Feyisola Awofeso

"Goodnight, my angel
Now it's time to sleep
And still so many things I want to say
Remember all the songs
You sang for me
When we went sailing
On an emerald bay
And like a boat out on the ocean
I'm rocking you to sleep
The water's dark
And deep inside this ancient heart
You'll always be a part of me"

I have held back from writing a tribute till now. I suppose the truth is that I have held on to memories of Sola Awofeso being his usual energetic (and sometimes mischievous) fun-loving friend and didn’t want to wish those living memories away. I’ve guarded and protected them fiercely, not allowing any externally over-expressive persons to get into my headspace or distort my personal memories with their understandable grief.

Awo was a true friend of 50 years. He was kind, loving, loyal, very caring and also very generous. My wider family very quickly adopted Awo as one of theirs and he, vice versa! Awo was very ably complemented (and improved) by his dear wife, Lara. What a team they were! I write this tribute publicly, uncertain of what to say in that space. I write it not for myself (however cathartic it might feel) but to remind Lara that her husband had friends; to spotlight to Jinmi and Anji of how special their dad was. My memories are private and priceless of a true friend. I can’t express them in a few words. In the last few years we shared vacations together- Aberdeen (Scotland), DMV (America), Perth (Australia). We had plans for many more, but alas, we’ve had the last together. Time together was never dull. Not only was Awo present, but his ‘presence’ was always felt! Thank you for creating positive lasting memories of a true friendship. Painful, your departure is, but the memories only leave a smile. Forget the tears. They’ve long dried up. I don’t need sad memories. I’ve selfishly guarded what I needed to. You unapologetically lived life to the fullest, packing in so much of life, love and generosity towards all. Awo, you are and will always be forever missed. However, thank you for leaving behind smiles, laughter and pleasant memories. I end with this, to all who read this; the familiar lyrics:
”Good friends we have, oh;
Good friends we have lost,
Along the way, yeah
In this great future,
You can't forget your past
So dry your tears, I say, yeah
Everything's gonna be alright”
“Oh, little, little darlin', please don't shed no tears
No woman no cry
‘Cos, Everything's gonna be alright”

Oyekunle Ayonrinde

Christopher Feyisola Awofeso, your demise is still like a dream to me. Your memory stays with me - your contagious laughter, giving heart, and the adventures I'll never forget. You left too soon, but your impact on our lives will last forever. I'll miss you every day, but I know you're at peace. Rest in peace, brother.Your memory will keep me going, and I'll carry your spirit with me always."
Your memory fuels my heart, and though you're gone, you're not forgotten. I'll carry you with me, in my heart, always. Goodnight Awo till the resurrection morning when we shall meet and part no more.

Sola, I cannot believe I am writing this tribute for you. The first time I met you it was like you have known me longer. Your care, love, and your kindness towards me will not be forgotten. Sleep well Sola. May your soul rest in peace.

My heart is broken by your passing. Thank you for the love, care, and memories we shared. Though you are gone, you will forever remain in my heart and be dearly missed. May God grant you eternal rest. Rest in peace, Egbon mi

Awo, as we fondly called him, was truly larger than life, so deeply loyal, kindhearted, affable, and filled with a warmth that lit up every room. While our hearts are heavy with his loss, we celebrate the beautiful, bright presence he gave to this world.
Lara, the beautiful memories you shared and the profound impact of his love remain with you completely. You were his entire world, and his incredible character, his values, and his laughter will always be a part of who you are.
May the God of all comfort wrap you and the children in his warm embrace .
Rest on, Awo!

Florence Adewuyi (FGCO)

Nothing could have prepared me, nor anyone for this, "Awo is gone". Left me in pieces. If I felt like this, what about 'Mọlara,
Ànjọlá, Fọlájìmí. Or even Múyìwá.

After 7 days of constantly tearing up, I thought I was stronger. But no, the grief was just deeper, and more silent like a deep running river. This is not a first loss, but this grief is unlike any.

You were one of my closest, a true brother in a true sense, and you let me know it. As I write this my eyes sting and flood. Your imperfections made you flawless, that is why you were so lovable. You had no pretensions, no airs. You were such a humble soul, you went to great length to conceal it. Always giving, much more than money, time, self anything you had, and all without discrimination. You reached out to every need. You proffered soultions to every problem regardless of the person in need. Your life was a lesson in loving humanity, thanks for the lesson. Your boisterous carefree, easy-going facade belied your more serious, deep, thoughtful, private and spiritual personality.

Awoo! You had a personal touch with each soul you made contact with. Your word was your bond. You took your party with you wherever you went. You lived without permission and without apology. A responsible non-conformist.

Am grateful for your friendship, your brotherly love, affection and time. How I miss you. You always had a big place in my space. Now you are gone, am grateful for the memories to fill it.

I seek consolation in the times and memories we have managed to share in the last few years, and months in particular. We took time for granted, we planned to spend more time together, more often, almost forever. But the time slipped away. And you with it.
I know you are somewhere peaceful and better. And am sure you are happy.
It is your time to leave, to rest, you had no choice in the matter.
Awo!!! Farewell!
May your rest be blissful. May you continue to shine where you are.

Uncle Sola, we only met a few times when you visited Nigeria, but during these short visits, I saw a man who loved his wife fiercely. You were an example of a godly husband and father. May the flowers you nurtured reach their fullest, most vibrant potential.

A great friend and schoolmate. You will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to all those he left behind. Rest in peace.

You lived a full life, while blessing other lives, Sola.
Though not seen you in decades, your tireless nature in brining joy to others remains indelible in my mind.
Rest well brother.

Shola, you were not only a dear friend and classmate but also a truly great guy and the life of every gathering. Your warmth, laughter, and presence brought joy to so many. We miss you deeply and feel your absence profoundly. May your soul continue to rest peacefully. 🙏🕊️

ID Oshibodu

Bọda Shola. I cherished him so much. I loved his simplicity, easy going, ever calm and understanding. I am going to miss his usual pleasantry "Șe o wa pa?" (Hope you are perfectly well?)
Ẹgbọn mi, you lived life well. You will ever be remembered for good memories. Adieu!

My dear Lara, we are sending our deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your beautiful children and your entire family. John 5:8,9 and Revelation 21:1-5 cannot be fulfilled fast enough for our liking sometimes but we know that Jehovah’s timing is perfect. Very soon my sister this weight of grief that you are currently experiencing won’t even be a memory. The Sullivan/Myers family in South Carolina love you and are praying for your spiritual encouragement daily. Agape love 💕

May Jehovah, the God of all comfort, comfort all his loved ones who he left behind .

2 Corinthians 1: 3&4.

Uncle Sola ,may your peaceful soul find rest in His bosom.

Sleep On! My dearest Egbon! Thank you for upholding the values that has shaped you and passed down! You lives on in our hearts. We would always treasure every moments shared together. Keep resting till the resurrection morning.

I imagine a group of people being driven on a train to a final destination. During the journey, however, some of the passengers fall asleep. Upon reaching the destination, the Captain stops the train and wakes those who had fallen asleep.
The Captain of the train is Jesus Christ, and the destination is Paradise. Those who fell asleep during the journey represent our dear loved ones who have died. Bra Sola is simply sleeping and will be awakened when we reach our final destination—Paradise—just as my husband, my father, my sister, and all our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep in death in this system of things.
As expressed in Job 14:14, 15, we look forward to the time when Jehovah will lovingly call, and they will answer.

My first encounter with "Booda Sola" was at one of our Christian conventions in Ibadan years ago. The family gave us a home to stay for the convention. He was such a lovely , fun man. What a loss. Our hope is real and we shall see once again.

Bro Awofeso popularly called Big Bros loved riding his bicycle and making people laugh. Your calmness is also not forgotten. You’re in Jehovah’s memory as you await resurrection.

Sola was my faithful Christian brother, a beloved brother in law and broz Tee' younger brother, I will allow Jehovah's promise in Rev.21:5 continue to pacify me , Jehovah says "I am making all things new" amen.