Kunle Adelabu
It has been outpouring of tributes, commendations and prayers since last night when the death of one of the active oldest men in Ikorodu, popularly called ‘Asiri Abo’, ‘Teacher Alajo’ or ‘Oyinbo Alajo’, Pa (Chief) Amos Olabinjo Oshin, JPil., was announced.
The late community leader died at the age of 97.
THE IMPACT newspaper broke the news late Tuesday night.
Otunba Fatai Olukoga, a former Special Adviser on Education to the Governor of Lagos State, reacting to the news of Pa Oshin’s death by THE IMPACT, said:
“May his soul rest in perfect peace and console his family”.
A former Commissioner for Information, Lagos State and the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, KJW, received the news with shock.
While reacting to our breaking story, Otunba Elesho said that late Pa Oshin still sent him a new month message on April 1st.
“Jesus Christ of Nazareth!”, Otunba Elseho exclaimed.
“Papa sent me new month greetings yesterday 1st April, 2024, being his monthly practice for several years.
“May his soul be accepted into the eternal kingdom of God & fortitude granted his large family, African Bethel Church, lkorodu, Christian Community & general people of lkorodu”, he said.
Chief (Mrs) Abike Ajose, the Iya Ijo of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Aga, Ikorodu, also reacting to the senior citizen’s death, described it as the falling of a giant.
“Erin wo!”, she said.
“Didun ni iranti olododo, ise re nto e lehin. Simi ninu ogo, l’aiya olugbala. Sun re”.
Mr Olajire Ayokunmi Gbolu, a social media commentator, recalled late Oshin’s past years when he used to collect people’s money for safekeeping which was a traditional banking system.
According to him, this was the period that late Pa Oshin used to be referred to as ‘Teacher Alajo’ or ‘Oyinbo Alajo’, while referring to him as his first bank manager.
“Wow! This was my first bank manager. Rest in peace, Àṣírí Abo. With his squinty eyes, he never makes mistakes on his cards”, he said.
A retired school head and active social media commentator, Alhaja Bisi Bello Mustapha, said that the late nonagenarian lived a fulfilled life.
“Asiri Abo! He lived a fulfilled life”, she said.
“Baba Tisa! God will rest your soul, Asiri Abo”.
Principal, Lagos State University (LASU) International School, Ojo, Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, also reacting to our story, wished his primary school teacher eternal rest.
“Waoooooo! May Almighty God forgive his shortcomings and accept his return”, he said.
“My big primary school teacher”, Alhaji Odumbo recalled.
A medical practitioner and chieftain of the All Progress Congress (APC), Dr Olanrewaju Dixon, thanked God for the life spent by the late community and religious leader.
“We thank God for the life he spent while he was with us. We would miss him dearly, a very loving father. May God grant his soul eternal rest in Jesus name, Amen.
” Baba Asiri Abo, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace”, she said.
“Baba was kind to all of us. Great memories of him and my father”, she added.
Mr Adesegun Anibaba, a former Secretary, Cathedral Council, The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, also said that that the deceased nonagenarian lived a good and worthy life.
“Asiri A cover”! You came, you saw and you conquered. The last man standing out of the Young Men Friendly Society. The oldest and irreplaceable Lay-reader of our Cathedral. 97 good years used for God’s work”, he said.
“Sun Re o! Baba wa. Big loss to the family and African Church as whole! My deepest condolences to the family and ABC members, and I pray God grants everyone the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss!!”
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Achievers’ Crew and the immediate past President, Igbogbo Youth Coalition, Mr Gbenga George Odunniyi, in his own tribute said:
“May his finds rest in the bosom of the Lord”
Mr Lateef Suleiman, in his own reaction, said:
“May the gentle soul of my father rest in perfect peace, and l pray to God to give his family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. Baba wa Oshin, e sun re”.
Also reacting, Pastor’s Warden, The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, Prince Adekunle Bada, said that late Pa Oshin contributed significantly to the development of his community while alive.
“Heg has contributed his quota on earth and has returned to rest”, he said.
“May his soul rest in peace. Accept my condolences”.
Mr Kunle Shopitan, a teacher and son in – law of the deceased, also reacting to the news of Pa Oshin’s death, said:
“Who are we to question God. Aseyi tohun ni Olorun.
“May his soul find rest in the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
“Accept my condolences and I pray God will grant the families left behind the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. Adieu Asiriabo”.
A son of former chieftain of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, Mr Martin Anibaba, described him as a kind person.
“Baba Asiri Abo, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Oshin Adesanya Babatunde, accept my sincere condolences. Baba was kind to all of us. Great memories of him and my father”.
