“Well, this is the time to say thank you to everybody. To be 80 is something, it can only mean there are so many people who have offered their support to keep one going. There are many people who have sacrificed a lot to keep one going. So, a night like this or a day like this, there is only one word that predominates, thanks. It’s a thanksgiving night, so thank you everybody for your efforts, for your sacrifices and may God be with all of us. Amen.”
Dr. Oluwole Adegboyega
30.07.2016
Obituary
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Oluwole Adegboyega, a beloved family man, esteemed academic, and dedicated public servant, who departed this life on August 19, 2024, at the age of 88.
Born on June 12, 1936, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Dr Adegboyega was known for his exceptional intellect, selflessness, and compassion. His remarkable journey began at the University of Ibadan, where he laid the foundation for a distinguished academic career, furthered at Imperial College London and the London School of Economics.
Dr Adegboyega devoted over 30 years to global public service, making significant contributions as Chief Technical Advisor and census expert with the United Nations (UNDP & UNFPA). His expertise in international social and economic development had a particular focus on Africa, with assignments in Ethiopia, Somalia, Botswana, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. His work in improving demographic and statistical data helped shape policies that continue to uplift African nations, solidifying his legacy in diplomacy and development on the global stage.
At the heart of his life was his deep love for family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Dr Adegboyega’s greatest joy was being surrounded by those he loved. His wisdom, humility, and steadfast support were guiding lights in the lives of his family and friends, creating a legacy that extends beyond his professional achievements.
Dr Adegboyega’s life will be celebrated in his hometown of Abeokuta, Nigeria. A Christian Wake will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at his residence, followed by a church service on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the African Church Cathedral. A Celebration of Life reception will follow the service, where his legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.
Dr Oluwole Adegboyega will be remembered not only for his exceptional contributions to academia and public service but also for the immense love and care he bestowed upon his family and community. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the many lives he touched.
He will be deeply missed.
May his gentle soul Rest in perfect Peace.
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Those Family Days, with Uncle always in the elders' corner, are memories I’ll forever treasure. He enjoyed simple pleasures, like family, friends and a good glass of red wine. I treasure the memory of a particular evening spent with him, when we had a heart-to-heart conversation. That image of him is etched in my memory, as though I took a photo. That’s how I’ll remember him—smiling, joyful, and wise.
And in the spirit of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” we give thanks for the gift of our uncle’s presence in our lives.
We thank God for the gift of our uncle. May his memory continue to inspire us and bring comfort to us in grief.
From your niece,
I have so many memories of the times we have spent together and even though you are no longer here, I will cherish them forever.
I miss your laughter 😁 and the mischief in your smile. Your swagalicious dance 🕺🏾 moves on our Family Days.
You’ll never be truly gone. So long as I have these memories, your spirit will carry on. So until I see your smile, 😊 again I'll hold you in my heart and mind.
Your niece,
As a teenager, I remember one day talking with him and my dad about universities, and they suggested Duke University. It hadn't been on my list of places to apply, but when the time came, I thought "hey, why not apply for Granddad". I was accepted but initially chose another university. At the last moment after a visit to that other university, I changed my mind and in a bit of a panic, I decided to take another look at Duke. I ended up having a wonderful 4 years full of growth and exploration, making new friends and learning so much, at Duke, and I have a conversation with Granddad to thank for that.
He was also an inspiration to me for pursuing a PhD and a career in international development, and we recently shared a connection about his first job working at the Cocoa Research Institute of West Africa (Ghana and Nigeria) and my current work engaging with researchers at the modern version of that institute in Ghana.
What a coincidence!
This year, we also got to share the excitement and joy of the birth of my daughter, his great-granddaughter. He happily signed off all of his messages "GGD" — Great-Granddad. In the days and hours leading up to her arrival, he sent many "any news?" texts, and he checked up on us frequently in her early days and loved seeing her photos. I enjoyed the many days and nights just hanging out at home when I came to visit, watching the news and catching up, and it's these simple moments that I'll miss the most. There certainly weren't enough.
I knew WOLE as far back as 1954 after his secondary education at Molusi College where he and his late friend, Dele Odunlami, created unparalleled academic records.
We came closer living under the same roof with late Dele Oni and Dele Maxwell from 1957-1958 when he did his HSC COURSE, first set, at the Abeokuta Grammar School under the tutorship of the famous Oyewoles. He was a lover of sports. He played lawn tennis at the RECREATION CLUB, Imo, Abeokuta with the late Major Ifeajuna and others.
He was a ravenous reader with WHET appetite for figures, hence, mathematics .
He was a lover of culture and humanity. Little wonder that he ended working for the UN as chief Statistician
His voracious appetite for knowledge impacted on his children.
"PEOPLE ",we love you, but Christ loves you more
Good night, Adieu, "Kabiyesi Olowu", ajoba ma dade of Kemta
To a soft and loving soul that has left this earth to find its way to a peaceful and mesmerising place like no other.
Dear Uncle Wole, I take great pride and joy in writing to you on behalf of my father, your dear and loving friend, Joseph Owusu Asamani. You two were two peas in a pod and nurtured your friendship from the time Adeola and I were at primary school until the day you took your last breath. Only I can dream and hope such a friendship like that will guide Adeola and I, so we can one day tell our kids how you were the epitome of loyalty, care and understanding.
This is not goodbye, but rather see you soon. Stay resting in peace knowing that you have filled our lives with joy and left happy memories which we will forever cherish.
Love you always,
He always extended an invitation to myself and Tokunbo’s South African friends to visit Nigeria, therefore it saddens me that I could not be present for his farewell.
I met Tokunbo at the University of Cape Town, and our friendship grew from there. When I discovered that she was from a big family, I was really impressed. Especially because I only have one brother, and it was something I wished for.
I remember that I met Dr Adegboyega for the first time at our graduation ceremony. The university was selling souvenir wines which had our names on them. Usually, people get just one for memories, but Tokunbo and her father bought the whole case, and we drank most of it. After the ceremony Tokunbo and her father invited a bunch of us (her friends) to lunch at Spur. That was a lovely treat as we were on a tight budget and had no plans. What a father figure, we all felt his warmth.
I would visit Tokunbo and Adeola at their home in Pretoria. Sitting by the pool, enjoying the cool garden with those special tortoises.
Dr Adegboyega was a great ambassador for Nigeria and the Nigerian people, because of the positive way he touched our lives here in South Africa.
When Tokunbo, Adeola and Toro visited my home in Johannesburg, and it would get dark, he would call several times until they made their way home. To him they were just his little girls. It was such a delight to see the bond he had with his daughters.
A big tree has fallen but this tree bore fruit with seeds. The way you touched our lives with your kindness and humility was Godly. You really lived up to your name Mr Oluwole. Your presence will be missed but you will remain in our hearts.
I was blessed to encounter you and your family.
May your soul rest in peace.
Today, as we celebrate Dr Oluwole Adegboyega's extraordinary life, we are reminded of a person's profound impact on the people around him. Dad, as I used to call him, and he would answer “Obi” with a grin you could feel over the phone, wasn’t just a man of accomplishments—he was a man of immeasurable heart. His life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and quiet strength.
Dad achieved greatness in his professional and personal life, yet he carried his success with humility. His work with the United Nations, where he helped shape census programs and population policies across Africa, made a tangible difference to communities and countries. But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of his work was how he did it—with a deep sense of purpose, integrity, and a relentless desire to leave the world a better place than he found it.
To his family, he was their “North Star.” His love was quiet but fierce, and his devotion to his children and grandchildren was unshakeable. He believed that a man's accurate measure was not in his position but in his daily values—kindness, generosity, and belief in himself. He gave us these values as gifts, which will forever be part of who we are, especially his children. I see these values daily in my wife, Adeola, and her sisters. The act of persevering no matter the outcome and having a plan to tackle all issues. This is Dad personified.
I remember feeling nervous and honoured the first time I met with him. I can always remember the day. It was during their family gathering that Adeola asked me to come and meet her siblings. I had already met Busola and Folu, who warmly welcomed me into their family. Busola, my banting partner, and Folu, the glue of the family. But once I met Dad, I immediately knew where they got their personalities from. Dad’s first question to me was, Son, do you drink? I said yes, then he brought a glass of Jack Daniels and said share this with me. Then he went on to ask about me, what I did, who I was, put his arm around, and said welcome to the family. Treat my daughter right, and we have no issues. Once I told him he had nothing to worry about, he gave me the biggest smile and a cheer and went dancing. This was Dad, the party's life—the jiggy, as I would think. I first thought, how is he 83? He was busting all the moves, going down and coming up, and I just looked at my wife, and we both smiled. Then she gave me the thumbs up, saying yes, you got the seal of approval.
There was something special about how he listened—a rare quality that made you feel like the only person in the world. His words were always filled with wisdom, and his presence, even in silence, was a comfort. He could light up a room not with grand gestures but with his simple smile, jokes, and genuine warmth.
Dad’s influence stretched far beyond his family. He was a mentor to many, a friend to all, and a true example of what it means to live a life of service. His quiet resilience through challenges, grace in times of difficulty, and unyielding commitment to those he loved left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a man who embodied the belief that authentic leadership is not about position but about inspiring others through your actions. I can never forget two occasions this happened. First, I went to him for his blessing to marry his daughter. He asked me four simple questions, not just about thinking of today but having a plan for tomorrow and knowing the difficulty of marriage. Those questions I will keep to myself. Even when my wife and I were experiencing some struggles in trying to finalise a marriage date, he called me and just said do what you want to make your wife secure. I will support you through everything, and I did just that. The second, well, I will keep that close to my chest.
Even in his final days, his courage and dignity remained, offering us all a final lesson in grace. He never once mentioned his issues as he didn’t want to burden anyone and always maintained his dignity and integrity. He lived a life of meaning, and now, as we say goodbye, we carry with us the countless ways he shaped our lives. His legacy is not just his work but the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the kindness he spread. These are the values and memories I want everyone to remember for Dad. Not his passing but his legacy, and it lives in every single one of his children and grandchildren.
Dad, I am sorry I never called more. Even when I did, you would hold me to call more often, but always with a smile and a laugh. Dad, you were a man of quiet strength, a father of boundless love, and a true friend. You’ve left a space in our hearts that can never be filled, but we find comfort in knowing that your spirit will always be with us. We will see you in the simple moments of kindness, the lessons you taught us, and the love you gave so freely. You are not gone, for you live on in all of us. This I echo to my daughter every day when she asks of him. My daughter will come to me and say Grandpa is dead, and I keep telling her, yes, but he is in Heaven watching over us all and standing with God as a guardian angel. My daughter would also echo these.
Thank you for everything. Thank you for being our guide, protector, and light source.
We miss you deeply but are grateful for every moment we share with you. Rest In Power, Dr. Oluwole Adegboyega. We will carry your legacy forward with love and honour.
ONYEKACHI CHILO-OFFIAH AND FAMILY.
YOUR SON
God is rich on mercy, He will comfort your family during this time. '2 Corinthians Chp 1 v 3-4. Amen. GOD BLESS.🙏🙏
The power of his example set him apart from peers.
He was an intellect. A professional. A leader. And, most importantly he was honourable.
I will remember him fondly.
All those years he spent in Botswana made him a local. (Some would even say a politician).
He embraced Botswana and its people with a devotion and loyalty that was unmatched.
He will forever be in our hearts and memories.
For those of us who know: his contributions to our national and policy dialogue were immense.
His dedicated service to the United Nations was the stuff of legend.
He lived true to the creed ‘The world is my church. To do good my religion’.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
When the tragic news of your death was broken to me by your friend Daddy Oye, I was shocked and devastated and confused. We never heard any news you have been sick, unwell at any time, let alone you dying. You can understand my confused state when I ask Daddy Oye again, if he is sure that it's Dr Adegboyega?
He responded that My only friend has gone.
Honestly, i don't know where to start from, But, I will start with a Thank you message on behalf of my Late Hubby Adesegun Ogundare (your Brother in-law) , He spoke so much highly of you, He told me Dr Adegbogeya brought him from Nigeria to Mogadishu, Somalia, when Dr was working with United Nations, then to England to study Building Construction at Colchester College. Essex .
There is quite a lot to remember about you Daddy, your strong, good sense of humour can never be forgotten at Family day.
I can remember the last time you rang us to check on the Boys and myself post covid. I could remember your voice saying Eh Pele ooo and asking about Boys wellbeing. You are indeed a Father, not only to your children, but to everyone in the Family.
I remembered your 80th birthday at Uncle Niyi's house, and the role you played remembering my late hubby, the speech you made and also prayed for His soul to continue resting well.
I remember your good sense of humour and word of advice with your glass of brandy during Family which you initiated during Rivonia's christening that was the first time I met you, and every Family day you always fly to the UK to be part of it.
You are no longer here, but the legacy of Love for Family you planted will never be uprooted IJMN.
You were a great and successful man , who has affected a lot of people's lives far and near positively. We are grateful for that and proud of you.
We Love you Daddy, But our Father in Heaven loves you most,
May He grant you perfect peace.
You will be greatly missed
I was therefore concerned when I heard of his passing.
His academic achievements are well-known, culminating in his decades of work at and for the UN.
He was very sociable and very proud,as am I,of our common cultural heritage as Egbas. He was serious about his home country and engaged himself in whatever he could to lift it up. I have met many interesting and highly placed chiefs from Egbaland in the gatherings at his home in England in the summer months when they were on vacation. It is a measure of his worth as a Prince and an Egbaland man that they regarded him well and obviously placed him high in their esteem. I can honestly say I don't know anyone who disliked him.
When his new house in Owu in Abeokuta was built ,he invited us to visit him there , although I was not opportuned to accept his invitation.
I pray that he will Rest In Peace and that everything he achieved in life ,both for his family and the World will continue to have meaning .He strove for this and for his children to recognize, and be proud of , their Egba heritage.
He has lived a good life and run a good race.
May he Rest In Peace and May light perpetual shine on him.
Amen.
We the entire members of the Elders Section, Abeokuta Sports Club 1904, express our sincere condolences on the sudden Transition of our Chairman, a Vice-Patron of our great Club, a good Leader, a father, a grandfather and a great-grandfather, Dr. Oluwole Adegboyega, to the great beyond.
The news of his demise came to us as a rude shock. Kabiyesi, as we fondly call him, was with us as usual on Thursday 15th August, full of life, with no sign of ailment, only to be told on Monday, 19th August, four days later, that he Transited after a brief illness. O Death, where is your sting?
We were together planning to hold a Memorial Service, in our tradition, for two of our departed members. Little did we know that you will not be at the event with us. But who are we to complain? You came, you saw, and you conquered. May God rest you well, pardon your shortcomings and console the family you left behind to mourn your Glorious exit.
Yes, we will miss your ever smiling face dearly. Your favourite song “ Ka f’ope f’olorun, l’okan ati l’ohun wa, eni s’ohun iyanu, n’nu eni t’araye nyo, n’gba ta wa l’omo wo, oun na l’ontoju wa, o si pelu ife, se’toju wa si”, shall we always remember you by. We thank God for your meritorious eighty-eight years on earth.
We love you, but God loves you more.
Good night our dear Chairman till we meet to part no more.
Sun ree o Baba Owu!
A o pade lese Jesu. Nibiti a ko ni yara wa. A o ri ra wa, a o yo mora wa, Jesu ni yio se alaga wa.
THE ELDERS
Our close relationship began in 1999 when I was invited by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to the Republic of South Africa to establish Specialist Training for South African doctors in Eastern Cape Province with special support from the University of Cape Town.
He was the Chief Technical Advisor and Census Expert with the United Nations and had moved from Botswana to Pretoria. We both therefore belonged to the United Nations family acquiring common friends locally and internationally.
He welcomed me with open arms to his residence at Lynnwood Glen, one of the upmarket suburbs of Pretoria. We spent endless hours beside his swimming pool savouring the beautiful sunny Pretoria afternoons.
Our respective families became closer in April 2003 when I was involved in a life changing accident driving between Port Elizabeth and East London. When he was informed of my accident., he immediately phoned my family, then in London UK, met them at Johannesburg Airport and brought them to my bedside at the Intensive Care Unit of East London Private Hospital where I was admitted for 3 months.
He always phoned to enquire about my recovery and later visited me at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Port Elizabeth where I was admitted for 6 months.
Wole returned to Nigeria in the early 2000s and naturally he stayed in my house at the Housing Corporation GRA Estate Ibara Abeokuta while building his own house at Kemta Housing Corporation Estate.
When he finally exited South Africa, he visited Pretoria and his house which he had left in the care of loyal domestics Ozios and Esther. A room was reserved there for me to stay whenever I visited Pretoria on official or private visit and I kept my car at the premises whenever I travelled out of South Africa.
Wole was an epitome of caring and love sparing nothing to satisfy the needs of those he knew or became associated with.
When I finally retired from South Africa at the end of 2010, and settled in Abeokuta/ lbadan, I invited him to join Abeokuta Primus Torchbearers Club, a socio-cultural group of Abeokuta Professionals and Academics.
As usual with him, he was a committed and devoted member and regularly fulfilled his obligations
For us, his family and friends he will be sorely missed. We wish him a complete rest in the bosom of our Lord.
AKINFIMOJOYE & ERELU AKINFIMOJOYE EGBA
My first encounter with this Nigerian man was sometime in 1996. He had come to my bakery, on official duty with one Motswana man by the name of Christopher Molomo and a driver in a government car BX. (As they are commonly called), to inspect projects that were partially funded by the government. My bakery was of particular interest to the Government, as it was owned by a woman and was at the time the third largest bakery in Botswana. Hence SENIOR officials were sent by the Minister to visit my Bakery in Mahalapye 200 kms from Gaborone capital of Botswana.
Wale and Christopher were undoubtedly impressed...to cut the long story short they both became and remained my friends to date.
My relationship with Wale became a little unique as he had a little girl about my son, Mooketsi’s age. Since I was in Mahalapye managing the bakery most of the time Mooketsi stayed with his father in Gaborone. Wale was also in a similar circumstance as his wife was also working thousands of miles away too. Our two families united.
About Wale; he was indeed a true son of the soil with a loud laughter and heavy expressions. He would proudly talk of his children, whom I must say I thought were a little too many😀But again this was an African man who was economically very able. This could easily be seen from his structure, conduct and confidence etc.
This amazing man was also a unique parent who possessed a talent few men have...the way he was also a mother to this little Adeola. Adeola and Mooketsi were a handful as kids. Having both of them at the bakery for a week-end, when my husband sometimes brought them, was a joy for ten minutes. The rest of it would be shouting all the way through from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon when they would leave for school/work. Mooketsi and Adeola both did their schooling in Grahamstown South Africa, through my recommendation. Grahamstown had the most prestigious schools both in terms of the quality of education and in DISCIPLINE which these two greatly needed.
Wale! While we cannot attend your funeral we hope to be able to attend the unveiling of your tombstone. And what a privilege that will be to meet the entire family of this gigantic friend of mine.
(As one or two things might have gone wrong during our friendship as Adeola can explain...I had no hand in it...I remained a victim of circumstances...)
Wale my friend rest in peace. Great son of Nigeria Great son of Africa.
When he, Adeola and Tokunbo made the move to Pretoria there were many trips he made between borders transporting Adeola to and from her friends in Botswana. On some level, the strength of mine and Adeola’s relationship is in part due to him and all those trips. Every time I was under his roof, Uncle Wole made me feel welcome and part of the family. He was a man who commanded great respect and though he was stern, he showed a gentleness and genuine love that was undeniable. He was a man who showed an interest in what was happening in your life, and always had a kind word. And who could forget his wonderfully offbeat sense of humour?
When I think of him now, I remember how important family was to him and how proud he seemed to be of the family he had created, and the drive and will to succeed that he instilled in all of his children. I remember thinking on more than one occasion of how much more he smiled when he was surrounded by all of them. To the Adegboyega family – please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers always, and that we grieve with you.
Uncle Wole, your kindness and beautiful smile will forever be missed. I know I speak on behalf of the Maakwe family when I say that we will forever hold you dearly in our hearts. Robala ka kagiso – may your wonderful soul rest in eternal peace.
Warm thoughts from the Wetlesen’s!
I spent a lot of time with Adeola growing up in Botswana, and we also ended up in the same school in South Africa, and I remember always thinking – he was a “cool” dad.
This is a massive loss for the Adegboyega family indeed. I am aware of how much respect and love his children had for him.
Rest in Eternal Peace, Uncle Wole.
I was accompanied by my wife, Dr Ruth Moampe, the first Motswana Dentist, who had been trained and qualified in Nigeria.
Dr Adegboyega and I first met rather informally, at the Botswana Book Centre, located at the main Mall, in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana.
At the time in 1981, Gaborone had only one main Mall and only one Book Centre, located in Mall.
Whilst at the Book Centre, I overheard two gentlemen speaking in my native language Yoruba, and naturally I was drawn to them, even though, we were strangers to each other and I inadvertently joined in their social chatter in Yoruba, to their complete amazement and surprise. One of these gentlemen was Dr Adegboyega and that was our very first meeting, which proved to be the beginning of a lifetime association and friendship between us and our families.
Dr Adegboyega was a distinguished gentleman, with a grade A+ career Curriculum Vitae.
He was a world-renowned Statistician and was responsible for conducting the National Population Census, for the Republic of Botswana on more than one occasion, from the 80s, under the auspices of the United Nations Development Project (UNDP).
His last two daughters Adetokunbo and Adeola, were contemporaries and college mates of my first two children Jaiyeola and Tolatilewa, attending school in Grahamstown, South Africa.
Dr Adegboyega was a kind and most considerate man, with much wisdom especially in his unforgettable off the cuff, expressions in his native Yoruba language.
I consider myself most privileged and honoured to have known him and made his acquaintance.
May His Gentle Soul Rest in the Peace of the Lord and may his family be comforted with the memories of a rare breed and “a profound philosopher”....
Dr. Oluwole Adegboyega, a seasoned academic and accomplished Diplomat was a highly cherished member of the Club. A very charming and pleasant man, ever smiling and humble to the core despite his high achievements which are internationally recognized.
Despite the fact that he was not able to attend meetings most of the time due to his frequent travels outside the Country, his impact is always felt the few times he attended because of his wise counsel which has contributed immensely to the development of the Club. It is unfortunate that we now have to miss him permanently with his demise but we have to bow to the will of God who gives and takes.
We sincerely commiserate with the entire Adegboyega's family and pray that the good Lord will grant the soul of this illustrious son of Owu, Abeokuta, Nigeria and the world at large an eternal rest in His bosom and also grant all of us the fortitude to bear this loss.
He has left an indelible mark in Primus Torchbearers Club and his memory shall be cherished forever.
Barr. Sunday A. Sofolahan
As we bid farewell to friend, a father figure, a grandfather, and a leader, Dr Oluwole Adegboyega will forever be in our hearts. We will carry forward the love and laughter that he brought into our lives. Though he is no longer with us, we will continue to cherish and hold on to the memories , moments and days we spent with him for the past 28 years. No one can ever fill his shoes or take his place. The love we have for him is irreplaceable. May you rest in peace Dr Oluwole Adegboyega. You will always be remembered, and your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Amen...!!!
Still can't believe you're gone💔
You'd consistently ask "where is Alake?"; "how is Alake?" And that meant alot to me! Thank you for loving me as one of your own.
I will forever cherish the memory of you attending my graduation and my beautful graduation gift. Rest in Peace, Dearest Uncle Wole. 🙏🕊
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”2 bottles of beer a day! Dr's recommendation”
Though these issues are difficult to address in the short term, the article argues that researchers should not give up. Many African countries possess valuable data sources, albeit of varying quality. These can be utilized, analyzed, and compared to generate meaningful insights and facilitate continental-scale studies.
Service
A Celebration of Life reception will follow the service, where his legacy will be cherished by all who knew him. Your presence at this time of remembrance and reflection would mean a great deal to us.
Please submit your RSVP below.