Segun Babajeje: Is it really a goodbye?
"We lost Segun Babajeje this morning".
I got the above terse message from Samson Adeniyi, the immediate younger brother to late Olusegun Jospeh Adeniyi aka Babajeje, on Sunday morning while preparing for church. Samson had earlier called several times to reach me but to no avail. When later he called the second time, he broke the sad news of Segun's demise and it was as if the whole world stood still. "Babajejeoo! I screemed. "What happened?" I asked. Unfortunately, no one to offer me an honest answer till now.
That I am still not in the right frame of mind to pen this tribute for a long time brother and friend is a point I can not deny myself. However, I have decided to avoid any temptation of going into details of how that popularly name, "Babajeje came to existence over several decades ago. I do not have that liberty. The nickname, according to history, was given as a result of the calm nature of his late grandfather who, in his time, bears the name "Babajeje" and later inherited by Segun Adeniyi himself. Literally, Babajeje, in Yoruba, means an easy going individual and that was what Segun also sybolizes during his lifetime. Kind, easy-going, Godfearing and gentle to a fault! That notwithstanding, haven known late Olusegun Babajeje for several years, I can also lay claim to have been very close to him, and that accounted for why I decided to take it upon myself as an obligation to pen this tribute for him, which he, ordinarily would not request for during his lifetime but, which one is convinced he deserves now, and in years to come.
In many ways, Segun’s journey is one of quiet strength, of a man who balances the demands of his career with an unshakeable devotion to God and his family and Elesinmeta community. Even in the face of immense challenges of life, he continues to find joy in life, sharing his trademark smile with those around him. His story is not just about surviving but thriving amidst adversity, embodying a rare combination of grace, strength, and compassion that few can match.
Even in death, Babajeje stands as a signpost of what it means to live a life of purpose, love, and unyielding loyalty. His memories of modest lifestyle will continue to inspire through his work, his heart, and his unrelenting devotion to those around him without any iota of discrimination, through which he was able to carved a niche for himself through sheer sense of tolerance and determination.
Before his death, I do visit him mostly at home. My last and recent visit, to check on him was at the hospital. It was on Wednesday 22nd. We were both full of hopes. Hope to achieve many and hope to go far together in life. He was surprised to see me come around. Although, I had a premonition which later came to mind the moment the news of his passage got to me. We had a lengthy conversation regarding every aspect and little did I know that would be our last encounter. While at the hospital with him, I was so reluctant to say goodbye. I felt like not leaving. Not until a nurse came shouting ontop of her voice that my time was up. I left gently. Indeed, life is about memories! It is the only thing we are left with when flesh and spirit departs the earthly plane and we can do no more than remember the life of the departed, through times and memories shared, especially their deeds in their lifetime.
While returning from a trip on Saturday, 25th, called again as usual to check on him. This time, it was his wife who picked up the phone and told me all was well. But as it would turned out, on Sunday, April 26th, Segun Babajeje left this earthly prison house and transited to the great beyond, to tranquil heaven at above 42 years of age and at a time his love and wisdom were still needed. Little wonder, Thomas Campbell says, and he is right that “to live in the hearts of those we love is not to die”. Babajeje lives on. His memory will endure, and his example stands out in terms of his great mind and the way he took life.
Meanwhile, one was not surprised with the deluge of testimonies that were given about a life well spent by the deceased. From his church members where he worship in Ilorin, to his family, community and his home church, ECWA Elesinmeta. The Local Overseer (LO), ECWA Elesinmeta LCC, Rev Ekundayo put the whole testimonies in its real perspective by calling on the deceased friends and family to strive and sustain the modest legacies of Babajeje.
I find myself compelled to write this piece, not just in remembrance but as a kind of tribute to him. To say what many, might never have said enough. That we knew his worth. That the teaching standards in Elesinmeta was richer because of his committmemts, constituencies and voice. And that we will miss him deeply.
So, permit me this indulgence: Segun, can you put me through those worthy morals again, for one last time? From the other side, perhaps. Tell us what it’s like overthere. Tell me if peace finally reigns. Tell us if there are still classrooms and chalkboard there and whether they appreciate good writings and teachings as much as we did here. If anyone can give such information, it’s you, Babajeje.
No doubt, we are as good as that breath in our nostrils. When it ceases, we are done, gone, across the bridge, to eternal life. And that is if only we are conscious of this daily. But as human beings, we often forget, and live as if it would last forever. But the masquerade festival always ends, no matter how long it lasts. Therefore, whether it’s long or short, let’s make our life matter. Segun did, and it ended on Sunday. A remarkable and glorious day. He now rests, after what Shakespeare calls“life’s fitful fever,” where we are like actors on a stage, and we have our entrances and exits.
For sure, it is a known fact that people die everyday, but all of them affirm for us the goodness in humanity like Babajeje. I am glad our path crossed. Times and circumstance decide who we meet in life. Our hearts decide who we want to retain in our lives, and people's behavior determined whether we want them to remain in our memories or not. Segun for me, is the type that comes once in century. Yes!
Affirming that he was no more after the news of his sudden demise got to me was so painful. It was like that, I suppose because we, mortals, are always guilty of thinking we can live forever and thus forgetting that everyday is a bonus from God. Segun was a man I owe so much in high esteem and now they say he is gone. Gone to where? Just like that? It is painful, shocking and sad. Babajeje? What happened? Segun was above anything else experienced and talented in his field of call.
As painful as his demise might seem, I am also glad he died a modest man and he earned everyone's respect. Albeit rest, they say, is sweet after labor. Segun had a lifetime of work. He was poised to have his due rest. But the rest became eternal. He has been laid to rest in his native hometown, Elesinmeta. He lived a disciplined life as attested to by many.
As it is, I will continue to live in denial that this never happened. Maybe I have only been sleeping. Hopefully, I will wake up from this nightmare. That is a dream one day. Little wonder when beggars die, there are no comets seen. The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes. Those were the words of that famous poet, Williams Shakespeare.
Death may have ended the life of Segun at a time we least expect, but not the relationships he had built with many over the years. And because of this alone, a lot of people who knew him are understandably still going through grief, denial, depression and acceptance. He was a man of wisdom. Strength and dignity were his garb. And also, his gift and his legacy. Painful end indeed. His demise remains depressing and shocking, but there's no time for a lengthy farewell.
It would therefore, be an understatement to say Segun will be surely missed. Maybe by share providence, if someone like me is privileged to write a biography in the nearest future, such a book will not be complete without mentioning the leading roles played by Segun in my life. He was a gentleman whose faith, hard work and dedication to his job as a decent public official, offered a true meaning to his existence for which he demonstrated the fact that when our beliefs are invested in something greater than self, we will indeed find fulfilment in life.
Segun was such a kindhearted man who believe in talent discovery and encourage you on what you can do with your talent to positively impact the world. The lesson we can all learn I suppose is that, religious and faith can never be a part-time conviction for the true believer, especially when there is a need for people to practice what they preach.
I would continue to cherish the memories of Segun. When he died on that faithful Sunday, he left behind not only a vacuum that would be difficult to fill, but a blessed memories, and without any doubt, Segun impacted me greatly and positively.
Segun left behind a wife, Wumi, a fine officer. Three wonderful children, Victoria, Dorcas and Mary. Painfully, he also left behind a mother, grandmother and siblings. But such is life. His wife and children must not suffer. They deserve our supports and encouragements. He was a gentle, brilliant and committed man who gave his best in serving Elesinmeta specifically as the school head teacher. His teaching career started and ended with Elesinmeta. He was also the choir master, ECWA Church Elesinmeta. His modest legacies should endure. It should inspire the living. Segun should never be forgotten. Not in a jiffy. There should come a day when he should be celebrated posthumously and this is for the decision makers at both the church and community levels to note. My condolences therefore, is to his friends, family members, the church and Elesinmeta community at large.
And I ask, how many people (including this writer) can we truly identify with their faith in words and indeeds? That we can talk about Segun today is because he lived his life in a manner that put no one in doubt that there was no compromise when it comes to the matter of his faith, job and selfless service to God and humanity.
As we therefore morn the late asset to humanity cum illustrious son of Elesinmeta community, let us reflect on his legacies of simplicity and a form of self respect that did not at anytime seek self advertisement. Unfortunately, this enduring virtues are conspicuously absent in the official profile of most people today.
However, we are not mourning Segun, bearing in mind that his demise is to the heavens a great gain, but to appreciate a life of postive impact and celebrate his life of service to God and humanity. To Almighty God, we say this with thanksgiving, by appreciating you God, for everything we treasure about Babajeje, for all that he meant to us. Take care of him, Lord, until we all reach that time and place where every tear is dry, every question answered and all things are made new. Lord in your love, Hear our prayer because of Segun. Amen.
Even in death, I say thank you for everything Segun. Thank you also for putting up a good work, fight and lasting records to be emulated. Thank God for helping you to win the race. What awaits you now is that crown which is a full compensation of your good deeds. Rest on! Until we meet to part no more. Adieu!
Ishola Gbenga write from Elesinmeta.
Tuesday, 28th April 2026.
08038987149
isholagbenga@yahoo.com
Comments
Post a Comment