01/28/2024
TRIBUTE TO HIS ROYAL MAGESTY ALAIYELUWA OBA AJIBOLA RAPHAEL OLALEYE OLUYEDE, ISE OLUWA II, THE ALAYEDE OF AYEDE OGBESE
In the rich tapestry of life, some threads shine with an exceptional luster, weaving legacies that transcend the bounds of time and space. His Royal Majesty Alaiyeluwa Oba Ajibola Raphael Olaleye Oluyede, Ise Oluwa II, The Alayede of Ayede Ogbese, was one such thread, a beacon of light and hope, whose life and reign were a testament to the enduring power of love, wisdom, and service.
Born into royalty, Oba Ajibola Oluyede carried the weight of expectation with grace and fortitude. As the first son of His Royal Majesty, the late Oba (Professor) Peter Adetunmbi Oluyede, Ise Oluwa I, and Chief (Mrs.) Dorcas Titilola Oluyede, he was a prince destined for greatness. Yet, it was not his birthright alone that defined him, but the manner in which he embraced his destiny, molding it with his own hands, heart, and spirit.
His marriage to HRH Olufunmilayo Ajibola-Oluyede (nee Nejo) was a confluence of love and leadership, setting an example for all who witnessed their bond. Their partnership was a testament to the power of unity and mutual respect, principles that they not only espoused but lived by. The fruits of their union, their children, are living embodiments of their parents' integrity, intelligence, and industriousness.
The entrepreneurial spirit he instilled in his son, Prince Adetunmbi Oluyede, and the compassionate heart he nurtured in his daughter, Princess Dr. Olufunto Oluyede-Campbell, are but echoes of his own multifaceted persona. In them, we see the reflection of a man who was not only a king by birth but also one helped by God to be an astute shaper of future destinies.
To many, he was known by affectionate names—Uncle Jibola, Bros Jib, BrosB, Dad, Grandpa, Gramps, Jibola, Mr. Ajibola, Pastor Ajibola, Oba Iseoluwa II—each a reflection of the myriad roles he played in the lives of those he touched.
The personal anecdotes that we share, the memories that we hold dear, are but fragments of a life so richly lived that no single story can encompass its breadth. From the joyous and glorious celebration of his wedding, which even I as a child and page boy in the wedding recognized as a herald of the greatness to come.
Furthermore, the personal anecdotes that many share about Kabiyesi also reveal a man of great empathy and compassion. Whether it was altering his schedule to accommodate a relative or acquaintance or sharing his vision for the future with those close to him, he made time for others, valued their company, and imparted wisdom that would last a lifetime.
One cherished memory stands out from a weekend drive with BrosB at the helm of their Benz, and Olori Aunti Funmi deciding we should visit Kuramo Beach, Lagos, Nigeria. It was on that day that they shared with Nikki and me a lesson in unity that has resonated with me ever since. They taught us the significance of togetherness in marriage, emphasizing the use of 'us,' 'we,' and 'ours' over 'I' or 'mine.' This lesson in collective thinking, drawn from their own harmonious partnership, has been a guiding principle in understanding the essence of shared life and love. Truly each memory is a thread in the vibrant tapestry of his life.
One day, Pastor Ajibola Oluyede was set to preach or teach at the midweek service of one of the branches of Christ Chapel International Churches. After returning home from work and freshening up, we headed to the church in Amuwo Odofin where he was the guest minister. He had asked the taxi driver to wait, and during the car ride, he was diligently preparing for his message. Despite being tired from a long day at work, his unwavering passion and energy for the church that evening left a lasting impression on me. Pastor Ajibola was a man who wholeheartedly loved God.
Kabiyesi's life was a symphony of service, his every action a note that resonated with the harmony of progress and tradition. He was a custodian of culture, yet a pioneer of innovation, seamlessly blending the ancient wisdom of his ancestors with the dynamic pulse of modernity. Despite the brevity of his reign, it was characterized by an unyielding dedication to the welfare of his people, a commitment that transcended the ceremonial and touched the very lives of those he led. He revolutionized the traditional institution in Ondo state with modern practices that spoke to progress, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
In every role he played, Oba Ajibola Oluyede brought a depth of character and a generosity of spirit that left an indelible mark. As a father, he was a fortress of support and wisdom; as a grandfather, a wellspring of stories and laughter; as a husband, a partner in every sense, walking hand in hand with his beloved Olori Olufunmilayo Ajibola-Oluyede through the dance of life.
His professional life as a quintessential lawyer was marked by an unwavering commitment to justice and equity. He navigated the corridors of law with the same dignity and poise with which he walked the halls of his palace. His counsel was sought after, his advocacy respected, and his integrity unassailable.
Kabiyesi's approach to life was holistic; he was a monarch who cared deeply for the spiritual well-being of his subjects. His teachings, whether from the pulpit or the throne, were filled with wisdom and insight. He understood that the heart of leadership lies in service to others, and he served with a pastor's heart and a king's resolve.
His vision for Ayede Ogbese and Ondo state was one of transformation and empowerment. He sought to elevate his domain through education, infrastructure, and economic development, ensuring that his legacy would be one of tangible improvements and uplifted lives.
His commitment to the spiritual well-being of his community was as steadfast as his commitment to their material needs. Oba Ajibola Oluyede's faith was his compass, guiding him through the trials and triumphs of life. It was this faith that he shared generously, bringing others into the fold of his belief, offering comfort in times of sorrow, and exemplifying the love of Christ in action.
To truly honor Oba Ajibola Oluyede is to continue his work, to embody the values he held dear, and to strive for the excellence he personified. It is to recognize that his story is not one of conclusion but of continuation, as each of us carries forward the torch he has passed on.
HRM Aliaiyeluwa Oba Ajibola Raphael Olaleye Oluyede, Ise Oluwa II, The Alayede of Ayede Ogbese, your legacy is not etched in stone but written on the hearts of those you touched. May your memory be a blessing, your reign a lesson, and your spirit a presence that continues to inspire and guide us all. Your journey was one of grace, and your memory will forever be a treasure in the annals of time.
Even in his final days, Oba Ajibola Oluyede's concern for others, his passion for progress, and his love for his land were undiminished. His discussions of development plans for Ondo state, his hopes for the future, and his love for his family shone through, a testament to the indomitable spirit that defined him.
His physical presence may have departed from us, but his spirit remains, a guiding light in the hearts of those he touched. In the stillness of the night, we can almost hear his voice, urging us on, reminding us that our work is not done, that the path he trod is now ours to walk.
In his passing to glory, we are reminded that while the physical presence of such a leader may no longer grace this earth, the essence of his spirit remains a guiding light. Kabiyesi's life was a beacon that illuminated the path of righteousness, justice, and love. He may have laid down his earthly crown, but he has taken up a heavenly one, joining the ranks of those who have fought the good fight and kept the faith.
Kabiyesi, your journey on earth may have reached its sunset, but the dawn of your legacy is only just beginning. As we bid you farewell, we do so with the knowledge that you have joined the ranks of the ancestors and cloud of witness, watching over us and cheering us on, your life a blueprint of nobility, service, and love. May we be worthy carriers of your legacy, and may your soul find eternal rest in the glorious embrace of the Almighty. Rest in glory, Oba Ajibola Oluyede, Ise Oluwa II, for you have indeed fought the good fight, you have finished the race, and you have kept the faith.
Your page boy,
Bayo Daniel Omonira (Oma Asa)
