Friday, 29th of July, 2022 was the day set aside for the Farewell Service and celebration of a life well spent of late Adeniyi Adebulugbe Jaiyesimi, who died on the 10th May this year 2022.
His death was a big hit for the families of Jaiyesimi, Otubusin, and Ajasin, as they bid goodbye to their son, at a final Church service tagged “Farewell Service” at the Elevation Church, Lekki Expressway, Lagos. A Memorial Night was held a day before at Harbour Point, Wilmort Close, Victoria Island, Lagos, which family, friends and well-wishers attended.
The programme (Farewell service) which started a few minutes past 10 am, officially kicked off with an Opening hymn, and Oluwatobiloba Jaiyesimi was called to the podium to read the lead in scripture reading, as she read Psalm 112.
The late businessman, Adeniyi Jaiyesimi, was an outstanding accountant in his lifetime.
The popular man of God who ministered at the service was Pastor Ituah Ighodalo. He referred to Life and death as misery and no one understands them. He started with a comforting message to the widow who was still mourning her husband. The pastor encouraged her and pointed out he knows how she feels and he felt it as well when he lost his wife, Ibidun.
He recounted the good old days with his late friend in Ibadan and how they used to roll in the city of Ibadan. “we met in Ibadan over 50 years ago and we grew together”. He also advised the widow to do the following as she henceforth lives without her loving husband, Niyi. She was advised to always look after the children, and support and maintain her husband’s legacy. She was also advised to work hard, and serve God for the rest of her life, for this will serve as comfort. Shortly after this, the immediate family of the deceased were called on stage for prayers. The man of God also encouraged the widow with a story about when he lost his wife, Ibidun, a few years ago.
According to him, he said, there’s a Gardner who used to water a garden of flowers of roses. And he loves those flowers a lot but one day someone plucked one of the flowers and the Gardner was so mad that he had to call all the other workers. But he couldn’t find the person who plucked the rose, so when he went to report the case to the person who employed him, he found the flower inside a vase in front of the man who said he needed the flower. That’s the case of what happened to someone who lost one of their loved ones. Because no matter how we love them, God loves them more.
The widow of the deceased, Mrs Ayo Jaiyesimi was in a sober mood as her husband was wheeled away.
Shortly after this, the body of the deceased was moved to the cemetery for the final rest, and that would be done privately, according to the family. The body of the deceased was received by LTJ funerals, who were paid to give the remains the final treats, as he was ushered away in an expensive casket to his final home. Let’s also tell you that, Lagos State’s First Lady, Mrs (Dr) Ibijoke Sanwoolu was present. She came in company with her entourage.
Let’s tell you his full story. He was born on April 19, 1959, Adeniyi Adebulugbe Jaiyesimi in Abeokuta to the late Mr Alfred-the former Chief Conservator of Forests for Western Region, Nigeria, and Mrs Ayoola Jaiyesimi-Chief Nursing Officer for Western Nigeria. He was born into the Jaiyesimi family of Ijebu Igbo and the Otubusin royal family of Ijebu Ode. Omo’oba Ikorodu, Adeniyi was referred to as ‘Ayanko’ in his childhood days, ‘Aneye’ by his UI friends, ‘Omo boy’ by others, and popularly as ‘Niyi Jay’ to friends that transcended the years.
Adeniyi was the fifth of six children: tailing after his older siblings, Alfred, late Kikelomo, Rotimi, and Gbenga; he was an immediate older brother to Yetunde. Growing up, he was doted over by his parents and siblings but not spoilt. He had a hard act to follow as his brothers ventured into the medical field.
However, being adventurous, Adeniyi broke ranks and went into the world of accountancy, finance, and business. His prowess and excellence in this field influenced his younger sister, Yetunde, to study Accounting.
His early years were spent in Ibadan, attending Ebenezer African Church Primary School where he set the tone for who he was going to become: a trailblazer. Adeniyi spent four years, instead of 6 years, in primary school; passing the examination to gain admission into Government College Ibadan (GCI) in 1969. His wit and wisdom surpassed his young age. Though small in stature, Adeniyi was a member of the GCI Army Cadet Unit from where he learnt to be resilient and disciplined.
BRAINS, CHARACTER AND LOOKS
Despite having two older brothers at GCI, he did not enjoy special privileges from the senior boys but went through the mill that moulded him into a responsible, respectable, and friendly person. This was a principle he later passed down to his children, Oluwakemi of blessed memory, Oyindamola and Oluwatobiloba, and the multitude of families that passed through his loving home.
He had an astounding performance in the Ordinary Level Examinations (WAEC) and was admitted into the International School Ibadan for his Advanced Level studies. In 1975, Adeniyi was admitted into the University of Ibadan (UI) to study Economics and graduated in 1979. He thereafter proceeded to complete his National Youth Service (NYSC) in Kaduna.
To date, the origin of his childhood pet name, ‘Ayanko’ is unknown. In Yoruba, this word means bravery and remains a perfect depiction of his character. Adeniyi was bold and daring. Though still wonder, it explains how he could have convinced his dad to shun the flamboyance of a Datsun 240C in 1979-an executive car of the time-and let him have it. Adeniyi understood the power of influence and channelled it positively into his strength in negotiation.
A MAN AND HIS NUMBERS
Adeniyi had a knack for figures. He remembered telephone numbers, car plate registration numbers, birthdays-you name it! He easily solved numerical calculations. Even with the emergence of technology and in his later years, Adeniyi would hardly be found without a pen and paper. His children were often teased about how inseparable he and his excel sheets were!
He went on to undertake his Articleship with the prestigious Accounting firm, Coopers & Lybrand-now known as PriceWaterhouse Coopers-where he was renowned for his problem-solving skills. Adeniyi pursued a professional certification of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); though incidentally, this was not the only thing he pursued as he met his lovely wife, Ayodele, during these classes. He later attained a Fellowship of this Nobel institute.
Adeniyi worked as the Finance Manager for Health Aids, and later went into the business sector, manufacturing cosmetic creams and distributing trucks and other amenities. He used his accounting expertise in many organisations he belonged to; serving as Treasurer of his Primary school alumni, the 1969/75 class of Government College Ibadan, among others. Adeniyi was an astute businessman and the go-to person for advice.
SMOOTH TALKER, AYODELE’S SOULMATE
Let’s just say that Adeniyi also had a way with his words. While studying (or supposedly so) at an Accounting class, in preparation for the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) examination, Adeniyi made a tactical move to Ayodele Omowunmi Ajasin-an intelligent, poised, young lady. In 1984, both lovebirds got married in Lagos.
They loved each other and supported each other throughout their careers. Ayodele continues to praise him for the pillar he was through her successful Accounting and Human Resources career, and more recently, her gifted venture into the Arts and Theatre, in which they both worked together in as Directors of THESPIAN Family Theatre and Productions.
Adeniyi and Ayodele were blessed with 3 beautiful daughters: late Oluwakemi, Oyindamola (now married to Folawole Sanwoolu and Oluwatobiloba. Though he did not get to meet him, Adeniyi’s heart was gladdened by his grandson, Samuel Folajimi Sanwoolu. Adeniyi cherished his family and always tried to give his children a rounded life. Fondly treasured are family holidays with his parents in Ibadan, and
trips to Orlando and Paris. Adeniyi built his home on love, mutual respect, and friendship, and rewarded hard work with treats.
WE’RE ALL ONE
Adeniyi had a great sense of humour and wore his boyish and charming smile. He made friends everywhere he went and was very down-to-earth. No wonder he was immediately taken in by the Ajasin family and loved by Ayodele’s siblings and her parents, Pa Kayode (late) and Ma Ajasin. Adeniyi always went out of his way to support friends and family and celebrate with them across Nigeria and abroad.
When it came to his in-laws (Morenike, Ebun, Wura and Sina; Deji, Tola, Kunle and Tunde), he treated each person as his sibling; showering them with love and respect. Adeniyi opened his home to the family: Oyeniyi, Biodun, Rotimi, Olumide, Jide, Yewande, Laide, Wole, Tunde, Dupe, Ayo, Dolapo, Dotun, Joyce, Seun and many other members. They found in him a counsellor, confidant, motivator, uncle, and friend. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also found his home as a holiday resort, for they enjoyed his hospitality and warmth.
Adeniyi had belonged to the Suavites Club and the prestigious University of Ibadan Vogue Incorporation of which he was a founding member. Professional in all his dealings, Adeniyi had a great personality and commendable values that saw him have a network of friends.
He was a Rotarian and was President of the Rotary Club of Apakun, District 91 10, and lived by its four-way test: is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships, and will it be beneficial to all concerned?
TO A LIFE WELL LIVED
Adeniyi loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved telling stories but was an even better listener and mediator. He was the bridge that connected people. Adeniyi enjoyed travelling and loved pets-especially dogs! He was ever young and would give his best dance (which was often questionable).
He was a remarkable man who lived a life worth celebrating.
Common themes in the tributes about Adeniyi include his generosity of spirit, empathy, arms-wide-open approach, and willingness to help friends, associates, and family. These tributes echo the virtues Adeniyi espoused and his family’s gratitude to God for his time on earth. “Ayanko”, “Aneye”, “Omo Boy”, “Niyi Jay,” what a phenomenal man he was!
Adeniyi Adebulugbe Jaiyesimi was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and more. He now rests peacefully, in the care of the Almighty God, having left his footprints in the sand of time. In this, his family finds solace. Omo Oba Ikorodu, Adeniyi – he will be dearly missed and forever will the cherished memories of him be treasured.
–Report By Isaac Abimbade
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