Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1
Obituary
Elder Eric Olufemi Adesola Adegboyega, a beloved husband, father, grand father and great-grandfather peacefully passed away on the 12th April 2024 - at the age of 96.
Born on the 8th March 1928, Elder Eric grew up in a Christian home with strong family values and a deep sense of community.
Known for his wisdom and compassion, Elder Eric's spirit and influence were immense, touching everyone who had the pleasure of crossing his path. He radiated an infectious cheerfulness and zest for life that uplifted those around him. His generosity knew no bounds, consistently placing the needs of others before himself. He was a source of inspiration to many and his kindness was so pervasive it became an integral part of his character. His departure leaves a void that can never be filled.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy and support during this difficult time and seek solace in the knowledge that Elder Eric is now at peace. His spirit continues to inspire and guide, his aura resonates in the hearts he touched. His memory, alive and treasured, will continue to be a source of strength and comfort
Elder Eric will be tremendously missed, his absence noticeably profound but forever cherished.
Timeline
1. Elizabeth Ajala
2. Margaret Sackey
3. Caleb Adegboyega
4. Evelyn Madeinlo
5. Grace Adegboyega
6. Christine Bongo
1. Abigail Ajala
2. Victoria Ajala
3. Carina Adegboyega
4. Samuel Ajala
5. Isaac Ajala
6. Jordan Sackey
7. Joel Sackey
8. Monique Bongo
9. Darius Madeinlo
10. James Sackey
11. Juliana Sackey
12. Dominique Bongo
13. Joseph Madeinlo
14. Stephane Bongo
15. Erykah Oweh
16. Omar Oweh
17. Jack Adegboyega
18. Caitlin Adegboyega
19. Jayden Adegboyega
20. Lewis Adegboyega
1. Zion Adebisi
2. Hannah Sackey
3. Gabriel Ajala
4. Israel Ajala
5. Josiah Ibidokun - Adewale
6. Ayva-Grace Adebisi
7. Ariyon Adebisi
8. Elijah Ajala
9. Amaya Ajala
10. Neriah Ibidokun - Adewale
11. Anaiah Sackey
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
Let me start by quoting Apostle Paul’s admonition to young Timothy in (1 Tim 4:12 NKJV) which states:
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim 4:12 NKJV).
The first part in the above scripture may be safely rendered as: “Don’t give in to age discrimination”, whether people think of you as too young or too old. You model the life of a believer in all the areas captured in the passage, in word, in conduct, in love, in
spirit, in faith and in purity. These will be the parameters that will guide this tribute.
Being an example in word
Pa Eric Adegboyega served as a true example of living the word. He was a doer of the word who lived an authentic Christian life. When we were having in-person Bible study and Prayer meetings, Baba’s contributions were with passion and conviction. A
true servant of God.
Being an example in conduct
Pa Eric was full of respect for people, both young and old. He always had positive and edifying words to say and was a great encourager.
- He faithfully attended Elders' Meetings held in-person at the All Saints Centre, every Saturday at 7am, until well into his 80's.
- Pa Eric & Mummy Grace Adegboyega never missed general Leaders’ meetings and other in-person church programmes; prayer meetings, Bible studies and house groups.
Being an example in love
Pa Eric genuinely loved God and, consequently, he loved the people he was called to serve. He was very generous and charitable. He loved to visit church members who
were unwell or weak in faith, bringing encouragement to them.
We cannot talk about Pa Eric’s love without also mentioning Mummy Grace. They served together and were very hospitable.
On a personal note, when one of my daughters was getting married in 2010, Baba at the age of 82, with mummy and some members of the Adegboyega family travelled all the way to Aberdeen for the wedding. This gesture of love still leaves me and my wife speechless.
Baba’s love for God was manifested in his worship life. He was very good at expressing his love for God by singing hymns, with his strong baritone voice. Even on his sick bed
in hospital, he worshipped God in hymns, to the hearing of other patients in the ward.
Being an example in spirit
Pa Eric had a vibrant spirit and served the body of Christ well with diligence and enthusiasm. You could not be around him and not catch the same spirit. He was truly a great father to the Assembly.
- He ensured the upkeep and general maintenance of our church minibus, with distinction, until well into his 80’s.
Being an example in faith
Pa Adegboyega effortlessly and fearlessly proclaimed the gospel of our Lord Jesus whenever he had the opportunity. He was a true ambassador of Christ. In his ministry, many were brought to Christ and added to the assembly.
Being an example in purity
He served as a great example to us in many ways in the assembly in modelling personal morality. He was married to Mummy Grace Adegboyega for about 64years, and raised God fearing children who honoured him and held him in high regard. Even on his sick bed he was also asking for his wife.
Conclusion
We give God thanks for such an exemplary life. We miss you very much, Baba, but you are now with the Lord Jesus, which according to Apostle Paul, is far better.
Our prayers for Mummy and the family are that you will continue to know God’s comfort and strength, in this new season of your lives. As a church we continue to love you.
Together with Dr Ariyo, Mr Adegbayibi, Mr Falodun and Mr Suberu Elder Adegboyega
Frequently drove to Leeds to meet with just two families - Foluso Olomolaiye and Olu Odugbesan(now a Pastor in LAWNA,Nigeria) - to enlist us in the TAC Students moment and to encourage us to continue in the Apostolic doctrines. On Sundays while with us in Leeds we would all go to meet another member at The Apostolic Church in Huddersfield to encourage him to remain in the Faith.After we’ve all eaten ground rice and semolina and prayed, they’ll depart for London while the Odugbesans and Olomolaiyes returned to Leeds.
(It is important to note that Elder Adegboyega carried on this task for over two years at much risk to himself and the other men in his car - the M1 Motorway was under construction and so there were rough patches that were really bad especially the last 25 miles to Leeds. And worst of all they drove to Leeds not minding the really heavy Yorkshire snow in the winter. O what a great service to grow the Lord’s vineyard!)
On moving to London in 1970, Elder Adegboyega, whom I then called my brother and mentor, continued encouraging my family in the Way to ensure we continued serving the Lord. Along with other older members (Elders Adejuwon and Anjorin) I was/am happy I learnt to be humble and courageous through Elder Adegboyega’s examples. And when I met his sister, Mrs Sosanya, at the Kennington Assembly, it emerged that my family was even more blessed. Mrs Sosanya was a Mother-in-Israel to us.
At Kennington, I became leader of the TAC Students Movement and thus had pivotal responsibility for growing the church at Kennington. My staunchest supporters and encouragers were Elder Adegboyega and Mrs Sosanya who took my children (and other children) as her own. Our monthly meeting meant the church was full with members coming from Chiswick, Edgeware, Mortingham and Luton. We did not have an assemble in Walthamstow then and no members at Ilford. Elders Adegboyega and Ariyo encouraged us to visit members in any part of London who were absent form church on consecutive Sundays. When things were getting somewhat difficult at Kennington Elder Adegboyega and Mrs Sosanya along with my friend (Mr. Aregbesola) encouraged me to hang on as leader. By the grace of God one of my children is now a TAC Pastor in a far-fetched part of London.
In short, Elder Adegboyega was my mentor right from my student days. He was an example of taking risks to propagate the work of God travelling from London to Leeds and Huddersfield on rough roads in the winter.
He was my brother looking after my continued steadfast growth in following Jesus.
He was a church builder ensuring that scattered sheep are brought together.
He was an encourager constantly advising me to stick with God and to be humble.
I’ll surely miss his words of wisdom spoken softly and the humble manner he dealt with seemingly intractable problems . What an example of a man of God!
REST IN PEACE AT THE FOOT OF JESUS! We shall meet again.
PS:
Elder Eric was the last survivor of the four who used to drive to Leeds to meet with us.
Remain blessed.”
With deepest sympathy,
The Adeleke family
My heartfelt condolences is with you all.
Stay blessed
We were deeply saddened to hear about your passing. You were a remarkable person who touched the lives of everyone who knew you. Your kindness and wisdom will always be remembered. Grand Dad you'll be greatly. missed by our family. Memories of you will never be forgotten.
Love always,
Salawu's Family
I thank God for your life and pray that mummy Adegboyega will have the fortitude to bear the loss of darling husband, friend and comforter. I also wish the children the same.
You will forever be in my heart and my consolation is that you are in a better place. Continue to rest in the bosom of Lord. Will miss you
Psalms 116:15 NKJV
Heaven has received a general. Rest well Papa till we meet. May God alone comfort and strengthen our beloved mummy Grace and the entire family . Thank you all Adeboyega family for loving Daddy and looking after him wholeheartedly . We stand shoulder to shoulder with you with gratitude to God always for a life well lived; with gratitude to God always from Helen, Ben and Elijah Bossa
Papa, rest in perfect peace IJMN amen.
May the Lord comfort and strengthen Mama, your children, the whole family and friends near and wide, You were indeed a stronghold of the family.and shall truly be missed.
Adieu.
Restb
Till the day we meet again at His feet. Rest in Peace sir.
As a father figure and role model, I have known Daddy Eric Adegboyega for the best part of 45 years. Talking of inspirational human being, Daddy was very much at the top. The way and manner he brought up his family is what I will always admire, cherish and would like to emulate. Whenever we met at family gatherings, I was always welcomed with his beaming smile with the words Dupe Dupe. With utmost care, he would ask about my family especially my Mum, Dad and my brother, all of whom are now of blessed memories. Daddy was a strong believer of the National Health Service. On several occasions, he demanded I flew my mum to England for treatment believing nothing was medically impossible here even when my mum was in critical condition. His positivity to life was highly infectious. As a natural pessimist, Daddy was a complete optimist. In spite of his failing health later on in his life, he believed he would clock the century mark. Daddy was a loving husband to his surviving wife, children, many grand and great grandchildren. He loved them all and his legacy would live on. We thank the Almighty God for the exemplary life he led. Daddy and I are both from Abeokuta and both full of Egba pride.
I would surely miss his love, laughter and his warm presence. However, I am comforted knowing that Daddy Eric impacted on so many especially religiously and he’s no more in pain but with his creator the Almighty.
Sleep well Daddy till we meet to part no more.
Awa lomo Olumo, e yin Egba e ho ya ya. Awa lomo Olumo.🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Mr Modupe ADENIJI
Princess Olayemi ADENIJI
May your Gentle Soul continue to Rest In Perfect Peace🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Grandad/Great Grandad -
Dolly Okusanya
Eniola Alebiosu
Adesegun Adeniji
Anuoluwapo Adeniji
And all Grand Children
On my next attendance Elder Adegboyega greeted me and ask what was my profession.
When I informed him I was a Personal Assistant to a Director in the NHS he asked whether I could assist with a programme for the Apostolic Student Movement.
When I completed it for him. His face lit up saying "lovely, wonderful, well done and thank you. I was later that year nominated as Assistant Treasurer to the Movement.
Elder was a real Encourager who saw God's gifting in others and support them in doing their best. He had a compassionate heart for others.
May His soul rest in peace
Pa Eric Adegboyega came, saw and conquered Hallelujah.
Papa Eric was a great father to all who knew him, a devoted man of God and lover of humanity.
Papa shall surely be missed but will always be remembered for his sacrifices, goodwills, fatherly love and care.
Papa will continue to live in the heart of all the lives he touched.
Adieu Pa Eric Adegboyega.
You have lived a quite incredible life . May your soul rest in peace...
To entire family May God comfort you as you draw strength from each you 🙏..
May your soul RIP🙏
Soji & Bose
We thank God for a remarkable and memorable life that he lived,for those who live in our memories are never truly gone.
May his soul rest in peace.
with you and your family.
Clement and Pauline, Mrs Davis and the whole family 🙏🏽
“And lo, I am with you always”
Grandpa, you’ve always been our anchor of love, our source of strength, and our well of wisdom. Thank you for loving us, because we will always love.” Heaven gained an angel.... RIP daddy
We thank God for the great and fulfilled life you lived...almighty God grant you eternal rest.
Our deepest condolences to mummy Adegboyega, Mrs Yemi Ajala and siblings.
Olu Alabi...
On behalf of chief and Mrs Samuel 'Tunji Alabi'and children.
In the stillness of my heart, a gentle breeze carries memories of a beloved soul who graced this world with his presence. Though I am in sorrow, I still celebrate the profound impact left by my dearly departed uncle. He was not merely a figure in my life but a beacon of light, a compass guiding me through life's tumultuous seas. My uncle stood as my father on my wedding day in SW London forty-eight years ago. Apart from my late aunty Bisi (his younger sister), my stay in London has always been in my uncle's London home.
To speak of him conjures a symphony of laughter, wisdom, and unconditional love. His laughter was infectious, echoing through the corridors of my memories, reminding me of the joy he effortlessly brought into every room. His wisdom, garnered through years of experience and tempered by compassion, was a source of guidance during my calm and stormy chapters. And his love knew no bounds. It was a sanctuary in times of turmoil, a warm embrace in moments of solitude, a constant reminder that I am cherished beyond measure. He exudes Love & Spirituality.
In the tapestry of our family's story, my uncle was a vibrant thread, weaving his essence into every moment shared, every lesson learned, every tear shed, and every triumph celebrated. His legacy is not measured by the years he spent on this earth but by the hearts he touched, the lives he enriched, and the love he bestowed upon us all.
As I bid farewell to his earthly form, I am not mourning the loss of his physical presence but rejoicing in the everlasting imprint he has left upon people around him. Though he may have departed this world, his spirit lives on in the laughter that dances on the wind, the wisdom that whispers through the trees, and the love that binds us together as a family.
So, let us honor his memory not with tears of sadness but with smiles of gratitude for the privilege of having known such a remarkable spiritual soul. The world lost a Militant Saint, but Heaven gained a Triumphant Saint. May we emulate his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love as we continue, ensuring that his legacy continues shining brightly in our hearts and the world around us. Rest peacefully, dear uncle, knowing you will forever be cherished, remembered, and loved.
Your dearest Niece,
Dr. Josephine Olatomi Soboyejo, Ph.D.
Austell, Georgia, USA.
In the stillness of my heart, a gentle breeze carries memories of a beloved soul who graced this world with his presence. Though I am in sorrow, I still celebrate the profound impact left by my dearly departed uncle. He was not merely a figure in my life but a beacon of light, a compass guiding me through life's tumultuous seas. My uncle stood as my father on my wedding day in SW London forty-eight years ago. Apart from my late aunty Bisi (his younger sister), my stay in London has always been in my uncle's London home.
To speak of him conjures a symphony of laughter, wisdom, and unconditional love. His laughter was infectious, echoing through the corridors of my memories, reminding me of the joy he effortlessly brought into every room. His wisdom, garnered through years of experience and tempered by compassion, was a source of guidance during my calm and stormy chapters. And his love knew no bounds. It was a sanctuary in times of turmoil, a warm embrace in moments of solitude, a constant reminder that I am cherished beyond measure. He exudes Love & Spirituality.
In the tapestry of our family's story, my uncle was a vibrant thread, weaving his essence into every moment shared, every lesson learned, every tear shed, and every triumph celebrated. His legacy is not measured by the years he spent on this earth but by the hearts he touched, the lives he enriched, and the love he bestowed upon us all.
As I bid farewell to his earthly form, I am not mourning the loss of his physical presence but rejoicing in the everlasting imprint he has left upon people around him. Though he may have departed this world, his spirit lives on in the laughter that dances on the wind, the wisdom that whispers through the trees, and the love that binds us together as a family.
So, let us honor his memory not with tears of sadness but with smiles of gratitude for the privilege of having known such a remarkable spiritual soul. The world lost a Militant Saint, but Heaven gained a Triumphant Saint. May we emulate his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love as we continue, ensuring that his legacy continues shining brightly in our hearts and the world around us. Rest peacefully, dear uncle, knowing you will forever be cherished, remembered, and loved.
Your dearest Niece,
Dr. Josephine Olatomi Soboyejo, Ph.D.
Austell, Georgia, USA.
Rest well , may God give the family the strength they need
Amen 🙏🏽
Adegboyega - we thank God that Daddy has run his race and he has fought the good fight and is now at the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for special strength at this time and always for our dear Mummy. May God continue to strengthen and uphold each and everyone of us as we, continue to run our races. The Bible says in all things we should give thanks. Sun re o daddy wa.
May the Almighty God continue to strengthen and comfort the entire family especially grandma.
May papa gentle soul continues to rest in peace.
Thank you Daddy for always giving us sound advice. You always reminded us that God’s time is the best. Thank you Daddy. Thank you for all you have done for us all. We are grateful. Rest well. We will love you always. ❤️
To the end, he was brave and exceedingly courageous as he journeyed home, remaining the true gentleman, exceptional.
His legacy is enduring and memory of him will remain foremost and poignant in all our minds.
He will truly be missed.
Rest well, dear sir, as you’re carried home on the wings of the angels.
God bless.
Thank you for being such an inspiration to us all. I loved knowing that you stood as a father figure to so many. Your passing is such a loss that will take a while to heal from. Thank you for your steadfast and unwavering integrity. Baba Olufemi Adegboyega mi, sun re o.
We love you, and we thank God for the exemplary life you lived and the legacy you have left behind. May the Lord God help us to follow the same path of love, kindness, peaceful nature and welcoming spirit you showed.
R..I. P.
Words fail me right now but, I always knew that this day would come. I just didn’t know it would happen so soon but, I know you’re in a better place now with our Heavenly Father. You were a true example of serving people humbly without wanting anything in return. You loved endlessly and were generous with your pockets as much as you were at the dinner table. For me you were the first true representation of Christ that I first ever witnessed as a boy from singing songs like “God is a good God, yes he is” and many more, to making sure we blessed the table at every meal, these things will never leave me. What brought me more joy than anything was your desire to see me flourish and whatever I chose to do. Whether it was Music or ministry you always said that I should do my best and get to the highest rank I could get to, even giving me your John Wycliffe book and one of your large Bibles that I still have to this day. I can still hear your voice saying “Lord Isaac!” With the bass in the tone. It always made me smile.
I love you Grandad, I miss you so much, you will forever be an icon and a legend. Your Legacy will continue to live on through me and many others because, Legends legacies never die.