Catechist Sylvester Imobhio Esekie

*A TRIBUTE TO A TRUE PATRIARCH AND AN UNEQUALLED, PEACE-LOVING FATHER*
**BABA ESEKIE IMOBHIO SYLVESTER**

We write this tribute with mixed feelings. Just two days before our planned visit, the Lord called you home. What a great dad and friend we had in you. You were always so ready to lend your ears to us whenever we approached you for counsel.

As an educationist, Principal of all Principals, who believed in raising children and siblings with faith, discipline, and good character, a man of prayer who lived by example, you would always tell us, *"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still,"* referencing Exodus 14:14.

Your labor in God's vineyard was not in vain.

Though we didn't get to see you one last time, but your love, your prayers, and your example will stay with us forever.

Sleep on, dear Baba! Rest well, till we meet on the resurrection morning.

*OKINBUE BABA!!!*

Mrs. Celestina.

Tribute to my dear Dad and mentor!
"Weeweewon," as you were so fondly called by my children—words completely fail me to describe the deep, painful vacuum your passing has left in our hearts, my dear Cousin.
To me, you were never just a cousin; I have known you all my life as my dad. I called you that because you loved, protected, and cared for me as your very own daughter. You taught me everything I know today, fought for my education, and insisted that I go to school. Whenever life brought challenges, you were my safe harbour. I always came to you for guidance, and without fail, you lifted me with words of encouragement and provided exactly what I needed.
You were entirely selfless—a true giver, a patient teacher, a devoted lover of God, a mentor, and a man of noble character whose life is worth emulating.
Goodnight, Dad. I find comfort knowing you are dancing with angels now, loving every single move. Rest well.
Forever in my heart,
Your
*Mrs. Isi Okosun*.

AN ICON IS GONE OUR BELOVED BROTHER .
Today, we remember a man of strength, dignity, Disciplinarian,Educationist and kind hearted brother.He lived a life that touched many hearts and left a footprint of love wherever he went .
Though you are no longer with us physically ,your memories will continue to inspire us .
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.


Mr and Mrs Ilevbare

Chai!!!! May his gentle soul rest in peace.And may God grant his family the fortitude to bear this loss.S l one of my dad's close friend nicknamed me ``Land lady" which has been inspiring me as l grow up to actually become that Land Lady.Goodnight Sir

Lizzy Ehebha

Wow! May his soul rest in perfect peace, ESI. I. as my father, B.O. Ehebha, fondly called him, they both call each “Iyo” or “Omue.” He was truly a noble man, peace loving, yet firm in his principles. He had a unique way of making everyone feel welcome and leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of all who encountered him.

I remember hearing that he nicknamed me “African Beauty,” and now perhaps he would say “American Beauty” 😜. Those memories will forever be cherished.

S.I, Elder Esekie will be greatly missed. His warmth, wisdom, and remarkable presence will remain in our hearts. May God comfort the family and grant them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. 😭🙏Rest on grand uncle! Rest on!


Ebi Ehebha

Ooooh Mr Sylvester Esekie. My heartfelt condolence goes to the immediate family.
Very old friend of Daddy, in the '70s.
May is jovial soul rest in peace.
Meg Ehebha

Goodbye, My meticulous principal with a teaching soul.😭😭😭
I was told that he nicknamed me IDI Amin in my infant days.
He was popular for use of Magic pet names to motivate, inspire and connect with his beloved students for maximum performance.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

It took 24 lashes of koboko to stop a _Teen Don_ from addiction to use of ACC 2nd gate when I almost assumed 2 iC to Comrade Bastard 😂😂.

He monitored us and ensured our school results reached our late father before the date of release and also celebrated our successes.
I kept him an enemy until he rescued me from the itching hands of staff by referring me to his office only to come after two hours later to free me with a verbal warning.

The ever busy charismatic catechist. A linguistic per excellence. Nothing compares to his handwriting and Caligraphic Sagacity.

_The Saints and Pan African Enigmas are leaving one by one_ . This one go pain (James bond), (Ol'Soja), (Bully) et al .😭😭😭
May God bless his soul.
Polycarp Ehebha

[7/12, 7:24 PM] Esekie Emmanuel: S.I you have walked this earth and gallantly fought for us your children to be greater than you could be.

I still miss your fatherly counsel
Griffith Ehebha

A Tribute to A legend:

Farewell,you lived a life worth emulating.
you were a father indeed,though I wasn't your biological son, you took me as yours,I can't forget the role you played during my wedding, you stood as a father for me. A God fearing man, who saw the good in everyone that came his way.Your good legacy live on, we will never forget all the good morals you taught us.Rest in the Lord papa, till we meet to part no more.

Eromosele Akhaze

*TRIBUTE FROM YOUR WIFE*

Babe, you were my dad, husband, helper and companion.
You were very *energetic, strong, intelligent* and humble.
A man who never liked to offend anybody. Anytime you did, you quickly rendered an apology.

You had passion for teaching and religious work, and you were very committed.
You were *obedient*, and very meticulous in any assignment given to you,
hence I nicknamed you *"Obedient Servant."*

I cherished one thing in you while *alive*: you never wavered in your faith despite your long health *challenges*.
I can vividly recall what you always told me:
*"The situation you cannot change in your life, take it with faith."*
You demonstrated it even in your painful moments.

Well, I have nothing to regret so much about your *death* because we both paddled the canoe
of your painful period together.
It is *God's* decision that you should leave this sinful world.
It is my prayer that *God* gives you a place in His kingdom where there is no sickness, pain or *sorrow*.

*GOOD NIGHT BABA*
*YOUR BELOVED WIFE*

*TRIBUTE TO MY BABA*

Babaliba, as we fondly called you, you were a father, a disciplinarian and a teacher.
You were a father to me who would crack jokes, *gist* with me, and *taught* me many good things in life.

You nicknamed me *"Fran-Koikoi!"*
You will be greatly missed and be forever in our hearts.

I know the angels in heaven are rejoicing because they have received a great soul.
*Rest on Babaliba!*

From your one and only,
*Frankoikoi*

Today, we say goodbye to my amiable In-law, a man whose kindness, warmth, and presence touched our family in so many ways.

You were more than family by marriage—you were a cherished part of our lives. Your love and devotion to my dear sister, your care for your family, and the respect you showed everyone around you will always be remembered. May God Almighty grant your soul eternal rest in His Bossom.

TRIBUTE TO MY LATE FATHER

CATHECHIST PA SYLVESTER IMOBHIO ESEKIE
(1938 – 2026)

Cathechist Pa Sylvester Imobhio Esekie.

Daddy was more than a father to me; he was a teacher, mentor, counselor, and a shining example of Christian faith.

*OLO-LOLO* was the pet name he gave to me, though up till date l never knew the meaning of that name, but the name made me feel that I had a friend in my father.

As a devoted catechist, he served God faithfully and touched many lives through his humility, wisdom, and dedication to the Church. His life reflected love, discipline, honesty, and compassion.

He was a loving friend, husband, a caring father, a cherished grandfather, a dependable uncle, and a true friend to many.
He worked tirelessly for the growth and unity of his family and community. His words of advice, prayers, and encouragement will remain in our hearts forever.

Though we mourn his departure, we take comfort in the legacy he left behind a legacy of faith, service, integrity, and love. We thank God for the 88 wonderful years He granted him on earth.

May your soul rest in perfect peace until we meet again in the Lord’s kingdom.

Forever remembered, forever loved.

MR. INNOCENT EJIELE ESEKIE.

*A TRIBUTE TO MY GOD-SON*

No words will be enough to describe what I feel in my heart since you left us.
You were a good teacher, a leader, a helper, a kind man.
Truthful, faithful to the core, and a very good adviser.

*Rest in Peace, my God-son.*

*Mrs. J. I. Onogbosele*

*TRIBUTE TO A FATHER-IN-LOVE*
From Your Daughter-in-Love, Nk Dumuje

Daddy,
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.
You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Thank you for the beautiful moments we shared during your daughter’s wedding, *Joy*, in Irrua, Edo State.
It is a memory that will not be forgotten soon.

I pray the Almighty God continues to grant you eternal rest,
and comfort your family and numerous relatives in this moment of mourning.

*Rest in Peace, Daddy.*

From,
*Nk Dumuje*

Mr. Sylvester Esekie was a good man. He lived a life dedicated to God and family. He was a fatherly figure who stood for truth all the time. He will surely be missed.

My loving Father -in-Law.

Though you’re no longer here,
You live deep in our hearts.
Loved beyond words, missed every day.

From your son in law

Japheth Olubumi Ajiboye

Pa Sylvester Imobhio Esekie, a man whose years were a testament to wisdom, strength, and quiet dignity. He walked this earth with grace, guidance, and unwavering love for all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a disciplinarian and a jovial personality. I remember how he always fondly called me "Akhabue my Boy".

He was a pillar, a source of counsel, and a living example of perseverance and humility. Through the changing seasons of life, he remained steadfast, offering words of comfort, sharing stories rich with experience, and reminding us all of the value of patience, integrity, and faith.

His legacy continues to live on in the lives he touched, the lessons he taught. He has fought the good fight, finished his race, and now rests in eternal peace.

"Catechist par excellence", rest well with the Almighty.

Akhabue

A TRIBUTE TO MY MOST ESTEEMED AND WONDERFUL IN-LAW (ORUEMEN)

I admired you a lot, especially how you loved and took care of my sister; the depth of your peaceful nature, your free spirit, your generosity, your kind heart, your acceptance of people to your house. Which of your awesome characters would I mention? There are so many of them.
Thank you for the advice and joy you brought to my family. I would always have beautiful memories of you.
Rest in the bosom of the Lord. Okinbue

LUCY (L.L.Y as you fondly called me)

He lived with dignity, worked hard and put his family first. He will be remembered for his good heart and the values he passed on. Rest in peace sir.

*TRIBUTE TO MY DAD*
*CATECHIST SYLVESTER ESEKIE*

It is a great privilege to have known you.
A great teacher, a great father, and a great Catechist - true teacher of faith.

Thank you for everything you did for me. I will never forget our early morning Masses — 5am, 4:30am, 6am and the adorations we attended together.
Thank you for teaching me the Catholic faith. Because of you, today marks 20 years of my service at God’s altar.

You served faithfully under different priests and organizations.
You gave everyone nicknames, and I couldn’t escape mine “Bobolibo.”
I still remember how you would divide your food and say, “Bobolibo, come and take.”

It is painful that I will never hear that name from you again.
But I am comforted knowing you are now in a place of no pain, no sorrow — only peace, love and unity.
May God who called you to Himself grant you eternal rest through Christ our Lord. Amen.

*From your Bobolibo, Augustine*

They say In-laws is by marriage but father is by heart, you accepted me and by doing so, you became my father, you taught me what family really means. Your hands built a home, your words built the man I love , daddy your life is a Legacy.
Thank you daddy for your Love, Care, Counsels, Prayers, Guidance and your Genuine Smiles that brightens up any room you enters, daddy you will be greatly missed. All I can do now is remember the fun and memorable times we had, especially your 2by2 plank. Keep resting with the Lord, the Lord knows best.

I am grateful to God that you lived an inspirational life worthy of emulation. Sir, you were a delight, and you lit up every room with your jokes and warm presence. I am grateful that I had the privilege of knowing you and experiencing the joy you brought to others. Rest in peace, dear Sir. You were truly a rare gem.

Some people come into your life and never really leave even after they're gone.
I did not just know Mr. Esekie from afar. I grew up with him. He was my father's closest friend, but long before I could fully understand what that meant, he had already become family to me. We lived together, shared meals, weathered difficult seasons side by side, and came out the other side still bound to one another. That kind of closeness is not something you plan, it simply grows, quietly and permanently, until you cannot imagine life without it.
I called him Mr. Esekie out of respect, but in my heart, he was always Uncle Esekie. He had a warmth that made formality feel almost unnecessary, even when you held onto it out of love.
He loved to tease me when I was younger. I was very thin back then, and he never let me forget it. He would look at me with that mischievous glint in his eye and declare that my backside was like a brick wall, flat, hard, and thoroughly unimpressive🤣🤣(uwedin dia bi egbegbuwa nor va a)😂🤣🤪. I would squirm with embarrassment while he laughed his big, generous laugh. Now, those moments make me smile more than anything else. They were his way of saying I see you, I love you, and you belong to this family.
Our two families grew even closer with time. When Osemudiamhen married my younger sister Osose, what had always felt like family became family in every official sense. He had not just befriended my father, he had planted himself at the very root of who we are.
Eighty-eight years of warmth, laughter, loyalty, and love. He lived fully and he loved generously, and those of us who were lucky enough to be close to him are better for it.

I will miss his teasing. I will miss his laugh. I will miss the quiet reassurance of simply knowing he was there. But more than anything, I am grateful, very grateful that he chose my father as his friend, and in doing so, chose all of us.

Rest well, Uncle Esekie. I was so fond of you, and I always will be.

With love and fond remembrance - Osehojie OC Ojeh-Oziegbe - a.k.a Ogua

Dear Uncle, i fondly remember you for how faithful you were as a Catechist. You were such a calm man but spoke with so much wisdom. You will greatly be missed. May your gentle soul rest in peace sir.

Joan Emmanuel- Tok

Tribute to Catechist Esekie
A beautiful soul left this earth into the bossom of Christ Jesus. An in-law of inestimable value.
To the Igene family, you were a son and friend who received us with open arms whenever we visited your home.
You were a disciplinarian to the core. You were a bundle of inspiration to all around you. However, I take solace in the fact that you relocated to a better place where there will be no more pains.
May your gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
Rest on my beloved in-law until the resurrection morning.

Your sister in-law,
Mrs Agnes Ototobor.

Tribute to My
Daddy,

Daddy was a disciplinarian.
He believed in doing things right, in hard work, in respect and in character.

But behind the firm voice was the softest heart i knew.

You will always call me, "The light"my daughter_ and _i fundly called you BABA DUDULUDU and you always respond with Efua DUDULUDU_.
That was your song for me.
I can never forget the egg rolls when i was younger and every morning tea, you will always fulfill my egg roll need because you know the cry that will come after it.

And you will always call me on the phone, just to remind me to pray.
“Pray, my daughter.” at all times say your holy rosary,
Three simple words that held me, guided me, and taught me that God goes before me.

Those calls were more than check-ins.
They were blessings. They were protection. They were love reaching across any distance.

The phone doesn’t ring with your voice anymore.
But I hear you now in different ways —
in every prayer I say,
in every time I choose faith over fear,
in every time I show up for the people I love.

Thank you, Daddy, for raising me, for praying for me, for covering me.
Because of you, I know what a father’s love looks like.
Because of you, I know how to keep going.

I’m still that _your favourite daughter Efua DUDULUDU_.
And I promise to keep praying, just like you asked.

Rest well.
I love you. I miss you.
And I will see you again one day.

Amen.

"The light"

Efua Esekie .J. Ajiboye

Tribute to Catechist Sylvester Imobhio Esekie

It is with deep sadness that I join the Esekie family, especially my dear friend Ehime, in mourning the passing of Catechist Sylvester Imobhio Esekie.

Papa Sylvester lived a life of faith, service, and integrity. As a catechist, he devoted himself to God and touched many lives through his guidance, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his community. His legacy is one of love, humility, and selfless service.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may God grant Ehime and the entire family the strength and comfort to bear this loss.

Bro Kalu Johnson

*TRIBUTE TO MY DAD*

They called him many things. Teacher. Grammarian. Devoted Catholic. Disciplinarian.
I called him Babaliba.
He called me JJ.

My great dad was a man of words and a man of prayer. A disciplinarian who could correct your English mid-sentence, then correct your spirit at the Rosary by 6pm sharp. His prayer life wasn’t casual, it was serious business. Mass, novenas, Benediction - he showed up like clockwork. Heaven knew his voice.

And oh, he had a nickname for everybody. No one escaped. If he named you, you were family. But his highest qualification? He had a full degree in YABBING! That man could tease you into next week and have you laughing while he did it. Witty, sharp, never malicious just pure, classic Dad banter.

He was a caring father and, ha! a very romantic husband. Even in his 80s, you’d hear it ring through the house: BABE! and my mum would roll her eyes and smile like a teenager. That was them. Love that didn’t age.

His generosity? Legendary. He didn’t just give he made sure the whole world felt his generosity. Food, advice, school fees, time, encouragement, if you met him, you left fuller. And as a teacher, he didn’t just teach subjects. He taught passion. He taught you to stand tall, speak well, and pray hard.

Babaliba, as we fondly called him, pampered me with reckless abandon. That’s the only way to describe it.
Even after marriage, home never changed. Each time I visited:
He bought me egg roll every single day, no negotiations.
He made tea for me every morning. Even if I had other breakfast plans, how could I reject it? I couldn’t. So I named it “love tea” because that’s what it was.
After every meal, he’d call me: “JJ, come take meat.” He always kept a piece for me by the side of his plate. Always.
Every afternoon, without fail, he shared his snacks with me. His groundnuts, his biscuits, his plantain chips half was mine before I even asked.

He was grammar and grace. Discipline and doughnuts. Rosary and romance. Yabbing and yams.
Baba, you were a whole syllabus.
A devoted Catholic who taught me God.
A grammarian who taught me words.
A disciplinarian who taught me right.
A romantic who taught me love.
A father who taught me how to be loved with egg rolls, love tea, and meat from your own plate.

*I can still see his classic handwriting* those neat, deliberate letters in black ink, correcting our homework and writing prayer points with the same care. *I'm sure he will definitely be God's secretary in heaven!* Keeping the records straight, dotting every _i_ and crossing every _t_ for the angels.

They say when an elder dies, a library burns.
But Dad, your library lives in us. In every “BABE!” we’ll hear in our heads. In every prayer we say on time. In every person we nickname. In every egg roll I buy for my own children.

Rest well, my great dad!
Keep a plate for me in heaven.
Save me some meat.

*Your JJ*
Forever your pampered daughter.
Joy Esekie Ibe

May God grant you eternal rest sir. You're fondly remembered and sorely missed. A good man in and out. Continue to rest in peace until the resurrection morning. Amen

A Tribute to My Father
There are fathers who provide, and there are fathers who build. My father, Pa Sylvester Imonbhio Esekie, did both.

He did not merely raise children; he shaped lives. His greatest inheritance was not material wealth but the values of discipline, integrity, contentment, and an unwavering love for God. Those values became the compass that has
guided me throughout my life.
One lesson from him remains etched in my heart.

Shortly after I gained admission into the university, he called me by the childhood nickname he fondly gave me, "Gbegbegbe." He said, "Learn to say no to some things; otherwise, you will end up saying yes to everything." At the time, I did not fully understand what he meant.

Years later, I came to appreciate the profound wisdom behind those words. They taught me discernment, self-control, and the courage to stand by my convictions. That single lesson has shaped my leadership, my career, and the decisions I make every day.
My father believed that discipline was an act of love. He corrected us not to break our spirits but to build our character. He taught us that our name was our greatest asset and that integrity should never be traded for temporary gain.
Above all, he loved God wholeheartedly. As a catechist, he lived the Gospel he preached. His faith was not confined to the walls of the church; it was evident in his humility, compassion, honesty, and service to others. He showed us that the truest measure of greatness is a life lived for God and for people.

He was a father not only to his biological children but to countless others who sought his counsel, encouragement, and prayers. His home was open, his heart was generous, and his wisdom was freely shared. Many found in him a mentor, a teacher, and a father figure.

Today, I mourn his passing, but I celebrate a life well lived. I am grateful to God for the privilege of being called his son. If I have become a man of purpose, resilience, and faith, it is because I first learned those virtues at his feet.
Though your voice is now silent, your teachings continue to speak. Though your journey on earth has ended, your legacy lives on in the lives you touched and in the values you instilled in us.
Thank you, Daddy, for your sacrifices, your prayers, your discipline, your wisdom, and your unconditional love.

Rest well, Baba, faithful servant of God. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, and you have kept the faith. May the Lord whom you served so faithfully grant you eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon you always.

Until we meet again, thank you for showing us how to live a life that truly matters.
Ehimen

We celebrate a life well-lived and a man well loved.Thank you for the countless memories,the sound advice and the joy you brought to our family.
Seeing how deeply you loved and cherished my aunt was a beautiful lesson in marriage.You were her rock,her confidant and her greatest joy.Thank you for always protecting her and making her smile.
You weren't just an uncle by marriage,you were a true father figure to us.
We will forever cherish your kindness.
Rest peacefully,You lived a life full of warmth and quiet strength.
Though you are no longer here,your legacy of love,laughter,and generosity will always remain in our hearts.
Rest Well Baba!

We celebrate a life well-lived and a man well loved.Thank you for the countless memories,the sound advice and the joy you brought to our family.
Seeing how deeply you loved and cherished my aunt was a beautiful lesson in marriage.You were her rock,her confidant and her greatest joy.Thank you for always protecting her and making her smile.
You weren't just an uncle by marriage,you were a true father figure to us.
We will forever cherish your kindness.
Rest peacefully,You lived a life full of warmth and quiet strength.
Though you are no longer here,your legacy of love,laughter,and generosity will always remain in our hearts.
Rest Well Baba!

Today, we celebrate the life of a truly remarkable man. At 88, he leaves behind a legacy of faith, wisdom and kindness. I will always remember how he warmly called me by my name, asking about my well-being and my progress in school. Those simple moments reflected the genuine care he had for others.

He was a devoted father, an inspiring teacher and a faithful catechist who never failed to encourage what was right and gently correct what was wrong. His life touched many and his values will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace and may his legacy of love, service and integrity live on.

Rest peacefully, Dear Uncle. You may be gone from our sight, but you will forever remain in our hearts. Though your absence leaves a deep void in our hearts, we find comfort in the memories we shared and the impact you made on everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. Your laughter, advice, and unwavering support will never be forgotten. Good night Daddy till we meet to path no more

An exemplary life well lived. Thank you for your hospitality all these years. Thank you for birthing my wonderful cousins.
Lots of sweet memories of you..
The man with the golden voice when he was at his peak. Those esan songs you always sang were refreshing. Catechist extraordinaire..
Rest in the Lord's bosom till we meet to part no more..
Adieu baba!!!

Thank you for being such a wonderful partner to my aunt and a great father to my cousins. You were also a pillar of strength for our family. I will always remember how you could light up a room with your humor and the deep love and respect you showed all of us every single day. Your wisdom and kindness will be missed, but your legacy will live on in all of us.

Rest in peace great man.
Akhirevbulu Ivy

I know you are in a better place. I am grateful to God for your life and the positive impact you made on so many others through your life. We will surely miss you Baba rest on in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ till we meet again to part no more. Rest in peace.