Tosin Ogunbodede: What A Tragedy—Banji Alabi Esq

Tosin Ogunbodede: What A Tragedy—Banji Alabi Esq

Once upon a time, there was an erudite man whose name was Theophilous Ogunbodede popularly known as uncle Theo, he was a seasoned banker of those days, he worked for the then National Bank of Nigeria and he had a son whose name was Tosin, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Owo Kingdom more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the Men in Owo Kingdom and indeed in Ondo State. When he sneezes fear ripples through the rank and file of the opposition, if he had joined the army, he would have commanded the elites brigade of guards, he had the charisma and the ability to dominate his environment with his imposing height and personality. Tosin was the best choice for the office of the Chief Protocol to Mr Governor.

Tosin from the inner hills of the Sunshine State of Nigeria and the valleys of the very proud “born to rule” ancient town of Owo Kingdom in Ondo State comes you that makes the world glow.

From the lineage of the Brave, tamers Of Horses, tamers Of Lions, Heroes that dare to challenge the status quo and from the stock of those who soar like eagles and make things happen-comes you.

Your sacrifices, selflessness, courage, loyalty and dedication to duty shall not be in vain.

Your anointing for standing for the truth and honor, Your anointing for excellence, courage, bravery, will continue to shake the very foundations of humanity and melt even the hearts of leaders in this divide.

You are Snowhite and you shall remain as white as snow till we meet again at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ.

From generation to generation humanity shall testify of your kindness, your love and your good works.

According to William Shakespeare Life is but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets its hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing’

Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen, In our part of the world, nothing pains more than having to mourn the death of a younger person but who are we to question the Almighty God who has the final say in our lives.

How do I begin to describe Tosin, with whom I share a lot in common? Is it his dedication to duty, sincerity of purpose, unwavering principles or his unalloyed loyalty to his principal, His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN?

Tosin will be sorely missed by all who came in contact with him and his demise will be more felt by those of us with whom he had more than official interactions!

In the Governing Council of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic which Governor Akeredolu magnanimously asked me to lead, Tosin was more than useful in pushing ideas that led to the giant strides we have been taking to the table of Mr Governor.

Today is indeed not a speech making day but the biggest takeaway in this moment of our collective grief is for each of us to ruminate on how we wish to be remembered. Tosin lived an impactful, meaningful though short life and that’s why we are all here showering encomiums on him. He came, he saw and he conquered territories. History will certainly be kind to him.

I commiserate with our talk and do Governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu SAN, His Imperial Royal Majesty the Olowo of Owo, The Kabiyesi, Asuada of Isuada, All the Kabiyesis in Owo kingdom, citizens of Owo Kingdom, the people and government of Ondo State.

To Tosin’s wife, my dear sister Funke and the children, I pray that God Almighty will not leave nor forsake you. He will be to you a trustworthy Husband and to the children, a worthy Father.

Sleep well, Tosin till we meet to part no more.

Banji Alabi Esq.