Olumide Festus Alabi - Online Memorial Website

“My children, my children, that’s all I want” [children-in-laws inclusive]. As you say in Ekiti tone:  “Awon omo o mi”, “Awon omo o mi ni kan ni mo fe”.

Olumide, strict, wonderful, loving, caring & proud Father and Grandfather of:

Oluwakemi & Emmanuel Uddin family – always excited at each land-mark achievement of his first child. “Kemi has gained admission to higher school, university etc”; couldn’t be more proud of her leading example for her siblings, and an exceptional daughter who took great care of you. Like a typical Ekiti man (as he used to say), he was sceptical of his new son taking his beloved daughter away but he later expressed his joy and pride and thankful for been lucky to having this ‘cool’ son.

Oluwole & Tolu Alabi family – “Hen Wole, omo mi” your buddy, your ultimate pride & joy, your face would usually light up with pride when talking about him.  “You are the ‘Man of the house’ (Baba Ile) so if anything happens to me you take care of the family”…that you said years ago.  I know you were grateful for having such a caring son who exceeded your expectations; a true son of Olumide Alabi family. And you’ve got a lovely daughter in addition. I am sure you were indeed happy and you will sleep well.

Oluwagbemisola & Olufemi Ademola family – “Iya Mukule”, again which you fondly said with pride & joy. You really had special interest and love for this daughter of yours. Never missed her school visiting day, monitoring her academic progress and really proud of her achievements. I remember you running around for her wedding’s aso-ebi…and this time you were excited you got another ‘buddy son’, your paddy son with whom you spent lots of quality time together.

Olusola Alabi & Family– Your son in Canada, like your loving and duty of care for your children, you did not fail your responsibility of supporting his up-bringing & education as much as you can, despite the escalating foreign exchange. You spent holidays with him in Boston US. A good man indeed, for your child you supported his Canada father (a friend) both in Nigeria & Abroad. You always had his photograph on your dressing table.

Omolade Alabi & her future family – Your special daughter, you openly loved her exceptionally. As you used to say “Mama mi, my mother ni yen (she is my mother)”. You’ve now gone to meet your true mother. Nobody could have been more proud of your loving daughter’s achievements than you and she had been a very loving & caring daughter to you as well. Your utmost wish will be granted; ‘Baba Ile’ will walk her down by the Grace of GOD.
 

Oluwadamilola Alabi & family – Your most loved child and only ‘paddy son’ who you know understands you for who you are. You are so proud of his maturity and achievements that you never fail to mention to anyone who cares to listen. Truly, you have a caring family loving son as well. You simply missed seeing your caring personality in your son reflected in your beautiful grand-daughter’s life.  We thank GOD.
 

On your behalf, I wish to say thank you to all the children ‘Awon Omo e’. They did take utmost care of you during those difficult times, more than any parent could wish for. We are proud of them. May THE LORD continue to bless them always and with good children too.
 

HIS WIFE: Olumide, cranky, but a good husband.  You loved your wife but too restless (too much of Ekiti man) to admit to her. You wanted her to ride the latest car, wear designer shoes, Salvatore Ferragamo etc (still have them), designer clothes, expensive lace etc. have cake delivered to her office for Valentine ’s Day unfailingly; just like your fashionable self in silk suits, Hong Kong made, designer leather shoe etc.
 

You are one very lucky man….and you knew you were forgiven by all before you died. Thank GOD for HIS Mercies.
 

HIS FAMILY: A harsh critic but extreme family loving man (to a fault.) You loved and cared for your extended families and in-laws in all forms. You held much respect and love for your elders.
 

HIS FRIENDS: Festus Olumide Alabi was a truthful and genuinely nice friend to many. One just needs to understand him, typical Ekiti man. I am sorry that I am critical of his Ekiti descendancy, but that’s what he was and he was unashamedly proud of it.
 

On behalf of the family I wish to thank all our extended families and numerous friends for your call, visits and support for us so far. A ko ni fi ru e gba o.
 

OMO ADULOJU ALAPALA SLEEP WELL
 

OLUFUNKE ALABI

Awe was a friend for many years, a confidant, reliable and always prepared to go extra miles to make you comfortable when the need arises.  A professional colleague and a rear trustworthy gentleman tested in all ramifications of life. A good dresser, who will never allow time to be an impediments to his outlook. 

How close a friendship can be? We bought a piece of land, divided into two and agreed to build the house same day,  employed one builder to build the two houses and duly completed same day. We were known as twin brothers, share same height, dressed like twin brothers, visited each other every evening, gisted from evening till night, from his house to mine and from mine back to his house until we ran out of gists.

' Awe', as we fondly called ourselves, your farewell to the world came as a rude shock, as I thought that my relocating to Nigeria from United States will be another opportunity to start our lovely and unforgettable friendship again. But God knows best. Farewell, until we meet and part no more.

It was just like yesterday, the day I first met you. You refused to acknowledge my presence in the first instance with an air around you that spoke volumes. However all the while I had an inner smile because you acted exactly as my father did where his daughters were concerned which I knew was premised on a father’s profound love for his daughters as well as the instinctive need to protect and ensure their best interest.
 

And I was right. As soon as you accepted me into the family, the advice and counsel I received from you on all matters from finance to the best areas to live and raise a family were those of a father to a son.
 

Your vibrant nature was legendary; your closeness to your children, enviable.
 

Though you will be greatly missed, we take solace in your being in a better place, attaining eternal rest.

My name is Oluwashola Alabi, and I very recently learned the sad news of my father’s ascent into heaven.  I have had a chance to read through some of the other memories and kind words that have been left on this page, and I would like to take this opportunity to share a memory, and detail the story of how I learned he had passed.  Please bear with me, as this may be a long post, but I feel like they are both important to share.
 

 I think back to 2001, not long after September 11th, I took a trip to Boston to visit him for the first time in my adult life.  I’ve lived here in Canada for over 25 years now, and that was my first time in my adult life on a plane, so you can imagine the nervous energy circulating inside me, especially after the world had witnessed one of the worst terrorist attacks in history.   I had only seen 1 picture of him, and part of me wondered “how is he going to know what I look like?”, since up until that point, in his mind, I was probably still the 6 year old boy he last saw years before.  But sure enough, he knew exactly who I was just with a quick glance, and suddenly everything just seemed so familiar.  What was amazing to me was how many of his traits and mannerisms were passed on to me.  I remember our conversations about world issues, fashion, music…and cologne! Though I was only there for 3 days, it was an eye opening experience all around.
 

The second story I wanted to share details how I learned of my father’s passing.  My mother had been dreaming of him, and she knew she had to reach out to him.  After unsuccessfully calling his phone number, she decided to do a Google search and see if there was any information she could find.  I must tell you, admittedly, my mother does not consider herself the most tech savvy person, but I truly believe she was guided and directed to this very site.  She came across the memorial and was overwhelmed with emotion and disbelief.  If not for the various pictures posted on here, she may have easily assumed the person believed to have passed just merely had the same name as my father, and he was still with us.
 

Life is such a whirlwind, and you find yourself in some truly fascinating circumstances.  Though he did not personally raise me, I retained my father’s discipline and drive.  It is amazing and reaffirming to see how many people’s lives he touched, and that the man he presented him self to be is exactly what everyone else saw and respected.  He has now transcended to a better place, and I know that although he may have been stern, we are all better people for having him in our lives.

From as far back as I could remember I had always felt you were too hard on us. I couldn't understand how you could switch so easily from giving us a great "whooping"; even when we felt it wasn't called for; to giving us piggy back rides whilst watching WWF and taking us out for Sunday brunch at "double four" after church. Not until I became a parent and then realized that all you were trying to achieve was bring out the absolute best in us. 
 

You taught me that being mediocre is not an option and only the best is good enough. You even insisted we read a book whilst eating, like the Jews, you would say. You led us by example to strive to be at our best and be proud and satisfied with whatever we achieved through hard work. 
 

Visiting days in Sagamu were always a treat for me which you made a point of duty never to miss. You made it so special that even my friends thought you were the coolest dad ever. I remember reporting a senior who had been picking on me to you and you asked to see her; I marched off to get her thinking she sure was going to "get it" only for you to hand me over to her, asking her to continue taking good care of me! I was mortified at the time but that was great wisdom you applied there because neither she nor her friends ever got on my case again.
 

I still remember environmental sanitation Saturdays at Seriki Abass, when you would make us take turns getting into the section of the external drainage running along the side of the house to clean with scrubbing brushes amidst our cries of protest. We always had to scrub down with disinfectant before we were allowed into the house afterwards. 
 

You sure were style personified with your custom made suits, Mauri n Ferragamo shoes and your silk ties and pocket squares too. You couldn't stand one looking tacky or being sloppy and would ensure we were at our best at all times; sit like a lady, don't slouch when standing, you would always say. And your taste in music was quite enviable; I have never been able to hear an Anita Baker song playing without remembering you.
 

Some say I'm a chip off the old block, considering my tendency not to waiver on what I believe is right and sticking to my guns; I’ll say I got a good dose of the principled, strong and firm nature you exuded. 
 

Thanks for inculcating such great values in me "pa nothing spoil".....
 

Your "Aye Mośu Òku"

Nobody can understand how hard a separation is, than when one of our prized jewels leaves us. On behalf of Okuntomiye descendant in Irun Akoko of Olode family, Imesi in Ekiti state, my Condolences goes to the Olomolaye’s family. My tears are flowing for a man that cares for his people though I did not meet him when he was alive but he was close to my elder sister Mrs Sidikat Kemisola Fasakin and Uncle Dare Adejumo. May Allah grant the entire family the fortitude to bear the loss.  May his soul rest in peace!

How a purely banking encounter blossomed into a lifetime Friendship. Back in1993, Nationwide Bank had just opened shop on Keffi Street, Lagos.  One day an officer of the bank walked into Metroclean on Awolowo Road demanding to speak to the owner. Sade, my dear wife was at hand to meet the officer and at the end of the visit an offer was on the table; if we needed to buy new machines, the bank was willing and glad to provide a leasing facility. 

 

Sade and I  thought that was unusual: a Nigerian bank walk up to you and offer you a much needed facility just like that without having to crawl and beg; it was manna from Heaven; we were actually thinking of changing some of our machines to improve the quality of our work and increase production. A few days later I met this officer and he confirmed the offer he had made to Sade. We accepted the offer, signed all the legal documents, and a few months later we had six brand new machines.

 

That officer was Olumide Alabi, a thorough bred banker, honest and trusting and above all A FINE GENTLEMAN.

 

That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

 

Olumide was very meticulous and finicky both at work and at home.  His dressing was impeccable, his style aristocratic.  He took great care of his appearance, no shoddy dressing. Prior to us meeting him, he cleaned his clothes abroad, and it took a lot of persuasion and arm twisting for him to allow us to clean his clothes.  When he eventually agreed to use our services, he vehemently refused our offer of gratis cleaning.  He never cleaned anywhere else, and introduced a handful of his friends and colleagues to Metroclean. Most of them are still cleaning with us till today. 

 

Sade and I are very proud and honoured to call him our friend.

 

May his soul rest in perfect peace!

 

Sade and Biodun Binitie

 

Still short of words but what else can I say than to thank GOD for giving you to Aduloju family: to learn a path of life worth emulating. If I have to live my life again, you will still be a part of my family- sleep ON baba kekere!!! My family will miss you!

I got to know 'daddy Alabi' as I used to call him at a very young age. He was the big man from Lagos whose visits to our Ado-ekiti home were always special and memorable. I lived with him and his family in lagos as I began schooling in Queens' College Yaba and I can't forget how he treated me like his own child, raised me like the disciplinarian he was and took care of me beyond call.

While I still can't believe you're gone I remember you with fondness in my heart always. You were a huge part of my childhood and an important part of my close family.

Through him I have learnt several life lessons, been exposed to many things and gained an addition of 'older brothers and sisters'- that I never had, in his children.

As I write this, I thank God for your life and what you have left behind for us who loved you. I am comforted that you now find rest in The Lord.

Adieu Big Daddy. 

I thank God for giving you to your generation well ahead of ours to provide opportunity for us to ride upon your shoulders in our journey towards destiny. You were a rare gem who impacted lives tremendously through selfless service, care for the lowly, sharing and giving. You exuded and taught us diligence and hard work, honesty and confidence, focus and friendliness. When I goofed you were quick to restore me like the father of the prodigal in Luke 15:11-27. You are my God-sent Moses. I am eternally grateful for all your fatherly love and care for me. Your seed in my life and career is immeasurable; not only me but for so many, too numerous to mention, that God has used you to touch. We all celebrate you even in death.
 

On behalf of my wife and children, and so many who passed through your tutelage, your sons & daughters in various high profile organizations you served, we say, thank you and goodbye.

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, write, blessed is the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."  Rev. 14:13

We love you but God loves you more, sleep on, sleep on, sleep on. May your gentle soul rest in peace. Good night Sir.