Awobamise
Tobiloba Awobamise
Babajide Awobamise
Chief Akinlabi Awobamise
Favorites
What was dad's favorite saying?
- Ori iya mi lorun sanu fun mi
- se ko easy ju?
- a child is born with a fully developed brain
- so if your friend tells you to jump from a story building, you too will jump?
- se ko easy ju?
- a child is born with a fully developed brain
- so if your friend tells you to jump from a story building, you too will jump?
Fun fact about Akinlabi:
Dad had travelled round the world. I know he had travelled to at least 100 countries before I lost track.
What was Akinlabi's favorite Music / Song?
He was a lover of all good music. The only criteria was it must sound good with the volume all the way up.
Service
made with 