Asimiyu's obituary
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un - To Allah we belong and to Him we will return.
In Loving Memory of Alhaji Chief Engr (Dr) Asimiyu Oyetunji
It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of our beloved father, husband, and patriarch, Alhaji Engr (Dr) Asimiyu Oyetunji, who departed this world on Thursday, December 26th, 2024, at the age of 88 years old.
Fittingly, the 26th of December has been known as "Katé Day" for the past 22 years, after Alhaji Oyetunji founded it in 2002 as a way to bring members of Kate family and village together in celebration of community—a testament to the values he held dear.
His departure has left an indelible void in our hearts, but we find solace in the legacy of excellence, love, humility and service he leaves behind.
He was buried on December 26th, 2024 according to Islamic rites.
A Life of Achievement
Dr. Oyetunji’s life was one of extraordinary accomplishments. Armed with a PhD. in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University (BSc. University of Maine) and a P.E. (Professional Engineer) licence, which he maintained to the end, he dedicated almost 30 remarkable years to Shell Petroleum, where his brilliance and commitment made a lasting impact. He also contributed his expertise as a member of professional organizations such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). Beyond his professional career, he was a pillar of his community. As a past president of the Rotary Club of Victoria Island, he embodied the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” Until the last couple of years, he never missed the annual Rotary Convention, regardless of where in the world it was held. His affiliations with the Oluyole Club, Ibadan Progressive Union (IPU), and his alma mater Molusi College, Ijebu Igbo, further highlight his unwavering dedication to education, culture, and camaraderie.
A Man of Passion and Purpose
Dr. Oyetunji’s passions were as vast as his achievements. He was a staunch advocate for knowledge and education, which he believed were the foundations of progress. He provided educational scholarships, mentorship, and work opportunities to relatives and strangers alike. He also had a deep love for Yorubaland and Islam which fueled his commitment to community development—a legacy we are proud to carry forward.
Cherished by Family & Friends
Dr Oyetunji was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend. He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Adikat Oyetunji (née Salami), and his seven children: Jelilat Oyetunji, Ramat Oyetunji, Usman Oyetunji, Zainab Hartford, Temitope Oyetunji, Jariat Darboe, and Rilwan Oyetunji. He was a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren, who will continue to draw inspiration from his wisdom, integrity, humility and love. He also leaves behind 5 sisters, a brother, many cousins, in-laws, nephews, nieces and a multitude of great friends. He was preceded in death by both his parents, 4 sisters and a brother.
Gratitude for Support
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out to comfort our family during this difficult time. Your prayers, kind words, and gestures of support have been a source of strength and solace. Thank you.
Honoring His Legacy
To celebrate Dr. Oyetunji’s life and honor his legacy, we are committed to completing the Katée-Katoose Mosque in Oranyan, Ibadan, a project that was close to his heart but which he was unable to see to completion. This mosque symbolizes his unwavering faith and dedication to community upliftment and will provide a place for community gatherings, charitable events, and prayer services.
If you would like to contribute to this legacy, please donate any amount you can. Together, we can fulfill his dream and ensure that his impact endures for generations to come.
Our dear father will be dearly missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and Jannah al-Firdaus. Amin.
Donations to the Katée-Katoose Mosque Project may be sent via this website. Alternatively, please contact the family for additional payment options.
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