Kunle Adelabu
Many family members and friends that attended the burial ceremony of late political analyst, public commentator, Mr Smart Oluwole Apejoye (1964 – 2022), were unable to hold back their tears as remains were interred on Saturday, April 21, 2022.
A large crowd had attended the burial service and interment of the deceased at his residence located at 3, Awopeju Close, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, on Saturday, April 21, 2022.
There was a tight security on ground to prevent stampede as family members, sympathisers friends and associates of the popular On Air Personality (OAP), community developer and farmer, came from far and near to bid him farewell.
After the burial service, wife, children, few family members and friends were allowed into the late Apejoye’s compound for first lying – state where they were able to view his remains inside the casket he laid lifeless.
It was a solemn and moving moment as people filed and walked round the casket which was later carried and taken, amidst ssinging, trumpeting and drumming by a music band, to where the late Apejoye was interred.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to flow in for the late On – Air – Personality, as the highly revered monarch, His Royal Majesty (Oba) Barr. Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, described him as a proficient commentator.
“I joined hundreds of others to console the family of the late Mr Smart Oluwole Apejoye, who left this sinful world to join the immortal realm.
“Mr Apejoye was a proficient public commentator, astute professional, community developer and a good friend of the community by those who know him.
“I pray to God to grant him eternal rest”, Oba Kasali prayed.
Niran Atiba, writing on behalf of the Television Continental (TVC), wrote:
“The thought of never seeing you again brings tears to our eyes, and even more so, because all of this was such a surprise. But we should never question what God has planned, sometimes, it’s not meant for us to understand. So, as we sit here and mourn the loss of a beloved friend and brother, we have to keep telling ourselves that we will meet again someday.
“At the shortest notice, you were always there for us here at TVC. We appreciate you so very kindly sir”.
The Head of Anchors, TVC News, Mike Okwoche, regretted the loss of Apejoye, stating that he had plans to embark on some projects with him.
“Your departure remains a big shock to us all…. We had promising plans for many projects ahead but you left without notice!
“You were a perfect gentleman and I wish you well in the bosom of our Lord till we meet. Rest in peace dear brother”.
A professional friend of late Apejoye for many decades, Mr Segun Anibaba, who is now based in the United States of America, in his tribute titled, ‘A true friend he was’, said:
“Smart, my rock and my confidante, you are gone soon without saying goodbye to me.
“You are resting in God’s arms now, although, in the ground your body lay. He needed another angel in the Heavenly choir and that’s why you had to go.
“We shared each other’s pains and joy, when life seems so dark for me, you brought the brightest light for me to see and pulled me up each time I am down. You’re not just a friend but a brother from another mother……..”
“I will forever be grateful for our friendship and the love we shared together. Even though I will miss you and I will think about you every day, you will always be my best friend. Good night, my darling friend Smarto”.
Life And Times Of Late Smart Oluwole Apejoye
Mr Smart Oluwole Apejoye was born in June 1964 to the family of Christopher Ewenla Apejoye of Akotogbo town in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State and Mrs Ajoke Aauli Ogunyemi of Iberoko town, Badagry, Lagos State.
He was born into a loving Christian family and was the eldest child in the family of six children.
Educational Background
Smart attended Christ the King Primary School, Orodu Ajegunle, for his First School Leaving Certificate before proceeding to Progress College, Agege, Lagos. He had his tertiary education in College, of Information Technology (CITA), Akure, where he studied Computer Science. He then pursued an Advanced Diploma, Commercial & Industrial Law at the University of Lagos. He went further to do a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. He coupled his higher education in many short courses virtually and physically in his chosen profession of Banking, Immigration Consultancy and Public Speaking.
Work Experience
Late Smart Apejoye started his work career with the Nigerian Breweries Plc, immediately after his school certificate. He also worked with West African Food Supply Company, the Presidency Technical Committee on Privatisation (TCPC) now Bureau of Public Enterprises and United Bank for Africa (UBA).
After leaving the public work environment, he embraced consultancy in several fields such as Partner, Dudu Consulting Nigeria Ltd
He also worked with the team that privatized the Sheraton Hotels and Abuja International Hotel.
He was CEO, Rebut Consulting Nigeria Limited where he was carrying out consultancy services on immigration, travel and tours.
Apejoye carried out consultancy services on education for the University of Lagos Staff School, Akoka and NEPA Staff School, Egbin, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
He was the Managing Director, Rebut Nigeria limited.
Smart Oluwole Apejoye was also the Managing Director, Rebut Farms Nigeria Limited where he passionately carried out his farming business.
Social And Communal Life
As a Christian, late Smart Apejoye believed in God and was committed to the services of God in his own little way.
As a member of the community where he lived, his impact and personal contributions to its growth were felt.
He belonged to the following clubs and associations :
-New Dawn Support Group
-Love and Peace Club (Patron)
-Civil Service Club, Ikorodu.
He was a member of the Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators of Nigeria (IPMA).
A well – regarded public Speaker, political analyst and commentator, his thoughts and convictions pertained to progressive development of his environment.
He was married to Mrs, Idowu Oluwole Apejoye and the relationship is blessed with children.
Smart was a friend, father, adviser and counselor to many and would be remembered for his good deeds.
