

This memorial website was created in memory of our Dad, Pa. Benjamin Afolabi, 94 years old, born on December 10, 1930, and passed away on Wednesday, May 21 2025. We will remember him forever.
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved patriarch, Pa Benjamin Olaniyi Afolabi, who left us on 21 May 2025 at the age of 94. Born on 10 December 1930, in the vibrant town of Ogbomosho, Nigeria, Pa Benjamin's life was a remarkable testament to kindness, generosity, and an enduring spirit of gentleness.
Pa Benjamin's journey took him far from his birthplace, as he ventured to England where he pursued his studies and embarked on a successful career. However, his love for his homeland drew him back to Nigeria, where he continued to touch the lives of those around him with his unfailing warmth and generosity.
Married to Marian Adebisi, Pa Benjamin is fondly remembered as a devoted husband and father. Together, they raised four children, instilling in them the values of compassion, integrity, and the importance of family, values which he exemplified every day of his life.
Throughout his long and fulfilling life, Pa Benjamin remained a pillar of strength and a beacon of light to all who knew him. His gentle nature and empathetic heart were matched only by his unwavering dedication to his community and family.
To honor and commemorate his extraordinary life, a funeral service will be held on 17th October 2025 in Ogbomosho, Nigeria. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have reached out during this difficult time, and who continue to share in remembering the remarkable legacy of love and kindness that Pa Benjamin leaves behind.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may his memory continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Timeline
Ancestral homeland is Orile Igbon on the outskirts of Ogbomoso.
Mother: Oladuntan Ayoka who hails from ile Bunleyin Osupa, was the second of the four wives of my father. Siblings include Madam Wuraola Oyeniran, Mopelola of blessed memory, Late Moyoola Oyewusi, Late Dejo Afolabi, Mr. Sam Afolabi, Mrs. Olatundun Aremu, Mrs. Abeo Aremu, and Mrs. Tokunbo Akanbi.
I left Bida for Ogbomoso to complete my primary school
“ Sovereign Lord, as you have promised
You now dismiss your servant in peace
For my eyes have seen your salvation”
Gallery
Memory wall
It is painful to bid farewell to someone who is so dear to me and my family, but yet it is a privilege to write a eulogy in honour of Pa Benjamin Olaniyi Afolabi for whom I held in high respect and esteem. Pa Afolabi was my very senior cousin brother. He was a very light-hearted, forthright, frank, jovial gentle person. He got along very well with most people. He was a rallying point for most people especially the youths. As a big brother, he inculcated in us high sense of responsibility and good moral values.
As a small boy, I was to him a favourite errand boy. I went as far Minna, Niger State in 1958 to track and retrieve bags of yam flour for his wedding ceremony. I was also one of the delegates sent to Gbagi in Ibadan to choose and pick “Aso Ebi” for his wedding.
Pa Afolabi was a very keen sportsman. He was a very good footballer. He was a member of Ogbomosho XI that played along with Late Pa Emmanuel Akinyemi Magbagbeola, Chief Ogundipe etc. to play against Ilorin and Osogbo football teams.
As an adult, I later reunited with Pa Afolabi when I came back to Ogbomosho on retirement. Although he has already become old, bent and gray, he was still sound and active in memory and sight. I had the opportunity to learn under his tutelage. I usually sat close to him sitting in his rocking moving chair. It was a delight to listen to his sweet, quivering, velvet-like voice echoing words of wisdom, encouragement, advice and warning.
[Pa Afolabi was a healthy old man. He was almost independent, taking care of himself.] He never had any serious ailment except frequent discomfort in his knees which made him use a walking stick. Anytime he complained about the inconvenience in his leg, I jokingly reminded him that he was once a footballer. He responded by telling me he was not the only one who played football. Then I would challenge him to name any of his teammates that were still alive. Then we would rest the case because there was none.
Pa Afolabi had an antidote for every disease and he found answers in the Holy Bible. He was still reading the Bible with his naked eyes without recommended or non-recommended reading glasses under a very dull light.
Pa Afolabi had a long table in his house. If he was not sleeping, you would find him reading his Bible and would be telling me he had no other assignment but to move closer to His Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
At 94, he always insisted on walking or seeing me out to the gate on my departure once he got hold of his walking stick.[ I openly apologize that I could no longer be there when he requested for my attention shortly before he died].
Papa lived an exemplary enviable, humble, fruitful long life which many aspire to emulate and pray to attain. His selfless service, generosity, accommodating spirit, humility and fear of God will never be forgotten and we will miss him dearly.
My family, friends and I are grateful to God Almighty for sharing in his beautiful life. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
-Prof. Chief Abraham Oyediji Ogungbile
Today, we gather to celebrate the life of a man whose love, wisdom, and legacy will forever be etched in our hearts. My grandfather was more than just a family pillar; he was a guiding light who inspired us to strive for excellence.
I still cherish the memory of when I gained admission to study medicine. Grandpa's joy was palpable, and his support was unwavering. He would eagerly ask to buy my textbooks, and whenever his pension arrived from the UK, he would call me to collect my share, specifically for books. It wasn't just about the financial support; it was about the pride he took in my pursuit of knowledge.
Grandpa's life was a testament to the power of hard work, integrity, and love. He taught us that excellence is not just a goal, but a habit. His unwavering support and encouragement gave me the strength to pursue my dreams, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
As I say goodbye to this incredible man, I am filled with a deep sense of loss. I miss his warm smile, his words of wisdom, and his unwavering love. But even in death, his legacy lives on through us.
Rest in peace, Grandpa. I love you more than words can express.
“That’s my Dad”!
There he is, streaking down the left wing. He beats the first man, leaves the second man floundering in his wake, and presses towards the opposing penalty area. There were shouts of “shoot”! “shoot”! from the excited crowd, but instead, he stopped dead in his tracks, left the ball, and ran towards the confused crowd to pick up a two-year-old boy who had strayed into the field of play. I was that little toddler, and that act of sacrificing his glory for my sake and that of the family continued to be replicated throughout his life, even up to the time he left us. My father was a man who believed that it was ‘more blessed to give than to receive’. Unlike many of his time, he was a silent giver who did not believe in giving with fanfare.
My relationship with my dad varied between the hero worship of a child who believed his father could do anything and everything, to the realization of his frailties, which came with the rebellious teenage years, to the understanding and empathy that came with having passed through the experiences of being a husband, father, and grandfather. As a child, I basked in his reflected glory as a talented footballer who was admired by many in the town. To my surprise, the recognition continued well into my adulthood and whenever I gave my name, and mentioned that I was from Ogbomoso, I was invariably asked whether I was related to him. On telling them he was my father, they would shower me with the respect and love they would have accorded my father in person.
My relationship with my father soured somewhat during my teenage years and early adulthood, when I felt that he was not doing enough for the family and was more concerned about others outside the nuclear family. Whenever I complained about certain family issues, he would invariably end the debate with the proverb ‘won l’oo su l’oja oo nu idi! Eniyan melo l’oo fe si idi han? Meaning ‘you are alleged to have defecated and not cleaned yourself up! How many people are you going to show your backside (to prove the allegation wrong)? In the face of my criticism, he remained silent never defending himself for his actions. Looking back years later, I realised that I had selfishly wanted to monopolise his generosity. There was never a time I asked him directly or indirectly (by looking longingly at a certain item that I felt was too expensive for him to afford) for anything that he did not give me. It would seem that my request would not be granted but no matter how long it took, he would eventually present me with the item either at Christmas or on my birthday.
In my later years, when I too became a husband and father, I came to appreciate the relevance of his proverbial response to my complaints. The Native American proverb ‘Don't judge a man until you've walked two moons in his moccasins’ assumed meaning as I came to empathize with him, having passed through similar experiences. With this empathy came an understanding of the true nature of my father. My Dad was not only a sacrificial giver, but most importantly to him, he was a silent giver. His love for his fellowman was manifested in giving. Even though he no longer had children in school, he continued to pay school fees for others who came to him for assistance. He would give anyone who expressed a need, no matter how unreasonable the request was. He just felt the compulsion to give. As a result, despite receiving pension from overseas in pounds sterling, and regular stipends from his children, he always seemed to run out of cash. Whenever this happened he would send messages to us children and even close friends that he needed money for provisions. On many occasions, I wondered out loud what he was eating that was costing so much! I later realised that his ‘hunger’ was actually the desire to satisfy the needs of others and that his ‘food’ was giving.
As my father grew older, he became more and more concerned about the nature of his passing. He would always greet his friend and neighbor Baba Obamo (also in his 90s) with “E ku ipalemo” meaning (how’s the preparation going?). As such, he prayed for a peaceful transition devoid of chronic ill-health and incapacitation that would make him a burden to us. In the end, he got his wish as he died following a brief illness even while we were preparing for his long term supportive care.
“Only the truth that in life we have spoken
Only the seed that in life we have sown.
These shall pass onwards when we are forgotten.
Only remembered for what we have done.
Only remembered, only remembered,
only remembered for what we have done”.
Oladele Afolabi (Son)
Glory be to God that you knew Christ before your demise and you have blessed the Church. Baba you are so great to us in every aspect, the Church will never forget you. We love you but God loves you more than we do.
Good Night
Oyedola Victoria
Church secretary
For Abundant Glory Baptist Church ( AGBC)
Pa Benjamin Olaniyi Afolabi was affable, loving and accommodating. Baba was very versatile and highly exposed. He was highly open. Indeed Baba loved his Pastor and he had a great respect for his Pastor regardless of his age.
An instance of this was when Baba relocated to his personal house and he made a move to be worshipping in a non Baptist Church. I insisted that he should join a nearby Baptist Church, Baba graciously concord.
My close relationship with him enabled me to have a glimpse of his deep love for his family and especially his children. Baba was such an elderly man that when you visit him, you will not like to leave him in a hurry. We will miss him for a while until the resurrection morning.
May the children he left behind continue to flourish. May God help us to reign in heaven in Jesus name. Amen
Meeting with Baba
My first meeting with Baba was towards the year end in 2012 during one of my one-to -one personal evangelism to his house that is not too far from Abundant Glory Baptist Church, where I pastor.We exchanged pleasantry and I delivered the Kingdom message to him.
Since then,he has been on our regular visiting schedule as a church.I know him to be a member of FBC Okeelerin through his lovely and caring Pastor,Baba Rev'd Dr. J.A.Aworinde (Rtd.).
Fellowship with Baba
We took over the responsibility of pastoral care for baba since year 2015 when he eventually started attending Abundant Glory Baptist Church due to old age and with the consent of his Pastor and his son ,Dr. Dele Afolabi who is also a friend of our church.
His Life with the Church
Baba was a good story-teller,he had sharp memory of his past life.He used to share the story of his past joy, pains,interest and future desires.
Baba Afolabi is a child of God, humble, lover of the Word, and strictly a Baptist.He is a sage,a faithful tither, thoughtful-giver and active in divers areas of the church life,even at his old-age.Later when he could not come for the regular early morning Sunday school due to aging,the church made arrangements for in-house Sunday service for him and other seniors of his rank.
In December 2023,the church pastor made suggestion that Baba's name be used to open the first RA Chapter of the church- "Afolabi Chapter" in recognition of his love to the church.Until his death,he is a member of the Blessed Seniors' Fellowship (BSF).
Last Moment
My last meeting with Baba before we left for a couple's retreat at Ede was on the evening of Sunday May 18,2025 towards the last week of his departure to the home beyond. Together with my wife, as we follow him on his wheel chair to the bathroom,he said it to my hearing "Pa-stor,... akoko ati lo ti to".We had prayer together.I remembered to tell his daughter who was with us that night! She received the news with mixed feelings.
We love Baba Afolabi,we hope to meet again.
-Rev. Niyi & Pst. Ope Ogunbunmi
Pastor, Abundant Glory Baptist Church and the Church Family.



Celebrating Pa Benjamin Olaniyi AFOLABI.
A tribute in honour of the extraordinary life of a man who was more than a uncle to me, he was a counsellor and father figure Pa Benjamin Olaniyi AFOLABI left an indelible mark on the lives of all who had the privileged of knowing him.
Adieu!!! Grandpa.
Mrs Oyekunle Grace Olubunmi ( Fedegbo, Takie Ogbomosho).
Right from London we've been a good friend.He was a jovial man.We travelled back to Nigeria in the same cabin.
He has answered God's call.May his soul rest in peace.l pray for the children, grandchildren ,relatives and friends left behind that the good Lord remain with them.Cheriob, By Samuel Afolabi Oniwinde.
A wonderful family man and a caring father.
We will miss you. You came, you saw and conquered.
Have a good rest until we meet to part no more on Resurrection Day.
I will miss you gangan o
You never for once see or treated me as a son in law.
Baba will say 'Mr. Ladeji ku toju aya re,o se mo dupe,suru ni obinrin fe".
You were always down loading me patience assurance and brighter tomorrow, thank you very much sir.
Adieu darling Precious Father, you are very wonderful.
Sleep on on the wonderful bosom of everlasting Lord till we meet to part no more.
Biodun Ladeji.
B- for Big hearted,
E - for Ever caring
N- for Never weary of digging deep.
Omo Olugbon agbe,a kiije o a sun yi iha pada.,
What A Day;;;On 21st day 2025, around, one o clock p.m., l called to check on you but was greeted with the fact that you were gone to be with the the Lord , Dr Dele Afolabi has just taken your corpse out, what a big surprise as l was with you few days ago, .Hardly was l getting out of the shock your colleague at bar and friend, Pa Justice Atilade Ojo called to confirm if it was really true that you are no more .whaoo Ajanaku ti sun bi oke, Baba lo.
I peeped at our wedding picture and remember how you appended your precious signature to the certificate .
You're indeed a gem of kindness, Severally when l visited you, you complain of lack of money, when two days ago you were happily rejoicing of money received,. At a point l wondered and asked of what was going wrong all you said ''awon kan nilo owo fun omo ti won le ni school, tabi lagbaja ni mo fun o ni awon ko ni ounje ni ile "l dont want them to suffer so l gave out",it happened, that some even borrowed never to repay, thus you were highly sacrificial.
Your Compound is widely opened for Borehole water, while your living room served neighbours for charging electrical gadgets, and digging deep into history you would be missed and remember.
You're indeed, very ready to listen, l never saw you once been angry or offended except when people you helped failed .Baba was highly appreciative 0f any little things given or any assistance rendered. He didn't like to inconvenient anyone..,he always ask of the welfare of people especially families
Thank God for a well fulfilled life of Baba rere,orun rere re o,
Ao pade lese Jesu.
Lad.Ladipo
Sekoni, Ogbomoso.
We all have wonderful memories of this great man though he was no longer with us but his influence will still be felt in our Community that lives on.
Rest on in the blossom of your Lord Jesus Christ till we meet to part no more.
Adieu Baba!
Pa Benjamin Olaniyi Afolabi.
Baba, as we fondly call him was one of the greatest footballers, Ogbomoso has produced. I came to know him when he was playing football and representing Ogbomoso Town in the 50s. Indeed, I was one of his diehard fans and would do all i could to watch him play anytime when his team played at the Ogbomoso Township Stadium, then located at Takie in Ogbomoso ( but now occupied by the Nitel Corporation).
Baba was soft-spoken and an embodiment of humility ,generosity, and love. He was selfless, a free giver, always helpful and sincere in his love to humanity. Though he was old and aged, it is painful to hear of his demise. My wife and I will dearly miss Baba Benjamin Olaniyi Afolabi. In particular, our visits to see him at his residence located at the Blind Centre Quarters of Ogbomoso.
Rest on, baba,until the resurrection day when we shall meet again to part no more
--- Justice Atilade and Mrs Bimpe OJO
You always made me feel welcome whenever I was around you.
I always wondered why my mother was always so open, friendly and welcoming with almost everyone.
As I grew older, I saw where she got the traits from.
I'm glad you lived a long and fruitful life even though I wanted it to be a little more for my personal reasons but God knows best.
I hope you and Grandma are now reunited and resting in the Bossom of the Lord.
Thank you for the Lovely memories.
Good Night Grandpa, We will meet again.
Your Grandson
Ibukun
I thank God for Baba Benjamin Afolabi's life, he will be solely missed, but we know that you are in a better place now. Rest on in the bossom of your Lord till the resurrection day.

May God bless all his love and good deeds with heavenly reward.
Good night papa,
Elder Joseph Olaoye Afolabi

When I heard about your passing on to glory,I was saddened ànd devastated because I was unable to see you before your departure,
Daddy thanks so much for all your sacrifices for me and my siblings before ànd after our mummy's death who was your favourite sister,
Daddy I can not thank u enough for your impact in my life,carrier ,my family and my spiritual well being,
My God grant you eternal rest,
Adieu daddy,
Your. Nephew
Tunde Oyewusi
"Your memory will forever be etched in my heart. You may be gone, but your impact on my life and the lives of those around you will never fade. Your laughter, your smile, and your unwavering support will be deeply missed. I cherish the moments we shared, the memories we created, and the lessons you taught me. Rest in peace, dear brother. Your legacy lives on through me and all those who loved you."
From your dear sister Aremu Abigael Faderera a.k.a ABIFOTO Nee Afolabi.
Daddy,
I was deeply saddened to hear about your passing. The news came as a shock, and it's hard to believe it's happened so soon.
I'll always cherish the memory of our last visit together with Gboyega and Brother Peter during MAMA Kekere's burial. Your love, care, and wise counsel will forever be remembered. You played a remarkable role as a father figure, and your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched.
May your soul rest in perfect peace.
Farewell, Daddy
David Oyewusi.
The news of your demise came when i least expect because i recalled the year you called me and mandated that i must come and see you with my wife and the children. I came down from Lagos to Ogbomoso and left in the evening of same day and the memories of the moments spent with you within that short hours we keep talking about until your demise.
The most shocking thing to me is that you called me about 2-3 weeks before your demise asking about my wellbeing, wife, children and my senior brothers and sister not knowing that you are calling to wish me good bye.
Daddy, you left a vacuum of love, affection, care and positive impacts that hardly would any one knows the difference between your children and that of your junior Sister (Moyoola Alake Oyewusi, nee Afolabi) our own mother.
Your memories and lasting impact we would not forget.
Rest on Daddy !!!

You were more than just a grandfather; you were a friend, a mentor, and a constant source of love and
laughter. I still can't believe our last moment together, when I was helping you to living room and playing with your tommy and you smiling at me was a goodbye until when I got the call that you passed away few hours later 💔.Grandpa, I will never forget you and I will come always miss you. You leaving without letting
me know has made me sad, and wishing to turn back the hands of time. I often find myself reminiseing about the countless stories, memories and life experiences you shared, the advice you gave me, and the lessons you taught me. Your wisdom, your humor, and your unwavering love have shaped who I am today. I promise to carry your legacy forward and always take to what I learnt from You, striving to be the kind and compassionate person you inspired me to be. I'll always cherish the memories we made, and l'll
strive to make you proud...
I LOVE GRANDPA BUT JESUS LOVE YOU MOST
MAY YOUR LOVING AND GENTLE SOUL CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE 🕊️🕊️
STEPHEN OLUWADAMILARE AKINLABI

A Tribute to a Life Well Lived
I honour the memory of a man who, in his own gentle and steadfast way, left a deep mark on the lives around him. Dad was a loving and caring soul—not always with grand declarations, but through quiet actions, dependable presence, and a heart that held his family and community close.
A lifelong public servant, he dedicated the majority of his working years to the civil service, retiring in 1985 after a career marked by diligence, integrity, and commitment. His work was never just about duty—it was about service to people, a reflection of the deep value he placed on community and togetherness.
Dad had an extraordinary love for people. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, and he genuinely cared about their stories, their joys, and their struggles. His warmth didn’t shout—it resonated. And those who encountered him felt seen, heard, and welcomed.
He was also a master storyteller. We’ll forever treasure the memories of huddling around him during power cuts, the room lit by moonlight or flickering candle flames, as he brought to life the enchanting folktales of Ijapa the tortoise. His voice would rise and fall with drama and delight, his eyes twinkling as we listened, wide-eyed and giggling. Through those stories, he passed down wisdom, tradition, and laughter—gifts we carry in our hearts still.
Remarkably, he lived a long and full life, maintaining his independence with quiet pride and determination. Even in his later years, there was a spark in him—a stubborn zest, a twinkle in the eye, a joke at the ready. He aged with grace and dignity, the same way he lived.
We remember him today and always not just for the years he lived, but for the way he filled those years—with love, laughter, resilience, and a quiet strength that anchored our lives. We are grateful for his life and proud to carry his spirit forward.
He may no longer walk among us, but his memory endures—in the lessons he taught, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.
Rest well, Dad. You were deeply loved. You always will be.
Your loving son,
Dapo
I've lingered so long to write this tribute.
Thanks for watching out this long for us, till you had to answer the call home.
I had always thought my Uncle - Dejo Afolabi was my Dad until I met a replica of him without a missing front tooth. I wondered at the magic that filled that gap overnight!!!
Anyways, you made me feel special, you would buy things for me from your workplace etc. I guess it was because I was the only girl. One thing I loved about you was your fearlessness and unshakeable faith in God.
As you grew older, God gave you rest and you built a relationship with him. We would come and see you praying for families and friends and reading the Bible with devotionals .
At 94 your memories of events were really sharp until you mistook Dapo for Dr. Dele Afolabi. That was when Dapo and I looked at each other and echoed "Old Age"
You impacted lives of those around you. You were a rallying point for all. Your neighbours Pastor Akinlabi and his wife drew near to take care of you.
I do not mourn you, rather I am happy for you. You braved every pain that came your way.
Adieu Dad
Love You.
Your Daughter,
Deaconess Afolake Aduke Ladeji
Love You
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