Eminent Nigerians thronged Lagos State on Friday May 20, 2022, to join the Principal Manager at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Corporate Communication Department, Mr. Olalekan Ajayi to give his father a befitting burial, he described his father as a man who lived an exemplary and fulfilled life.
All the roads in Lagos State were flung opened in celebration of the life and times of Colonel (Barr.) Jonathan Olusegun Ajakaiye Ajayi, who had died on 19th April, 2022 at the age of 75. It was a carnival-like event for the entire Ajakaiye family as they trooped out to welcome hundreds of eminent personalities who visited the state from different parts of the country.
The Christian Wake, Funeral Service and interment turned out to be a massive celebration for the CBN’s corporate affairs egg head, Olalekan Ajayi. In his tribute, the President NDA 9th Regular Course, Rear Admiral Adedeji (Rtd), extolled the late father, Jonathan Olusegun Ajakaiye Ajayi, as an officer who distinguish himself in the Infantry Corps, and prayed for the entire family.
According to him, “he was a perfect gentleman, a man of peace, love and kindness. Jonathan held no malice, grudges or compliant against anyone. He was kind easy going and unassuming. Also in his tribute, Colonel Tony Nyiam (Rtd) described late Pa Ajayi as “His good nature, from my humble perspective, stood him out as a gentleman.
For Colonel Tony Nyiam (rtd) NDA 9th Regular combatant coursemate, said “the remembrance of the “Omo-Oluwabi” principled nature of Col J.O.A Ajayi has since I heard of his soul’s transition, been coming to mind whenever I’m reminded of him. His good nature, from my humble perspective, stood him out as a gentleman. May the ray of the holy spirit that manifested as husband, father, brother and a mate or friend rest in peace. Amen”
Major Kephas Ageh (Rtd), Neighbor and Chairman, Nigerian Army Post Service Housing Estate, Abule Egba, Lagos, said late Ajayi was a very active and brilliant officer who made his contribution to the Nigerian Army. “he was a gentleman who touched the lives of many within and outside the estate”.
Former Head Civil Service of the federation, Stephen Oronsaye, Leading other eminent Nigerians to the church service was, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Stephen Osagiede Oronsaye. Also present at the ceremony were clergymen, traditional rulers, and community leaders. Being a member of the Bar himself, Pa. Ajayi had several friends of the wig and gowns in attendance.
CBN Director Corporate Communication, Osita Nwanisobi Also, leading the park from the CBN, from both Lagos and Abuja office was the director corporate communication department, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi.
“We have come of age together. The death of his father is like the death of my own father, so we are here to give our father a befitting burial. Olalekan is affected directly but we that are by his side are equally affected.
Being the eldest son, Mr. Olalekan Ajayi could not hide his joy for God giving him life to succeed his father. He reveled with delight, jumped for joy, sang happily, danced freely, and beamed with smiles throughout the celebration. It was indeed a life well lived.
According to him, “Daddy was wired to be altruistic. He was a true brothers’ keeper and his philanthropy was legendary to a fault. “In spite being my father, he called me “Egbon” just as my younger brothers do. Daddy was quite introverted, yet he loved to have people around him. Daddy was afraid to fail and wanted us to achieve what he felt were his unattained goals”.
“Dad thought us to be independent as we could be, yet he emphasized the need to be self-less. He believed in God and admonished us never to depart from the faith.
Speaking earlier while officiating during the church service, the Very Revd Dr. Jonathan Bamidele Osin, of the Methodist Church of The Trinity Tinubu-Lagos, said there is need for all mankind to shun corruption, as all men will one-day die, to give account of their stewardship here on earth.
The cleric who took a swipe on happenings in the domestic economy, said all stakeholders in governance should imbibe the fear of God, and do the right thing for the country to thrive positively again.
“Pa Ajayi was an honourable man; his dedication and contribution to the service of humanity and the church was remarkable, and his meekness, calm demeanour and benevolence have left an indelible mark in the sands of time. I urge you to take heart and be consoled by the fact that he lived a long and productive life”, he said.
