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| The Sodimus, Ayodeles, Shopades & guests after church service |
Saturday 20th
of June 2015 was the day the Sodimu family
of Abeokuta, Ogun State-South West
Nigeria invited the world to the celebration of good life as they gave their
late patriarch, Chief Amos Babalola
Oluwole Sodimu a befitting funeral which started with a Wake Keep Service
on Friday June 19 at the deceased’s No 2 Gbokoniyi Cottage, Onikolobo near Iyana Oloke, Abeokuta.
of June 2015 was the day the Sodimu family
of Abeokuta, Ogun State-South West
Nigeria invited the world to the celebration of good life as they gave their
late patriarch, Chief Amos Babalola
Oluwole Sodimu a befitting funeral which started with a Wake Keep Service
on Friday June 19 at the deceased’s No 2 Gbokoniyi Cottage, Onikolobo near Iyana Oloke, Abeokuta.
The second day, Saturday June 20th
was the funeral service at African
Church Cathedral, Idi Ape, Abeokuta. The event which
witnessed the presence of dignitaries from all walks of life was a grand one as
Baba’s children, in-laws and grand children spared no cost in making the event
a talk-of-the-town brand. Your soar way Africa’s number 1 Celebrity encounter
blog Asabeafrika was there to get behind the event snippets from the funeral of
the 88 years old Egba high chief who
is also the father of top herbal slimming expert, Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele . Enjoy the excerpts.
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| The Shopades & The Ayodeles |
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| Pa Amos Babalola Oluwole Sodimu |
Dad!
One of
Baba’s daughter’s is Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy
Olasumbo Ayodele the renowned herbal slimming expert and founder of Quincy
Slimming Herbals. However, the
truth is that late Chief Amos Babalola
Oluwole Sodimu was a well known
figure in Egba land during his life
time. Fondly called “Gbokoniyi” he was born on October 20, 1926 by late Madam Mabel Sodimu and Mr. Gabriel Abiola Oyinbo Sodimu at Olorunshogo/Gbogbo village Agbole Lika, Igbein Abeokuta, Ogun state. Baba attended Baptist Boys High School Owu, Abeokuta. He was said to be a
very brilliant chap while in school and that earned him the appellation of “Sodium Chloride” because he was an
outstanding student in chemistry subject. He later went to Cooperative College then at Nigeria’s premier university,
University of Ibadan.
Baba’s daughter’s is Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy
Olasumbo Ayodele the renowned herbal slimming expert and founder of Quincy
Slimming Herbals. However, the
truth is that late Chief Amos Babalola
Oluwole Sodimu was a well known
figure in Egba land during his life
time. Fondly called “Gbokoniyi” he was born on October 20, 1926 by late Madam Mabel Sodimu and Mr. Gabriel Abiola Oyinbo Sodimu at Olorunshogo/Gbogbo village Agbole Lika, Igbein Abeokuta, Ogun state. Baba attended Baptist Boys High School Owu, Abeokuta. He was said to be a
very brilliant chap while in school and that earned him the appellation of “Sodium Chloride” because he was an
outstanding student in chemistry subject. He later went to Cooperative College then at Nigeria’s premier university,
University of Ibadan.
His first
job was that of a Local Government Secretary at Egba Owode District
under the late sage, Chief Obafemi
Awolowo’s administration of the Old Western region. He was transferred to Ila-
Orangun District in Osun
state from where he proceeded to the United Kingdom to further his education.
He read law at the Cambridge College,
London.
job was that of a Local Government Secretary at Egba Owode District
under the late sage, Chief Obafemi
Awolowo’s administration of the Old Western region. He was transferred to Ila-
Orangun District in Osun
state from where he proceeded to the United Kingdom to further his education.
He read law at the Cambridge College,
London.
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| Baba’s 2 son, Mr. James Oluwole Sodimu with wife, Onyi Sodimu |
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| Baba’s eldest kids; Dr. Mrs. Flora Titilayo Shopade & Dr. Mrs. Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele |
Baba, Chief Oluwole Sodimu aka “Sodium Chloride” according to facts
made available to Asabeafrika started
building a home very early in life. According to local history, Baba loves
sharp/beautiful “gals”; so, he decided to marry a beautiful girl-Madam Susan Olufunke Sodimu from a distinct family of Pa Fatoki/Soyoola from Agbole Elenu Menumo of Someke Village in Igbein Abeokuta. They both went to London together and lived in the
UK for 12 years; they were blessed with 5 powerful children, Reverend (Dr.) Mrs. Titilayo Teleola Shopade, Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele; Mrs. Omolara Abidemi Oluwalogbon, Dr. Babatunde Olugbenga Sodimu and Mr. James Akinwole Sodimu Jnr.
made available to Asabeafrika started
building a home very early in life. According to local history, Baba loves
sharp/beautiful “gals”; so, he decided to marry a beautiful girl-Madam Susan Olufunke Sodimu from a distinct family of Pa Fatoki/Soyoola from Agbole Elenu Menumo of Someke Village in Igbein Abeokuta. They both went to London together and lived in the
UK for 12 years; they were blessed with 5 powerful children, Reverend (Dr.) Mrs. Titilayo Teleola Shopade, Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele; Mrs. Omolara Abidemi Oluwalogbon, Dr. Babatunde Olugbenga Sodimu and Mr. James Akinwole Sodimu Jnr.
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| Engineer John Oladipo Ayodele with wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasunbo Ayodele |
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| Filling out of the church during a heavy downpour |
Pa Sodimu was said to be a one man one woman
person to the extent that it took his children by his first wife, very many
years to convince him to marry his secretary several years after the demise of
their mother.
person to the extent that it took his children by his first wife, very many
years to convince him to marry his secretary several years after the demise of
their mother.
He then
later married Mrs. Christiana Toyosi
Sodimu and was blessed with 3 children through her-Mrs. Abimbola Atinuke Olanrewaju, Dr. Oluyomi Sodimu and Pharmacist, Mrs. Comfort Mosunmola
Adeagbo.
later married Mrs. Christiana Toyosi
Sodimu and was blessed with 3 children through her-Mrs. Abimbola Atinuke Olanrewaju, Dr. Oluyomi Sodimu and Pharmacist, Mrs. Comfort Mosunmola
Adeagbo.
He was
survived by 8 wonderful children, 30 grand children and 4 great grand children.
survived by 8 wonderful children, 30 grand children and 4 great grand children.
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| One of Baba’s grand daughters at the church event |
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| Baba’s casket sets for final resting place |
Baba is alleged to have travelled to so
many countries even when going abroad was a luxury in those days to broaden his
knowledge. “Education is the key to
success” was one of his favorite sayings. He is said to have given scholarship
to a lot of Nigerians to study abroad.
many countries even when going abroad was a luxury in those days to broaden his
knowledge. “Education is the key to
success” was one of his favorite sayings. He is said to have given scholarship
to a lot of Nigerians to study abroad.
He empowered
a lot of people-young and old including communities because of his guiding
principle which states that “Ise ni omo
alase jeun, owo ni omo alase la” which literarily translate to “Paid
employment can only feed you but it is only commerce that can enrich you”.
a lot of people-young and old including communities because of his guiding
principle which states that “Ise ni omo
alase jeun, owo ni omo alase la” which literarily translate to “Paid
employment can only feed you but it is only commerce that can enrich you”.
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| Condolence letter from Former president Olusegun Obasanjo |
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| Condolence letter from Former president Olusegun Obasanjo |
“I remember when I graduated from
high school (Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro) in flying colors and the
school wasn’t going to release my result because we owed school fees. You went
to borrow the money from Sabo. You were 7 days late to pay back (the loan) and
the consequence was to beat you with Koboko
for number of the default days and in my presence (Tears in my eyes), you were
beaten for my sake in order to give me education”.
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| Doctors Flora Shopade, Dr. Quincy Ayodele & Eng. John Ayodele during the service |
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| (L-R) Olori Gbadebo, Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla (rtd) and a guest |
Baba was a
professional business man with a focus to redeem the masses especially his Egba
people from poverty. Many believed that the late Baba Gbokoniyi must have come before his own time because majority
of his ideas were alien to his generation. People of his time saw them as
impossible but he knew they were possible. As Nigeria and Africa is advancing
in technology today, most of Baba’s early thoughts, according to family source
are unfolding as possibilities.
professional business man with a focus to redeem the masses especially his Egba
people from poverty. Many believed that the late Baba Gbokoniyi must have come before his own time because majority
of his ideas were alien to his generation. People of his time saw them as
impossible but he knew they were possible. As Nigeria and Africa is advancing
in technology today, most of Baba’s early thoughts, according to family source
are unfolding as possibilities.
For
instance, he was said to have started what is today known as “The Gbokoniyi Entrepreneurship” in the early 70s packaging Nigerian locally made
food stuffs in a decent way, branding the content and selling at both home and
abroad. He was one of the first if not the first to package bean flour, yam
powder inside move-able packs and containers to make life easy for women and
named the brand “Gbokoniyi” (Exalt your
husband) a brand name that stuck to him like glue until he bade the world farewell
at 88 on January 28th.
instance, he was said to have started what is today known as “The Gbokoniyi Entrepreneurship” in the early 70s packaging Nigerian locally made
food stuffs in a decent way, branding the content and selling at both home and
abroad. He was one of the first if not the first to package bean flour, yam
powder inside move-able packs and containers to make life easy for women and
named the brand “Gbokoniyi” (Exalt your
husband) a brand name that stuck to him like glue until he bade the world farewell
at 88 on January 28th.
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| The Keeney Boys’ Show; Obaloluwa & Oluwatishe Keeney gave grand dad a piece of action |
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| Sea of Camera men battle amidst pall bearers to capture Baba Sodimu’s final moment on planet earth |
Chloride”
In real
estate business, Baba was equally
said to be one of the first people to start a real estate business in Yoruba
land. He started the Ade-Egba Estate
as early as 1974 to make it easy for low come earners to own their own homes at
that particular point in time. Baba
didn’t stop at real estate business alone; he was also an addictive mineral
researcher. He researched and located mineral resources in various locations in
Nigeria. Many years before his demise, Baba was said to have lamented bitterly
in an interview saying “It is sad that we are all sitting on gold and other
mineral resources yet we are poor”. Until he passed away, he kept talking about
Nigeria’s mineral resources being wasted. He lamented about how the Oyinbos
(white men) kept coming around to take our mineral resources away in broad day
light. He was said to have seen the future 30 years ago and most of the things
he tried doing three decades back and were thought impossible are now
manifesting with the advancement of technology.
estate business, Baba was equally
said to be one of the first people to start a real estate business in Yoruba
land. He started the Ade-Egba Estate
as early as 1974 to make it easy for low come earners to own their own homes at
that particular point in time. Baba
didn’t stop at real estate business alone; he was also an addictive mineral
researcher. He researched and located mineral resources in various locations in
Nigeria. Many years before his demise, Baba was said to have lamented bitterly
in an interview saying “It is sad that we are all sitting on gold and other
mineral resources yet we are poor”. Until he passed away, he kept talking about
Nigeria’s mineral resources being wasted. He lamented about how the Oyinbos
(white men) kept coming around to take our mineral resources away in broad day
light. He was said to have seen the future 30 years ago and most of the things
he tried doing three decades back and were thought impossible are now
manifesting with the advancement of technology.
Because of
his numerous business ideas Baba was appointed as Olori Aje of Egba Gbein (Minister of Commerce and Industry) by the
entire Egba Igbein community of Abeokuta
to coordinate commercial activities in Egba
area. A position he held till death.
his numerous business ideas Baba was appointed as Olori Aje of Egba Gbein (Minister of Commerce and Industry) by the
entire Egba Igbein community of Abeokuta
to coordinate commercial activities in Egba
area. A position he held till death.
For his
children, his guiding philosophy to them at all times is “Simplicity cost you nothing but
buys you everything”. He was said to be kind, very generous and highly
focused.
children, his guiding philosophy to them at all times is “Simplicity cost you nothing but
buys you everything”. He was said to be kind, very generous and highly
focused.
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| Engineer John Oladipo Ayodele seeking wife’s consent on next line of action…Since it is her father’s funeral |
How he became a born again Christian
Pa Sodimu according to sources was a
conventional Christian. In his later years on earth, he was alleged to have
been led to Christ by his Pastor daughter-Reverend
Dr. (Mrs.) Titilayo Shopade and his son-in-law Engineer John Oladipo
Ayodele. He surrendered his life completely to Christ singing “Amazing
Grace how great though art” with Pastor
Sam and Pastor Mrs. Kofo Babatunde
of RCCG City of David Parish leading
the service in Lagos weeks before his demise.
conventional Christian. In his later years on earth, he was alleged to have
been led to Christ by his Pastor daughter-Reverend
Dr. (Mrs.) Titilayo Shopade and his son-in-law Engineer John Oladipo
Ayodele. He surrendered his life completely to Christ singing “Amazing
Grace how great though art” with Pastor
Sam and Pastor Mrs. Kofo Babatunde
of RCCG City of David Parish leading
the service in Lagos weeks before his demise.
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| The entire offsprings of Pa Amos Babalola Oluwole Sodimu with their in-laws pose for camera after church service |
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| Tete-a-tete between Engineer John Oladipo Ayodele and Daughter, Dr. Tobi Ayodele Keeney as Dr. Babatunde Sodimu and wife, Oluwatobi looks on |
As if he
knew his time was near, Baba Sodimu
was said to have visited all his children in London, USA and Nigeria in his later days on earth,
taking pictures with all of them as if he knew he was going to die. He returned
home after his numerous trips and went to sleep in his Onikolobo-Abeokuta home called Gbokoniyi Cottage with his first son and first daughter beside and around him
according to his wish on January 28th, 2015. Baba was said to pass
away in his sleep few hours after reading his favorite newspaper, Daily Times. What a privilege way to
pass away?
knew his time was near, Baba Sodimu
was said to have visited all his children in London, USA and Nigeria in his later days on earth,
taking pictures with all of them as if he knew he was going to die. He returned
home after his numerous trips and went to sleep in his Onikolobo-Abeokuta home called Gbokoniyi Cottage with his first son and first daughter beside and around him
according to his wish on January 28th, 2015. Baba was said to pass
away in his sleep few hours after reading his favorite newspaper, Daily Times. What a privilege way to
pass away?
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| Pall bearers in their traditional costume danced round Baba’s casket |
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| Engineer John Ayodele with 2nd grand son, Oluwatishe Junecup Keeney & In-law, Dr. Babatunde Sodimu |
Great Grand kids
Baba was an
all-round achiever in his life time and he was survived by 30 great grand
children which were given to him by his 8
great children. Asabeafrika took
the pain to get their names for your read. They are; Mr. and Mrs. Ruth Bolade Owoeye; Engineer Trevor & Dr. Mrs. Tobi Ayodele Keeney; Mr. Adekunle & Barrister
(Mrs.) Marita Oluwatola Abdul, Engineer
John Temiloluwa Ayodele; Mr. & Mrs. Barbara F. Fadeyi; Mr. Victor Taiwo; Miss Victoria Taiwo, Mr.
Henry Adewole; Miss Stella Fajimolu,
Miss Olugbemisola Sodimu and Engineer Abayomi Sodimu. Others are: Miss Oluyinka Sodimu-Jones, Miss Olunike Sodimu-Jones, Miss Olufunke Sodimu Jones; Philips Olufemi Sodimu-Jones and Mr.
Oluwadamilola Craig. We also have Mrs.
Jojololaoluwa Sharon Craig, Master Boluwatife A. Shopade, Miss Precious O. Sodimu, Miss May Sodimu, Master Adam Sodimu,; Master Pipelayomi J. Olanrewaju, Master Pipeloore C. Olanrewaju; Miss Pipelewa K. Olanrewaju, Miss
Pipelebun K. Olanrewaju; Miss
Pipelola J. Olanrewaju; Miss Oyinade
Adeagbo and Miss Victory T. Shodimu.
all-round achiever in his life time and he was survived by 30 great grand
children which were given to him by his 8
great children. Asabeafrika took
the pain to get their names for your read. They are; Mr. and Mrs. Ruth Bolade Owoeye; Engineer Trevor & Dr. Mrs. Tobi Ayodele Keeney; Mr. Adekunle & Barrister
(Mrs.) Marita Oluwatola Abdul, Engineer
John Temiloluwa Ayodele; Mr. & Mrs. Barbara F. Fadeyi; Mr. Victor Taiwo; Miss Victoria Taiwo, Mr.
Henry Adewole; Miss Stella Fajimolu,
Miss Olugbemisola Sodimu and Engineer Abayomi Sodimu. Others are: Miss Oluyinka Sodimu-Jones, Miss Olunike Sodimu-Jones, Miss Olufunke Sodimu Jones; Philips Olufemi Sodimu-Jones and Mr.
Oluwadamilola Craig. We also have Mrs.
Jojololaoluwa Sharon Craig, Master Boluwatife A. Shopade, Miss Precious O. Sodimu, Miss May Sodimu, Master Adam Sodimu,; Master Pipelayomi J. Olanrewaju, Master Pipeloore C. Olanrewaju; Miss Pipelewa K. Olanrewaju, Miss
Pipelebun K. Olanrewaju; Miss
Pipelola J. Olanrewaju; Miss Oyinade
Adeagbo and Miss Victory T. Shodimu.
His 4 great grand kids are Master Obaloluwa Bridge Keeney, Master
Oluwatishe Junecup Keeney and Master
Ayomikun Owoeye. 25 days to his demise, Baba got Miss Alicia Oluwanifise Abdul as his latest great grand child.
Although he never saw her eyeball-to-eyeball but he got the news on phone as
the tot was delivered abroad.
Oluwatishe Junecup Keeney and Master
Ayomikun Owoeye. 25 days to his demise, Baba got Miss Alicia Oluwanifise Abdul as his latest great grand child.
Although he never saw her eyeball-to-eyeball but he got the news on phone as
the tot was delivered abroad.
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| Pall bearers arrives with late Pa Amos Babalola Oluwole Sodimu’s casket |
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| The Minister-of-the-Lord Jesus Christ delivering his sermon at the church service |
The Church Service
As early as
9 am top dignitaries from all walks of life who arrived Abeokuta on June 19
converged at the African Church
Cathedral Idi-Ape, Abeokuta for the Saturday June 20 event as Baba’s body
arrived in a white casket by TFC Funeral,
an Abeokuta, Ogun state based leading funeral company. Baba’s body was
transported to the venue in a grey colored Mercedes Benz Wagon car and put at a
strategic place in the front row of the church as the event began at exactly 10am
with over 7 clergies led by the cathedral’s chief priests The Reverend Johnson Sanyaolu and The Reverend Dayo Akiode under the instructions of the cathedral
provost, The Venerable S.A. Adeyemi (BA. ED; M.ED)
9 am top dignitaries from all walks of life who arrived Abeokuta on June 19
converged at the African Church
Cathedral Idi-Ape, Abeokuta for the Saturday June 20 event as Baba’s body
arrived in a white casket by TFC Funeral,
an Abeokuta, Ogun state based leading funeral company. Baba’s body was
transported to the venue in a grey colored Mercedes Benz Wagon car and put at a
strategic place in the front row of the church as the event began at exactly 10am
with over 7 clergies led by the cathedral’s chief priests The Reverend Johnson Sanyaolu and The Reverend Dayo Akiode under the instructions of the cathedral
provost, The Venerable S.A. Adeyemi (BA. ED; M.ED)
The church
which is one of Abeokuta’s oldest cathedrals is under the Egba diocesan Bishop, The
Rt. Rev. J.O. Akinsanya (M.ED), supporting the clergies were Bro. S.S Sofusi (Choir Master) Brother Bunmi Dipeolu (Assistant
Organist) Brother Deinde Odeyemi
(Verger) and Brother Kayode Falola
(Provost Warden). Otunba Akinola Banjo
(JP) is the Cathedral Warden.
which is one of Abeokuta’s oldest cathedrals is under the Egba diocesan Bishop, The
Rt. Rev. J.O. Akinsanya (M.ED), supporting the clergies were Bro. S.S Sofusi (Choir Master) Brother Bunmi Dipeolu (Assistant
Organist) Brother Deinde Odeyemi
(Verger) and Brother Kayode Falola
(Provost Warden). Otunba Akinola Banjo
(JP) is the Cathedral Warden.
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| Guests at the Church Service |
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| Dr. Quincy Ayodele reading General Olusegun Obasanjo’s condolense letter |
Ex-Chief of Naval Staff lead top
Nigerians to the event
Nigerians to the event
Dignitaries
from all walks of life stormed the Church leg of the funeral, leading the team
of very important Nigerians who arrived early for the church event was former Chief of Naval Staff under General Sani Abacha and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla who led
other top Nigerians to Chief Amos
Babalola Oluwole Sodimu’s church funeral at Idi-Ape. Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla who is also the Aare Gbadeniyi of Egba land
is said to be an in-law of the Sodimus
as his wife, Madam Bimbo Ayinla is a
big sister to Dr. Quincy Olasumbo
Ayodele and from same family line.
Despite his being a Muslim, the ex-Naval top brass who also wore the
family’s Aso Ebi sang all the Christian hymn songs during the service
with passion and total concentration. This aspect of him is said to have been
tapped from his wife who is said to be a Catholic by birth before she
voluntarily changed to Islam. Other dignitaries at the church are; Chief Segun Oyekunle, MD/CEO Abuja Films Village international who is said to be a cousin to Engineer John Oladipo Ayodele, Quincy’s
husband. Mr. Michael Olatunji Dada
of Eko Shopping Plaza also stormed
the event with his beautiful wife, Bola.
One of the Oloris of the Alake of Egba land, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Gbadebo (Okukenu IV)
Olori Titilola Gbadebo represented
the highly revered Oba as culture forbids the Alake to attend a funeral event. Others are Chief Godwin Abayomi and Chief
Diko George Taylor among many other dignitaries who defied the early
morning rainfall on June 20th to attend the church service.
from all walks of life stormed the Church leg of the funeral, leading the team
of very important Nigerians who arrived early for the church event was former Chief of Naval Staff under General Sani Abacha and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla who led
other top Nigerians to Chief Amos
Babalola Oluwole Sodimu’s church funeral at Idi-Ape. Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla who is also the Aare Gbadeniyi of Egba land
is said to be an in-law of the Sodimus
as his wife, Madam Bimbo Ayinla is a
big sister to Dr. Quincy Olasumbo
Ayodele and from same family line.
Despite his being a Muslim, the ex-Naval top brass who also wore the
family’s Aso Ebi sang all the Christian hymn songs during the service
with passion and total concentration. This aspect of him is said to have been
tapped from his wife who is said to be a Catholic by birth before she
voluntarily changed to Islam. Other dignitaries at the church are; Chief Segun Oyekunle, MD/CEO Abuja Films Village international who is said to be a cousin to Engineer John Oladipo Ayodele, Quincy’s
husband. Mr. Michael Olatunji Dada
of Eko Shopping Plaza also stormed
the event with his beautiful wife, Bola.
One of the Oloris of the Alake of Egba land, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Gbadebo (Okukenu IV)
Olori Titilola Gbadebo represented
the highly revered Oba as culture forbids the Alake to attend a funeral event. Others are Chief Godwin Abayomi and Chief
Diko George Taylor among many other dignitaries who defied the early
morning rainfall on June 20th to attend the church service.
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| The Sodimu sister, Dr. Flora & Dr. Quincy |
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| Dr. Tobi Ayodele Keeney, COO, Quincy Herbals |
It is not
all the time some women get the luck of having a great father and a great
husband in a life time and that is why this blog feels Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele is double lucky to have the rare
opportunity of having greatness embedded in both her late father and her
husband. For those who don’t know a bit about the very gentle man behind the
famous herbal slimming expert, Engineer
John Oladipo Ayodele, let us help run a bit of his hidden profile that many
don’t know.
all the time some women get the luck of having a great father and a great
husband in a life time and that is why this blog feels Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele is double lucky to have the rare
opportunity of having greatness embedded in both her late father and her
husband. For those who don’t know a bit about the very gentle man behind the
famous herbal slimming expert, Engineer
John Oladipo Ayodele, let us help run a bit of his hidden profile that many
don’t know.
Engineer John Oladipupo Ayodele is probably one of Nigeria’s and if
not Africa’s most sought after power engineering expert who has contributed so
much to the development of power generation in Nigeria with his versatility
reaching up to the United States of
America. A close source who knows him very well divulged to Asabeafrika that Engineer Ayodele started his career as a Pupil Engineer at National Electric Power Authority
(NEPA) and was one of the very few engineers who built majority of the
electrical power sub-stations across Nigeria. “You could see him going jeje, and you could see him looking
janjala, but when it comes to the history of Nigeria’s electrical power
distribution, he is one of the few ones who saw the beginning, the middle times
and the present times because he was able to serve for complete 35 years”
squealed a family source who pleaded we don’t name him as the Engineer could be
offended.
not Africa’s most sought after power engineering expert who has contributed so
much to the development of power generation in Nigeria with his versatility
reaching up to the United States of
America. A close source who knows him very well divulged to Asabeafrika that Engineer Ayodele started his career as a Pupil Engineer at National Electric Power Authority
(NEPA) and was one of the very few engineers who built majority of the
electrical power sub-stations across Nigeria. “You could see him going jeje, and you could see him looking
janjala, but when it comes to the history of Nigeria’s electrical power
distribution, he is one of the few ones who saw the beginning, the middle times
and the present times because he was able to serve for complete 35 years”
squealed a family source who pleaded we don’t name him as the Engineer could be
offended.
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| Madam S.O. Olufunke Sodimu & Mrs. Christianah Toyosi Sodimu |
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| Dr. Flora Titilayo Shopade with Dr. Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele with 2nd grand son, Tishe Junecup Keeney |
NEPA as Executive Director, Distribution Services and retired after three
decades of meritorious service. But his experience as a sub-station engineer is
said to be very scarce in the power sector and that is why he is being
contracted on many occasion by government to handle very sensitive assignments
for the country at various ministries. Apart from working to develop power
redistribution network in Nigeria, Engineer
Ayodele is one of the few in Africa that is a special contractor to USAID and Georgia Power Corporation in the United States of America. The recent power stabilization under General Muhammad Buhari is said to have
his input as one of the papers he wrote on how to address gas problem is what
the new regime of President Muhammad
Buhari is putting to practice which has equally worked for the country as power is now regular in major
cities of Nigeria. He was once kidnapped in year 2010 while on a sensitive
national assignment for government in Abuja but the then President, late Alhaji Umar Yar Adua ensured he was
promptly searched for by the security agencies and rescued from his abductors
within 10 days as his service was said to be too important for the government
of the day.
 |
| Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Ayodele…still shocked over Dad’s demise |
 |
| Mr. Michael Olatunji Dada of Eko Shopping Plaza with his pretty wife, Madam Titilayo Dada |
His Career at Large
Engineer Ayodele attended St Kizito College, Isanlu, Kogi state between 1968 and
1973 for his Higher School Certificate and later got his B.Sc in Electrical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria in Kaduna State between 1975 and 1978
1973 for his Higher School Certificate and later got his B.Sc in Electrical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria in Kaduna State between 1975 and 1978
On
graduation in 1979 he was invited by the Federal Government of Nigeria to work
with National Electric Power Authority
(NEPA) as a trainee Engineer and between
1979 and 1985, he rose to the post of a director and later travelled to acquire
more knowledge in Sub-Station Engineering in 1988. He enrolled at General Electric Union College, Schenectady, USA for a year course in
Power Redistribution/Sub-Station technology and returned to NEPA in 1989. At
his exit from NEPA in 2009 he was Executive Director, Distribution under the
newly formed Power Holding Company of
Nigeria (PHCN)
graduation in 1979 he was invited by the Federal Government of Nigeria to work
with National Electric Power Authority
(NEPA) as a trainee Engineer and between
1979 and 1985, he rose to the post of a director and later travelled to acquire
more knowledge in Sub-Station Engineering in 1988. He enrolled at General Electric Union College, Schenectady, USA for a year course in
Power Redistribution/Sub-Station technology and returned to NEPA in 1989. At
his exit from NEPA in 2009 he was Executive Director, Distribution under the
newly formed Power Holding Company of
Nigeria (PHCN)
But he was
not allowed to go away by the government of General Olusegun Obasanjo even though he wanted to retire at the
time into private service but the Federal Government seconded him to the Federal Ministry of Power from 2009 to
2011 where he was made a Director and contributed hugely to several reforms
that took place in the power sector.
not allowed to go away by the government of General Olusegun Obasanjo even though he wanted to retire at the
time into private service but the Federal Government seconded him to the Federal Ministry of Power from 2009 to
2011 where he was made a Director and contributed hugely to several reforms
that took place in the power sector.
That was not
the first time Engineer Ayodele will
be seconded to a ministry to effect his dynamic reforms in areas his service is
needed. At a time, he was said to have been redeployed to act as a Director at
the Telecoms Postal Services arm of the
Federal Ministry of Communication and Technology, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja as his knowledge is said to have
helped several government reforms in the ministry.
the first time Engineer Ayodele will
be seconded to a ministry to effect his dynamic reforms in areas his service is
needed. At a time, he was said to have been redeployed to act as a Director at
the Telecoms Postal Services arm of the
Federal Ministry of Communication and Technology, Federal Secretariat Complex, Abuja as his knowledge is said to have
helped several government reforms in the ministry.
Today, the
man, John Oladipo Ayodele is a
fellow of several professional bodies like Nigerian
Society of Engineers; Institute of Electrical Electronic
Engineers and Nigerian Institute of
Management to mention few.
man, John Oladipo Ayodele is a
fellow of several professional bodies like Nigerian
Society of Engineers; Institute of Electrical Electronic
Engineers and Nigerian Institute of
Management to mention few.
 |
| (L-R); Barrister Marita Abdul, Engineer Trevor Keeney & Dr. Tobi Keeney |
 |
| Engineer John Oladipo Ayodele |
The Keeney boys show
They were
the cynosure of all eyes at the church service but on one grand. The two
American boys, Obaloluwa and Oluwatishe Keeney, sons of Dr. Quincy Ayodele’s first daughter, Dr. Tobi Keeney refused to
stay with either their mum or their American dad, Engineer Trevor Keeney. Instead, they stayed with their maternal
grand dad, Engineer John Oladapo Ayodele
at the front row. Sensing that grand ma, Dr.
Quincy Ayodele was still in a
sober mood, the very interesting boys choose to give gradpa a dose of their
action filled Tom and Jerry culture. It was thrilling and interesting as Engineer John Ayodele managed the
pressure amidst a barrage of camera shots from photo journalists and greetings
from well-wishers and condolence givers.
the cynosure of all eyes at the church service but on one grand. The two
American boys, Obaloluwa and Oluwatishe Keeney, sons of Dr. Quincy Ayodele’s first daughter, Dr. Tobi Keeney refused to
stay with either their mum or their American dad, Engineer Trevor Keeney. Instead, they stayed with their maternal
grand dad, Engineer John Oladapo Ayodele
at the front row. Sensing that grand ma, Dr.
Quincy Ayodele was still in a
sober mood, the very interesting boys choose to give gradpa a dose of their
action filled Tom and Jerry culture. It was thrilling and interesting as Engineer John Ayodele managed the
pressure amidst a barrage of camera shots from photo journalists and greetings
from well-wishers and condolence givers.
 |
| Very Important Guests from Lagos |
 |
| Baba’s 3rd daughter, Mrs. Omolara Oluwalogbon Taiwo with her kids during the church service |
Baba’s latest great grand kid in
first outing
first outing
Not many
knew how emotional the late Chief Amos
Babalola Oluwole Sodimu was to both his direct children, grand children and
great grand children. He was said to have ensured all of them got his attention
one month to his death as he travelled round Europe and America
meeting them with their parents and taking pictures with them all but one
person he never saw with his two eyes was Alicia
Oluwanifise Abdul who was born 25 days to Baba’s demise. Alicia is the first child of Barrister Marita Abdul, second daughter
of Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Ayodele.
Despite the fact that Baba was the singular mentor and influencer of Marita’s law education as he lamented
that none of his children studied law and he wouldn’t want his law books to waste away as there must
be an inheritor. He was said to have even followed Marita to the Nigerian Law School on the day she was called to the
Nigerian bar as he saw her career as his passion. Family sources said Baba had spoken to Marita and her mum on phone after she delivered in the USA but Baba
couldn’t sight the beautiful tot but on this day in Abeokuta, during Baba’s funeral, Alicia stormed her great grand father’s funeral with mum, Barrister Marita Abdul and Dad Prince Adekunle Abdul.
knew how emotional the late Chief Amos
Babalola Oluwole Sodimu was to both his direct children, grand children and
great grand children. He was said to have ensured all of them got his attention
one month to his death as he travelled round Europe and America
meeting them with their parents and taking pictures with them all but one
person he never saw with his two eyes was Alicia
Oluwanifise Abdul who was born 25 days to Baba’s demise. Alicia is the first child of Barrister Marita Abdul, second daughter
of Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Ayodele.
Despite the fact that Baba was the singular mentor and influencer of Marita’s law education as he lamented
that none of his children studied law and he wouldn’t want his law books to waste away as there must
be an inheritor. He was said to have even followed Marita to the Nigerian Law School on the day she was called to the
Nigerian bar as he saw her career as his passion. Family sources said Baba had spoken to Marita and her mum on phone after she delivered in the USA but Baba
couldn’t sight the beautiful tot but on this day in Abeokuta, during Baba’s funeral, Alicia stormed her great grand father’s funeral with mum, Barrister Marita Abdul and Dad Prince Adekunle Abdul.
 |
| Dr. (Mrs.) Flora Titilayo Shopade |
 |
| Former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla |
Quincy’s moving tribute for dad
In the event
brochure, some of Baba’s children and grand children rendered some moving
tributes about the late Baba Amos
Babalola Oluwole Shodimu, however, Dr.
(Mrs.) Quincy Ayodele’s own
tribute was the most emotional one as she narrated an incident that brought lot
of tears to faces especially fathers who stood in the congregation. In the one
page tribute, Quincy recalled an
incident that involved her father making a heavy sacrifice for her as a young
girl “You were a father and a mother to me and all of our children through out
your life time. You suffered a lot to father and mother me from when you collected
me from my grand mother in the village upon your arrival from London till God
made me to fulfill destiny in your presence” Quincy narrated in the 6th
paragraph of her tribute. She continued
“I remember when I graduated from high school (Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro)
in flying colors and the school wasn’t going to release my result because we owed
school fees. You went to borrow the money from Sabo. You were 7 days late to
pay back (the loan) and the consequence was to beat you with Koboko
for number of the default days and in my presence (Tears in my eyes), you were
beaten for my sake in order to give me education. After that and still in
poverty, you sent me to London to further my education. You always told us that
“Education is the key to success”. You always told us that you will do all you
can to give us good education at home and abroad and you struggled to give that
to all of us. Thank you Daddy, you impacted good legacies also on all your
grand children as you chose their careers with them”. “Because you were a
lawyer, you ensured that one of my children-Barrister Marita Oluwatola Abdul
read law both at home and in the USA in order to “inherit your books”. I
remember days you will go looking for what we would eat and you would come back
home with only Gari and sugar, or just tomatoes….Days you will go on empty
stomach so that we can eat. You thought us to be happy in all these situations
and we were all happy with our step mother who weathered the storms with all of
your children…etc.”
brochure, some of Baba’s children and grand children rendered some moving
tributes about the late Baba Amos
Babalola Oluwole Shodimu, however, Dr.
(Mrs.) Quincy Ayodele’s own
tribute was the most emotional one as she narrated an incident that brought lot
of tears to faces especially fathers who stood in the congregation. In the one
page tribute, Quincy recalled an
incident that involved her father making a heavy sacrifice for her as a young
girl “You were a father and a mother to me and all of our children through out
your life time. You suffered a lot to father and mother me from when you collected
me from my grand mother in the village upon your arrival from London till God
made me to fulfill destiny in your presence” Quincy narrated in the 6th
paragraph of her tribute. She continued
“I remember when I graduated from high school (Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro)
in flying colors and the school wasn’t going to release my result because we owed
school fees. You went to borrow the money from Sabo. You were 7 days late to
pay back (the loan) and the consequence was to beat you with Koboko
for number of the default days and in my presence (Tears in my eyes), you were
beaten for my sake in order to give me education. After that and still in
poverty, you sent me to London to further my education. You always told us that
“Education is the key to success”. You always told us that you will do all you
can to give us good education at home and abroad and you struggled to give that
to all of us. Thank you Daddy, you impacted good legacies also on all your
grand children as you chose their careers with them”. “Because you were a
lawyer, you ensured that one of my children-Barrister Marita Oluwatola Abdul
read law both at home and in the USA in order to “inherit your books”. I
remember days you will go looking for what we would eat and you would come back
home with only Gari and sugar, or just tomatoes….Days you will go on empty
stomach so that we can eat. You thought us to be happy in all these situations
and we were all happy with our step mother who weathered the storms with all of
your children…etc.”
 |
| Baba’s heir apparent, Dr. Babatunde Sodimu with in-law, Engineer John Oladipo Ayodele |
 |
| Some guests @ the church |
Other
Children who rendered tribute for Baba are Dr.
(Mrs.) Flora Titilayo Shopade, Mrs. Omolara Oluwalogbon Taiwo Sodimu, Dr. Babatunde Sodimu, Mr. Oluwole
Sodimu and many grandchildren.
Children who rendered tribute for Baba are Dr.
(Mrs.) Flora Titilayo Shopade, Mrs. Omolara Oluwalogbon Taiwo Sodimu, Dr. Babatunde Sodimu, Mr. Oluwole
Sodimu and many grandchildren.
What Gen. Obasanjo said about Pa.
Sodimu
Sodimu
It was at
exactly 11:45 am after the sermon and offerings that Baba’s star daughter, Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele was invited by the Church Authority to come
out and read a condolence letter sent in
by former Nigerian Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Mathew Aremu Okikiolakan Olusegun
Obasanjo before the congregation. A day before the church service and few
hours to Baba’s Christian Wake Keep at his Gbokoniyi
Cottage-Onikolobo-Iyana Oloke-Abeokuta, General Obasanjo was said to have specifically invited some of
Baba’s elder children to his Hilltop Mansion, Abeokuta home as he personally
pleaded with them that he will be having an emergency outing the next day and
that his wife, Madam Bola Obasanjo
will be representing him at the occasion. It was after this, according to our
source, that Baba handed a condolence letter personally signed by him to Baba’s
eldest children who include Dr. (Mrs.)
Flora Titilayo Shopade and Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele and
Baba’s heir apparent Dr. Babatunde
Shodimu. It was Dr. Quincy Olasumbo
Ayodele who read the letter personally signed by the African elder
statesman. In the letter Obasanjo
extolled Chief Amos Babalola Oluwole Sodimu’s virtues of philanthropy,
love, kindness, generosity and life of service to Nigeria and the Egba nation. Obasanjo
noted that Sodimu was one of the earliest
men of his age and era who gave a thought to entrepreneurship and equally
promoted it in Egba land. Obasanjo described Sodimu as a man ahead of his time.
exactly 11:45 am after the sermon and offerings that Baba’s star daughter, Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele was invited by the Church Authority to come
out and read a condolence letter sent in
by former Nigerian Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Mathew Aremu Okikiolakan Olusegun
Obasanjo before the congregation. A day before the church service and few
hours to Baba’s Christian Wake Keep at his Gbokoniyi
Cottage-Onikolobo-Iyana Oloke-Abeokuta, General Obasanjo was said to have specifically invited some of
Baba’s elder children to his Hilltop Mansion, Abeokuta home as he personally
pleaded with them that he will be having an emergency outing the next day and
that his wife, Madam Bola Obasanjo
will be representing him at the occasion. It was after this, according to our
source, that Baba handed a condolence letter personally signed by him to Baba’s
eldest children who include Dr. (Mrs.)
Flora Titilayo Shopade and Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele and
Baba’s heir apparent Dr. Babatunde
Shodimu. It was Dr. Quincy Olasumbo
Ayodele who read the letter personally signed by the African elder
statesman. In the letter Obasanjo
extolled Chief Amos Babalola Oluwole Sodimu’s virtues of philanthropy,
love, kindness, generosity and life of service to Nigeria and the Egba nation. Obasanjo
noted that Sodimu was one of the earliest
men of his age and era who gave a thought to entrepreneurship and equally
promoted it in Egba land. Obasanjo described Sodimu as a man ahead of his time.
 |
| Dr. (Mrs.) Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele, Founder & CEO, Quincy Herbal Slimmers |
Unknown to many, Pa Shodimu was Chief
Obasanjo’s senior at Baptist Boy’s
High School Owu and they also bonded together on many fronts later in life
and even shared idea in family upbringing, friendship and communal fraternity. For instance, a very close source to the
family said when Quincy and her
siblings were so young in the 70s, Baba used to take them to General Obasanjo’s house every Sunday
after church; a situation which often warrant them to eat rice & Stew at
the General’s house and that for one, made the children always anticipate to
visit the Owu chief’s place every
Sunday after church as that will automatically give them the license to eat
rice and stew which was not an everyday meal in those good old days. Obasanjo
was one of the very few elites of Egba
society at the time due to his position in the army. Till date, Obasanjo sees Pa Sodimu’s children as his own children as well.
 |
| Dr. Babatunde Sodimu with wife, Mrs. Oluwatobi Sodimu |
 |
| Chief Godwin Abayomi, Chief Diko George Taylor and Chief Segun Oyekunle |
(Get ready to read Part 2 of the
Quincy Father’s funeral on this blog after this time out)
Quincy Father’s funeral on this blog after this time out)
