In Honour of Pa Gideon Olaniyan Adebayo
Born June 15, 1936, called home December 23, 2013 "You came, you saw, and you conquered."
Pa Gideon Olaniyan Adebayo was a teacher, a husband of one wife, a father of five, and a man whose life was a living sermon. He began his teaching career in 1955 and spent decades shaping young minds across Osun State. He was a man of deep faith, quiet wisdom, exceptional humility and boundless love for his family. These are the words of those who knew him best.
Tributes to Pa Gideon Olaniyan Adebayo
- My dearest husband, you lived your life with honesty, integrity and faith, you were a man of true character, of love and an unprecedented zest for life. You are too good for me and my children to be missed at this time. However, with your kindness, generosity and love for God, I am convinced that you are resting at the bosom heart of Almighty Father. Love you but God loves you most. Continue to rest in perfect peace until the day of resurrection, when we shall meet to part no more. Goodnight
Dns A.O. Adebayo (wife).
- Dad, how loving and caring you were, your love for me, my mum and my siblings is unforgettable. I can still recall the wonderful years we spent together through infant and youthful ages. What can I say; you suffered and endured to be certain that your children gained education, even when you had to borrow money to compensate for our school fees. Indeed, I am truly grateful for the values, standards and ethics that play a large part in making me who I am today. Your character as a father is incomparable and you are truly the best dad. I will never forget you. One thing is certain, we shall meet again at the master's feet, (Jesus, the shepherd and Bishop of our souls). Good night dad, I will be looking for you in heaven when we all get there by God's grace. There, we shall meet to part no more.
Ajoke (daughter)
- You came, you saw and you conquered. God has really helped you. Ba' mi, sleep on until the resurrection morning. Surely, we are meeting to part no more at the feet of our Saviour. What a Gideon! You taught me to be the best that God wants for me and you moved from being just a father to a mentor. Thank God for having you as my dad.
Dewale (son)
- A rare embodiment of greatness Pa Gideon Olaniyan Adebayo, you progressively grew from being a rare dad-Adewumi (a name you would call me) 'To a close friend and confidant "Adewumi alaafia ni ko s'ewu' (Adewumi, it is peace there is no danger)- In the middle of life's challenges and storms, your calmness exudes peace to those around you.
God endowed you with a discerning spirit which helped us many times to circumvent negative plans. The bonding between you and your children testify to the fact that you were obedient to the scriptures in Col 3:21 which say Father, do not embitter your children or they will be discouraged. I cannot but remember your highest expression of your anger-'yeerege’! Rest on Dad till we meet to part no more. I am consoled in the fact that you gave your life to God, and you allowed Him to lead you. You lived after your initials. G. O., which comes to me as General Overseer.
1 Tim. 3:2-3 says an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. You ordered your home after these virtues till you were called home. I will miss those revelations and divinely inspired words which characterised your latter years.
A wonderful father is baba G.O. a wonderful friend to me, he hides me in the depth of his love, where rivers of gladness I see. As we think of you, we are reminded again of a passage from Paul's letter to the Colossians 'therefore as God's Chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You lived these virtues more consistently than anybody we've known. So, we are not saying goodbye but Goodnight. We know this is not the end for us to see each other. We will surely meet at Jesus' feet. Rest on Dad till we meet to part no more.
Akin (son)
- I want to appreciate everyone here today as I say a few words of tribute to my dad. Words cannot express how I felt at your passing to glorious exit but the void you left in our hearts cannot be filled. I felt I could still call you the following day and ask you a few questions but alas! you were gone to glory. The day you passed on cannot be forgotten so soon as you decided to actually go home finally for Xmas. I remember all the stories you did tell us, and I just thank God for your life. Without any doubt in our hearts, you died fulfilled. Your name depicted a warrior from the scriptures and indeed you fought the good fight of faith. Love you Daddy, and indeed you fought the good fight
Ope (son)
- How best can one describe a kindhearted, loving, helpful, amiable and God-fearing father like papa than saying he was a genuinely God sent father. He positively touched many lives. He left an indelible footprint on the surface of earth and a souvenir of morals in our hearts. It is so difficult to forget his numerous good deeds just like his demise is a pain too difficult to be borne. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say the word, and I miss u so dearly baba. Adieu. Sleep well and rest in the bosom of our Lord baba rere.
Bukky (daughter)
- The memory of Daddy is of a father-son relationship, the times we had together were filled with depth discussions. Daddy's humility is exceptional, as he would not so much look at me eyeball to eyeball. He was a deep reservoir of wisdom through the spirit of God he received when he got born again. You will be highly missed, but only this temporal world. See you in heaven one glorious day at the feet of Master Jesus.
Felix Dele Olawuni (son-in-law)
- Daddy, the fact that you are no longer around is really hard to bear but thoughts of time spent with you through the years will forever be cherished. All we learnt in word and action especially the legacy of fairness and justice will be adhered to always. The many books you passed on, including your literature notes will be kept for other generations. Indeed, we could never have had a better dad and granddaddy.
Joy (daughter in law), Sharon, Pelumi, Gboluwaga and 'Kiitan Adebayo (grandchildren)
- To an exceptional & supportive father-in-law -'İya Ayo mi'- The first time I met you in 1996, you expressed concern that my fiancée then made me travel at night. You were consistent in this show of love and total acceptance into the family. You also demonstrated your love for me by your constant phone calls and deep discussions we had. I see you as a second biological dad and grateful to God for the opportunity of being part of your family. I will miss the phone tag, cooking recipes unique to you such as 'esuru ' Rest on in the Lord's bosom.
Boade (daughter in law)
- Daddy, we are persuaded you have gone to be with the Lord. We appreciate the gift of God for you in our lives. The legacy you left lives on. Rest on Daddy
Biola (daughter in law), Deolu and Deayo (grandchildren)
- How best can one describe a kindhearted, loving, helpful, amiable and God-fearing father like papa than saying he was a genuinely God sent father. He positively touched many lives. He left an indelible footprint on the surface of earth and a souvenir of morals in our hearts. It is so difficult to forget his numerous good deeds just like his demise is a pain too difficult to be borne. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say the word, and I miss u so dearly baba. Adieu. Sleep well and rest in the bosom of our Lord baba rere.
Segun (son in law), Oba, and Doyin Adegoke (grandchildren)
- Grandaddy, our love for you is indescribable. From our young ages to our older ages, you've held us with joy and care. Your memories remain reflective through our mother, who speaks of you highly. The life you have given her has given us aspiration all values to live a fulfilling life as you have. You will never be forgotten granddad, but we rejoice that you are at peace in heaven; and take joy in knowing that one day we shall meet again where there is no pain or sorrow or crying, but happiness ever after.
Victor, Mercy and Praise Olawuni (grandchildren)
- To a caring grandpa-'Anjy afira! lo paro skirt yen! (Anjy go and change your skirt immediately!)- Your Smile and banana distributor skills will be greatly missed.
Whenever you called, you always asked if we were dressed appropriately vis a vis the weather. Did we miss any other thing? Yes, whacking of goats in a special peculiar way and garlic therapy though creepy but very helpful.
Ayo, Anjy, Akin and Oba Adebayo (grandchildren)
- The unquestionable God, I adore thee for the way you have called your servant Abimbade. Without hesitation I can say I had the last fruitful discussion with him in which he fully participated after he closed his eyes to all other worldly engagement. Glory be to your holy name. Continue to rest in the bosom of your Lord Jesus Christ. Adieu Baba Iyabo, Baba Dewale, Baba Akindele, Baba Opeyemi, Baba Omobonike.
Akinmade (your aburo)
- It was like a dream and a moment of sadness when I got the news of your departure to join the saints. Your lifestyle was exemplary. Our consolation is that you are resting in the Lord… Adieu baba daradara
Deaconess F.O Adebayo (sister-in-law)
- The Lord has fulfilled his purpose for your life and called you home to your eternal rest. You served the lord and humanity to the best of your ability while you gave total dedication and love to your family. We love you but God's love is eternal and final. Egbon, rest in peace.
Col. J.A. Adegoke (cousin)
- A loving, caring, accommodating and God-fearing father and mentor Daddy, your death gave me a shock as it came when it was least expected though you have fought a good fight and my belief is that you've won and now resting in the arms of the Lord. Good night till resurrection morning.
Akin Akinboye (brother-in-law)
- "Daddy mi" as I fondly called you, you were so special to me because you were very caring, loving and truthful. You fear your God to the End. Though your leaving us so soon pains us, yet we have the joy that you are with Him. Halleluyah.
Mrs. E. O. Ogundiya (sister-in-law)
- Daddy, you acted like a brother, like a father to me, not like a co-in-law. I will miss your wise counsel and native intelligence that God endowered you with. You died as a fulfilled man. Glory be to the almighty God.
Toye Ogundiya (brother-in-law)
- It was on the 14th Oct 2013 that we had our last discussion. You were very cheerful, warm and high in spirit that day in spite of your impaired voice. But the story was different on 23rd Dec. 2013 when the company of another brother Adegbemiro visited you on your hospital bed. You were unable to respond to our anxieties and worries over your state of health. But we were hopeful that you will make it, that is our wish and not God's. We are consoled that you have gone to meet your creator. We will miss you and continue to miss you until we meet to part no more. Omo Agbongbe Okun Alugbulugbu osa... sun re ooo. Diji Adebayo (brother)
- What a great loss! Baba you are gone, I don't know. It is going to be this soon although, you are old enough, but it is too early, but God understands why He took you so soon. I enjoyed the few months you lived in Ede, your father's land. O! Baba, your death is so painful. I miss you. Sun re o.
Adegbenro Adebayo (brother)
- Though you are gone, your memory will continue to linger on in our hearts. Continue to rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ till we meet to part no more. R.I.P baba oninure.
Adebayo Tosin Babatunde (nephew)
- Daddy the gap your departure created in our hearts is very difficult to fill. May the Lord guard and keep you in peace as you journey back to your maker. There is no doubt that you are resting.
Adebayo Temitope (nephew)
- What a great person you were among men of good reputation. You were an emblem of truth, simplicity, character building. You never handed the education of your children with levity. The products of which are not farfetched. Remain resting in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Akintunde Ojekale
Condolence Book on Pa Gideon Olaniyan Adebayo
- Ore wa sun. Baba G.O. You've come, you've fought and you've conquered. Continue to rest in the Lord
Lord. Adieu
Taiwo Family, Iree.
- He was so good to my family that I cannot forget him. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace till we meet in Jesus’ home. Amen
Dns. C. O. Ademuyiwa & Mr. O. O. Ogundiran
- Daddy, simple and gentle I knew you to be and so you remain till you went to rest with the Lord. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dr. O. O. Dotun
- May the Lord grant you perfect eternal rest. We 'll miss you as a colleague. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
Mr. & Deaconess S. A. Adubi
- Baba, we love you, but God loves you so much. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Baba wa owon o di owuro o.
Architect Jonathan Biyan
- Good and worthy example. Gave it all to Jesus! Adieu Daddy!
Evang. M.A. Adeyemi
- We come to this world one by one surely, we are going to leave one by one at different times. It is painful to witness the demise of a good father. However, our solace is in the fact that you died in the Lord. This is just a physical separation, we shall still meet where there is no pain or sorrow.
The body of Christ at United Baptist Church, Ede celebrates your transition to eternity even though we would have loved you to stay longer with us. Your remembrance will forever be evergreen in our memories. A dedicated and prayerful Christian whose love and generosity knows no bounds. Baba, Rest now in the bosom of your father till we meet again on the Lord’s Day.
Adeyemi L.A.
Church Secretary United Baptist Church Ede, Osun State.
- On behalf of Ejigbo Branch of IBOSA, we say praise God for a life well spent by Papa.
Adieu, baba Adebayo, may eternal life be our portion in Jesus name. Praise God Alleluyah Adieu, baba Adebayo You lived your life for Christ, and you died for Him. Halleluyah! Rest in Peace
Rev. Bayo Konigbagbe
- Good night daddy. Mrs. Oyebamiji U.B.C. Ede
- Baba you have lived a fulfilled life in the Lord. Your exemplary life is worthy of emulation, and we are very proud of you and your family. Continue to sleep well in the Lord till we meet at the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Adieu. The Olawuni's
Goodbye nice papa Mr. J. O. Fadare
- Adieu my chairman may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace
Alh. Adewuni
- Baba, we love you, but God loves you most. E sun re a o pade lese Jesu.
Mrs. Akinwande A. B.
- Our former Chairman "Egbe Omo Ede ati Agbegbe re ni Ikirun" We thank God for your life; you lived a fulfilled life to serve God and humanity. May God grant your gentle soul eternal rest. Amen
Hon. L.A. Babalola (JP)
- Baba, we believe you have gone to rest in the bosom of your Lord. May your soul rest in peace till the resurrection day. Good night. Rev. & Mrs. Adejumobi United Baptist Church Ede
Daddy, we love you, but the Lord loves you most. Sleep on in the bosom of the Lord till we meet and part no more.
Pastor & Pastor (Mrs.) & Akintola S. A.
- Thanks to God for the meaningful life well spent, may your soul rest in perfect peace till we meet and depart no more in the Heavenly kingdom. Amen
- Alamu J.A.C.
- Mrs. Oyelakan
- Mrs. Ojewuyi
- Gentle, Rest in peace Laniyan Akinrinade Ogungbile J. O.
Baba Adebayo a fe yin sugbon Jesu feyin ju wa lo. Iku yin je ojiji fun wa, amo sa kosi ohun ti ale se. Adura mi nipe ki a pade lodo Baba, ljo Olorun Temidire oniru nkinyin pe Odigba o se o.
Mr. I.A. Makinde
Biography of Pa Gideon Olaniyan Adebayo
My father was Mr Samuel Adebayo Olaogun, who died on 30th April 1977, around 12 a.m. My mother was Mrs Ibirinade Awokemi Adebayo. She died on February 6, 1944 (Sunday evening).
I was born on the 15th June 1936 and started school in 1944 at Baptist Day School, Ara. I finished Standard Six and began teaching on the 17th January 1955 with a monthly salary of £4.6.8. I attended Baptist College Ede from 1958-1959 to become a Grade 3 teacher with a salary of £11.13.4 in 1960.
I arrived in Ejigbo on the 3rd of August 1960 and saw a fair damsel named Alice Oyepate Akinboye in the year. After much tribulation and a lot of perseverance and patience upon approaching her for her hand in marriage, she eventually agreed to be my wife. Thursday, 27th July 1961, Pastor David Ajala and Pastor Alamu spoke with the girl's father on my behalf concerning my intention, and the father gave his consent the following year. The dowry was paid on Sunday, 8th of April 1962, and we got married at the Osogbo High Court on September 27th 1962.
I proceeded to Provincial Grade II College, Osogbo, in 1970 and after many years of teaching, attended the University of Ibadan
My Thanksgiving to God for my Children
- God gave them all the grace to be trained to the University Level
- God gave them all the grace to be trained to have holy wedlock
- God gave them all the grace to be trained to have good spouses
- They are all healthy and sound by His grace
- They are all born again
- They are all obedient Children
- They are all 'merciful Children'
My wife (From Sept. 27th, 1962)
Deaconess Alice Oyepate Adebayo (Nee Akinboye)
I thank God for the wife he gave to me
- God chose her specifically for me, and I met God's grace in her
- She brought forth children and peace to me
- She is very resilient
- She is so kindhearted to the children
- She fears God and her parents
- She gave the children good teaching and godly training
- She trained all the children, male and female, on home management and cooking
methods - Hygiene-She met me as a lover of good hygiene, and I saw this in her too before I married her. The children took this behavior from us. It is simply God's grace.
Children
- Iyabode Ajoke Adebayo
- Victor Adewale Adebayo
- Akindele Adewumi Adebayo
- Opeyemi Adetoyese Adebayo
- Mofoluwake Omobonike Adebayo
I, Gideon Olaniyan Adebayo, confidently put it down here in black and white that I have no other wife before and after Alice Oyepate Adebayo. I have no other child or children, be they male or female, than those listed above (no 1-5). Glory be to God Almighty.
G.O. Adebayo
Signed
"Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."
— Abraham Lincoln