Olumide Festus Alabi - 网上纪念网站

“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"

Daddy was a no nonsense man but he loved us, his children to a fault and never hid it from the mummies, "Awon Omo mi" as he would always say. He never missed a visiting day while I was in boarding school. Every time he came back from work, I would be called to hang his suit back up in its suit cover and to take off his shoes. I used to wonder why he would insist I must come up to his room everyday to do those things without being called, now I know why!
 

I will miss you everyday daddy, from our rides to the barbers every weekend, to going to the mechanic whenever we had to and listening to Anita Baker in your car. I got all her albums because of you daddy, can’t listen or hear any of her songs without thinking about you and I can’t hear or listen to any of her songs without having tears in my eyes.
 

I'm doing the best I can to be the man of house as you always wanted and with the Lord's help, I will do all I can to exceed your expectations of me.
 

I will never fail to mention FOA (as we always often called daddy whenever we the children were discussing) to my own kids and to share the stories you shared with me.
 

I wish I could turn back the hands of time, because I feel I never told you often enough how much I love you.
 

Rest now Daddy, you have achieved all that you set out to achieve. 
 

Gone but never forgotten.

I remember the first day Wole brought me to meet you; I was both nervous and curious at the same time as I had heard him have conversations with you over the phone and I was reminded of my own Dad's no nonsense, yet loving attitude with his children. I had sensed some of that through the conversations and could tell from the stories Wole had told of his childhood. Having recently lost my own dad at the time, I guess I was excited to meet someone that would remind me of him. I can say for sure that I wasn't disappointed. 

 

On getting to the house that day, it was obvious you were also looking forward to meeting me as your son’s Iyawo to be. I sure felt special. You came to meet us at the door, gave me a warm hug and ushered us in. You told me stories about the Aduloju family and the family's brave warrior heritage. We had a nice loving conversation and when I was ready to leave, I was happy to get a nice brown envelope with some crisp notes in it. That sure put the cherry on the cake and I can say I felt a little more secure that maybe this boy that I was following wasn't that bad after all. Lol!

 

I looked forward to many more pampered days ahead as your little wife. Unfortunately, your illness did not quite allow us to have that relationship. I do however cherish that moment and I promise to tell your grandchildren both of this story and that of the family which you had shared with me. 

 

It's unfortunate that Fara won't have any grandad to pamper her as she grows up, on both sides but we promise to do our best in raising children with the kind of discipline and love we got as children I am sure that will make you happy. 

 

Thank you for giving me such a kind, loving and responsible man - your son Oluwole as my husband. 

 

In him you have left a good heritage. 

 

May your soul rest in peace grandpa Alabi. 

 

My dad was a very special person to me. He taught me the importance of being disciplined and principled, doing the right thing at the right time and doing it properly.
 

My Dad loved his children more than anything in the world! I remember from when I was very little , my Dad used to call me his 'Mama' . Most evenings, I’ll have his dinner with him till I started secondary school.
 

I remember watching football with my Dad and my brothers ...1994 African Cup of Nations where Nigeria won...I didn't really understand what was going on then but because my dad cheered, I cheered as well!
 

I remember once calling his office when they refused to make me Jollof rice at home, and he told them to 'Just mix rice and stew for her and call it Jollof rice'!
 

My Dad came to every visiting day in secondary school without fail. Even when I changed schools in my senior years, my Dad would stop by almost every Sunday with goodies, it didn't feel like I was in boarding school as I saw him almost every Sunday. He would say 'I was in the area, so I decided to stop by and see you'. I always looked forward to the visits. I remember when I started University, my Dad came down with me on the first day and helped me settle into my room.

My Dad always thought he was 'cool' and had the best music collection! :-). A lot of the R n b and even Rap music I knew from when I was younger was from my Dad's Music Collection. I knew all the lyrics to almost all of Anita Baker's Albums because he played it all the time. I remember one conversation a few years ago, where my dad ask me about a popular Nigerian Artist ,who at the time wanted to cut ties with his label and his Manager... And he said 'why does this guy want to leave his manager, that's who made him who he is'! I thought to myself, my Dad really thinks 'he's down with the kids!' Lol!
 

My Dad was my Defender, Protector, always there to help me ... I could go to him with the most trivial matters and he'll always have something to say. I remember telling him about incidents where people had harassed me about being Left-Handed and he said 'Omolade, the next time it happens, tell them that's how you were born and your Daddy is fine with it!’ :-)
 

I remember his random visits to one of my previous work places. He would say 'I was in the area, so I decided to stop by'.
 

I remember our last convo ... I am glad it was one filled with laughter...
 

I know the last few years took its toll on you, Daddy....You had to go and rest....
 

We know God would continue to comfort & strengthen all of us that remain here.. He doesn't allow things to happen without a reason, as he says in his word.

Lamentations 3 vs 32-33
32. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,so great is his unfailing love.
33.For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

Thank you for your Love and Care. Thank you for making me the Woman I am today,for instilling good values in me ,for teaching me the importance of being disciplined and principled.
 

I love you Dad but God Loves you more.

Rest in God's Perfect Peace.

Omolade (Your 'Mama').

My Dad gave me the greatest gift anyone can give a person, he believed me. Every morning on the way to secondary school you would tell me to make you proud and make sure i am the best in everything i do. Everyday you used to bring home the newspapers because you knew that i enjoyed reading the sports articles.

What surprised me the most was your great taste in music. You used to play early Aaliyah, Brandy, R.Kelly and Bobby Brown songs. Although you had a very tough exterior i remember that i used to see you shed a tear when you listened to Anita Baker's albums. This made me feel warm inside and showed me your true compassion.

I remember the huge celebration parties you used to have in Ajao Estate and how you were delighted that everyone was having a good time. You opened your door to family members and friends also connecting people in different ways. You put food on the table, clothes on my back and gave me the best education any one can ask for.   

My father kept a garden in which he planted all good things that gave me a start in life. He had a garden of H.E.A.R.T

He always worked hard
Always striving for the best
Encouraged me to dream big 
Reaping the seeds of what I have become in life
Thank you for keeping the garden dad. 

Goodbyes are not forever and it is not the end. They simply mean I will miss you until we meet again.Thanks for everything.

 

Oh Grandpa...I am sad. I miss you Grandpa.

Oh no Grandpa......and I like coming to your house and play with you, holding your hands, running around in your sitting room and playing in the garden.


I will miss you so much Grandpa.

Whenever any of my friends met with you, they told me I look like you. Although I never admitted it, I love the excitement of having some similarities with you. You are my father afterall, and I your daughter.


Growing up, I remember my very predictable Dad and your ready-made responses and reactions to my questions and actions. I always thought you were hard on us, especially me, your  ' Iya Mukule'   but now I know that you wanted to get the best out of me. You succeeded Dad!


I always looked forward to you visiting me while in school, 'cause you would always spoil me with sweet things. Even my friends would join me to anticipate your visit. I would have loved this to continue forever but then I grew up....... You were always there for me even when I appeared not to be there for you. So I know that you loved me and I love you too. But Jesus loves you more and He has called you home.
 

Since one can never prepare enough for things like this, it was like a lightning bolt when your death came. Your departure shocked me to the marrow, just like a sharp excruciating pain in the heart, so strong it wrenched and shredded my hearts. If only words can bring you back...but a billion words would not bring you back.
 

But I am consoled by the special and fond memories of you which always bring me smile...May the winds of heaven blow softly and whisper in your ears how much I love and miss you.
 

Go on Daddy; see you on the resurrection day.

I was told you were a tough man, a disciplinarian and a very strict father but you were just a perfectionist, a methodical and procedural person. And you would not stop until it is done your way. So I remember the first time I met you, I saw a different man.
 

I only intended to come to the house and see my Gbemisola but when I noticed that you were at home, I wanted to turn back and flee. However since that wouldn’t make me worthy of your daughter, I summoned all the courage in this world and entered the house. But I did not meet the ‘Hitler’ they described, I met a kind-hearted man who loved his children more than anything in the world.
 

Although I faced the expected questioning, the questions were gentle, friendly and very necessary. I became your son and you became my father rather than father-in-law. You were my friend, my adviser and a confidant.

I remember many of our discussions. Your advice to me personally, the economic situation and prospect for the financial services industry, the capital market......and you almost bought a "lemon" which would have been through me, thank God for the intervention of one of your friends. I also remember some of the personal stories you shared. Wow...we will miss those gists.
 

However, I knew it wasn’t easy for you lately and not also easy for you to leave us but we are consoled that you are resting in the Lord’s bosom.

Sleep well Dad.....till we meet again.