CBN Living Tribute

In Memory of Prince Engr Adedapo Obasola Kalejaiye FOD JP

TRIBUTE TO MY HUSBAND - OMOOBA ADEDAPO OBASOLA KALEJAIYE

Dapo, how I thank God for the years we spent together!  For you were truly
my brother and my friend from start to finish.  I am grateful to God
Almighty for the day we met, and the wonderful relationship that continued
to develop throughout our courtship and marriage.  I remember that the
family said we were related and couldn’t marry, and I recall you told them
humorously that that was why you preferred to marry your sister …… and so
we got married.
And it has been wonderful ever since.   You really meant more than just a
husband to me.  You were wonderful, gentle, compassionate, dependable and
very loving.  I remember vividly that it was like a fresh honeymoon each
time you returned from the rigs. That explains why I cried like a baby each
time you went back to the rigs.  Besides, it was you who taught me the art
of patience – especially in the face of frustration and provocation.
Dapo, you were an inspiration and a comfort to me, always there for me
every step of the way.  You provided the proper setting for me to develop
my potentials and fulfil my dreams at every stage of my business.  And you
were a pillar of support and strength to me even in other endeavors.
What gladdens my heart more was the way you lived your life.  I will
certainly remain happy because you lived a fulfilled life of service to God
and humanity.  You touched the lives of many people positively, and you
loved to put smiles on people’s faces.  Even on your sick bed and to the
very end, it was evident that despite the challenges of health, your heart
remained firm and strong in the Lord.  I call that ‘grace under mammoth
pressure’, a remarkable grace of deeper significance.
Now, what more can I say?  Let me borrow the words of Paul the Apostle in 2
Tim. 4: 7-8: that you have fought a good fight; you have finished your
course and have kept the faith.  So now, there is laid up for you a crown
of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give you at
the day , and not to you only, but unto all them also that love His
appearing.
And what’s more, Dapo, your exit was a glorious one!  It was a blissful
spectacle that would remain indelible in my memory.  So, good night my
brother, my husband and my confidant …. till we meet to part no more in the
bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

DAME ADEOLA KALEJAIYE

My Father was a very loving, kind hearted man who had the best interest of his children at heart. He left us an enduring legacy of self discipline, honesty and diligence. You were a cheerleader and life coach who brought the best out of us. You built into us inner fortitude to weather the storms of life. He was the first person to teach us how bake, growing up he treated us to special delicacies on Sundays.

Daddy showed his knack for making people really special when he taught my son Mathematics the last time he visited. Little wonder your grandchildren always felt at home with you. You  will indeed be greatly missed by all of us. Dear Dad, as you watch us from the grand stand of Heaven, I want you to know that your life was remarkable. Enjoy the rest of the Lord your Savior. Good night, Daddy.

Adejoke Alo (Nee Kalejaiye).

My Daddy, my covering, my adviser.
He loved God, his family and the church. He cared about others, he had a large heart and liked to give anonymously. He is the strongest man I know, had a great sense of humour, he liked to explore technology.
I learnt God's ominipotence and generosity from him.
As a child he'll pull my ear and give me knocks when I was naughty; he encouraged my interest in mathematics the foundation for my Accountancy career.
He'll take us sight seeing and shopping on weekends; He'll come and pick us after school whenever he was in town so all our friends in schools up to higher institution knew Daddy. He even dropped by to see us at work and cared about our profession and career.
Daddy, I am missing you already.

They are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind. Good night sir, see you on resurrection morning.

Kikelomo Kalejaiye

TRIBUITE TO MY FATHER

‘Baba Joke’ that’s the name I grew up hearing everybody around me call him. He was my first hero and most of my childhood memories are a collections of moments we shared, we had lots of fun moments and more of serious moments and all of these moments came with instructions, endless advices, impactions of his values, adventures, humor at various level, and a lot of times he just never spared the rod.

My father was a principled man with a high standard and value set and expected for himself and the people around him. So growing up under him was quite demanding.

In brief my father was an intelligent, strong willed, energetic, hardworking, thoughtful, humorous and compassionate man.

One of the most important value he thought me is the important value of family and friends.

Rest in peace Daddy. - Arch. Adeleke Kalejaiye




My Tribute to Dad

My sweet daddy was a true model of godly fatherhood. Daddy, you taught me probity, diligence and hard work. You never withheld discipline when it was needed. Your labour of love gave me the much needed head start to become who I am today. Precious memories of the great times we shared will linger on in my mind. I will tell your grandchildren how amiable, loving and caring their grandpa was. I will tell them also of your profound sense of humour and glorious home calling. You won the victory through our Lord Jesus and now you are forever with the lover of your soul. I love you and will continue to miss you till the resurrection morning. This is your baby (Ore-sweetie) saying, “Good night, Daddy!! Daddy!!!”. Dr Mrs Orebowale Olugbemide Nee Kalejaiye

Calling you my father inlaw would be far away from what you were to me.

In our short journey together you always made it known that I was your son
and not an inlaw.
When my biological Father passed on to glory at relatively younger age, you
solidly stood in gap, and never allowed me to feel the great vacuum.
Your fatherly advice from your indepth experiences of life, moments shared
talking about life issues with you showed that you were indeed a great man.

The love you shared and endeavor to spread has in no small way helped us
all, your legacy says it all.
Your love for the children is unrivalled, despite the fact that you will not
tolerate any bad behaviour.
Every discussion we had ended with a joke very much after a lesson must have
been learnt from the discussion.
Daddy as I always call you, the memories of your exemplary life will always
stay with me.
Sleep on Baba rere!

Olusola Alo



It was Etienne de Grellet who said, “ I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” Daddy, you made your mark, touched lives, surrendered your life to Christ and took a bow. The few years of knowing you were eventful and memorable. I will always be impressed by your sense of humour and ‘live and let live’ attitude.

Now in the company of the Church Triumphant, we rejoice and thank God for His saving grace that gave you victory over death. The Lord Jesus said, ‘They can no longer die…..since they are children of the resurrection.’ Luke 20.36. You triumphed through our Lord Jesus Christ! Good night, sweet Daddy.

Akinola David Olugbemide.



MY GRANDFATHER

My name is Oluwasemilore Alo, I am one of the grandchildren of Engr.
Kalejaiye.
When I learnt about my grandfather’s passing, I immediately asked if I
could be allowed to write my tribute.
My grandfather was a very hardworking and positive man, who always had a
smile on his face.
I admired his attitude towards life because he had achieved alot.
I remember when i was a little boy, my grandfather would always come to our
house during the weekends for a special family visit especially on
Saturdays to play with me. He thought me alot of things like the
multiplication tables, how to knot my shoe lace and a host of other things.
On behalf of all his grandchildren, we want to say how much we respected
him and how much we will miss him, His Legacy lives on in us all.

Good Night Grandpa.

Oluwasemilore Alo


A TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER DAPO KALEJAIYE

Your glorious departure during devotion on the 16th of February at the hospital is indicative of your commitment to God and signifies the spiritual homecoming. We give thanks to Almighty God.
Without realizing it. God gave us time to soak in your departure as we seek medical effort, a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you and whispered, “COME TO ME” although we loved you dearly but we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
You have treated me as a person in all ramifications as brother, father, friend, confidant adviser, mentor etc. Indeed your role in my life will be hard to fill.
You were always there for me right from my childhood, as part of growing up all the disciplinary actions that I detested from you then were beneficial and fully appreciated later in my life. You showed me love and wanted the best from me.

I will never forget the surprise visit you made to the UK. Having left home after secondary school for about 4 years without seeing any of my immediate family members in fact our mother died during this period hence I had no closure. Your appearance at Sheffield to visit me was a great psychological relief from all accumulated stresses and loneliness. This was fully expressed when I cried on your shoulders.

I will also not forget your prayers and positive contribution to my development. You told me you had a dream seeing me work in the bush looking for black gold (oil). Your dream came true when I joined Shell in 1980. Your heart felt love could only be responsible for this.

During my working career we had great moments sharing business ideas and exploring opportunities in life. You used to say we think alike on many issues. Your sincerity in all you say could be felt in your eyes and the way you spoke. You were a rare personality.

I watched closely how you and your wife nurtured your children in a Christian way. No single corruptible junk newspaper was found in your house, your TV viewing was limited to news, scientific and Christian programs.

You were loved by anyone who came in contact with you. Most people would wonder why your life was taken away from us so soon. There is no answer to this question except that the Lord knows all that is good for you.

I know you would not want us to be sad. You always wore a contented smiling face and as a positive person you would want us to remember all the good times we spent with you.

Brother Dapo you were an incredible brother we will remember what a great person you were and make sure that your memory continues on in our heart forever.

Rest in peace.

Engr. Abayomi Kalejaiye



MY MEMORIES OF “BROTHER MI”

“Brother mi” as I called our ‘Daodu’ Prince Obasola Adedapo Kalejaiye in his life time had the opportunity and challenge of being exemplary to about twenty-two children (extended family included) brought up in our household. He rose up to the challenge to the best of his ability and bore the consequences of inability to meet some of the challenges with equanimity.

“Brother mi” was a focussed person who made the best of whatever situation he found himself. He was a man of few words, strong willed and hardly changed his mind once he was convinced about a matter.

“Brother mi”s principle of “No news means good news” still obtains in the family. To him, letter writing was frivolous, non-communication indicated that all was well, a principle he adhered to while studying abroad.

“Brother mi” was always impeccably dressed right from his time as a pupil/ student up to his old age. On one occasion, he dressed for an interview, and our father advised him that he should step it down, because he looked more like the interviewer than the interviewee. I can’t remember that he did. The usual father and son argument on such occasions merely took place.

“Brother mi” was not of a subservient nature. For example, though the action could be considered as naïve , as an applicant for work, fresh from school in the early 60’s, he refused to end his application with the usual formal ending of such letters i.e “ Your obedient servant” on the grounds that he was not a servant to anyone. Only our late father can tell how the issue was resolved.

“Brother mi” was magnanimous. I have two testimonies in this respect, but I’ll share only one. “Brother mi” sustained an injury on my account, and to my knowledge, he never alluded to it either in his interaction with me or others. Some other people would have capitalized on the matter at the slightest opportunity.

“Brother mi,” in spite of the limited interaction between us as adults, I miss you very much. The great Comforter himself will comfort those of us you left behind. We shall meet at the feet of Jesus Christ Amen.

Deaconess Banke Olurunfunmi – Nee Kalejaiye.



A Tribute to our loving Brother

Your deep compassion for others are some of the things we loved about you.
We will always remember the love you showered on us when you came to Emure-Ile on 2010 to give our father Chief Fabuluje a befitting burial. You stayed with us for days and you never left us alone.

Regardless of how tired or exhausted you were, you put others before yourself in everything that you did.

You are a family patriarch and you played your role well with huge admiration because in doing so, you have touched the lives of us all in the family.

We will forever cherish every moment we shared together in England during last year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.

We weep, not because we have no hope but because you went too soon. God knows why.

May your soul rest in peace.

Much Love.
The Fabulujes (USA)


Daddy,

I will miss you. I call you Daddy because you are more than a brother-in-law to me.

You stood by me in my times of trouble, you made my problems your, you encouraged, assisted and gave me good advice.

Daddy, I will miss you.

Teniola Adepero Roberts.



A TRIBUTE TO MY FRIEND IN CHRIST, DAPO

O how I shall miss you, Dapo! For how so wonderful and inspirational our
friendship had been, and yet so brief! Here was a man of few words, yet
with a golden heart bubbling for God and with outstretched hands ready to
help others

I will never forget the precious times we spent together in the last couple
of years – sharing God’s word, praying and taking the Holy Communion. You
loved to ask questions and to jot down facts about God and Christ, about
do’s and don’ts, and about life after death. You obeyed righteous counsel
and committed yourself to making heaven. You vowed in my presence to do
everything to get there! You pardoned your offenders, made peace with those
you wronged, did considerable restitution, and entered into refreshed amity
with your spouse.

It was apparent that God was at work even in your last moments, it was a
memorable exit so glorious to watch as eight of us held you in prayer for
mercy and divine acceptance. So goodnight, Dapo, my dear friend-in-Christ!

You will remain indelible in my heart. Yes, adieu, Dapo – till we meet
again in the bosom our Lord Jesus. Amen.

PST. J K ODUSANYA





He Was an Apostle of Peace.

Our memories of Mr. Kalejaiye- fondly called ‘Baba Joke’ started from my (Toyin) childhood days when as a young man courting his beloved wife (my aunt) used to come and see her where we were living then. His visit was outstanding as it guaranteed some assorted chocolates from a nearby supermarket. Surely it was not only his then fiancé ,mama joke that looked forward to his visits, Myself and my brother did also. It was always a ‘pick your choice of whatever candy / chocolates you want’.

Growing up, some of my holidays were spent in their house at Shipeolu then. Baba & Mama Joke were a couple in love and this was quite transparent for all of us to see. He was always a quiet, peaceful and caring person. Several years later when he met my husband he with his peaceful demeanor was quite receptive and he received our relationship with open arms. He and his wife were there for us all the way and at all stages of our relationship through our marriage and establishment of our home.

When he learnt that my (Dewumi) job involved going to Porthacourt and working sometimes in the oil industry, his safety tips were quite useful he related well to all ages. Baba Joke was a great listener; he would ask you thought provoking questions and patiently listen to you before sharing from his wealth of experience. Rarely did we see him upset, a very tolerant man who accommodates all kinds of peoples. He accommodated changes he saw in us growing up spiritually.

During the last few days before his transition to glory, as we spoke over the phone, he was quite lively, full of faith and definitely he spoke like a man who had met with God and had his peace intact. As we celebrate his home going we remember his peaceful and quiet demeanor. Like the Apostles of old who had different assignments given to them, here was a man who carried peace all around him, that’s why we say to this Apostle of Peace, you came , you understood your mission in life and peacefully you fulfilled it …….. In a peaceful manner, you also took your exit.

ADEIUS Baba Joke.

From - Dewumi and Toyin Alabi

Tribute to "Daddy" Mr Adedapo Obasola Kalejaiye 

Our connections with the Kalejaiyes started many years ago not in Lagos but in Bauchi. My wife Nike met Toyin Onafunwa now Dr Mrs Alabi while we were students at the new Federal University of Technology Bauchi (now ATBU).
In 1989, Nike and I moved from Jos to Lagos after our wedding and were in need of accommodation. Toyin introduced us to her mum, Say Mummy.

Say Mummy immediately went into action the moment she heard that Nike & I were looking for accommodation. She contacted Mama Joke right away and the rest they say is history.  

There was an unusual mutual love and respect which I can only say is God's divine connection. We fell in love with the family and they equally accepted us as their own. First daddy did not make money as the subject of the relationship. They gave us the flat despite the fact that we did not have the normal one month deposit. Not only that, the rent was knocked down to what we could afford. Seriously speaking, they went beyond their duty call for us. 

Daddy and mummy took us as part of their family. We spent many nights talking together with daddy on politics - which he doesn't like much but I made him talk about it. We talk on global news, and off course we talked about faith in God. Daddy spoke of his experience while schooling in London and how the negative prejudice against black affected his faith in Christianity. We would have long conversations on bible topics and you could see that he was exploring issues of faith. 

Somehow over the years I gained daddy's confidence as he won my love and respect. One day, he told me, "Akin wa bi, (Akin come here) I need to ask you some questions". I thought he was going to ask another bible question that has been agitating his mind but this time around it was about future plans. "Akin,' he goes on, 'I have been doing this Agip work for many years and I am thinking of retirement. What type of business do you think one can do? I was no expert in business yet he was humble enough to seek my opinion only because I was into export with a friend at the time.

So we started brainstorming on various possibilities. We attended several seminars on small scale industries. Daddy will always introduced me as his younger brother to the people we met never for once did he refer to me as a tenant.  

So you can imagine how it felt when one day he told me he attended Oshogbo Technical College. Fortunately my uncle Joseph Ilesanmi went to the same school. Daddy was very surprised as soon as I mentioned the name, he said my uncle was his roommate at the college in the sixties. He wanted to know where Uncle Joe was. Uncle Joe was with the NNPC refinery in Port Hartcourt while daddy was with Agip they were both in the same city unbeknown to them. 

Daddy was not only a kind person but very disciplined and principled. I recall his 50th birthday party. It was celebrated right in front of his house. He wanted the community to share his joy rather than take it to an exclusive place. But daddy retired to his apartment once it was 6.00pm. 

I will never forget the time we spent talking after his return from one of those exploring overseas tours. We spent time talking about the various options before he went into toilet paper production. He said he does not want to do anything that will involve him going to offices to ask for his money to be paid. So he explored export but he could not stand the stress of custom department. Then he settled for toilet paper production. One day, while reflecting on the reasons why he decided to retire. He told me he did it for his wife. "She is like a man. You know Akin, I have always being on the move ever since we got married. I have spent almost 29 years on the rig now I feel the time has come for me to be available more for my family." He told me his employers wanted him to be part of the administration rather than retire but he was determined to leave for the sake of his family. 

Daddy loved his family to bits hence when Nike and I heard that he was in the UK for treatment, we took our younger children to see him never hesitated for a moment. We are grateful to God that once again we had the opportunity to spend some quality time with him. Daddy was full of hope and faith as we shared scriptures together and prayed with one another including Leke, Nike and our two children - Timi & Tolu. Daddy spoke with his strong clear voice.
You couldn’t have imagined that he was going through such serious health challenge. Inspite of the prognosis
daddy put his faith in God's grace and not in his circumstances. On the second day of our visit, daddy told us of his dream. He had seen someone telling him that he will need to return to Nigeria because God still has work for him. 

Now that his work is but all done, he rests in the arms of our Lord his Maker.
Mummy, Joke, Kike, Leke, Ore and Yemi, take heart. Daddy might not have preached on the pulpit, he might not have sung in the choir, yet his life touched many people in many ways. May His Soul continue to rest in the Peace of our LORD Jesus Christ.
From Rev Akin, Nike, Tomi, Tobi, Timi and Tolu Akinola

Brother Dapo as popularly called by us is a good leader to emulate. He was a silent donor and very quiet

in nature.

The last discussion we had was in Manchester, when I paid him a visit on his sick bed, and he promised

to pay me a visit in London with his walking stick whenever he is discharge from hospital.

He had the will to survive the illness till the last moment, He had fought a great battle and swallowed

death. As a devoted Christian he has triumphed and resting at the bosom of Christ.

By: ADE, BIODUN & CHILDREN

Engineer Dapo Kalejaiye was my close relation and compassionate Brother-in law. He was loved in the

way he embraced all the people. He was morally sound with unblemished character in every area of his

life. He never compromise his values and Christian principles.

HA-A-A-A your memories will always bring grateful, loving thoughts to us because you touched our lives

in a special way.

May your gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

ADIEU

MRS W. A. ONAFUWA

TRIBUTE TO LATE ENGR. PRINCE DAPO KALEJAIYE

I first knew Late Dapo Kalejaiye when he married my sister Chief (Mrs) Adeola Oyegunwa sometime in

1970. Throughout over 43years of our association, I have found him to be a man of impeccable

character. He was humble, reliable and could be trusted. He would not renege on any agreement

reached with him no matter the circumstances. He epitomized a good Samarian assisting the needy to

stabilize. He was also an embodiment of simplicity and hard work.

When I heard of his sickness I became worried and prayed to God fervently for his quick recovery

especially when he was flown to Britain for treatment late last year, He was given the best medical

treatment both at home and abroad. So this I give kudos to his wife, children and brothers who bore the

brunt. God will give the wife and children the fortitude to bear the loss and give them long life and

prosperity. Amen

May God give his soul a perfect rest. Amen

ELDER LEKE OYEGUNWA

Brother in law

Baba, you came, you saw, and you conquered. We love you for your generosity, humility and hard work.

We believe you are now resting in the bosom of the Almighty God.

BISHOP & MRS GBOYEGA OHU

Dapo it never occurred to me that it will be so soon. However it is, it was worth the while, you have

fought a good battle and you have won. It is left for us, you left behind to keep the flag flying. Rest in

perfect peace.

ANONYMOUS

Pa Kalejaiye was a man of his word and a great church leader and elder who never disappointed us,

always in support of ministers and man of God.

May your soul rest in peace, We miss you but God loves you much more. Rest in peace

MR BABATUNDE DAILEY

(Church Ass. Steward, M.C.N Somolu)

Our dear cousin Dapo, for us were never like a cousin but a loving brother that took care of us and

advised us accordingly, may Almighty God grant your soul eternal rest.

JAIYE, SEGUN, TINU & FOLA OGUNLANA

A wonderful and jolly fellow, Rest in peace.

SIR KUNLE OGUNDIPE 

(Baba Ijo MCN Somolu)

I will never forget your level of humility, you touched my life. I love you daddy, rest in the bosom of the

Lord Jesus. Amen

OLUSEGUN OGUNGBEMIDE

He was a remarkable Man, may his soul rest in peace.

SIR OLATUNDE AGBATO

Thank you very much my big bros, you tried the best you can, but God knows the best. May the Holy

Spirit guide your soul to heaven. Sleep Well.

DR. FEMI KALEJAIYE

Engr Dapo, you lived an exemplary life, your humility, love for the things of God and support to your

family and others is unique. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord our creator.

There is another fellowship in heaven.

Adeiu

MRS O. O. JAIYEOLA

Our beloved daddy, we could not met you physically, but our Spirit prayed and continue to pray for you

and the loved ones left behind. Continue to rest in perfect peace with your God until the resurrection

morning when we all meet to part no more. Good night to you daddy

FOURSQUARE FAMILY

Magboro Church

Tributes to Engr Prince Dapo Kalejaiye

He was a good man, we take solace in the fact that he died in Christ.

May his soul rest in peace.

MR EMEKA IWELUNMOR

We have lost a germ.............Dad RIP

C.L.B.M.C.N (Somolu)

Dear Uncle you have fought a good fight and have won.

God has blessed your journey in life

Rest in perfect peace.

BRO & SIS DAPO ODUGUWA

Thanks be to God for the good life which you lived. Sleep on in Jesus name

CHIEF MRS SOLAJA S. O

You are a father in a million, I pray the good Lord that we serve together grants you eternal rest.

BRO OGUNDIJO OLUROTIMI

He was a good father, talks gently, we pray to God in His infinite mercies grant him rest and eternal

peace.

METHODIST CHURCH SOMOLU YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

We prayed to the Almighty God in heaven to give the bereaved, The fortitude to bear the loss and

grant him eternal rest.

THE CHOIR METHODIST CHURCH SOMOLU

Rest in peace Uncle, you were an absolute gentle man

DR. TAIWO OREBANJO

Papa Kalejaiye, to God be the glory for a life well spent. Good night! Good night!! Good night!!

RT REVD. O. O. ODEJAYI

Whom a man is in the world, less do we appreciate the value, usefulness and important, but not of you.

Your life was meaningful and your departure was greatly missed by those who value and appreciate

quality.

We miss you Daddy.

THE REVD & MRS TIMOTHY A. ADEMOLA

We were together fro 54years without quarrel except facing realities of life, you were too good to miss.

Hope to meet where we will not part again.

CHIEF ADEBAYO OJO