•What Family Members & Friends Said About Him
A few days ago, Lagos Big Boy, Dapo Ojora passed on. He is the son of Otunba Adekunle Ojora and Erelu Ojuolape Ojora Dapo. He was the 2nd of 4 children. He had an older brother Gbegi, his sister Oluwatoyin and his youngest brother Yinka. Dapo spent his earlier years growing up in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended St Saviours School Ikoyi, were his class mates and friends included Kehinde Durrosimi Etti, Deiye Willie Harry, Babatunde Coker, Femi Feyide, Tony Ikuwe, Toyin Laoye, Joke Silva, Taiwo Durrosimi Etti, Ronke Khalidson, Deolu Adefarasin, Ade Laoye and David Ikuwe who would later become his life long friends.
At St Saviours School Ikoyi, Dapo already showed a keen interest in sports Football was one of his passions and he played for the School team. Dogs, Horses and the game of polo were his interest out of school. He got his very first polo pony at age 4 and began to ride and compete in junior matches at the Lagos Polo Club with the likes of Kabiru Usman , Junaid Dikko, Alijoda, Aminu Yusuf and then Bayo Amusan. He left St Saviours’ school to go to Lockers Park, a prep school in England, but came back a couple of years later, missing home, to attend St Gregory’s College in Lagos for the earlier part of his secondary school. There, he was joined by the likes of Deiye Willie Harry John Targgart, Emanuel Bully, Yomi Finnih, Bayo Amusan, Koye Shogbola and Segun Agbaje. At age 13, He moved back to England and went to Millfield School in Somerset. By the Summer of 1979 Dapo was a member of the Millfield Polo Team. He subsequently became one of the few Nigerian Polo Players to be a member of the Famous GUARDS Polo Club with a professional Handicap. Dapo Ojora would have his name alongside Nigerian Professional Players Audu Yaro and Dawule Baba on the list of recognised Polo Players of Guards. He went on to the American University of London where he got a bachelors degree in Business administration.
Dapo was keen to follow his passion of becoming one of the best polo players that his home country Nigeria has known to date. He returned to Lagos and immediately winning every Polo Trophy in Lagos Kaduna, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Kano , Abraka amd then he played all over the world in South Africa, United Kingdom, United States and home of Polo Argentina.
He won the Majekodunmi cup and the open cup several times; he also won the Georgian and the Dickensen cups. Dapo Ojora earned the title ‘Baba Polo’ for his skills, dedication, commitment to and love for the game of polo. With a long string of polo buffs that were trained by the very best, It was evident that Dapo was determined to give back to the sport that brought him so much joy.
On April 16, 1994, Dapo married the love of his life, Patricia Ediale. They would have three beautiful children together. Tara, Tayo and Tomi were the luckiest children to have such a dedicated father. He doted on his wife and children completely and decided to pass on his legacy of being a great polo player to them all, Patrica and Tara often sitting with him in the commentary box assisting in score and time keeping, and his sons Tayo and Tomi being trained by himself at every opportunity he had. At the moment both Tayo and Tomi are on the way to becoming among the best of the Polo Players of their generation, with both of them already showing skills of the great “Baba Polo”.
Dapo was known for his kind-heartedness and his intense love for his family. He was always looking out for his sister Toyin and his younger brother Yinka as he doted on his older brother Gbegi. His mother Erelu Ojuolape has often fondly told of how often he would bring lost dogs home as a kid, nurse them and train them to be happy dogs. His father would always have a special smile for Dapo whenever he walked into the room. He wanted always for everyone to be happy and gave of himself extensively. Beloved by all, Dapo will never be forgotten. Below are the tributes from his family members.
TRIBUTES
My dearest Dapo,
Words cannot express the pain, confusion and misery of how I feel. You have been the centre of my life for 33 years. The last couple of years have been the hardest for us. But we always said ‘through thick and thin’. I know for certain this rough patch would also be weathered with time. You knew how much I loved and respected you Dapa. The admiration I felt and still feel, was unparalleled. I thank God that in your last few weeks we spent so much time together, laughing, joking and every so often, peering into the future.
You were a family man and family meant the world to you. We spent all our time together with our children Tara, Tayo and Tomi, our beautiful blessings. We also had our polo family with all the people you brought up
in the game of polo. You never needed much more than the people you called family.
We all love and miss you and we know that you are resting in heaven now; that you are at peace and that your smile is as radiant as it always was. Even in these sad times the children and I talk about you with the happiest smiles; we laugh about your priceless anecdotes. Dapo, your antics were legendary and your witty expressions had a life of their own. You lived your life how you wanted to live it. Your path was different from others and most didn’t understand it but you did, and that’s all that mattered. My Alagbara, my invincible Dapo, the Warrior Prince, nothing could stop you, nothing could bring you down, you were a force of nature, you were so Fearless. You will be so sorely missed. I pray the Good Lord to bless you and look after you and know that I will do my best to ensure that the children are alright and continue to thrive. Rest in peace till we meet again.
All my love,
–Patricia
The fact that I’m writing this is truly beyond me. I am in still in shock and lost for words. This is by far the most traumatic thing I’ve ever experienced. My dad was an enigma. He left his mark wherever he went. He was my protector, my leader, my idol, my role model, my friend and my total obsession. Growing up, I was completely obsessed with him. He could do NO wrong in my eyes. When I went to boarding school, as long as he was in England, he was at EVERY sports match, every boring play I was in and was there to pick me up every time I needed to go home. Everyone knew not to mess with me because if you did, you had to answer to him. I could write a lot more but I don’t even know where to pull the words from because honestly I am still in a state of confusion and utter devastation.
Daddy, I love you. More than words can describe. I miss you more than anything. And I will miss you each and everyday. I will tell my children about my hilarious, crazy, super protective, BRAVE and bold Daddy. God has got you now. Till we meet again, rest. With no more pain. No more heartache. No more stress. No more sadness. Only bliss. Say hi to Uncle Gbegi and all our dogs for us. I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you. Forever your girl,
–TARA OJ
A TRIBUTE TO MY DADDY DAPS:
My father in law was a man of quality, an aficionado in all the things he loved and more! A true gentleman, he was very kind and humble. If you had the privilege of engaging with him even if it was a few seconds, his pedigree shun bright. When I started courting Tara, everybody I could think of asked me if I was scared of her dad or if I had been grilled by her dad and the dogs? The truth is Daddy Daps made me feel loved and respected from day one. I still think some of those people were using style to block me from pursuing my wife 101. .. a part of me was a little annoyed at Tara for keeping away what I thought was a hidden gem, in a world filled with so many fakes, he was real. I learnt quickly he was a man of value. Whether it was polo, cars, dogs, photography, technology, history; I learnt something every time we conversed. What I admired most about him was his deep love for family; that deep love that is at times beyond verbal expression and shown in unique ways. I believe our love for family and upholding certain values helped us bond from the onset.
Our love for dogs added a stronger layer to our bond. I’m still in awe of how he could tame any dog or animal and it pains me deeply that we won’t be sharing all the experiences we planned. I am grateful that our relationship was able to develop into a friendship. Thank you for trusting me with your princess Tara. By the special Grace of God, I will stand firm and steady for her. I promise to protect her and be there for Mum, Tayo & Tomi. I will cherish and honour your memory in my heart forever because although life has to end, love doesn’t. Gone too soon, forever missed .. 1 love you Daddy Daps. I pray that you find peace in the bosom of Christ.
–Folajimi (fj)
My dad was a strong, intelligent and honest man. He spent his years doing good for his community, often without wanting or expecting anything in return. He had a good heart and a strong sense of family. A dedicated leader, a conscientious teacher and a reliable friend, I take great comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on, not only through his immediate family, but also in the many lives he impacted. “The only way to deal with death is to transform everything that precede: it into art” Arsene Wenger Dad, I will forever cherish the beautiful memories I have of you. Thank you for teaching me the ropes and to look after Mum, Tara and Tomi. I promise to continue your wonderful legacy on and off the pitch and make you proud. Go well Dad.
Love. Tayo
Our lives are forever changed as we have lost an amazing, loving individual who was for many a source of warmth and comfort. Despite our grief, we remember the good times, the love shared and the people he inspired. My dad was my role model, as he was for many others: particularly in polo, and subsequently he has left behind a fitting legacy. We will remember him with nothing but fondness and admiration for the countless laughs, his priceless anecdotes and the many cheerful moments, as well as his virtues and morality. My Everlasting love
–ToMi
15th December, 2020
Daps
My brother, my protector, wise, quiet, thoughtful, brave and strong, constantly courageous through both good and troubled times, with a spirit of fortitude that conquered and overcame many an injury and pain. Dapo, you had a naive innocence, thinking well of everyone, a gift that was unique in the world we live in. You were always happiest with your horses, dogs and cars, and although you were always quietly reflective, your smile and laughter lit up the sky. Dapo, in all the years we grew up together, you never told a lie. My go to brother in emergency situations, just last week you found me a vet in the middle of the night for a sick dog. I can’t count how many times when I would be stuck in Kwara that you would drive hours and hundreds of miles across motorways in UK to go and visit my children in their schools. You and I were each other’s go-to in times of battle, and I am sure you know that I will always fight for your cause and dignity. The last time we saw, on Thursday, you were so happy I had come to Ibadan, and insisted on escorting me to my car despite my protests that you shouldn’t.
Words fail in the devastating enormity of your death, but I know two things given to us in faith: Psalm 14 7:3 tells us that “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name …. “
Dapo, brave star, I bade you goodbye till we meet again with my love, my prayers, and Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rest in peace. Amen.
I have started writing this tribute in my mind over the last 2 days and have not gone very far with it, simply because I realise there are not enough words in the English or Yoruba language to use to describe how much you meant to me and mean to me now. Dapo I will remind you of a story I’ve not told in 42 years, when I was 13 years old and in boarding school starting my first term at a new school, I remember it was a particularly cold winter and as those of you who went to boarding school will know first term was always a huge challenge, being the smallest and most insignificant students in the school. I recall that after the first 3 weeks we were allowed home for our first Exeat and what a fantastic feeling to know that we would be reunited with our families after the long cold separation which seemed like months. Unfortunately it had snowed so much that the first Exeat was cancelled due to the extremely hazardous driving conditions. To me I felt like the world was going to end, how could I not come home for the weekend, but alas it was impossible even the school tractor could not get up the hill. I remember calling Dapo that Thursday evening and crying down the phone about how lonely I felt and how much I wanted to come home and see family. He reminded of me of the chat he and Gbegi, had with me before starting school saying “we will always be there for you, afterall we are your big brothers it’s our job to look after you and protect you even from yourself when you’re being annoying” I finished the call and went off to play with my friends half forgetting the sadness. 2 days later on the morning of cancelled exeat, even some of the teachers were unable to get to school from the local village as the roads were not only full of snow drifts but also black ice. I remember settling down to watch a movie in the house common room with my two best friends. I heard the sound of a car horn from the carpark and it sounded familiar we all leapt up to look out of the window at who had been able to make it up the hill to school. I could not believe my eyes. In the snow filled scenery in front of me was Dapo standing beside his Green Porsche 911 with his faithful dog Caesar running around in the snow beside him. I had never been so excited to see him in my life.
I ran to him and jumped on him and asked how he made it all the way from London when the motorways were closed and no one else could reach school, he replied “Don’t you know I’m rally driver”. I later found out it had taken him 3 hours to drive 23 miles just to surprise me and show me that he would always be there when I needed him. I have never forgotten that gesture. You showed me that day what real brotherly core and love meant. Through the years you continued to demonstrate your love and protection over all your siblings. You are and will always be my champion. Saying goodbye will not be easy and so I will simply not say goodbye. What I will say is the following: May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm, of His hands. Dapo, I will you miss you. I love you,
–Your baby brother Yinks
WHAT WEREN’T YOU DAPS?
You were either something to all or everything to many. Once one met you, they were certainly not going to forget you. Dapo ever fearless, Dapo ever considerate, Dapo ever thoughtful. Dapo ever … humorous, intuitive, courageous, respectful, humble, sage, knowledgeable. Dapo the believer, Dapo God’s faithful servant. A personality too large for this world; now you’ve transcended to the true Kingdom. A warrior full of light, love and compassion; filled with a faith so deeply embedded in your love of God, that all that were privileged to have known you can attest to. May your light forever radiate Daps. Rest In Peace dear Dapo, you will forever be missed.
–Ngozi Ojora
REST IN PEACE DEAR DAPO, YOU WILL FOREVER BE MISSED
Uncle Dapo was strong, courageous, funny, dependable and fiercely protective with a larger than life personality.
He was always there if you needed him, offering quiet support from behind the scenes. I remember calling Uncle Dapo once from school after an awful riding lesson in floods of tears. He gave me pep talk after pep talk and even offered to come to my lessons for morale support to make sure I got back on the horse. The last time I saw Uncle Dapo, we were celebrating Tumi’s birthday. I’m grateful we were able to celebrate together and make memories we can cherish forever. Uncle Dapo, we love you and you will be sorely missed. Forever in our hearts
–Tosin Olukova
Reserved, unassuming, unique and welcoming. These are the words that capture your true nature. You embraced me with genuine warmth from the second we became family. Easy to talk to and easy to be around. Words cannot express the extent of our sadness at your departure. The void created by your absence is immeasurable.
We will continue to honour your memory & spirit. May your soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
Rest well,
–NIYI OLUKOYA
Uncle Dapo,
I can’t believe I’m writing this right now. The last time we saw at Tumi’s birthday, after teasing you about now being a Great-Uncle, we were catching up about beards and Arsenal’s attacking issues, and we said we would meet up properly soon. I always loved speaking to you, because even though I was your nephew. you spoke to me like your brother. I remember you picked me up from school once, and we got into a race on the motorway, like something out of a movie. It’ll never be the same without you. Your memory will live on forever, and in Tara, Tayo and Tomi, you have raised the most amazing, resilient young adults I’m privileged to call my cousins. Love forever,
–Seni saraki
I can’t truly understand or comprehend the emotions from losing you. In recent days I remember fond memories with you. I will forever miss seeing you in your famous chair in Avenue Road, discussing our football philosophies
(which we never could quite agree on), and you asking how school was going and giving me encouragement when I was trying to take sporting activities more seriously.
I want to thank you, for trying your best to fill the void my father left within me. I will always remember that you always called me on every single April 10th to remind me how far I come and that it gets easier. I would like to also thank you for attending my virtual graduation earlier this year as it truly made me feel important in your life. I want to thank you for being around me and watching over all us on in your own way over the years. You were a true man of God and that was something I admire you for. I will pray endlessly that God gives you the true peace that passes the understanding of this plane of existence. I promise you that your family will be fine and uplifted in your absence. Please send my love to your brother when you meet him again, Rest In Eternal Peace Uncle Dapo.
–TOLU
My Uncle Dapo … I keep thinking; how do I write a tribute to someone that I’m not ready to say goodbye to ? Uncle Dapo always knew what to say and what to do. He brought so much wisdom, so much light, and so much energy to everything he did and he will be sorely missed. He was the type of uncle everyone wanted- the very best. I’m going to miss you a lot Uncle Dapo. We are all. I hope you feel at peace up there. One day, we will meet again, and you will call me Tobi-La La and greet me with open arms; just like you always did.
–Tobi Ojora
Uncle Dapo was one of the strongest men I know. He was like a superhero to me when I was younger. He was the best and most supportive uncle I could ever ask for. I’ll never forget him driving hours to support me in my games and competitions. That meant the world to me. He left a lasting impression on everyone who had the fortune of meeting him and I will never ever forget what an awesome man he was. Uncle D, I love you and will miss you more than words can describe. I wish I told you how much I loved you and I hope you knew how loved you were. No more pain now. We will continue living for you and I will continue trying to make you proud. I will be the best cousin to Tara, Tayo, and Tomi that I can be. I love you Uncle D!! Until we meet again.
Tade Ojora or Tados as he would say
Uncle Dapo was the very best of uncles. He brought so much wisdom, joy and laughter to all of our lives. Uncle Dapo we will all miss you enormously.
–Ayo Saraki
Uncle Dapo was always a joy to be around. He never failed to put a smile on our faces and was and still is an inspiration to us all. We will cherish the memories we had with him. May he rest in perfect peace. Ola Saraki
Uncle Dapo, my most special memory of you has to be you driving 2 hours to Birmingham to come and watch Tade and I perform at nationals and shouting the loudest in the crowd. You were always so supportive of me in my sporting career and you made it very very clear to me, and everyone else of how proud you were of me – I promise to continue to make you proud. I know that you are now eternally happy and that is a big source of comfort to me, and to us all. We will all miss you so much and your physical absence will definitely be felt, but we know that you will always be with us spiritually. Please continue to watch over us all. Love you lots and lots and lots,
–Temi Ojora
Dear Uncle Dapo, you will be greatly missed and I love you.
–Tami Ojora
Uncle Daps (along with his brother Gbegi) was one of a handful of people along with whom we worshipped at the 7am Wednesday Holy Communion Service in Our Saviours Church, TBS every week, for many years.
In addition, his maternal grandmother, Mama Sabina Akinkugbe and Ayotola’s grandmother Mama HID Awolowo, were friends; so when our children Folajimi and Tara decided to marry, we felt at ease with each other.
Uncle Daps was a man for whom family was paramount. He was deeply committed to his family. He was also a man who loved God very dearly. He was zealous for the things of God; prayer; gospel music; and worship. He could be counted upon to be at every family celebration and when we lost our mother recently, he was one of the first to arrive and last to leave. He spent a whole week with us in Ibadan; attended every ceremony, and gave us maximum support. A master of his craft; Uncle Daps was passionate and exceptionally talented. He treated everyone with respect, and had a genuine love for people. We are devastated to lose him; but we are also thankful for the joy of knowing such a humble, gentle, and kind brother and father. Our dear brother, we commit you into the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom you loved so much, the only wise God; who is able to present you faultless before the throne of His Grace. Sleep on beloved; may your kind soul rest in perfect peace.
– IRANOLA & AYOTOLA AYODEJI
Adedapo … Omo mi, Aburo mi atata!
I can’t believe you are gone! We used to have those our conversations! I will
miss you Sun re o! Greetings to Ajibade, Ademola, Adegboyega, Abimbola and your
grandparents Alhaja and Baba Olowogbowo
–Love ….. Aunty Sheri
My dearest nephew Dapo, the sad news of your passing really touched me heavily. I recall your younger days and our closeness. You will be greatly missed. I pray that you are at peace now. My love goes out to Patricia, Tara, Tayo and Tomi. May God watch over them. Rest In Peace. Your loving aunt,
–Chief Mrs ‘Lanre Ojora
Daps …. Dear Egbon
Words fail me. As I write, I see your welcoming and genuine smile! No matter where! Always wide and happy! You were always so warm! Will truly miss that! I think back to our last chat when you had seen me walking on Bourdillon and you had wanted to find out if it was me you saw! That was the last time! I would have sent the usual. … ‘Egbon … How are you doing?’ during the coming festive period. But alas it’s not to be! Lesson for me …. why wait to stay in touch?! Indeed Tunde was also only just thinking of talking to you about a cane corso we recently got! You continue to have a special place in my heart! E sun re 0 – as you watch over Tara, Tayo and Tomi from above! The Lord will strengthen, guide and cover them with HIS blessings! Egbon ….. Rest in Christ’s tender love!
Your cousin – Adenike Laoye
DAPO, What can I say …. I’m lost for words …. the DAPO I knew when I was about 6 years old (a real big brother)is the same DAPO I knew when I was 20 and the same DAPO I knew till you left us …. warm and caring, always looking out and asking about every single member of my family especially Denike. I remember our last chat about a Cane Corso who was looking to be adopted … you sent me pictures of your two lovely Alsatians and we went on and on about dogs. Ironically I eventually got myself a Cane Corso early this year and I kept telling Denike that I would call DAPO and let him know ….. I never did …. maybe you would have come to see the dog …. maybe that would have changed things in all our lives … maybe, maybe maybe …. so many maybes but God knows best. Rest in Peace my dear Egbon
–Tunde Laoye
My egbon Daps,
I never saw you as my cousin but rather my brother. You really behaved more like a big brother. My earliest memory of you was when you gave me my first dog. You spent so much time with me teaching me how to care for the puppy. You tutored me about dogs and animals. You inspired me to appreciate nature and all manners of creatures. Whenever we saw each other, we would chat about life and interesting topics. I remember with fondness that whenever you spoke, no one could break my attention because your voice commanded complete attention! I was glad that you got to witness how much I loved you through my relationship with your children. Though we didn’t see each as often as I would have liked, I always knew how you were doing when I would catch up with Tara.
My dear egbon, you are so loved. We all loved you so much. These words are filled with tears because there is no like you. There will never be anyone like. You are simply irreplaceable. I recall the time you heard that I was caught up in a robbery at my family house. Within 5 minutes of me placing the call to you, you drove at speed to rescue me, even though I was safe. You took command of the situation. Even the policemen were hiding behind you. A close friend of mine was remarking how touched he was when you insisted that I take you to his flat when they had suffered a robbery attack. You didn’t have to go to his place. A phone call would have done the trick but you, being you, insisted on seeing him and his wife. That is the type of person that you were and will always remain in our eyes. My heart goes out to Patricia, Tara, Tayo and Tomi. I know it is a difficult time but we put our faith in God’s hands. Your father is a good man, and he loves you all very much. To my uncle and aunty, Otunba and Erelu Ojora, my sympathies go out to you. Toyin, Yinka and the Ojora clan, I stand with you, as we honour yet another one of our own in our generation. We will get through this. I just know we will, if stand together. A massive thank you to all our friends that have stood by us.
God bless us all.
–Adeshola Ajibade Ojora
My Daps of the World .. {as I fondly call you) .. words can never express the shock and pain when I heard you had passed so suddenly. Everyone was in total shock!
We were all together the week before at the lying in state of our dear Ayotola Ayodeji’s mum, Mama Mrs Omotola Oyediran,in Ibadan. We all sat together at her house for a late lunch, myself, Olijay, Ayo Subair, Patricia,Tara and some other close friends. Although everyone was a bit tired after one of the ceremonies,we all had a lot of fun cracking jokes and enjoying each others company. I never imagined that would be the last time I would see you. It’s unthinkable! We had agreed we would meet up again in Lagos when you get back from Ibadan.
Daps you were one of the most dependable cousin and friend anyone could ever wish for. You were much misunderstood by those who didn’t really know you well. You were one of the very best. Fearless in every way ….. a rue warrior.
But one thing that stood out was your fear of GOD. You were very prayerful and your love for Christ was reflected in your innate goodness. I fervently pray that the good LORD will give strength to Patricia, the children and my dear Aunty Oju and Uncle Kunle and Toyin and Yinka, and also the fortitude to bear this very painful loss. We will all miss you for so many good reasons. Rest in perfect peace my Oops till we meet again. Amen!
–Olumide Oladapo
THE BEST THAT HE COULD BE
My cousin Dapo, the best that he could be. This is the thought that recurs in my mind as I struggle to write this tribute. It never crossed my mind that life would deal us another cruel blow such as this! Dapo, you were ever the gentleman, unassuming, charming and principled, strong in your convictions and utterly devoted in your faith. Front and centre in church every Sunday, without fail! A good friend to anyone who needed one, there quietly to support when you felt it was needed.
Whatever you took an interest in, you excelled, even triumphed and left no one in doubt that you were the master of your craft! Your gift with animals, your mastery of your sports, both polo and driving, you were peerless! Some of those skills you have also gifted to your wonderful sons, Tayo and Tomi. With the help of Patricia, you both raised wonderful children, Tara, Tayo and Tomi, all of whom impressed with the same humility and charm of their parents. It is heartbreaking that we have lost you so soon but with your devotion to God, we are assured of your special place with him. May He keep you by His side and comfort Patrica, Tara, Tayo, Tomi, Toyin, Yinka, Aunty Oju, Uncle Kunle and all who mourn your loss.
Rest in Peace.
–DAYO AKINKUGBE
