Abeokuta; the Ogun State Capital was a host to dignitaries from all over the Country and beyond from 6th to 8th March, 2024.
It was a 3-day event through which a man that shaped my life was finally laid to rest. Alake & Paramount Ruler of Egbaland was represented by Chief Bode Mustapha (The Osi Of Egbaland) and Olowu of Owu was also represented with many of the Owu Council of Chiefs.
First is, family House service of song hosted by Soleye Family Union on 6th March 2024.
Wake Keep at OOPL on 7th March 2024.
Burial Service at Owu Baptist Church, Totoro, Abeokuta. Where he worshiped all his life till death.
Buried but he lives continuously.
He left footprints on the sand of time, and he will be remembered for life.
20 LESSONS I LEARNT FROM HIM WHILE HE WAS ALIVE.
1. He taught me to be devoted to my discipline as a Lawyer and Chartered Accountant.
2. He taught me to ensure that I contribute to National Development by serving Ogun State and Nigeria in any capacity to change the country for better.
3. He taught me to be honest and be contented in life.
4. He told me to always speak the truth.
5. He said to me while alive; any day you are speaking on radio and TV, make sure you inform me. He identifies with his loved ones always.
6. He showed me humility by example as he lived a life of humility.
7. He taught me that once you are upright and honest, people will look for you to lead or provide Professional Services.
8. He taught me how to finish my PhD thesis on time, and I was able to do so about a decade ago.
9. He taught me that my work is very important, and it is only when you excel professionally that you will be called upon to lead Nationally.
10. He showed me by his lifestyle how to laugh and play at home with my wife and children.
11. He taught me how to give people second chance when they make mistakes. He told me at a time; if you sack a driver, you may end up getting the worst.
12. He taught me how to love my children equally such that it will be clear to all of them that it is equal love.
13. He taught me to keep giving as he was giving to people till 90 years of age.
14. He taught me how to check on friends and family by showing example of it. He will call all of us whether biological or adopted children to know how we are feeling. If am in Abeokuta; I must see him daily. Every flight is monitored by him whenever we travel within and outside Nigeria.
15. He taught me how to avoid any eye Service and show off by example. He does not show off. He can sit in the crowd until they call him to the front. His dressing was simple.
16. He showed me example of a Godly life in that .he lived a unique life. No smoking, No drinking, No immorality, No hatred for anyone, always at peace with everyone.
17. He taught me how to unite Egba People and Nigeria when it is our time and turn to lead at any level.
18. He taught me how to remain loyal to love ones. He does not back out if he supports you even if everyone decide to leave you, he will stick with you.OGD can testify to that in the days of tough political schemes in Ogun State and OGD was able to end victoriously because he backed him all through.
19. He showed me how to live a pure life devoid of hypocrisy. He does not use double standards. He does not deceive people. If he does not agree with you, he will tell you clearly.
He avoids the company of corrupt people.
20. He taught me how to live without greed as he set an example for contentment. He told me to avoid anyone who has wealth without work.
Dignitaries all over the world joined us to bury our father, mentor and role model.
Though they are too numerous to mention all, but they include:
1. Former President of Nigeria; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who is also a family member and best friend of Dr.Soleye.
2. The Governor of Ogun State; Prince Dapo Abiodun with the SSG.Tokunbo Talabi.
3.Minister or Finance, Mr Wale Edun who occupy today the seat that Dr Soleye occupied in 1984.(40 years ago) as a Minister.
4. Former Governor of Ogun State; Otunba Gbenga Daniel. who is also like a son to Dr.Onaolapo Soleye.
5. Former Governor of Ogun State; Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
6 . Former Speaker of the House of Representative, Dimeji Bankole also showed up briefly at the reception.
7. First Attorney General of Ogun State; Chief Akin Delano.at all the events.
8. President of Egba Economic Summit; Mr Chris Coker.
9. President of Egba Legacy Network, Lai Labode Jnr, as well as other members such Chief Bukola Olopade.
10. Former Commissioner of Finance in Ogun State and also former president of Egba Ecomomic Summit; Kehinde Sogunle.
11. Abeokuta Club Members.
12. Baptist Boys High School old students' association; led by Justice Gboyega Ogunfowowa.
13. Family members who worked with the Biological Children daily since Nov 15, 2023. Tpl Stephen Adewolu, Engr.Tokunbo Odebunmi, Yomi Adeboye (also known as twin of Gen Lola Soleye ) as well as Dotun Olaifa. We all did our best till midnight every other day during the planning .May God reward them all.
14. The Afadura Jagun Onigbagbo Group (a Prayer Group formed by Dr.Soleye's late mother in the 60s) also attended the event to pay their last respect to their Patron.
They did not waste time to chose Lakin Soleye as their new Patron and many believe that Lakin was chosen because he is the closest in resemblance to Dr. Soleye. Many believe that he may become very deep in faith and Christian life as a result of his new appointment. He willingly accepted the appointment which to him was like a joke at first.
15. The Chief of Defense Staff was represented by Air Vice Marshall Shobande.
16. Dr.Niran Malaolu was present.
17. Hon Kayode Amusan was presentbas well as Senator Shuib Afolabi Salisu.
18. Prof Afolabi Soyode was present.
19. Chief Doja Adewolu (who happens to be a cousin to Dr.Soleye whose mother is nee Adewolu) was on ground in all events despite being older than Dr. Soleye by few months.
20. Hon Justice Jibodu was among the men of the bench at the event.
21. Dr.Ade Abolurin; the founder of Nigeria Civil Defence was also on ground.
22. The Ogun State elders forum was also on ground led by Chief Ibikunle.
23. Former head of service; Elder Sola Adeyemi was also on ground among the elders
24. The Boys Scout attended with their uniform. The Hunters Association Came in large numbers as well to give him last respect with several gun salutes in a ceremony they call Ijala Olode as they served Bush meat and allowed Lakin and Tayo to also give gun salute on 6th March 2024 at the family compound.
25. General overseer of Alleluia Christian Chapel of Abeokuta Pastor Paul Adeniyi Daniel attended with his wife Pastor Mrs Adebola Daniel together with Builder Yinka Olatunji, Dr.Lekan Odunsi, Engr.Seye Maku and his wife Arch.Laja Maku and his wife Tayo Oduyale and his wife, Kikelomo Badejo, Mrs Adebayo, Wunmi Obafemi, Motunde and Tope Ogunsola. Micah from Rejoice Supermart was also on ground with other staff of Rejoice Supermart following instruction from Mrs Kemi Adeoye to serve special delicacies at the reception to complement General food arrangement.
26. Bimbola Adeyemi was the event planner with her team from Crown Fit. She had Tope Adeyemi, Foluso Adeyemi, Tomi Fisher from Texas and Olantun Jiboku to help in access control and distribution of gifts.
27. Other Guests includes Mrs Olusanjo Soroye (nee Adeoye) and her husband Pastor Samuel Soroye, Kemi Elemide and other Elemide family members, Sunday Bankole who covered video and photographs, Adetutu Olugbesan, Durosola Eden and Korede Azobu.
28. Gen.Adeyinka, Wale Fatoki, Femi and Bidemi Adeyemi, Tayo Olusanya, Yemi Adeyemi and several friends and well-wishers.
29. Taye Elese Meta was on ground to sing while Tobi Joseph and Olumide Balogun served as Masters of Ceremony.
30.Biological Children came from different parts of the world.
i. Dr.Lamide Soleye and his wife Kunmbi from UK
Ii. Lakin Soleye and his wife Bukky from Canada
iii. Bimbola Fadimu and his son in Law Tobi who married Oreoluwa from USA
iv. Eyitayo Soleye with his uncountable guests. Also known as 2.I.C..to daddy.( Second in Command.) Even though the youngest but jokingly said that now that the Commander in Chief has gone. He is now in Command.
Like Maj.Gen Lola Soleye will do, Tayo organised an after reception party that ran till morning of 9th March right in front of his house and Inis Hotpot at Sina Egberoungbe Street, at Ibara GRA.
v. Even though Major General Lola Soleye left this world before Daddy on 13th March 2023, his class mates; The 34 Regular Course of NDA were fully on ground with full support.
vi. Mummy, Lover of Daddy, Mrs Womiloju Modupe Soleye very hard working, supportive and in deed a virtuous women was at all events to pay her last respect for her lover of about 60 years.The journey to Igede Ekiti was never in vain for Daddy when he was there to teach. He got the best gift a man can ask for as a wife.He found favour before the Lord as he found a good wife who is originally from Igbara Oke in Ondo State.May God comfort mummy.
Too many dignitaries to mention.
Some selected pictures from the events affirmed that we lost an ICON.
The Governor promised that an edifice will be named after him to immortalize the values he stood for all his life which is integrity, honesty and Contentment with a life of Godliness.
My children who he loved greatly; Mororeofeoluwa Anuoluwapo Adeoye and Morowooluwa Adedamola Adeoye had to leave their studies to be at the event.
My wife who he calls Olori Kemi Adeoye walked and work like Machine to ensure our father and mentor was laid to rest gloriously.
Adieu Dr. Onaolapo Olusegun Adisa Soleye. The son of John Adeyi Soleye also known as Actor by the children for the way he handles his hunting guns.
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