Prince Emmanuel Ọládèbó Gbádéjọ Àkànní Fọlárànmí

Tribute to My Grandpa Grandpa. That is what I called him, and that is how I will always remember him. When I think about my Grandpa, the first thing that comes to mind is how kind and caring he was. He was always giving. Whenever we visited, he would find something to give us, and somehow he always made you feel looked after. For me, Grandpa was also someone I could always turn to. Whenever I was sick, he was one of the people I knew I could go to. There were things I struggled with as a child, including bedwetting, and Grandpa played a big part in helping me overcome it. I may have been too young at the time to fully understand what that meant, but looking back now, I realize how much patience and care that must have taken. He was funny too. But underneath his humor was a very serious, hardworking and no-nonsense man. Interestingly, I never really experienced that strict side of him myself. I just knew it was there. I have heard stories about how he kept some of my uncles in line, how he pushed them to take education seriously, and how he constantly reminded them that they needed to work hard, become successful and have a house over their heads while they were still young. And today, hearing about the men they became and the lives they built, I realize that Grandpa’s lessons stayed with them. His influence didn’t end with the words he spoke to them. It became part of who they became. One of the things I will always remember is how Grandpa and Grandma were always the first people to call me on my birthday. Those calls might have seemed like a small thing, but they meant a lot to me. They reminded me that there were people who were always thinking about me. The last time I saw Grandpa alive is something I will never forget. He spent that day talking to me and giving me advice, as he always did. At some point, he started lecturing me about women. He told me I didn’t need to stress myself over them, that if I became successful and built something for myself, women would always come. He told me a lot that day. At the time, I probably didn’t appreciate that conversation as much as I should have. But now, knowing it was the last time I would sit and listen to him, those words mean much more to me. And one memory that will always make me smile is seeing Grandpa flirt with Grandma even in their old age. There was something beautiful and funny about seeing that side of them. They had been together for so long, yet Grandpa could still make Grandma feel like he was courting her. I think one of the hardest things for me to accept is that I will no longer have that reassurance that Grandpa is somewhere in the world loving me unconditionally. My dad has always been that person for me, and Grandpa was another. It felt like having two factor authentication for love knowing that no matter what happened, there was another person in the world who simply loved me because I was his grandson. I wish I could tell Grandpa that I understand more now. I wish I could tell him that I have heard the stories about how he guided his children, how he kept them in line, how he insisted on education and hard work, and how those lessons helped them become successful. I wish I could tell him that the things he taught did not disappear when he was gone. They continued through his children, his grandchildren and everyone whose life he touched. Grandpa, thank you. Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your jokes, your advice, your generosity and your love. Thank you for being someone I could always count on. I will miss you deeply. But I will carry you with me in the lessons you taught, in the stories I will continue to hear about you, in the values you passed down to our family, and in the memories that will make me smile whenever I think of you. Rest well, Grandpa. I love you.

Tribute to Our Late Uncle, Emmano Gbadejo It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to honor our beloved uncle, *Emmanuel Gbadejo* Daddy Oyo_, as we fondly called him. Daddy Oyo was a great man whose kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love touched countless lives. *A Heart That Welcomed All* He was a rare gem. Daddy Oyo had a God-given gift of welcoming everyone with open arms and an open heart. His warmth and generosity made people feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether it was through his selfless giving, his thoughtful counsel, or his infectious smile, he left everyone better than he met them. *A Pillar to Family* The bond between him and his siblings — my mum and her sisters — was second to none. After our secondary school graduations, his house in Oyo quickly became our first and second home. He didn’t just open his door; he opened his life to us. I will never forget how he traveled all the way from Oyo to Lagos just to sit Kay and me down. He questioned, prayed with, and counseled us on the urgent need to own a home of our own here in Lagos. That is who he was — present, intentional, and invested. *A Life of Faith and Strength* He was a pillar of strength and grace. Emmano faced life’s challenges with a positive spirit and unshakable faith. His resilience taught us about hard work, perseverance, and hope. His greatest emphasis was always on education, godly character, and building a good name. He was not only an uncle and a father to many, but also a mentor, a friend, and a trusted confidante. Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on in the memories we share and in the lives he shaped. He taught us by example to live with kindness, courage, and compassion. As we gather today to celebrate his life, we take comfort knowing that he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord, watching over us with that same familiar smile. His love will continue to guide us, and his legacy will live on through the stories we tell and the values he instilled in us. *Rest in peace, dear Uncle Emmanuel Gbadejo Akanni Folaranmi (Emmano).* You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Thank you for being an incredible role model and for loving us unconditionally. I love you more than words can express — and I know that Jesus loves you even more. With love and gratitude

Hmmm Baba as we fondly called you, prince E O Gbadejo Folaranmi, my dear uncle, I'm grateful to God because I fall in your lineage, yes I have received strokes of cane from you yet I am so happy that I'm connected to you. If I tell people that I was taken to school by car during my early years that's primary and secondary school they marvel , this was so through no one but you E O Folaranmi. It's a great blessing having you as my uncle, no dull moment with you. You welcome everyone and commend hard work. What will I say to my surprise still encouraging me to further my education few months to your passing away. Baba I miss you so much. Good night till resurrection morning

Adieu Uncle Emman Uncle Emman as I called him in his lifetime was a junior brother to my late mother, Dns. Sarah Segilola Odulaja, nee Folaranmi. Mama was his confidant when he was much younger. Uncle was a selfmade man who rose above the challenges and obstacles life placed in his path. Uncle opened his home to everyone in the extended family. I recall his being employed by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculuture after his studies at the School of Agric in Ibadan. When he bought a motorcycle, he brought it to mama for her blessing. He subsequently studied at the Moor Platation and served the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture as a Livestock superintendent in the 60s. I remember he usually brought bottled fresh milk to us at our Alakara residence. We the children always looked forward to the visits. These were the days the Ministry operated its dairy farm. He left public service for Merck Sharpe & Dohme, a pharmaceutical company where he was sales rep for veterinary drugs. When he bought his first car, he brought it to mama and he made the vehicle available to all. When his wife had to join him in Lagos, she resided with us before they got a suitable apartment for the family. He later joined Pfizer where he last worked before he went back home to Oyo, going into full scale farming. I missed his last call to me before he passed on and was still hoping to call him. I was shocked yo hear of his passage. May God fill the vaccuum created in the family by your departure. Adieu uncle Emman.

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Your memory is a treasure we keep forever. Forever remembered, forever missed. Sleep on Daddy we love you but God loves you more.

Tribute to my Uncle— Prince Emmanuel Gbadejo oladebo Akanni Folaranmi The death of my Uncle came as a rude shock to me, even though he has been sick for sometime, but we kept putting our hope in God for quick recovery, until we received the news of his demise. We know that God is all knowing and has chosen the best option for him to rest from all his labour. “A mu olododo lo saju ojo ibi “ He was such a loving man, caring and devoted to nurturing and building up the lives of his family and extended family members. No price was too high for him to pay for anyone and no amount of hours was little to offer or sacrifice for the welfare of others. I was very close to him during his lifetime. I remembered how he visited me as an undergraduate student at University of Ibadan Jos campus in the early 70 s, just to know how I was faring then. My Uncle was so compassionate and generous, a lover of his family and friends who carried his family name with dignity and pride as a prince, and ready to go to any length in fighting a just cause for any member of his family. His passing away has created a big vacuum in Alola— Folaranmi Dynasty, but we take solace in God that He will filled the gap for us. Our consolation is that shortly before his death, he surrendered his life to Christ. He came, he saw and he conquered. Till we meet at Jesus feet,on the resurrection morning. Rest in peace, forever in our hearts. Prof & Mrs OLANIYONU

Daddy, your exit came as a rude shock, especially with your expression when Mummy departed. You told me then that you were surprised that Mummy came to take care of you at the hospital and she end up dying leaving you behind. You concluded that day, that everyone will come down from the Bus of this world any day we get to our individual Bus Stop! Now I understand Daddy! May your soul rest in perfect peace

He became my friend through her daughter, Bisola. For the short period of time we got to interact and know each other I can say that baba was a man of faith and someone that is open minded. May the Lord keep everything he left behind and may his soul rest in peace.