Pa Michael Oladosu Alabi

The measure of a man is not found in the years he lived but in the lives he touched. Daddy Alabi touched mine in ways that words struggle to capture. Daddy Alabi wasn't bound to me by blood, but by something deeper by choice, by presence, by the quiet strength of simply showing up. When I needed guidance, he was there. When I needed someone to believe in me, he was there. When the world felt uncertain, daddy Alabi was the steady ground beneath my feet. Daddy Alabi taught me not through grand speeches, but through the way he lived. Through his integrity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to doing what was right even when it was hard. Daddy showed me what it means to be strong and gentle at the same time. I remember Daddy's laugh, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners. I remember his hands—weathered, capable, always ready to help. I remember the conversations we shared, the wisdom he offered without pretence, the way he listened as though my words truly mattered. Daddy stepped into a role he didn't have to fill, and filled it completely. Daddy Alabi became the father figure I needed. the mentor I looked up to, the friend I could count on. The impact he made on my life cannot be measured or diminished by his absence. Though daddy Alabi gone, what he gave me remains. The lessons he taught, the example he set, the confidence he instilled-these are gifts that death cannot take away. Daddy Alabi lives on in the person I am becoming, in the values I hold, and in the way I hope to show up for others, just as he showed up for me. Thank you, daddy Alabi, for choosing to be part of my life. Thank you for your patience, your wisdom, and your love. Thank you for being the father figure my family and I needed exactly when needed you. Daddy Alabi you will be deeply missed. You will be forever remembered. You will always be loved. Rest in peace.

— Olaoluwa Emmanuel Oni and Family (Friend)

TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER – BROTHER DOSU Pathfinder to a Happy Ending When Brother Dosu became the Patriarch of the Alabi Family of Bashorun Fajimi Compound about thirteen years ago, many of us initially viewed his appointment with concern. Unlike his predecessors, he was not physically present in Nigeria, but resident in the United Kingdom. At the time, we feared this distance might be a disadvantage to the family. How wrong we were. Those years turned out to be remarkably eventful for the Alabi family, marked by progress, unity, and purposeful leadership. In spite of the distance, our Patriarch provided steady, thoughtful, and admirable leadership—one that ultimately strengthened the family and brought lasting impact to his credit. A defining moment came when the Bashorun Fajimi Compound called on the Alabi’s to nominate one of their own for appointment as Mogaji (a position with the potential of leading to the revered Olubadan stool). Those of us on ground made earnest efforts to resolve the matter but were unable to reach a consensus. Once again, our Patriarch rose to the occasion. With remarkable wisdom, tact, and dexterity, he intervened and guided the process to a successful conclusion, leading to the emergence of a suitable and widely accepted candidate. Indeed, it was a happy ending—one that also gave birth to something enduring: a global platform that united Alabi’s across the world. Through this platform, family members—some of whom had never met—were able to relate, communicate, and rediscover their shared heritage and bond. The legacy of Brother Dosu, our Patriach, fondly called Baba Apata or Baba ‘Bimbola by many others will remain evergreen in our hearts and memories. His leadership, foresight, and commitment to family unity will continue to speak for him long after his departure. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

— 'Lekan Alabi

We say goodbye to a man who meant more than words can hold. Daddy was a quiet strength, the one who showed love through presence, wisdom through example, and care through countless unseen sacrifices. Daddy carried himself with dignity and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know him. As a father, he gave guidance and protection. As a grandfather, he gave warmth, patience, and joy. And to me, he gave a sense of belonging, of being held in the family by love. Though his physical presence is gone, his spirit remains alive in my hearts, in the values he passed down, and in the memories that will continue to guide me. I grieve deeply, but I am also profoundly grateful for his life, his love, and the legacy he leaves behind. Now, he rests in the presence of the Lord, wrapped in eternal love. Though we cannot see him anymore, we trust that he has gone home, where there is no pain, no sorrow, only light and everlasting rest. Rest peacefully, Daddy. You are loved beyond measure, and you will never be forgotten.

— Thitima Alabi - Daughter-in-Law

TRIBUTE TO MY UNCLE We gather today to celebrate the life of my beloved uncle, Pa Michael Oladosu Alabi*. Uncle was known by many aliases. —Uncle Dosu, *Baba Bimbola, **Daddy Apata—each one reflecting a different role he played in our lives. To me, he was the *Encyclopedia of the Alabi family: a man of impeccable memory who not only recalled events, but also the stories, the reasons, and the lessons behind them. He was the steady hand that guided us through life’s twists, the excitement that defined the Alabi spirit we all share, and the quiet strength we leaned on when we needed it most. I shared a special bond with Uncle from the very beginning—as the first child of his senior elder brother. Whenever I called, he would answer warmly, “Ju golu lo! How are you?”—meaning “More than gold, how are you?” He would ask after my entire family, especially my mother: “Ṣé ẹ n pe?”—“Are you calling her?” Our conversations were always filled with questions, laughter, stories, and prayers woven in between. And when Uncle said, “Àbí kò tí yé ẹ?”—You knew he wanted you to listen carefully. He was teaching. I will miss that deeply. Uncle Dosu left us at almost 93 years old. He lived a full life, and though he has gone, his legacy lives on—in every story he told and in every nickname he lovingly gave us. Scripture reminds us that we do not mourn like unbelievers, but in all things we give glory. Uncle was ready. He was not afraid of death. He once told me and another cousin that he was a sojourner, and even shared where he wished to be buried. Today is not a farewell in sorrow—it is a *celebration of life*. Rest easy, Uncle. And please give my regards to your beloved wife, *Mama Bimbola*.

— Omowunmi Awokoya nee Alabi

TRIBUTE TO A GREAT FATHER PAPA MICHAEL OLADOSU ALABI With gratitude to God I celebrate the life of a great Icon, Pa. Michael Oladosu Alabi. I crossed path with Papa about three decades ago, through one of her beloved daughters Sister Yewande Maeba who happened to be attending our Church at Ketu in those days before she relocated to the UK. Papa Alabi had being a wonderful and a great father indeed. He was a man of wisdom, strength, and dignity. His years were filled with experiences that shaped not only his family but everyone privileged to know him. He embodied perseverance, humility, and kindness. As a father, he was a pillar, firm yet gentle, guiding with love, discipline and prayers .His counsel was a compass to his children, and his presence a reassurance that all would be well. Ninety-three years is not just a number; it is a testimony of God’s mercy, a harvest of prayers, and a life that touched generations. Papa’s legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the stories he shared, and the love he sowed into his family, friends and community. Though we would miss papa’s passing, we rejoice in the beautiful memories and the assurance that he has finished his race, he has fought a good fight, kept the faith and entered eternal rest. 2Tim. 4:7-8. The Bible says, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him” (Proverbs 20:7 NKJV) Indeed, his life has left a blessing that will continue to speak for many years to come. Good night Papa Alabi, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. I wish to commiserate with my dear Sister Yewande Maeba and her family, Mrs Onabanjo together with the rest of Papa’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May the good Lord keep you, uphold you and comfort you on every side in Jesus Name. God bless you all.

— Pastor Ben Adewole Ajayeoba. Pastor in Charge of Region 59, RCCG Magodo, Lagos.

TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL LADOSU ALABI(DADDY APATA) I write this tribute to celebrate a dear,caring and blunt brother. He used to call me 'Abis Bis' and when I became Yeyeoba,he changed to 'Chief(Mrs). He became the Head of Daniel Lasupo Alabi family after the demise of his elder brother,Chief Tunji Alabi (Daddy Owode).He was a man of integrity and performed the role very well.He was always asking after everybody's welfare. He was generous and had a list of people he put smiles on their faces at Christmas time.He entrusted this function to me. He did live a fulfilled life.I shall surely miss his funny sayings like 'Mo ti pe to,e je kin ma lo(I have lived long enough,let me go 😁, whenever anyone says he would still live for more years.He will forever be in my heart. May his kind and gentle soul rest in perfect peace.Amen.

— Chief(Mrs) Oyebisi Durosaro (Nee Alabi)

Grandpa M. O. Alabi I thank God for the blessing of longevity and enviable integrity. He had opportunity of many years of impeccable grace and healthy living. He had a fulfilled life full of gladness. Always smiling with joy and humility on his face. We really thank God for his life. Pa's life has been a great emulation to me and to all the people who associated with him in one way or another. His connection with my family since 1978 is greatly appreciated and we cannot forget him. Grandpa was dependable, approachable, and ready to offer advice. He was jovial, made friends easily, and I beleive he was familiar with the people in Weedwood Community - all of them will surely miss him. At a time, he asked me to stop praying for his long life because he realised the favour of God upon him. He was grateful to God that two of his children are Reverends serving in the Church of England. Grandpa has run a good race, as we read in 2 Tim 4 7-8, he has fought a good fight, has finished the race, and have kept the faith. A legend of ALABI FAMILY in ORANYAN IBADAN - Baba Apata. Good night. May Light Perpetual shine on you!!! R.I.P till we meet on RESSURECTION MORNING!!!

— S.A. AREMU, former bank manager at United Bank for Africa - Ibadan, Nigeria

Tribute to Daddy Michael Oladosu Alabi Daddy Alabi was my late father's friend and colleague. He was a good mentor and a gentle guide, I had great pleasure sitting beside him and listening to his many stories and great laughter. Daddy Alabi never got tired of the many questions I asked him about life and his views on the present societal issues. He actually encouraged me to ask more questions and was always happy to provide answers and practical examples, with a smile that lifted my spirit and a patience that thought me what it truly means to care. His wisdom will continue to guide me in lessons he taught, in the traditions he cherished. I sincerely thank him for his strength, love, stories and laughter. I will surely miss him.

— Adeleke Adeyemo

I commiserate with the Alabi family over the passing of Baba Alabi. DRYDECK used to be our Felting sub-contractor in the 90’s at Solel Boneh in Ibadan. I was a site quantity surveyor then and Baba (& his roofers ) reported to us (quantity surveyors ) on site and we closed out the contract and execute valuations on measurements jointly carried. We had a very good working relationship from 1991 to around 1996 He sent his team to felt my gate house in Abeokuta. Very small project but he just wanted to be his good self to me and insisted the boys will come from Ibadan to do the works. As an elderly man, he would relate with us as “)Colleagues / like age mates!“ (in the obituary I now realized he was 30 years older than me). We worked together on a couple of sites and I also visited him at home, in The outskirts of Ibadan (apata?) or so? He will share life experiences with me and was an elder one would wish to listen to at all times. Seeing his obituary in today’s punch newspaper touched me that a good soul has gone to be with his creator. God will give the children and entire family the fortitude to bear the loss. I was also privileged to meet mummy then when we did Funaab library project? 1992? And some other projects in MINT (?) Lagos. I can only recount sweet memories of our encounters. A disciplined man and very jovial. I am sure he will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace. Best wishes

— Alhaji Nurudeen Dawodu , FNIQS Managing partner at TFD consults Ltd. Lagos.

Dad Dosu Alabi was my late dad’s childhood friend. He was so fond of my dad and cared for him. He mentioned to me that dad was the oldest of them when they were both members of th church choir, sides men of the church and co founders Young People Christian Association of the Cathedral church of St David’s Kudeti. Little time with spent when I visited him before my dad’s funeral, he encouraged my siblings and I, and ensured us dad he was at the right place and lived a good life. Papa Alabi was a true Christian, prayerful and loved both church and Classical music. He will be greatly missed. I pray that God will uphold the family in Jesus name. Rest in Peace sir.

— Tokunbo Olubi-Salami, daughter Olubi.

When I think of Granddad, the first things that come to mind are his cheerful laughter and his warm smile. Even though I didn’t get to visit him as often as I wished, every conversation I had with him felt special. There was always a sense of comfort and love in the way he spoke to me. He never missed an opportunity to ask what I wanted for my birthday or Christmas, even when I didn’t really know the answer. He would always say, “As long as you are happy, I am happy.” Those words mean even more to me now, because they reflect exactly the kind of person he was—caring, loving, and deeply considerate. That is something I will always treasure. What meant even more to me was knowing that he prayed for me. I was always in his prayers, and that kind of love and care is something I will forever be grateful for. It is a gift I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Most of our conversations were over the phone, but they were moments I will always cherish and hold close to my heart. Distance never lessened the love he showed me. Even though he is no longer with us in body, he will always live on in our hearts. I am grateful for every conversation we shared and every prayer he prayed over me. I find peace in knowing that he is now in a place of comfort and rest, and that he lived a long, fulfilled, and blessed life. I love you, and I miss you dearly. Rest well in the arms of the Lord, Granddad. Love, Your Princess, Kristina A.

— Kristina A. (Granddaughter)

A Tribute to Baba Rere On behalf of my siblings - Yọmi, Funlọla, Funkẹ, Biọdun and Yẹmisi, the children of late Mrs Ọlajumọkẹ Oduyẹmi Akinbọwale, the sister of your late wife Mrs Olurẹmi Alabi. We testify to the faithfulness of God upon your life when you were alive. We thank God for a life well spent in the service of God and humanity. Papa Ibadan as we all fondly called you. Especially me, who fondly responded to you ""daddy, daddy"" when you called me and my husband. You called us ""Baba NTumi"" and ""Iya NTumi"". You were a loving and caring father to all of us. You always called and mentioned each and everyone of us to check how we were faring. I saw God's true love in your marriage, in the ways you cared and lived prayerfully with your wife who is our aunt before her demise. Thanks for your words of wisdom that can never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on. You will be greatly missed. Adieu, daddy daddy ❤️.

— Mrs Olubunmi Onabolu