Uncle Kehinde you were a vital part of my growing up as a child in Ogbesasa in Mama's house you and Uncle Taiwo made sure that I never lack in my evening lectures even when I am tired and run to Mama to rescue me for a break,  you always get me back to complete my school work and that early training prepared me in life educationally and also in raising my children in the same way.

    I am very grateful for our reconnecting;during my mother's burial you were there with us from picking her up from the mortuary to the last day of burial process. 

   On my visit to Nigeria in 2022 Christmas you and my darling wife came to visit me and my husband,  when you were leaving your last words to me was you are happy seeing me do what Sister (my mother) did for her relatives and thanking me for continuing same and I promised you that day I will do same; Uncle Kehinde that promise I will keep for life. 

   On my birthday August this year, your message to me on WhatsApp was filled with special prayers you prayed for me and I have read it over and over,  uncountable times since your passing and it gives me great comfort knowing that as a man of God, you are sitting on the right hand of God. Uncle your departure was a shock to me even though we knew the inevitably was band to happen I thought and hope to see you this Christmas when I come home but to God be all the glory for you have gone to a peaceful and restful place until we meet again. 

   Uncle Kehinde you will truly be missed. May your gentle soul rest peacefully in the LORD'S presence and your memories be a blessing to all of us in the mighty name of Jesus Christ Amen 

  Mrs Belinda Imuetinyan Izevbizua 

Proverbs 22:1 says "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches"—this was the life you lived.

Daddy, your life was truly one worth emulating. From the moment you welcomed me into the family with your warm greetings, I felt accepted and at home. You were my favorite Yoruba-speaking partner in the house. I will always cherish how you never let us leave without coming out of your room to say goodbye whenever we traveled back. Your life of simplicity was truly admirable.

I have no doubt that you are now resting in the bosom of the Lord.

Your legacy has profoundly shaped my husband's life in all that he does. You were a true father, one whose example is worth following. May the Lord reward your efforts bountifully for being the father figure we all looked up to.

We miss you so much, especially the twins. They keep saying, “Oh, grandpa, the one who used to teach us rhymes!” They remember fondly how you recited, ‘I see the moon, the moon sees me. God bless the moon, and God bless me.’

Rest on, Daddy, until we meet again and part no more.

Mary Osazee Isonarae

 I heard about the passing of our beloved Uncle, Prof. David O. Ukponmwan. It's so unbelievable. I don't know how to console my grieving heart. 

Uncle Dave, as he's fondly called by my family, was a man of integrity, diligence, out spoken, and a devoted Christian of the Anglican faith. You may be gone now, but you will always be remembered for the jokes and laughter you shared with us.

 Rest on, dear Uncle Dave. I know you will be rewarded in Heaven because you are a wonderful SOUL.

 For Rosaline, his beloved wife and his lovely children, it's my prayer that the presence of God Almighty will surround you, Grant you peace, Renew your strength, Comfort and console you and be merciful to you at all times. Amen.

Farewell to My Foster Dad and Godfather

After a difficult confrontation with my biological father over my refusal to accept idolatry practices as his first son, he disowned me and cast me out when I was about 14. Homeless and vulnerable, I wandered the streets of Benin City for over three months, at the mercy of cultists and hoodlums at major motor parks and bus stops. It was during this time that Prof's wife - Mrs. Roseline Ukponmwan, my mother’s eldest sister, found me and brought me to Prof. (Interestingly, this same woman had prophesied my name "Osazee" at birth—how God's plan works.)

Though it was unplanned and unexpected, Prof welcomed me without hesitation, opening his house and family to me. Under his roof, I found a place to call home, a sanctuary where I gave my life to Christ and was nurtured by Prof and His wife to devote myself to the Lord and His Kingdom through morning devotions and frequent unorganized counseling sessions. Prof stood by me as my godfather during my baptism, and I can say that I’m useful to God and society today because of the stable and loving home he provided. Through him, I witnessed what a responsible and godly family looks like.

One of my strongest memories is how Prof would spend countless hours in his "reading room" studying and meditating . I remember how we would study for hours as children, but nothing compared to the time he spent in his "reading room." It was his sacred space for study and meditation, and no one dared disrupt him there. Today, I’ve carried that same discipline into my home, and my wife only fully understood my habits when she visited Prof and saw where these values had come from. His relentless pursuit of academic excellence was always a challenge to me, and I wish he were still alive to witness me reach the academic heights he himself had attained. Prof was the embodiment of academic discipline.

Prof became the father figure I grew up with. His principles of justice, sincerity, and fairness profoundly shaped who I am today. Though I will miss him deeply, his legacy will live on in my heart and in the lives of all who had the privilege to know him.

Goodbye, Dad. Your impact is everlasting.

Osazee Isonarae

Tribute to a wonderful Godfather With heaviness of heart I do this tribute to you my beloved Godfather. Your very close relationship with my late father, Mr. Henry Edoleyi Omoigui transformed into enviable family ties that were able to stand the test of time and gave you both safe landings many years ago. Since my father's demise in August 1993, you stood in the gap in many appreciable ways and with an unwavering love. You treated me like your own biological daughter even though I was just your Goddaughter. You were the epitome of humility, kindness, excellence, truth, grace, selflessness, care and indeed you were a man after God's own Heart. Your virtues of diligence, prudence, transparency, accountability, dependability and trustworthiness knew no bounds in your dealings with people. The University of Benin from where you retired honourably and the Church Improvement Society (CIS) of St. Matthew Cathedral Church of St. Matthew Cathedral in the Anglican Diocese of Benin where you served as a life Secretary can attest to these sterling qualities of yours. A big vacuum has been created by your demise in our lives. We are however, greatly consoled by your legacy of self - control, contentment, integrity, hardworking, unflinching faith in God and all the virtues you have left for us to emulate. Thank you for your wonderful disposition towards my family and for all that your saintly lifestyle taught us that will continue to guide us through life. Ọ khin owiẹ erha n'erha. Ọse nẹi kpọ. Erha ne ọ mwẹẹ ahoẹmwọmwa. May your dear, gentle and lovely soul rest perfectly well with the Lord amen. Prof. Mrs. Esohe Omoregbe On behalf of late Mr. Henry Edoleyi Omoigui's family. 

TRIBUTE TO A LOVING UNCLE.

Uncle like no other. Your friendship with our late Father (Henry Edo omoigui) was very special to you and even after he passed on many years ago You were always there for us. Always in our events over the years. You will forever be missed. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Uncle you will truly be missed. May your loving and gentle soul rest peacefully in the Lord's presence and may your memory be a blessing to all of us.

A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER, TEACHER AND FRIEND.

In my preteen years, in the cool of the evening, a gentleman drove in his Peugeot 504 salon car to greet his friend late Mr Henry Edo Omoigui in the street I was born and grew up. I had my friend in the same house he visited and we the boys did our own things and never realised that the visitor paid us any attention. That visitor was Prof David O. Ukponmwan.

I was shocked when I got admitted to read Industrial Chemistry in my final year, he saw me for the first time and his admonition for me was" you must be serious."

On my graduation day, I walked up to him and requested for a photograph with him which he gladly obliged.

That became a pattern for him, sharing my joyful and sorrowful moments as a father would his son.

He paid any price to identify with me and celebrated my successes and those of my family as his own.

He admitted me into the Master's Degree Programme and on resumption, he said" I signed you in not because I want to supervise you , but, because I wanted you admitted, you are free to choose any person to supervise you." I remained under his supervision and he would say" no free marks, you must work hard to earn your grade."

Oh what a free and saintly soul!

As a staff, those who sought to destroy me did not spare him either, but together we triumphed and had the last laugh over ALL our detractors and insidious enemies.He was one of my greatest fans and cheerleaders.

Prof D.O.Ukponmwan was upright, childlike in faith and purity, trustworthy, courageous once the facts were understood by him, highly contented and faithful to any cause and person he believes in. He greatly rejoiced when I was appointed Acting Head of Department and was convinced that my Professorship announcement was just a matter of time.

In his transition to immortality, a part of me died.

Adieu, my father, teacher and friend, a mighty warrior of truth and a patient listener.

Prof. Emmanuel Enoguan Ighodaro Irabor

Acting Head,

Department of Chemistry

University of Benin.

Tribute from The Oviasu's 

Uncle Kehinde as  you were favourably called. You were very dear to us and we had fond memories of you.

We recall in our early years in the mid sixties when we would meet after Sunday service at mama's house in Ogbesasa. You were jovial and always willing to help. You always had time to  listen and your Godly advice was useful and highly appreciated. 

Your sudden departure was a shock to the family.

 Our prayers are  with your family.  Rest Peacefully in the Lord's.

Adieu!

I vividly remember your many visits when I was seven, growing up in N.I.F.O.R. a suburb of Benin City, Nigeria. You were an uncle like no other, just like your twin brother, Uncle Taiye. I can still picture how you and Uncle Taiye bonded with my twin brother, Kehinde, and me. Your humble, kind, and caring nature made us feel special and deeply loved.

Even when your studies in England separated us, your love for Kehinde and me continued. You kept in touch with our milestones by writing letters and sending birthday cards and presents. Until your passing, it was always a pleasure to hear your voice and receive your best wishes.

You are dearly missed but will forever live on in our hearts, cherished and loved. Rest in peace, dear Uncle Kehinde. Until we meet again and part no more.

Uncle I still do not believe you have gone, I remember seeing you two months ago when I was in Benin and you came to the house and you went to see your sisters grave, maybe you were telling her see you soon, Uncle you would surely be missed, may you rest in peace Uncle, till we meet again. God knows best….It is well

Daddy it’s still so hard to bring myself to this new reality that you are no longer here.  I would come out in the morning to greet daddy lagiewan and remember oh He’s no longer here. 

Daddy you were a father, a friend, a confidant and most importantly an example. I have based my life on the strong moral principles and values you upheld all through your life. I remember fondly the jokes, the laughter, the discipline, the encouragement, the support. I still remember fondly how you supported me when I made the decision to move to Warri and how you believed in the vision I sought to pursue when no one else did. You were my rock in those early times of me trying to find myself; always patient and ready with words of encouragement whenever I came home.

Daddy you were a lover of God and you instilled the same in your children teaching us early that our faith comes first in all things. You were never one to compromise even when it was easy to. You always stood on the side of truth no matter what and you taught us to do same .

Daddy I thank God for the life you lived, the love you gave, the humility and calmness you showed. Rest on dad for I know where Abraham is, there you will also be together with the host of Heaven.

Till we meet to part no more, your alagbode

I’m deeply sorry for our loss.  Daddy ’s dedication to truth at all times was beyond description, including love for education was truly inspiring. 

Uncle Kehinde, words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that I feel on your passing  , it came as a shock to me . I am rest assured that you have gained your  angel wings and gone on to a better place .Kiss my mom and uncle Sam.You were  such a great person, and will surely live on in our memories forever.

Dear Uncle,

Hearing the news of your passing was truly heartbreaking for our Ukponmwan family. While it’s incredibly painful to come to terms with another  loss, I find solace in the knowledge that you lived a rich and fulfilling life. I am grateful to God for the moments we shared. Your love and the invaluable advice you gave me will always hold a special place in my heart. You will be profoundly missed. .Rest in perfect peace. 

To My Beloved Husband, My Shining Star.

 I struggle to comprehend the profound loss that has shaken my world. On September 21, 2024, your sudden departure left an unfillable void in my life. 

Your vibrant presence, once a radiant beacon, is now a cherished memory. 

You were more than a husband; you were my rock, my confidant, and my guiding light. Your love and care nourished me, and our children, with unwavering devotion. Your selflessness extended beyond our family, embracing my siblings with kindness and compassion, allowing me to support them wholeheartedly. 

Your absence has taken the brightest part of me, leaving an ache that only God's solace can alleviate. I pray for the Holy Spirit's comforting presence to fill the emptiness. I'll eternally cherish the love, laughter, and memories we shared. 

Your legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion will forever inspire me. 

Thank you, my darling Borbor, for being an extraordinary partner and father. 

I'll miss you deeply, but your love will continue to illuminate my path. 

To God be the glory, for the precious gift of your life.

 With all my love, Your wife

"Tribute to My Beloved Father-in-Law”

Today, I mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual who was more than just a father-in-law to me. Daddy, you were a father, friend, confidant, and inspiration. Your passing leaves an unfillable void in my life.

As a father, you welcomed me into the family with open arms, showering me with love, guidance, and support. Your wisdom, kindness, and generosity inspired me to be a better person.

As a friend, we shared countless moments of laughter, tears, and gists. You had a unique ability to make everyone feel seen and heard.

Your enthusiasm for my cooking was unmatched! You savored every meal I prepared, Your delight was contagious, making every dish a labor of love.

But most importantly, you were an inspiration. Your strength, devotion and dedication to God, resilience, and compassion motivated me to pursue my dreams. Your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched.

Rest in peace, dear daddy. Your impact on my life will never fade. I'll cherish the memories, as I believe you’re in a better place.

To my dearest husband and the entire family, I offer my deepest condolences. May we find strength in the love and memories we shared with him.

Daddy, it still feels unreal that you are gone. I can hardly believe I won’t hear your voice again, laugh at your jokes, or have those playful arguments about the WhatsApp broadcast messages you sent me. 

While I am deeply saddened by your departure, I am filled with gratitude to God for your life and the amazing father you were to my siblings and I.

In 2021, when you fell ill (just a few months before my wedding), I was so scared that you wouldn’t make it. But God, in His mercy, pulled you through and gave me three more precious years with you and I am thankful that you were here to witness some of the biggest moments in my life—seeing me get married, become a mother, and fulfill my dream of becoming a Pediatrician.

You were my greatest cheerleader, lifting me up with your unwavering support. No matter what I faced, you were there, reminding me of my strength and always telling me how proud you were of me. Your belief in me gave me the courage to chase my dreams and the confidence to overcome any challenge.

Daddy, you were a man of unwavering integrity and strong principles. With you, there was no middle ground, it was always either right or wrong, and you stood firm in your beliefs. You constantly reminded us that a good name is better than all the riches in the world, and you lived by those words every single day. I am forever proud to be called your daughter. I vividly remember my days in UNIBEN. Each time I walked into an office, and they saw my last name, the moment they realized I was your daughter, I was met with warmth and kindness. Everyone had the nicest things to say about you, and they always went the extra mile to help me. Your reputation for integrity and compassion preceded me, and it always filled my heart with pride.

You were a man of strong faith, guiding us to Christ from an early age. Your unwavering belief shaped our lives in profound ways. Family devotion was a constant in our home; no matter how busy life got or how old we became, you made sure we gathered every morning for that sacred time together. Those moments were not just rituals but the foundation of our spiritual lives, instilling in us the values of love, faith, and unity.

Thank you, Daddy, for instilling in me the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion that have shaped me into the woman I am today. Your teachings have guided me through every challenge and triumph, reminding me to always strive for excellence and treat others with kindness.

I am truly grateful for the lessons you imparted and the love you shared. Your influence will forever remain in my heart, guiding me as I navigate life. Rest in peace dear Daddy, till we meet again. 

A Tribute to my Father in-law

My dear father-in-law was a remarkable man who touched our lives with his fatherly love, infectious humor, and boundless joy. He was  always quick with a joke and a smile that could lift anyone’s spirits. He had a unique way of blending wisdom with laughter, guiding us all with the warmth and strength of a father. He raised an incredible daughter, my wife, whose kindness, and grace are a direct reflection of the values and love he instilled in her. For that, I am forever grateful. 

Though we feel the weight of your absence, we take comfort in knowing that your soul is resting in peace. We pray for your eternal rest, knowing that you are in the arms of the Lord, where you will watch over us with the same love and joy you shared during your time on earth. May your soul rest in perfect peace, Amen. 

An amicable cousin with intense devotion to integrity, humility and Godliness. Your life was a success, your children admirable.

May God receive your soul.

G. Osarobo Iyasere 

Uncle , I can't believe you are actually gone, the times we discussed and shared about life.. Wow ..I am still trying to wrap my thoughts around this . However I know ,God knows best ,and I know you are in the bosom of the Lord. Rest in perfect peace  my dear uncle. 

I got the PC you requested, but you were no longer there to receive it. Your life of humility, humor and constant quest for knowledge shaped our relationship which grew from student to teacher, friends, to father and son. You attended my classes with such humility, it was humbling. You told everybody I was your computer teacher. You knew all my kids by thier names and asked about each of them on our calls. You stayed in my home and ate at my table. You taught me what it means to accept another wholeheartedly, without judgement or bias. You lived a life of principle and set an example for us all to emulate. Everybody was equal in your presence and you were quick to call out what wasn't right or oppressive. I believe God calls the great ones early, I'm consoled by the fact I know you "have" a great relationship with Him. Even though we miss you, we know you are in a better place. Rest on Prof, till we meet in glory.

My baby brother, Kehinde, it is hard to believe that I will not be seeing you again on this earth  anytime I come to Benin. It was a very sorrowful day for me on September 22nd, a day before my birthday, when the news of your passing on to the great beyond was broken  to me. I had spoken to you some days before then and I did not get the impression that you were not going to make it. God knows best and we cannot question Him on the order in which we have to leave this earth. This is our Christian faith 🙏. 

Rest in perfect peace my beloved baby  brother in the bosom of our Lord God till we meet on the Resurrection day to part no more. 

Adieu!

Uncle Kehinde, may your gentle soul rest in peace. You will be missed. I remember my days when I was in University of Benin. Computer Science, which was my department was 2 blocks away from the Chemistry department. Your office was on the 1st floor. When I came up to see you, I knew I will be getting something from you. I looked forward to popping up to see you. The question will be "Ito have you eaten?" He will not wait for my response immediately Uncle will say take this and go and eat. Uncle Kehinde, thank you very much for the love, kindness and care you showed me.  Rest in peace🙏🏾🙏🏾