Late Chief Captain OLUYOMBO Buried In LAGOS

• What His Family Members Will Miss About Him

On the 28th of April, 2023, the remains of late Chief Capt. Stephen Olufunmilade Oluyombo was laid to rest in Lagos. The funeral service took place at All Saints Anglican Parish Church, Ikosi-Ketu.Until his death, he was the Otun-Basegun (medical practitioner), Otunba Bobatolu and Are Olooto of Ikosiland  Medical Director Of Yombo Hospitaland Maternity Home.

Otunba Stephen OLUFUNMILADE OLUYOMBO was born in Oru-Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State on 11th December 1935, His father Pa Samuel Olubadejo Oluyombo is from Odoralususi quarter in Oru-Ijebu while his mother Mrs Emily Bukola Oluyombo (Nee Oguneko) hails from Ago-Iwoye. He had his primary school education first at Wesley Primary School lsamuro Ago-Iwoye then at Itam Erin United School Oru/ Ago-Iwoye, He later went to Elekuro Methodist School, Ibadan in 1953 under the guardianship of Late Reverend S.O Maraiyesa with whom he was living with at Wesley College Ibadan;while there he took and passed entrance examination to the prestigious Molusi College Ijebu-Igbo when late Tai-Solarin was the principal. He finished his secondary school examination in 1958.

While in school he was very active in sports especially in football, he was nicknamed “Omolangidi” because of his ruggedness as a defender. At Molusi College he was the assistant Medical Officer while the late Brigadier General Olukayode Adelaja (who incidentally later became his boss in Armed Forces Medical Service)was the Senior Medical Officer in the college.

A very brilliant student, very thirsty for educational pursuits. He left the shore of Nigeria for England in March 1959 to study psychiatric Nursing sponsored by Late world acclaimed Psychiatrist Professor Adeoye Lambo. While in England he secured Federal Government Of Nigeria Scholarship, he was trained at De-la Pole Hospital Willerby Hull East Yorkshire. On completion of his training he worked as a staff Nurse in the Tropical disease department in London University Teaching Hospital St Prancrass Way London, Springfield Hospital Balkan London SW12 and finally at Edgeware General Hospital (1962-68). He also studied Microbiology at Harrow on the Hill London.

On arrival in Nigeria in 1968 he enlisted in the Nigeria Army Medical Corps and was in the 78th Medical Armed Forces Corps, Apapa Road Ebute-Metta until his Retirement in 1978. He was popularly known among his colleagues by various “Nicknames” among them are “No Paddy For Jungle “, No Messing Around and Olu London. He was the toast of his colleagues well loved, amiable but very firm. Olufunmilade had one of the best recommendations in the Medical Corps from the Ministry Of Defense.

He moved into Ikosi Land in 1972 after completing his house on the land bought in 1971.At that time Ikosi was entirely semi-bush and he and his family were the only one living on the street which eventually bears his name Oluyombo Street. A very resourceful and enterprising Army Officer then he brought to bear the discipline he acquired in the Military Servite. With Military precision e-waded the accessible Roads In Ikosi with Caterpilliar he personalty brought. He brought Electric Light Facility to Ikosi on 8th August 1972. In 1973 he brought Telephone Facility to tkosi, he capped the pioneering achievements in Ikosi with the establishment of the first  Hospital in Ikosi (Yomba Hospital And Maternity Home) in March 2nd 1980.

In appreciatlon of his immeasurable contributions to the Socio-Economic growth of Ikosi ‘land the paramount ruler of Ikosi land Hrn Obaadegbovega Taiwo honoured him with the chieftancy titles of Otun-Basegun in 1996 and Otunba Bobatolu Of Ikosi Kosofe land in 2004. He was also honoured  with the chieftancy title of Are-Olooto of Ikosi by His ROYAL HIGHNESS OBAALAMU RAFIU KEHINDE OF IKOSI LAND.

A free mixer and dletribalized Nigerian, he is loved by aU ethnic nationalities in the highly cosmopolitan Ikosi Metropolis. He was once the Chairman of works for PCRC Ketu branch, he was the Centennial President of Rotary Club Of Ikosi Central District 9110  Nigera between 2004-2005.A stuanch member of Christian Unity Band Of Nigeria (CUBN) All Saint Anglican Church Ikosi Ketu. He was happily married to Chief (Mrs) Abigail Ajoke Oluyombo Nee (Ogunnaike). The Marriage was blessed with children and grandchildren. May His Gentle Soul Rest In Perfect Peace (AMEN).

TRIBUTES

My Dear Husband (OLU) as I fondly call you, You were a caring, dutifull and a loving father of our Children and extended family members. A generous and kindhearted gentleman to everyone who approached him for help ,you performed this divine assignment without complaining nor grumble. My Darling Husband your Departure is Sad but your legacy will remain indelible in our hearts. I really thank God that you passed on peacefully when your Children even those that came home from abroad and other loved were all around your bed. Sleep on my beloved and loving Husband until we meet Again In Paradise to part no more.

Your Loving Wife …

–Chief(Mrs)Abigaii AjokeOluyombo

Dad, I know you are up in heaven and I love and miss you so much and think about you to this day. Yourtransitiontothe new abode leftavoid in me that no one can ever fill. I learnt so much from simply watching you. You were such a hardworking, intelligent and humble father. You were an icon who brought joy to your children and entire family. Thank you for giving me wonderful childhood memories and I cannot thank you enough for the discipline given to me while growing up. Your passion for Education reflected on the qualitative education that you provided for me and siblings. You believed that every child deserved the best in which made you to stop at nothing in ensuring that your children lack nothing you will forever live in our hearts. I will always cherish your humorous, discipline and intelligence which make you unique. My dad lived a life of generosity, dignity and love. You were a selfless giver in the community. You were a fearless and bold man who stood for the needy. The legacy you left us will continue forever with the family. As, l bid goodbye may the light of God brighten your path to eternal rest in Jesus name (Amen)

–Shola Aregbesola

Tribute to my Dad, Chief Capt. Stephen Olufunmilade Oluyombo ( aka No Messing Around) Dad’s are the most noblest title that can be bestowed on any man. It signifies a patriarch, a leader, an exemplar, a confidant, a disciplinarian, and a teacher. My dad was a good father to us, his children, relatives, and the whole community. My dad Chief Capt. Stephen Olufunmilade Oluyombo, you have always been a source of inspiration in my life. You gave me and my sibling the best education any child can think of. You sent us abroad at a very early age, sent us to the best school in Liverpool UK, pay our school fees, payfora nanny to look after us and gave us money for our upkeep and when coming home on holidays you buy tickets for us to come home. You have always looked after, loved and protected me. I remember before the use of mobile phones in the late 80s, you will go to Nitel at least twice a week to check our wellbeing. My dad was a very caring dad, a generous giver who does not discriminate against anybody. He gives his staff extra money to take care of themselves. My dad was a disci pli naria n with a good sense of humour. Many people have benefitted from his scholarship scheme, which is one of the legacies he left behind. You were very hard working, intelligent, and supportive in all ways, and this you have shown to us your children and to the community and neighbourhood you lived in. As a leader in the community, you have single handedly sponsored projects and contributed immersely to the development of the community. My dad will call me on the phone when he is eating and would tell me what food he was eating, he always asked me to join him on the table.

My dad calls me nearly every day just to hear my voice, and there is nothing my dad and I don’t discuss ….. .1 was very close to my dad. My dad was a reputable and respected man in society. He stands forthe truth with reference to his alias “No Messing Around.” Dad, you have made so much impact in the community that the community will never forget you and your good deeds. A few weeks before you passed away, you kept calling me and asking me when I will be coming home because you wanted to note the date I was coming to Nigeria in his diary and I told you that I will soon be home to see you. I asked you what you wanted me to buy for you and you told me you wanted a mobile phone which I brought but you never used. On my arrival in Nigeria, you welcomed me, and the first thing you said to me after welcoming me was “Bose Iwo Ni Mon Duro De” (Bose I Was Waiting For You). You requested that both of us take photographs together, which will remain in my memory forever. You will be greatly and sadly missed, dad. I will always love you, and you will forever remain in my heart. You are gone, but you will never be forgotten.

You’ve always told me how special we were to each other. You were full of kindness and love. My love for you remains strong, even in death. May your gentle, peaceful, and beautiful soul rest well.

Your lovely daughter,

–Bose

“Daddy, from where do I start, and where do I end? Just know that I loved and respected you between the two points”

–Olumide Sunday Oluyombo

Dad, I have turned out to become a decent human being, that is because of you Sir. You always wanted the best for us, you protected us all your life and am sure your sprit will continue to do so whereveryou are. I will miss you. God bless you. May you rest in peace

–Tolulope Oluyombo

Daddymi, ‘Saba ne’, You chose your race and chose your finish tape, You chose your battle rope and armour of war. You came, you saw and You conquered, You were indeed a rare and precious gem from your early years in the army, where you rose to be a captain, and even during your time in the United Kingdom up till your return back to Nigeria. Abeautiful soul, A fighter, A defender, A defender of good things, My dad was a very strict man, who was given the name, No messing around, by the people in the community and some of his friends.

Agenerous dad who supports both the poor and needy. A dad who was very supportive, A personality with a huge heart full of love, we love you, but God loves more. Rest in peace, babane. You will always be in our heart.

–Bunmi

My tribute goes to my dad who lived his great life like in the times of the Roman empire. He was always ready to stand up and defend the weak, poor and the oppressed who could not defend their human rights. Thank you for the great impact you had on our community most especially when it was still very much under development, you constructed the roads brought light into the community and most especially protected us and the entire community single handedly with your Military might and power and with these attributes your exit is a collosal loss to the community and the entire household. My dad played a key role in my life today by transforming me into a hardworking reliable, diligent and most importantly an independently successful person I am. You have given me a template to work on in the medical field and I will continue to work on this and make you proud. Finally your name Oluyomso is an household name, known all over the world and when you say Oluyombo to some Nigerians abroad, they look at you with joy and start asking questions, where and how is Saba, then they begin to tell you how he has helped them in one way or the other. Adieu old soldier.

–Dr. Seye Oluyombo

I write this tribute not in grief that you were no more but in thankfulness that your impact and legacy will forever live in me. Dad, you are my hero. You were the most courageous and resourceful man. I never questioned if you loved or cared for me because you made it obvious during your last 5 months on earth when mum and I were the sole carer towards the tail end of your glorious life. During these days, weeks, and months, you told me a lot, and those things are written in gold in my right hand and in my heart. You were a family man, one of the team of two with mum for me and my siblings. Above all, dad, you were thoughtful and honest – a man of strong principles. Dad, you and mum have always been there for us in times of crisis, and your positive attitude, response, unending love, and ever willingness to help meant that a solution was never far’ away.

Dad, your example has set for me a high standard to live up to. Your values and principles will continue throughout my lifetime. Dad – The heart that was made of pure gold but that stopped beating. The most hardworking hand that had been put to rest. But dad, even if you passed away, you are not really gone.

Promising you, Daddy, that your brand, your legacy, and your symbol will live forever. Thanks, Dad, you made me what I am today, without God and you. I would’ve been nobody. Dad, saying goodbye really hurts. I really thank you, Daddy. treallv appreciate you, dad. Long live daddy Oluyombo. Long live Yombo Hospital.

–Olugboyega Oluyombo

Words seem to feeble in moments like these. But surely God takes what is His, what He gives is His and to all things He has appointed a time. Was a man like no other, he was an icon worthy of emulation. He was a hero, a hardworking and strong individual. He was always there for his family. He was highly principled and stood firm for what he believed was in general interest of everyone. He was a blessing and God’s gift to everyone he came across. He brought so much joy to us. Daddy though you may be gone you will forever remain with us.

Daughter-in-law

–Dr Mrs Oluyombo Oluwaseun