Pa. Matthew Adigun Odetayo (Baba Jeje)

Rest in peace, papa. I didn’t meet you personally but I can imagine how wonderful you lived judging by your daughter, Omotola, large heart and kindness.

As a child, going to Baba Jeje's house was fun to us, being the only relative we had in Ibadan, he was a very caring and loving father. Baba Jeje will always make sure we had a memorable stay. He will always sing and dance with us. Even as an adult, he was also concerned about our well-being. There are lots and lots of words Baba Jeje and mama Jeje told me that encouraged me. We will miss you . We're consoled that you're in a better place.

Modupe Iyabode Ogunbiyi

Grandpa Matthew Adigun Odetayo you came to this World, you saw, fought and became victorious in Christ Jesus. Your legacy of truthfulness, discipline, integrity, Sense of humour, service to God and humanity and above all; promptness in doing the work of God cannot be forgotten. We will always remember your slogan "DELAY IS DANGEROUS!" Good night Papa.

Dear Dad,

I do not think I have the right words to describe how painful your loss is to me. You were a very loving, caring and ever-present father. An epitome of diligence and resilience. You taught me many life virtues - punctuality, hard work, perseverance and many more.

You always gave me your unwavering support and encouraged me to reach for the stars. By your lifestyle, I learnt what it means to be a good parent. The sacrifices you made to ensure my siblings and I succeed are beyond words. You would always put others before yourself.

I find myself in tears when I recall the memories we shared — the laughter, the heartfelt conversations, the comfort of your voice. I will miss them deeply.

Yet in the midst of all these, I find comfort in Christ and I'm thankful to God that you know Him. I am assured that you are with Him, resting in peace, and that we will meet again on the resurrection morning in Jesus' name. I love you Daddy, but Jesus loves you even more. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord!

Your daughter,
Omotola Obasoro

A Tribute to my beloved brother. A perfect gentleman Egbun mi, Baba Jeje meaning my brother in Yewa dialect is what I always call him and his response is always the same, aburo mi mo kuku gentle reaffirming his gentle nature. I don't know how or who gave him the nickname but it fits him perfectly. When I was in the University of Ibadan, he was always concerned about my welfare and every time there's students unrest or demonstration my brother would come look for me to make sure I don't participate for the fear of getting injured, in trouble or expelled. That's how much deeply he cared about others. He was truly a gentleman in the true sense of the word. He was always ready to give you a shirt off his back even if he has to go shirtless. When we lost Mama Jeje, the love of his life a few years ago, it was a blow we all never recovered from. We will all miss you and are sure that there is a place waiting for you at the bosom of the Lord.
Rest in Peace o Egbun mi.

Goodbye my lovely “Baba jeje” a nice man with ardent faith I miss your brotherly love and unmeasurable care on my family. You will always be remembered by your friendly relationship for the humanity. We love you but God loves you more. Rest in peace in the bosom of our Lord where we shall meet to part no more.

Olusola Olasode

Baba 'Dewale, as I used to call you. You were an epitome of love, peace, and humility, to say the least. Your gentle nature, and mature approach to issues generally could easily be assumed to be a sign of weakness. But watching you patiently, it is a gift of strength which God Almighty bestowed in you, and which had made younger ones like me to appreciate and listen to you on very critical issues and circumstances.

You came into this world, ran the race, fought the good fight of faith, and have Conquered!!!

Sleep on, my dear Egbon, till the glorious resurrection day, when we shall meet, and part no more, in Jesus Christ mighty name.
Adieu, Adigun, Omo Elewo, Dodo bi oke...........
Sun Re ooooo!

Kola Ogunlola

Egbon Adigun (a.k.a BABA JEJE) - The day I received the message of your death, my heart split into two - one side was filled with memories of you and in the other I felt missing a loved companion.

We all live to part by death because death is inevitable as a sure end. The Lord has decreed death for every living creature, continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord, until we meet to part no more.

Mr. and Mrs Ayinla Kuyebi

Pa Matthew Adigun Odetayo was one of the first sets of members to join a newly planted Church, Johnson Tayo Memorial Anglican Church, WASCO, Ehin Grammar Ibadan in the year 2000. He came in company of his late amiable wife and two girls - Moyo and Tola.
His zeal for Kingdom assignment helped him to serve as the Church Treasurer for years, He worked as a Lay Reader and rose to becoming a Diocesian Lay Reader.

He was also a member of the Lukan Archdeaconry Board. He served until old age could not permit him. Pa Odetayo was a devoted and complete family man. Most importantly he was a Child of God.
We missed you here, but the heaven is rejoicing for a gain.
May God uphold, protect, and care for all he left behind in the name of Jesus.

Rest on, a Soldier of Christ till the resurrection day. Adieu.

Evang. (Mrs). Adekunle
JOTAMAC.

TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MAN: Thank you Lord for the gift of this great man - Pa Matthew Adigun Odetayo, to the Church of God and humanity. Great not in terms of riches, wealth, or material-acquisition, but the positive impact he made in all areas of human endeavours especially, service and commitment to the work of God.

I was privileged to work with this gentleman for more than fifteen years, humble and lover of peace as his Pastor at St. Luke Evangelical Anglican Church, WASCO, Ehin Grammar, where he was one of the foundation members, before the Church became self-funding with a new name - Johnson Tayo Memorial Anglican Church (JOTAMAC). Highly versatile and always harmonised. Baba Odetayo, was good in many aspects of Church work - he was a Lay-Reader who later became Diocesan Lay-Reader, Treasurer, Bible Class Teacher and also Sexton of the Church.

While he was engaged in these onerous duties, his amiable wife, Mama Odetayo, of blessed memory, for several years also functioned as the Church Warden. Also remarkable to point out that in the midst of these sacrifices, one of their daughters, Tola, now Mrs Obasoro, highly talented was also Leader of the Choir - What a Godly family! Unassuming and unruffled, Pa Odetayo, was noted for making accurate prescriptions and first aid to sick members during Church Service, being a retired Staff of a reputable Pharmaceutical Company.

Considering the great impacts he made in the Church and his commitment to his family, his final exit may be painful, but we take solace in regarding our loss as heaven's gain. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Venerable Jerry Fayomi (Retired).
JOTAMAC

To our lovely Grandpa,
I asked why you had to leave us so soon. You said that on my wedding day you will sit at the front row. I remembered when Aunty Tola and I would jokingly fight over who should sleep on your lap. Aunty Tola would say: “I am the last born” and I would respond to Aunty Tola by saying: “I am the first grandchild”.

I remember you would always take me to Benevolent primary school in the morning and you would walk down to the school in the afternoon to pick me up. You still did that even when I was in secondary school at Ibadan Grammar school. The sweet memories of you, our beloved grandpa are numerous, and they are so fresh in our minds.

Grandpa, you were a mentor to us! Thank you for the love, affection, words of encouragement that you showered on us. We the grandchildren will miss you so much, but we know you are with your heavenly Father and in a safer place.
Rest in peace our mentor, teacher and friend.

Vivian Ukaki
Your granddaughter (on behalf of all the grandchildren)

To my dearest Dad,
I will always cherish the countless memories we made together. I remember the way you would always find a way to make me smile, even when I was feeling down. Your unwavering support and guidance helped me navigate the difficulties of life. You taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and kindness. You instilled in me a deep appreciation for family, and your love for Mum was an inspiration. You were a man of integrity, always doing what was right, even when it was difficult. You showed me the true meaning of strength and resilience.

I will forever be grateful for your wisdom and the lessons you taught me. Though you may be gone from our sight, your spirit will forever live on in the values you instilled in me. I will strive to be the person you always believed I could be. He always calls me IYAMI (i.e. my mother) every time. I will miss you every day, and I will miss you calling me.

Dad, I miss you dearly, but I find comfort in knowing that you are at peace. My love for you will never fade.
With all my love,

Your daughter,
Moyosoluwa Ukaki

A Tribute To My Father
March 29th, 2025 - A Day I will always remember in sadness. It's been a few weeks Dad, but I don't think I have accepted that I won't see you again. This is not how I imagined you leaving us at all and it pains me to realize that you won't be here with us again.

Recently, I have been going down memory lane and I am proud that I was given the opportunity to call you my Father. A man who loved his family deeply, a man who worked hard to take care of his family, a man who brought us up in the way of the Lord.
A man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. A husband, a father, a friend, a disciplinarian! A beacon, a role model. I never thought there was anything you couldn't do if you wanted to Dad, well, except avoid death.

There are so many memories to speak about you, but that would need more than a book to write it in. I remember the day l took your Volkswagen (Beetle) out while you were away at work, I rushed back home that particular Friday evening to ensure I got home before you return from your trip. As I got home and wanted to honk so the gate could be opened for me, I heard the horn of your official car right behind me. The panic that engulfed me that day was not from this world. To my surprise! You just came in and smiled.......

You are irreplaceable Dad! You are one of a kind. You lived a life worthy of emulation. I believe above all things that you are in the Lord's bosom, and I only ask for God to watch over your family.

I LOVE YOU DAD.
Rest in peace Daddy till we meet to part no more.

Your Son,
Olusegun Odetayo

Daddy,
You were strong, kind, and loving. You worked hard and gave us everything. You taught me how to be a man and you showed me the meaning of family. Your words still guide me. But I thank God for your life. You lived well, loved well, and left your mark on us.
Rest well, Daddy. I will always make you proud.
I love you forever.

Your Son,
Adewale Odetayo