On Friday, 20th January, 2023, the remains of Pa Emmanuel Adewale Osborne was laid to rest in Lagos. The Funeral Service was at Methodist Church, Tinubu. He was born on the 19th day of June, 1946 to Late Mr. Eliott Adeyinka Osborne and Mama Racheal Morenike Broderick Osborne. Adewale’s Grand father: Papa Robert Osborne was originally from Sierra Leone and he married Madam Faderin Seymour and settled on Broad Street Lagos, where they lived a robust communal life and printed their marks on the sands of time. The enviable products of this union are Mr. Elliot Adeyinka Osborne and Mr. Atiba Osborne both of blessed memory. Call the young Adewale a Prince and you will be absolutely correct owing to his mother being an Itsekiri Princess and she was the first daughter of the Oba Orugbo of Warri kingdom. He raised a Christian family of Methodist extraction and their offsprings have remained pious worshippers in the Communion. He was an ardent lover of Church Music: Hymns and Chants. He ensured his first two girls- Olajumoke and Ayodele enlisted in the Choir of Excellence, Methodist Church of The Trinity, Tinubu, Lagos. They both served in the Choir till they got married. Some of the awards are 20 years long service award and various acknowledgements of diverse contributions to the growth of the Choir. We however pray that God bless and repose the soul of Ayodele who joined the saints triumph a couple of years back.
Adewale started his elementary education in Lagos Island attending the preparatory school and later attended Baptist Primary and Secondary School both on Lagos Island. In 1973, he married the wife of his youth Mrs. Christiana Oluwatoyin Osborne (Nee Gbadebo-Coker) and the marriage is blessed with Four children. He studied and passed at all the required City and Guild levels and became a renowned Electrical Engineering Professional. He joined the services of Nigeria Ports Authority and worked in the Electrical department until he proceeded to the United States in search of a greener pasture. On getting to the United States, he joined the services of Radio Shack (now known and called BCE Inc.) He worked with the Company until he attained the statutory retirement age having attained a meritorious 20 years long service record, unblemished, untainted.
After retirement and attaining an elder status, he devoted more of his time to the things of God and became very active in his local church assembly. He served His Maker with his time, treasure and substance. There are so many items that were pointedly identified to have been provided by him during the Commendation held in his honour. His philosophy was that the Giver of all must be allowed to have all that He has provided. He was a member of Men’s Auxiliary Society of MCTT until he relocated to United States.
A collector of wall clocks, Daddy has over 75 wall and table clocks in his house and all of them have memorable stories behind their collection. His passion for wall clocks is second to none and this prompted the decision to count them for posterity. This was first noticed when he came visiting in 2003. He bought about 6 pieces which were hung everywhere you turn to. He loved and lived a good life and this he espoused to the admiration of friends and associates. A very cheerful giver with a penchant for good looks. His panama caps became a signature for him and he paid details to his looks and trendy touches. A dapper, dashing, snazzy and neat dresser till he breath his last.
A very unassuming, composed and affectionate being; he has a way with everyone, even the seemingly tough to deal with people. He will be sorely missed but will never be forgotten. Indeed, we have lost a gem. Our patriarch goes home in style and glamour. A wonderful father and grandfather to his children and children’s children and a loyal friend to his network of friends. Adieu!
TRIBUTE
I celebrate the life of my Father, Mr Emmanuel Adewale Osborne who joined the Saints triumph on the 14th day of October, 2022. My Dad was more than a father to me because in him, I found a friend, gist partner and a mentor.
He taught me the basic things of life among but not limited to forgiveness and giving without looking for any reward. His love for fashion made me a fashionista today. Thank you for raising us up well and instilling the fear of God in our hearts. Thank you Dad for putting broad smiles on all our faces. Yes, you lived a well and fulfilled life, but it is hard to bid you goodnight!
We are consoled by your legacies, services to humanity and service to the Lord your maker. A spiffy and raffish dresser till he breath his last. Dad you will be sorely missed but will never be forgotten.
Rest well Osby … till we meet to part no more!
Olajumoke Adekoya
Your Daughter
Our father was loved so dearly, and brought so much happiness to the many hearts he touched. He was always kind, caring and understanding towards people. And if help was ever needed then it came so freely from him. He was a blessing and God’s gift to everyone he came across and brought so much joy to us.
Adeyinka Osborne
Your Son
My dad was such a nice man always looking for how to help us out, he was so loving and caring to us always praying for us he never give up on us his children, he always want to know if we are ok rest in perfect peace Daddy we love you.
Omolara Osborne
Your Daughter
A Dad so Faithful, Generous, Loving, and devoted!
This is about the toughest tribute to give. We are pained that you left shortly before we actualized our physical meeting. You waited, hung on, and looked forward to receiving us at the airport and drive us home, alas, the trip was made but it was to commence your funeral rites. Who are we to question God?
We have every reason to thank God for the life you lived. Your strong faith in God and your unwavering trust and confidence in prayers. It was like you had experienced all anyone could perceive as challenge as you have a ready response and solution to every big issue. At first, I thought you always trivialized issues to disarm me, but as times went by, I imbibed your approach to life and living. You made things easy for people as you give them probable reasons why they misbehave, hence making it easy for offenders to retrace their steps. You forgave easily and moved on without looking back.
This was exemplary. I thought I knew a bit of your generosity. Guess what? I was proved wrong when the flood of testimonies began pouring in at the Commendation Service in your honor and comments of well-wishers who cared to visit. You had extended families all over where your feet have trod. You would never visit anyone without a gift even if your visit had been daily. You had a good heart, a cheerful and selfless one at that. You were a good man, a doting father and a father that shaped his generations yet unborn. Your giving spirit is second to none. I thank God that this is replicated in your
daughter as she can give the world out as a gift.
Our physical moments together, though few because of distance, are moments to cherish forever. Every discussion was a learning and impartation session and I thank God for giving you to us. I will forever cherish my first day of meeting you which coincided with the way Oluwapamilerinayo was born. What a way to reunite after years of sojourn? It was an experience never to be forgotten It is hard to say goodbye, but we have no alternative than to hold on to what you stood for and promise to serve the God you trusted and served till the end. This is a case of faith of our fathers living still … holy faith … We will be true to thee till death. We will continue to keep your line in the membership of your church and your name will not disappear from the records of the Church.
Sleep on beloved Dad, Father in love and my gist partner. I pray God to rest your soul. You will be missed but never forgotten Grandpanarian.
Till resurrection morning…Adieu.
–Otunba Tunji Adekoya
Son in-law
TRIBUTE TO PA OSBY GUARANTOR
Pa Osby Guarantor as I fondly call you, though distance was a barrier for you to be part of our daily life, but I enjoyed the little moments we spent together anytime we got together. Your jokes always made me laugh. Pa Osby adored each of his children an grandchildren and wrapped each of us in hugs every time we saw him. He was highly generous and hospitable. I looked forward to visiting you in the US with the children, but I didn’t know you will be gone soon.
Thanks for the quality of love you gave to me and the children especially at the demise of my late wife, your daughter, Ayodele Osborne-Lamidi. You will always be our special hero. Pa, we all love you but God loves you most. May you enjoy your stay with God. And may your perfect soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Lamidi Hakeem A.
For the Entire Lamidi’s Family
A TRIBUTE TO MY LATE BROTHER MR. ADEWALE OSBORNE
I begin by saying thank you to all those, whose memories and writings, may have motivated some of my writings herein in this tribute to my late brother Adewale Osborne. Born of the same father, named Late Mr. Elliott Adeyinka Osborne, but a different mother, I am the Last Son of the late Father of our late brother Adewale Osborne, in whose memory we are all gathered.
What makes the memories of my late brother special to me, was my memories of him as a kid, growing up in my Father’s and Mother’s houses here in Lagos. Though we did not live together, he visited regularly, and I visited him and his wife in his apartment house at Lagos also, more than any of our Late Father and My Late Mother’s children. Brother Adewale and his wife, were always happy whenever Bolaji Osborne landed in their apartment- They all treated me like the President. Never fully understood why. They always cooked nice food for me to eat, and soft drinks. And later, upon leaving his apartment house, I will go to visit our big Sister Dupe whose house was just a few yards away from brother Adewales’ to continue my enjoyment, before going back home.
Later when I started growing up as a teenager, and started liking girls, we fought, we laughed, and I was made to cry because of that. Maybe because I made all the family, and friends cry and laugh. Yet, they all loved me because, I was truthful. Another thing that made me love Ply Late brother Adewale Osborne, as a very young boy, was that I remembered and noticed how he helped my Late Father and Mother do
some electrical works at the family house at 119 Mba Street Ajegunle, Apapa when he got off from his work as an electrician at NPA.
About 7 to 9 years later, at the age of 21years, I went to America on a student visa for my studies, achievements of greatness, fall, and rising by the grace of the Almighty God.
Oooh!!! My brother Adewale Osborne! It feels like it’s been forever, since I’ve seen your face. I miss you so much in my heart when I think about those aforementioned moments we shared togrther. For that, I will always hold a special place for you and your children forever. We are the Great Osborne Family of Lagos Nigeria, that we are in Jesus’ name. Amen.
I was saddened when I heard you were in a coma in a hospital in the U.S.A. after I was already back home here in Nigeria. I tried to travel to come be with you by your sick bed, but was unable. Few weeks later, I was informed that you had passed away. My heart cried why? Why? Why? Rest in peace brother. I will be waiting for you in my dreams to re-live all those beautiful memories you shared with me.
By. Hon G. Bolaji Osborne. Ph.D
TRIBUTE TO MY LATE SENIOR BROTHER, ADEWALE OSBORNE.
Brother Ade, the first born son of my father Elliot Adeyinka Osborne, Sun-reo A gentle soft spoken man; a walking encyclopedia of our family history. If you called brother Ade from his sleep and asked him when one of his siblings was born, or when Papa moved from one city to another in the course of his career, he would precisely provide the details. How can we lose such a memory so early in the day?
Brother Ad~, what were th~ odds? How heavy were they? Why were we unable to come together and bridge the gap? Our souls yearned for it, but I quess the flesh was weak and the negative influences were strong; Sun-re my brother.
A trip with you and Yinka to our father’s graveside in Ikoyi during one of your trips back home started the healing process for me, but now with your departure, more healing will be needed. Prayerfully, the brothers, sisters and children you left behind will find a way to move forward from glory to glory with God helping us all, we will succeed. Amen.
I thank you for giving me away in marriage and witnessing our signing the doted lines. Thank you for the legacy of a prayer warrior you left behind in California, Sun-re the son of Os by Oloye!!! Olowo laye mol!! You once told me that you asked our father why he accommodated and helped so many people to his discomfort and that of his wife, my mother, and children and his response was that he hoped that the seeds he sowed then would be reaped by his children in their journey through life.
This surely has come true for all of us. God has been good to us all and made us recipients of His good will in this tough and complicated world. Indeed we are recipients of God’s mercies and favour.
Sleep on my brother! Omo Baba Osby Oloye!!! Olowo la ye mo!!! Egbiki Kada!Okolobigia!!! A Prince from the lineage of Ajemidetesimi, daughter of the Olu ofWarri- Erejuwa the first.
Grand son of the Kissy Road merchant Robert Osborne. Sun-re!!!! Good night, brother.
Mrs Funmilayo Omokhodion
(Nee Osborne)
You have lived a fufilled life daddy we your seeds will continue to uphold your dignity and integrity rest on pappy till me again and part no more
Biodun Kabala
Your son
A heart of gold, a love sincere, beautiful memories will always keep you near. Hardworking hands at rest, it broke my heart to say farewell to you DAD but I have learnt that God only takes the best, and I will never let go of your memories.
Oluwaloseyifunmi Sanni
Your Daughter
He was a father. That’s what a father does. Eases the burdens of those he loves. Saves the ones he loves from painful last images that might endure for a life time my mind still talks to you. My heart still looks for you. My soul knows you are at peace.
Tobi Adeniran
Your son
You will remain in our hearts forever grandpa since there will never be any other person who can replace you in our hearts and souls and the great love we have for you. We will miss you, dearly
Jide Adeyemi
Your Grandson
Grandpas are such incredible role models in life as it is through them that we get to learn and understand the gentle side of men. The closest friends who have become a particular part of my life are the ones who have grown up close to loving grandparents.
You will remain in our hearts forever grandpa since there will never be any other person who can replace you in our hearts and souls and the great love we have for you. A heart that is made of pure gold has stopped beating, one of the most hardworking hands have been put to rest as one way of God, showing us that he is interested in only the best. Even if we searched the entire universe, we are sure that we will never find a grandpa who is as loving and caring as you were to us. Rest in peace granny.
Dimeji Lamidi
Your Grandson
Grandpa was a man of honor and dignity. He was a man who will always bring with him a pinch of love and a sprinkle of laughter. His love for plants was appreciable and watering his plants was part of his morning routine. Our Grandpa had such a love for God, and he gave his time, efforts, and ministry to reach souls by being generous and donating to numerous organizations. Grandpa was truly a TROPHY OF GOD’S GRACE. we know he is in a better place and he is forever in our hearts.
Jeniffer Osborne
Your Grand daughter
It’s been long since I saw you, but I am grateful that the memories of you that I hold are those of your presence. You went to be with the Lord too soon, how I wish I were given the time and opportunity to say goodbye. From the way you have been treating us throughout our lives, you have made me understand that no grandpa doesn’t treasure and adore his grandchildren. We will miss you Granpa.
Dipo Lamidi
Your Grandson
Grandpa always had a story to share for every situation. You may not be here any longer but you remain alive in my heart. I’ll miss you so much Grandpanarian.
Oluwapamilerinayo Adekoya
Your Grandson
He was such an inspiring person. His hospitality was one of a kind. He was one of the compassionate, loving, and humble person I know, and Was God’s priceless gift to us. You’re the true meaning of strength. We will miss you wholeheartedly.
Dapo Lamidi
Your Grandson
It’s 50 heartbreaking to know that having you around is no longer possible until we meet to part no more. Who would have thought saying goodbye would be so soon? No one. You mean a lot to us and we will never forget you, grandpa. You’re a strong man, fighting till your last breath. We will forever miss you, grandpa. We love u grandpa, but Christ Love u more.
–Funmi Kabala
Even though I lost my biological father early in life, I thank God for giving me another father in you.
To Daddy Osby, my alias, is “Basirat re e, Owo re” Our conversation is never complete without that statement. He took me as his own and once his call comes in, that means am closed for the day because its always a lengthy talk. Chatting with him was fun. Daddy was full of life and he would never forget to remind me of the power of prayer. He served God truthfuly and diligently. Thank you for leaving behind another father for us in person of Bishop Ademosu. We’ll miss Daddy. Journey well Sir. Till we meet to part no more.
Your adopted daughter, Basirat Rasheed-Bello
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