Olukayode Babatunde Kehinde Sodeinde

I was so sad to hear of Uncle K’s passing. He was a man who had been there all my life and always loved and invested in me. As much as he was my dad’s friend first, I felt like he was my friend too. I’m forever grateful for all the birthday and text messages of love and encouragement over the years. I will miss visiting and hearing stories of his childhood and the early years of moving to the UK and doing a lot of life with my dad. He would tell me ‘your dad is my very good friend’ after he’d told me some stories. The stories never got old. They had a lot of love and respect for each other and it was always so warming to hear it.
Some of my fondest memories are:
- after church as a kid getting a piece of wrigley’s juicy fruit chewing gum most weeks. He always had it on him. One time he gave me a whole packet! What?! I felt so blessed :-)
- Hearing him ask me ‘am I a sheep?’ And proceed to make sheep noises after I gave him salad to eat one time.
- Hearing him loudly call me ‘Moyosore!’ with a big smile on his face whenever I came to visit.

I will miss my Uncle K, but we will meet again.

Uncle Kehinde, I will miss our hour long phone calls discussing politics and you telling me stories about my dad and mum. I was hoping on my next visit to the UK, I would come and visit you. Unfortunately I never had the chance to do this. I love you Uncle and will surely miss you. Keep resting in HIM.

The news of your demise landed on us with a profound sense of numbness and feeling of loss but also balanced by our deepest conviction that you have fought the good fight and now peacefully returning for the glorious prize made for you, Man of Faith!

Praise God for your unwavering hope in the Lord, regardless!

Bro Kayos, as Henry fondly called you on countless phone calls we enjoyed together as couples until mid last year when you kindly disclosed that your sweetheart Bimbo could no longer participate in such personal calls.

Meeting and spending times with you in your company was never boring but spiritually energising because you had a lot to share especially about your missionary encounters with our ‘YfC youth’ or children born to members of the fellowship of peers that you played a significant role in its wake. Our great friendship with you started only when we met here in the UK because unlike most of the members who grew up together in our early twenties including Bimbo, Henry left Lagos long before arriving in the UK. It wasn’t long that our connection with you alongside Bimbo who was Henry’s church mate at Apapa Baptist Church became an exciting one. At the end of our final visit towards late April this year, we knew you were physically struggling but strong enough spiritually to discuss your thoughts with us.
You exhibited a deep caring and loving spirit for the brethren and what an enviable legacy you have left behind that none can surpass; you knew all our children by their names and called them at your convenience. What a sacrifice!
Henrietta and I vividly remember that you selflessly drove all the way to Epsom from Leytonstone to supply us fish from the East when you learnt that it was too difficult for Henry to make that trip to Billingsgate those 1990 years. And when the YFC meeting was in our house you never disappointed us.

About 3 years ago you were hopeful and optimistic about wishing to accompany us on our holiday trip to Ghana one day but that hope lives with you because now, you are part of the cloud of witnesses that is enjoying the heavenly places without an end. Amen!

Fare thee well, old soldier brother! You were one of the few who we telephoned while on long trips for long conversations and we will miss you dearly when we travel.

Odaaroo bro!

TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER AND FRIEND

Uncle K, as I fondly called him was a man of faith, he loved the lord and held on to God until the very end.

He was selfless, nothing was too much to do to assist people and to bring smiles to their faces.

Relationship was important to him so he invested in maintaining relationships with both young and old.

Uncle K didn’t allow his health challenges to take away his joy, he was always acknowledging God and praising him.

Uncle K, you have finished your race and the lord has given you rest.
Continue to rest in the bosom of the Almighty God until we meet to part no more.

Uncle K, we will miss you.

Tribute to Uncle K Sodeinde

It was very heartbreaking to hear of Uncle's passing.

Uncle was very kind, gentle and caring. I have fond memories of him being very jovial and always brought laughter during the YFC days in the 80s/90s.

Upon moving back to the UK in 2009, Uncle always kept in touch, checking in on me and my sisters. He was consistent with his calls and messages - especially on birthdays. The unconditional love and kindness we received from Uncle is something I will never forget.

I was so excited to invite him and aunty for my wedding in 2021. Unfortunately, they were unable to attend for obvious reasons.

We thank God for the exemplary life he lived. I pray for the Lord Almighty to comfort Aunty and the entire family at this time.

Continue to rest in the bosom of our Heavenly father. Amen! 🙏🏾🙏🏾

Bro. Kayode. My memories of our sojourn together is huge. You lived your life as a child of God, loving and trusting the Lord to the very end.

I am happy that you are already in the bosom of the Lord. Our interactions together was a wonderful time to the glory of the Lord.

Continue to rest in the bosom of your Maker. May the Lord console and comfort your siblings and the family you have left behind. So long till we meet to part no more.
Charles Ojelade

Dear Uncle,

You were an endearing soul and a kindred spirit. I was greatly saddened hear of your passing.

You were a gentle and caring person, selfless with your time and the gems of wisdom that you used to pass on. You always tried to unite others and had uplifting and positive things to say to other people.

In my childhood, I remember the great lengths you used to go to, to arrange meet-ups between me and my brothers (Femi and Teniola) and our cousins (Jumoke, Gbenga and Bolaji) so that we could forge a bond and have a relationship - very handy, as we were of similar ages! You knew how difficult it would be for three African children coming to England for the first time. It was certainly a shock to my system! Those meet-ups were insightful, heartfelt and very beneficial to us all.

Uncle, you were a blessing to have in our lives and a real joy to be around. I pray that your journey to the Lord's Kingdom is peaceful and blessed. I'd also like to thank you for sharing your wonderful spirit with us all. You are much loved, and will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

Goodbye dear Uncle.

With love,

From Lola

It was truly heartbreaking to hear of your passing into glory, Uncle K.

Thank you for your unwavering support during our recent most trying times as well as the laughter and insights you shared during those Youth for Christ fellowship meetings. Thank you for embracing us as part of your extended family, opening your heart and home to us, helping us remember, celebrate and be proud of our heritage and culture.
Thank you for all the joy and wisdom you brought into our lives. Thank you for your planned yet out of the blue phone calls, your influence will forever resonate with us as a family.

My Mum shared in her own words how without hesitation you heard of my plight and offered to hire a van from Leytonstone, picking us from Harlesden and driving an unknown route to Bangor in North Wales, then back to London. A phenomenal 570+ miles round trip, before 'Tomtom' or 'Sat-nav', clocking over 10 hours on the road.

Such selflessness was testament of the values you imparted most, your genuine zeal and unconditional kindness which has left an indelible mark on my life.

We extend our condolences especially to Aunty Bimbola and the entire family who I pray are finding comfort in knowing you will remain in the bosom of the most High till we meet all loved ones again. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Ki emi yin simi l'alafia, dear Uncle Kayode Snr. Iwaju rẹ yoo jẹ rilara lailai ninu ọkan wa, ati pe a yoo jẹ ki iranti rẹ wa laaye nipasẹ ifẹ ti o pin pẹlu wa.

TRIBUTE TO MR KAYODE SODEINDE:

We knew Brother Kayode and Sister Bimbo since 1990 through The Bensons in London and at Elim Pentecostal church, Morley Road, Leyton where we worshipped. We got to know Bro. Kayode closely when Emma. as a member of the Elim church men’s prayer partner of three (Bro Kayode, Bro Benson and Emma.) always meet to pray together. We became fond of ourselves as family friends. Our brotherly love grew stronger as members of Elim Church Leytonstone. Brother Kayode or Mr “S” as was popularly known always displayed great wisdom and maturity in all his dealings. He was full of humility and respect for others, both young and old.
Brother Kayode was a remarkable man with an incredibly unassuming humility and simplicity in personality. He was down to earth and very humble and someone who knows God and worked very well in His vineyard. He was always happy and full of great humours. We have not seen Brother Kayode upset or quarrelled with anyone since knowing him. He was very good with children and young adults which we believed was his God given “ministry”. Brother Kayode connected with our children and always encouraged them in their studies and Christian walk. He was very good and smart with the names of many of our young adults and connected very well with them. “A ministry you did extremely well”.
Brother Kayode was always willing to help people, he was kind and generous. His altruism is second to none on every side. We have no doubt we are counted among many people that would be effusive in tributes to Mr Kayode Sodeinde. Throughout our knowing Brother Kayode and his wife, they are very caring and rare gem of a couple. We remembered how Mr & Mrs “S” always helped us in picking up our second daughter from school at short notice. You can always count on Brother Kayode for help when needed, including giving us lifts in his car. Our family benefited from his kindness and friendship.
Bro. Kayode, you have laid a great legacy for us all especially for your children who have been brought up in Christ like manner. Kudos to you and your wife for a job well done on this side of eternity. We have no doubt your children would follow your indelible legacy for life.
No amount of questions anyone can ask regarding your demise this time that have no answers but only Almighty God knows the reason you departed so soon (Isaiah 57:1). We have the assurance that you are with our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is no doubt Brother Kayode, “you fought a good fight and won your crown of the Christian race”. We believe you are happier where you are with the Lord Jesus Christ.
We pray that the Almighty God protects and keeps your wife and children in Jesus’ Name Amen.
We know you are resting in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ till we meet again.
REST IN PERFECT PEACE BROTHER KAYODE .
Good bye Brother Kayode! Sleep well Mr “S “ !! Adieu Mr Kayode Sodeinde !!!

Tribute to our dear brother and friend- Elder Kayode Sodeinde
Bro. Kayode Sodeinde was a beacon of humility and kindness, and embodied the spirit of Christ in all interactions with him. He was gentle and amiable, his nature made him to be loved by all, especially the younger generation. He goes out of his way to inquire about their well-being and maintained a genuine connection with them. He was a source of comfort and encouragement, as he demonstrated through his words and actions.
Bro. Kayode’s life was a testament to the love and grace of God. He was compassionate and placed the welfare of others before himself. He fostered lasting relationships with friends and nurtured the faith and lives of those around him.
His memory will live on in the hearts of those of us who knew him. Bro. Kayode's legacy of humility, kindness and love will continue to linger on in our minds and lift us up as we honour his memory. He has truly passed on to glory, may his beautiful soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Dipo & Kehinde Olayinka
Lagos

Bro Kayode, we thank God for your life in the love that you showed us as our brother always. We appreciate your support in establishing YFC Nigeria(London branch). We are sad that your Father and our Father has decided to call you home. Please enjoy your rest in His bossom as you join the hosts of angels in worshiping Him day and night. Till we meet again in glory, sleep well bro. Segun Obidipe

It has been a great privilege knowing sister Bimbo and brother Kayode. They have been very inspirational to us at South Essex OFNC branch. Brother Kayode, you fought till the end and you’re now in a better place, at the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rest in peace. Adieu.

Tribute to Brother Kayode Sodeinde (our twin couple)

I am writing this with a very heavy heart but with gratitude that I knew you as a child of God, and that you died in Christ despite all you went through with your illness of many years. Our family clicked when we attended the Youths For Christ (YFC) meeting in 1989, only to discover that we had so many things in common. We got married on the same day, month, and year - 3rd January 1981. You got married in London, and we got married in Ilesa, Nigeria. We also have one of our children born on the same date, 10th May, in 1982 and 1983.

We have celebrated our wedding anniversaries together ever since. We celebrated our silver wedding anniversary in 2006 when we both invited friends and relatives.

You were kind and always ready to help. How can I forget the help you gave to take Theo and me to Wales to start his 1st year at the University of Bangor? You hired a van big enough to take his moped and about 3 months' worth of provisions when I had assumed Bangor would not have access to the same superstores as London.

I will miss the way you answered the phone in the Ijesa dialect “Emi renio”. We miss you, but my hope is that we shall meet you and my late husband on the resurrection day when Jesus shall come. Sleep well until then.

Love
Sister Dorcas

Dear Uncle,

I have so many fond memories of your smile, your laugh, your energetic spirit from the UK days. Even once in the US, I still loved speaking with you on the phone and hearing that infectious laugh. Your were such a gentle soul and I miss you. I know my boys would have loved your company.

This was a shock and is still hard for me, but I know your spirit moves on to a better and peaceful place. Thank you for blessing us with your wisdom and love.

Love

Teni

Every time I remember Uncle is no longer in the world, it feels surreal. Truly grasping that Uncle is no longer here is overwhelming.

I still remember every single time Uncle and I met, he would jovially remind me that I decided to make my grand entrance into the world on the very day of his wedding, causing my mum to miss it. Uncle said this every single time! His encouragement, care and random phone calls were deeply appreciated, especially when it felt like everyone else was going about their business, indifferent to the teenagers around them. He cared, and I felt that.

Thank you, Uncle, for being such a light in my world and the world. Thank you for being yourself. Uncle will be missed. There is comfort in knowing that he is now at peace with God. The entire family will miss him greatly.

Goodbye, Uncle.

We have cherished the encouragement and inspiration from Brother Kayode and Sister Bimbo. It is remarkable that through Bro Kayode's illness he would continue to encourage others. Our South Essex branch of the Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians (OFNC) has certainly benefited immensely from this couple's generosity and collaboration. We pray for God’s comfort, sustenance and provision for Sis Bimbo and Gbenga, Jumoke and Bolaji. Bro Kayode, sleep well in the Lord.

We enjoyed fellowship with brother Kayode for so many years as members of Youth For Christ ( London branch). He was a man of faith who loved the Lord dearly. He was definitely a people person.and he had a heart for the youth that was admirable. Even when he couldn’t get around as he used to, he would call them on the phone to ask about their wellbeing and to encourage them. Whenever we spoke on the phone he would spend ages going down memory lane and recounting old time stories. Always very cheerful in spite of his challenges. May his legacy of love, care and support for people live on in our hearts. No more pain my brother, rest in your Saviours embrace! May God wrap His loving arms around the family and comfort them all.

We all feel the loss of our lovely uncle. Despite the cruel illness that you fought in the last decade of your life, it could not take away your joy and hope in God. Your testimony is an inspiration. I know you are happy and at rest in the presence of the Almighty. I pray that God will help the family to bear the impact of his passing.

Uncle Kayode had an incredible gift for storytelling, he captivated and entertained us with tales sprinkled with his infectious laughter.

Sharing the same twin name Kehinde, as well as being his favourite Jegede was a bond I treasured!

What made Uncle truly special was his genuine care for others. He always made it a point to check in, no matter how busy life got, and even when he was going through a tough time. His calls were filled warmth, wisdom and prayers.

I miss his kindness, humor, and unwavering support. His legacy of love and trust in God will continue to inspire me, reminding me to depend on God no matter what comes my way, and to stay connected with and be a source of support to those I love.
💙

Ha! Uncle K! I miss your laughter, your sense of humour that was infectious but mostly, your passion for Jesus! Thank you so much for all the precious moments I was privileged to share with you and Aunty, Mrs S! You always brought humour into every situation: whether it was waiting patiently in the car at Macro for Aunty to finish her shopping or on the phone at home recounting your daily activities to me. Thank you sir! We will meet again!

Yinka and I shared a house at North Birkbeck Road with Bro Kayode and Sister Bimbola for a few months after we got married in 1983, and we got on so well during the period until we relocated.
Bro Kayode was approachable and a good listener as I have discussed with him a number of times on my journey of faith. Whenever I mentioned a bible passage that was being discussed, he will ask me again just to make sure he got the correct passage I talked about. He asked questions on what was discussed and will also contribute. He opened up and shared his experience of growing up in Nigeria, his education, faith and his family background on a number of times that is now embedded in my brain because he had repeated this to myself and Yinka on a few occasions.
He loved driving and therefore offers willingly, voluntarily and cheerfully to give people lift not minding the distance or go on errand where help is needed (oju o ki ro won rara). Anytime my senior sister hears his name, she says that is the man who picked us from airport on arrival at UK. She is aware of his passing away and sends her condolence to the family.
He was an encourager because during his illness when he was not able to move around much, he took it upon himself to call, especially young adults from when they were in university and even after and befriend them that many of them discuss with him freely on a number of things.
We will miss him here on earth but we look forward to our heavenly reunion where we will meet to part no more.

I arrived 80 North Birkbeck Road Leyton January 1981 to be introduced to Mr Kayode Sodeinde (Mr S) as husband to Bimbola Sodeinde (Mrs S), whom I knew as Bimbola Giwa back in Lagos, Nigeria. Little did I know it was the beginning of a 43 years relationship, Mr S being the Caretaker of the property at the time, and we became friends.
Our friendship took us everywhere in London and Birmingham, where Mrs S attended Aston University at the time. Mr S introduced me to a Church in Stratford where he and Mrs S tied the knot, but following one of our visits to Birmingham, we all attended an All-Night Prayer Meeting in an Elim Church in Birmingham, and were introduced to Leyton Elim Church. On return to London, we attended the Church and I immediately told him I was no longer attending the Stratford Church with him. Although they felt some allegiance and attachment to the Stratford Church, I didn’t, and it was not long before they also decided to follow me to Elim Church Leyton, where they remained until they relocated to Basildon.
Mr S was a people person, because in those days, we used our weekends as opportunities to visit or receive the few friends we knew. These regular visits and the necessity to socialise among ourselves was what brought about the suggestion to formalise our coming together and gave birth to the monthly Youth For Christ (YFC) UK meeting we had. This meeting turned out to be a pillar of strength for all of us.
Whenever we went out, Mr S did the driving and I navigated, using the old and faithful A to Z maps in his cars, as he liked changing his cars. One particular car he loved was a brown coloured Chrysler, which we nicknamed OMO IGI (Child of stick – meaning the car, like a child, will only respond when beaten with a stick). This was because the car when hot, would close the air inlet valve, which meant it would not restart until the valve was opened. Many times, and in our ignorance, we sat in the car for a long time, waiting for an AA engineer to come and help us. On one occasion, the engineer showed us the valve and explained we only needed to insert something in the valve to open it and once opened the car will start, so we found a little stick (IGI) we left in the car permanently, so anytime the car stopped, I inserted the stick in the valve and Mr S did the starting, and we got going again.
Mr S and I talked about the difficulties of living our Christian faith in London, encouraged each other to keep on in our faith and did our weekly shopping together, and never did we have any occasion to think or believe either of us took advantage of the other in our contribution to the general purse. Mrs S did the cooking. He was honest and trusting.
Being a devoted and loving family man, Mr S excitingly announced the arrival of their children to the few friends he had at the time, and with time, his friends grew in number through contacts at work places and Christian circles. This was because the love of Christ oozed out of Mr S, which attracted others to him and his family.
He confided in me about his life and upbringing, accepted the mistakes he made, was open to reproof and did not hesitate to correct and advise me and others as and when the need arose, not least the young people within YFC with whom he related so well. He was the only parent YFC children referred to as Uncle K. For all other YFC uncles, they were called Uncle ???(their name).
Mr S’ illness stole some of the Christian fellowship and outdoor enjoyments we shared, but God knows best, and in His own wisdom, decided it was time to take him home. I believe a big hole has been left for us all, the family he left behind, and particularly for Mrs S. Our hope and prayer is to meet at Jesus’ feet, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they (those already called home) be made perfect. Heb 11:40

I’m not sure if this page can contain much of what I want to say.

The memories go back to 2006 when I worked in an East London Hospital.

I was looking for a church and attended Elim Leyton and then connected with your family.

Mr S you were always fun and easy to talk to! My children also became part of your extended family, somewhat, us. 😊

So many times I would call on the phone to get advice from you and Mrs S. I would call it head-washing.

I thank God for the beautiful children and more you were blessed with.

You were at my wedding, and your wife cooked. My children remember you calling to ask after them.

Wow!
May you sleep well until we see and reign Jesus together.

I met my beloved brother, Olukayode Sodeinde for the first time in London when he and his beautiful wife, whom I had already known in YFC, Lagos Nigeria, were looking after a property in Leytonstone, where I got a room. He treated me as if we had known each other for a long time. They both treated me so well and made my first time in London very comfortable. I thank God for our friendship and thank you very much for all that you did for me. You are now with your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We celebrate your life. Sun re o!

How difficult to write a tribute for you.
I called him Daddy. Yes, not professional but I see him more as a father. You were extremely kind to me from the day I met you. Every visit was a story telling time. It doesn't matter if it was repetitive, you were very engaging all of the time.
You called me your daughter from the middle belt and told me there are no boundaries because even Son is picking a wife from the eastern part of Nigeria.
I cared for you 90% more than all the carers in the later part of your life and I saw you declined but I was hopeful.
I hold my emotions everytime I walk into your apartment now and your chair / bed are empty. I guess I have to be professional.
I truly miss you and celebrate our times and memories made.
Rest well Daddy.
Virginia

I met Mr Shodeinde - Daddy as he was fondly called by us his carers in his home sometime in early 2023. For me he represented a father figure in a foreign land. He was very warm and chatty, regaling me with stories of his childhood in Nigeria, meeting his dear wife and raising his family. He was a strong man of faith. We fostered a good rapport and ultimately introduced me to his whole family. He was a very caring and amiable person. It was quite sad to see his health decline in the following months and his eventual passing.
“Daddy, I wish you a peaceful rest.
To his dear family, please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. May God continue to uphold you all.

My beloved Uncle K,

Although this was not easy to accept at first, you have now gone on to glory, but unlike the world, as a believer of Christ I take comfort that you have died in the Lord. You are resting now and THAT is my joy. I will always remember the good times our families shared, birthdays (uncle NEVER forgot my birthday), family holidays, going out to eat etc. I truly thank God for your life as you were a blessing in mine.

I love you uncle but the Lord loves you so much more that He called you home.. till we meet again at the feet of Jesus.

Forever your “Coquiote” xx

Uncle is simply LOVE 💖 He loved everyone and demonstrated that love thinking about us all, praying for us all without ceasing - selflessly and joyfully and always giving thanks to God - thank you for everything, we love you Uncle xxx

Sometimes, Daddy and I would honour our shared first name by matching our clothes (though we wouldn't always pull a face!)

One thing Daddy and Mummy would always do together, is worship God (and look fly while doing it!)