Olufunso Oke - Online Memorial Website

I miss you daddy

Funsho.........................................

Flash back to Soroh House room 1 at NNSS. Funso would excitedly come to share the vivid tales of the book he had just finished reading with Ijeoma. The effortless flow always left me thrilled and yearning for his visits. No one had to be told he had a brilliant mind. Without him realizing it, it was a never ending conquest for me to have a mind as close to being brilliant like him and perhaps earn some intellectual respect. I think I achieved the respect part...He was the SI unit for success in English and Literature. I narrowly passed him on one test and the feeling was akin to climbing Mount Everest. Through the years after secondary school we kept up...he once described me to a group he introduced me to as an "Arsenal fan with a warped sense of humor." Football bantering was always epic and fun. I still recall the day he switched allegiance from his beloved Tottenham to Barcelona. We would exchange text messages after every Barcelona dominace. Even up until the time he passed he was always "pestering " me about investment opportunities in Nigeria. It was his mentoring style at play I guess. His sense of humor was legendary (I still crack up at his joke regarding volleyball being played with coconuts in someones village) and his zeal and passion for the things he believed in were evident for all to see. You are missed bro...very much so. You were a bright light that radiated for humanity to see. May God grant you eternal rest and keep the family you left behind.
Sail on Sailor!!!

I believe I have known Funso almost as long as I have known my husband, Chido! He sort of, like the rest of the crew, came with the package! So many memories...from the toast he gave at our wedding where he 'outed' my dear hubby as one who loved to walk around in his briefs (eyes rolling!)...the faithfulness with which he delivered his mum's Christmas cake year after year.....caring enough to come to listen to Chido in the church choir for our choir festival, an event even I did not take as serious and staying till the end and how excited he was to have attended it (such was his loyalty)....the niceness and generosity you got from him every single time....the way he threw his head back when he laughed...his willingness to find the humor in every situation and even to laugh at himself...even when we did not faithfully keep up our end of the friendship in terms of visiting and reaching out, he kept his own end... how at Kwame's dad's wakekeeping, he quickly gave up his seat for us on sighting my husband and I...how we joked even then and how he lamented that Kwame's dad was the one who had written all his references and wondered what he would do now that Kwame's dad was gone...how he made his family your family and vice versa such that Tunji his auburn became our friend and my aburo Stella became his friend....

He fought for for the oppressed and no cause was beneath him...joining the protest against the toll gate....forwarding the link on my FB to raise funds for a child he had never met and doing this for me even though we had not been in touch in a while...

Funso! This one is too hard! Still grappling with the reality of it! My husband,friend and brother...who became my friend and brother!

You were indeed an angel on assignment and we were all the better for having known you and benefited from your kindness and love!

We love you but God loves you most! You live on in Enyonam, your lovely daughters, and the rest of your family! Rest in peace!!! 

Olufunso, I can't believe you are gone! My heart aches and the tears would not stop but I take solace that you are resting peacefully in the Heavenly Father's bosom.

I keep saying to myself it is a bad dream and I would wake up and my brother would be on the phone to catch up as usual. I wished I had reschedule my programs and met up with you in NY during your visit and see you one more time.

I would miss our friendship of more than 3 decades and would always remember and cherish your sense of humor, your optimism about life and the encouragement you give to others. Your love for music and reading is legendary and infectious. Your intellectual capacity and breadth of knowledge is astounding and unparallel and I would sorely miss our intellectual discourse.

I pray the Almighty God would comfort your wife and daughters, and your parents and siblings in Jesus name!

A shining star is gone too soon but you live on in the hearts of those you leave behind!

Aburo mi atata Olufunso omo Oke Sun re o! Rest in Peace in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

I knew Funso well before I met him. Having being a seat partner and room-mate of Tunji from secondary school in Abeokuta, I had been regaled with tales on Funso. But meeting Funso a few months after our time in Abeokuta, it turned out not to be charm at first sight. Tunji and Funso had trailed me one evening after ICAN classes in their legendary Blue Peugeot 504 station wagon. I just wanted a quiet walk home but Funso opted to be nice to me at all costs and insisted on taking me home which led to the trail. Subsequently Funso caught up with me in the 504, appropriated my roasted corn that was meant to keep me company on my way home and then took the troubles of dropping me off. This was the beginning of a friendship that would later metamorphose into a brotherhood.

As I grew closer to the rest of the Oke family, Funso assumed the role of an elder brother in my life. I’d always remember him as a God sent. He provided guidance in areas where I groped for counsel. I also looked forward to my Sunday visits to the Oke family house in Opebi because it meant I’d spend time with Funso. Ironically I now looked forward to Funso dropping me off as well. Funso would ask probing questions and quickly volunteer assistance. As one who was quite shy to share personal challenges, Funso turned out to be a trusted friend I could open up to. I have first-hand experiences of Funso’s restlessness to offer assistance and pursue his humanitarian ideals by being his “brother’s keeper”. I always knew Funso was just one phone call/text away. He was a career guide to me, life coach and mentor.

When I was out of work and seeking a career switch, Funso took the unexpected troubles of searching for a job for me as if he was compelled to. He would follow up regularly with calls and emails and eventually found me an investment role. He offered me career mentorship and subsequently hired me in the BGL Research team. In BGL, Funso mentored me on writing and taught me the skills for the trade in financial and investment research. He taught me to navigate through the insidious world of finance while maintaining one’s humanitarian ideals. One of my greatest consolations today is that I deeply cherished these hand holding sessions with Funso in his life time. All who knew me easily recognised how much I held Funso in high esteem. In the words of Enemoyi – a mutual friend of ours, “Funso didn’t feel like your boss, in my head he was your big brother”.

I also learnt life lessons in humility from Funso. After marriage, Funso quickly extended his avuncular “egbonship” to Ibironke. Though his regular visits to our home, Funso endeared himself to Ibironke with his characteristic charm that originated from his deep humility, and versatile cerebral capacity. Ibironke quickly appreciated that the he had fully earned all the “Funso hype”.

We greeted Funso’s death in our home with a shower of tears and sorrow. Ibironke screamed and burst out in tears when I called her on Wednesday 30^th November to pass on the sad news. I’ve had to scurry out of sight from time to time to shed more tears. I haven’t shed this amount of tears since the death of my mother. But once again, Ibironke and I are deeply consoled by the fact that we recognised the jewel Funso was in his lifetime. We didn’t wait to lose him before appreciating the value of what we always had in him. We always held Funso in high esteem. We shared great moments together and placed great value on the friendship in his life time. Nevertheless, we’d sorely miss him and still day-dream and fantasize of his return to our midst.

Listening to the torrents of tributes that have poured in for Funso, there is no doubt that he lived up to the standards defined in Proverbs 18:24 – “a man that hath friends must shew himself friendly”. In my life, Funso served as that “friend that sticketh closer than a brother” for he was the elder brother that fate had denied me of through polygamy.

-          Jimi Ogbobine & Ibironke Orhiunu 

I used to know Funso, and still know him, but now through memories.

We needed an excellent mind to take BGL’s

Research to the next level. The search was strategic and at the same time targeted.

With CV’s rolling in day and night in their hundreds.

Finally we got him….and it was Funso! Yes, this same Funso Oke!

He was our best choice and the right choice. 

We were relieved at his cerebral approached to referenced challenge.

His out of the box thinking was top notched.

In his usual demeanours, he faced the task head on.  

The BGL Mirror became the toast and envy of the African Investment Banking sphere, even among multinational corporations.

Even when faced with work pressure, you can be rest assured to have a flash of his lively smiles and funny tip-talks.

Then came Christmas season in 2005, and the rigour of preparing quarterly report for managed clients with timeliness.And I thought, how do I strategize to get this done in a calm but fixated frame of mind? I approached you - Funso, and you gave me the precise medication of traditional Christmas favourite– “O, holy night…the stars are brightly shining”.

With Yolland Adams, Celine Dion and Aaron Neville as your favourite vocals, you gave this unique gift to all lovers of music with great excitement and gusto. Who could have thought you would leave us so suddenly around this same season? How could I forget the flaunting of your tenor voice in celebration of the reason for the season - Jesus?

You were a great pal, very intelligent but humble. You were never shy of expressing your “wild ideas”, unique opinions and thought provoking questions about life, finance, business and personal development. Your sense of humour, tolerance, brotherly love and integrity will make your memory lingers. I will live to cherish the lesson you shared with me in less than a week before your transition  about intelligence at work place. How I wish you were here to share more, but the cold hand of death took you away from us. You will be great missed by all.

I look forward to meeting you again at the feet of Jesus to relish the old memories of the smiles we shared and of course, your kind words and enlarged imaginations. May God keep and uphold your lovely family, the BGL family and all loved ones at this time of sober reflection. 

Adieu my dear brother and friend! 

Me: Prof! Funsho: Il Duce; Me: How goes it? Funso: We are there! Me: Do you know a song titled 'Stairway To Heaven' by Led Zeppelin? Such a beautiful song, but by a process called backward masking I understand it is not all that it sounds like.  Isn't this world just strange! Funso: I love Stairway to Heaven. I have heard the backward masking controversy since Unilag.  Me: I knew that you would resonate.  Sometimes this humdrum feels like backward masking sef. Funso: I think it's probably a case of hearing what you want to hear.  If you play anything backwards,  it can be interpreted multiple ways.  Not that 70s rockers didn't dabble in spirituality, but that evidence is not definitive. - Chat on Whatsapp - 24th October 2016.

Conversant with any subject under the sun!  A very eclectic mind.  I will really miss that. But a gentle and genuine soul like yours can only but be led home where there is no dying anymore.

'Twinkle twinkle little stars, how I wonder what you are, up above the sky so high, like a diamond in the sky’. I remember my nursery rhymes and can understand why that rhyme resonates with kids. The mythical star! So near yet so far, full of sparkle, promise, hope. Whatever you believe as the phenomenon of stars, they still hold a magical place in hearts. Imagine if we could touch one (star that is). Be close to it. Hold it! Just imagine. That will be a story for generations. 

I am about to tell you a story that will be told for generations. People will say it's a lie or a myth or stuff. But I promise you, it's all true. I promise you with every breath I draw! With every heartbeat: I have touched a star. I have had it with me for years now. I was so selfish that I didn't tell anyone. Now my star has disappeared! Upped and went back to the sky along with his peers. Now my star is gone. Oh my! I could have caressed him more, held him more, told him how much I appreciated him, loved and valued him more. This is a hard lesson for me. I thought I had more time! I had planned how I will shine my star, position it, brag about what I possess. Now my star is gone!.

My star's name is Funso Oke! My smiling star, my faithful star, my reliable star, my encouraging star, my patient star, my always willing star, my cheerleader star, my eternally optimistic star! Where are you? Please come back to me. I promise to love you more. Funso joor! Come back! I am sorry for every harsh word I uttered! I am sorry for not sitting down with you more! I am sorry for not laughing more! For 32 years I always assumed I had you for eternity. Tears drop as I write this. The stupidity of my assumptions mocks me. Funso! What will I do now? Our dreams nko?

Ah! Look at me, as selfish as usual. You left a family behind. Funso, sleep well because for as long as I have breath in me, your family will not suffer! Your kids will go to the best schools! Go on holiday! Your wife will not want! Funso, death has cheated me of the chance to show my appreciation for your friendship, advise, loyalty, faith, dedication and companionship! It's not ok but that's my reality. However I promise you, I will show your family all you deserve! Forgive me my friend for I was preoccupied with life. Forgive me my brother if I was too harsh; forgive my blood if I took your companionship for granted. 

I can't write again! The tears won't stop. Funso, sun reo! Keep watching over us o. Mafiwasile joor! Olufunso! Your parents, your siblings…..hmmm how will they feel? 'O ye Olorun' I will do my best to finish all you started. I will try and will still count on you to guide and encourage me in your way...I have so much to say but the words fail me...Funso, till we meet again, keep smiling and shining...

I met Funso several years ago because he was Kwame Ugoji's friend. I liked him immediately because he came across as eccentric. That's what I liked. He seemed to know things or topics that people would generally have no idea about. He came across as gentle and always had a ready smile and a warm hug from his over six foot frame. He would ask how you were and you knew he meant it. If Kwame was doing something, you knew without a doubt that Funso would be there. Birthdays, weddings,christening....Funso would be there for support.He was not just a friend...he had evolved into family. I remember riding in his car for Kwame's traditional wedding...my then fiance, and now husband drove Funso's car as he had to study for some exams. He was kind and charming...when he was not reading or sleeping. His music collection ranged from Michael Buble to Stevie Wonder. A great collection depicting the eclectic taste of his  wonderful eccentric self. You were brilliant,humble,kind and a wonderful human being. Not perfect but who is? I am glad I got to meet you. People like you are rare gems who like comets flash their brilliant light,shine, warm us for a moment and then disappear. So I'll simply say I will miss you and all that you embodied in your weird and lovely soul. Rest well,my friend, rest well. Till we meet again.

I  met Funso for  the  first  time  in July 1995, Tunji, Jimi and myself had just  concluded our SSCE, so I  hitched a ride home from  Abeokuta. I remember  the  jovial driver singing  'oh kangaroo' and teasing Emeka Onwuka, as he and Funso engaged in  a spirited football discussion about  Spurs 6 points deficit and Klinsmann  leaving....Funso was very  jovial  and friendly, before  I alighted from  the car he gave  me a very  treasured gift, a video cassette titled 'Eagles  in Flight' this was a beautiful project by Funso and his sports colleagues which  chronicled the progression of the  Eagles from  89' when we lost  the world cup ticket to  Cameroon to 94' after  we were eliminated in the  2nd round  of USA 94.... I must say even by today's standards, that  video was top notch... this showed me something about  Funso, he has an excellent spirit.
The next time I saw Funso was 2011, then I was training and group  of footballers at Ajah and Tunji asked him to  take   a look  at them and he obliged.
Funso, you touched lives in many spheres, like  business and sports, you  will never be forgotten . ..As the Saints/Spurs  go marching  in, you  are  now worthy to be counted in the number . ...#FUNSOFOREVER








 

This is probably my 17th time trying to write this. Words and expressions have consistently failed me as how does one really express such immense impact?

Do I start from Shepherdhill Baptist Church - you in the midst of the choir while mummy Oke serenades us with her soulful voice? I never can fathom how you make it to choir rehearsals in the midst of you dodging everybody to watch Tottenham Hotspurs lose as always then.

Or is it the times you always warn me when I joined BGL, against your will because you didn't want anybody knowing you stayed on Victoria Island - "Dare, don't you ever tell anybody we stay on the Island o" - How you hated me because you knew that cat was out immediately I started dating Ijeoma!

Or times you go in hiding in research during BGL monitor/Quarterly report seasons as Femi gets all the brunt from Albert as he raves, shouting - "Where is Rasta?"... Rasta!!!

Or the time you and I took you brand new associate toyota corolla - had only 12 km out to ride at 1 am - Finally the old Carina could be given away!

Or when you stood stoically behind me when I considered the unthinkable - the unassailable - Marry within the BGL Family, as we went to see Chibundu and Albert to plead you case - I was ready to resign - Of course you not only got away with 'that murder', you charted a course that others followed!

Mr. Oke, the tears that have flowed from my eyes are not necessarily tears of hurt and pain. They are more tears of an intense internal struggle not to let go.

You were more than a brother to me. You were the only person that called me "Dazza". Even death cannot convince me to let go.

Your memories live on - your legacy thrives yet better.

I see Yena and what she has become - a direct replica of your intellect as she soars above her peers.

I hear Ore's conquests from Enyonam and what she describes is your wittiness to its full extent.

Nonye, my little girl and Nimoni - that's what you call my son saw Ijeoma and I in tears as we relived the times when we are broke to go to the movies and concerts and we say - Let's call Funso - we always know you will agree and of course pay! 

Those kids saw us remember how we got a call at 6 am in the morning on a saturday to be told you were in Panti because of some solidarity for bike riders in lekki!

... Then Nonye said a prayer - Dear Lord, we remember Uncle Funso that passed. Please remember him in Jesus name!

It dawned on me that I can wipe my tears away! The candle only burned out. The legend lives on... 

Therefore I accept that we will meet again. I smile that you have left your mark in the sands of time. I laugh at the expectation of the exploits we will do as we continue with your legacy of sacrifice and simplicity here and thereafter.

I hold on to the memories of awesomeness that exudes from you.

Dare says well done and thank you. Ijeoma says kudos! We were there with you... We are here for you... And we will be there together in HIM thereafter.

Viva (In the stongest Barcelona voice) Vamos! Sleep well bro. 

I have lost many people in the last couple of years, but your demise is one death too many. I am still grieving, oh oh… I am really grieving.  I didn’t just lose my friend, I lost my God brother. You called me “aburo” and I am truly your aburo.

With Stan, we were the “Three Musketeers” in Business School where you distinguished yourself with your intelligence, deep insights on all current issues and your very ‘big grammar’.  We bonded well and you and Stan helped me through the most trying period of my study when I used to come to school from outside of Lagos. You took me to BGL where we became “Twins”. Although I am almost your opposite, we complemented each other. You were tall and I am short. You were a man of letters; I am a man of figures. You were an abstract thinker and a non-conformist; I am an implementer and a structure person.  However, we were both weird and could be eccentric when it comes to getting things done.

We had many plans of things to do together. We would build a great institution together and become future neighbours; but now I guess that can’t happen here again.

I know it wasn’t easy for you in the last few days and I can’t begin to imagine the amount of pain you went through but that wasn’t enough to prepare me for this. It was like a lightning bolt when your death came. Your departure shocked me to the marrow, just like a sharp excruciating pain in the heart, so strong it wrenched and almost shredded my hearts.

Some of our friends said I was strong for taking it so calmly but I am not; and surely never will be where you are concerned. But it was my duty to seem to be strong; to be there for you, my Egbon. So I am trying to be strong.

I could go on if words can bring you back...but a billion words would not bring you back. But I am consoled by the special and fond memories of you which will always bring me smile...

May the winds of heaven blow softly and whisper in your ears how much I love you and will miss you.

Rest in Peace, my brother.

Your ‘Aburo’

Back in BGL days, Funso and I were not that very close, but I admired his humility from afar especially when I sneak into their office to make a request of Jimmy or to crack some jokes with Vincent Nwani. It is very sad to accept that Funso is really gone; especially when you didn't have the chance to say goodbye. He was taken so suddenly and so shockingly at the prime of his life. The grief and the pain can be unbearable; you cry a river and your sorrow knows no end. You never really know what it's like until you are there yourself, but you look to God because he's the only one who can comfort you.

 

MOVING ON
Death, and indeed a death so sudden and painful like the death of Funso Oke, makes me realize the brevity of life. We often take life for granted; too much so. His death has made me sit down and reflect. It has made me take time to appreciate the loved ones in my life because I don't know what tomorrow will bring. It's made me put things in perspective. I want to live life and love it. I don't want to spend my life being unhappy or dissatisfied. I want to put a smile on my face because that's what can make a dark day seem bright and I want to play the game of life to the very end.

So for those of us grieving, make it your aim to try and look past it and move on. Funso is gone; we cannot bring him back. Our loved ones may be dead and gone but we, the privileged to still be living owe it to them to live fulfilling lives.

Rest on Funso Oke

Adieu Boss

To Fx, there were no boxes, just possibilities that weren't "rocket science" to achieve. He was highly Cerebral in mind, meek and gentle in spirit. He dreamed big dreams, one of which was to see a Nigeria that worked. Due to my affiliations, I bore the brunt of his vexations for government. Like many of us, he was angry and irritated about some of the missteps of this administration, and justifiably so, as he wholeheartedly supported the candidacy of the current President. On his recent trip to the US, he literally went extra miles to make some connections for me "I came all the way because of you", he said, as he sent his picture of him in transit to me. Such was his generous and selfless spirit.

I bet as we look back on the times we all were opportune to spend with the dear departed, many will smile at remembering all the times Fx took one for the team, went all the way for you, or was simply there for you - to talk to as a mentor or colleague. He had his words ready in season, to give direction and comfort, and offering the occasional harsh strokes when he had to.

The BGL story can never be complete without Fx. With other good men and women, he pioneered our BGL Monitor, and anchored several publications that were some of our most iconic brand expressions, which made us the envy amongst peers.
He gave his all, but had a lot more to give. He would be fondly remembered

So sad. I'm in pain. I can't even express myself. You lived well; you were a mentor, a boss and one of the boys. You mentored me, made me believe in myself, and you believed in me. My heart is heavy as I hold back tears. I still cannot process the news. You asked that we meet and break bread. I kept rescheduling. I wish I had created the time to just sit and chat. I will never forget you.

They say that there’s a thin line between intelligence and arrogance. That wasn't you. You were deep, yet humble. I miss you so much. I'm weeping inside. So many things to say but can't find the words to bring these thoughts to life. It is indeed a great loss and a huge vacuum created. Last time I saw you, you were doing your early morning run on Admiralty Way. I called out to you but you had your headphones on. I could have ensured I got your attention and stopped to catchup. But no, I was too busy…...rushing for a meeting. If only I knew that it was my last opportunity.

Rest on brother.

The call came this afternoon, but just before it I had sensed something was wrong. Flora had just asked on the group chat if what she was hearing about Funso was true. My senses went up, but in stupidity I waved them away and continued with my wahala. The call came and broke all common sense. 

Edgar, what are you doing? The voice asked. I knew instinctively that something ghastly had happened to Funso. I was going to be strong; I will take this news with stoic abandonment. Nothing was going to shake me again and then the levees fell and in shock I broke down.

I fell down and could no longer hold back. I bawled like a baby and my driver ran away not wanting to see his boss in this state. The caller hung up and I am sure almost regretting being the harbinger of such a sad news. I have seen too many dead bodies this year; People close to me. I have never been this close to death. I have walked into two morgues this year; I have cried over three dead souls this year and have not even finished wiping my tears from Obire when Funso decided to selfishly join his brother Obire.

Funso was not a lady's man. He never knew how to tell them what he wanted. So I gave him his wife. I remember vividly her supple skin, her beautiful eyes. She was a gazelle gifted with appendages that broke Funso's silence and galvanized him into seeking her hand in marriage despite his eternal shyness.

But I gave him his wife; in faraway London where we had gone for a training paid for by BGL. He still had the sound mind to ask me to deliver the toast at their wedding in Accra. I walked up to the couple with a glass of wine in my hands as I spoke of their meeting; the truancy that encouraged the meeting and my joy that once again I was involved in a blissful union in the BGL group. I thanked them for the opportunity their wedding had afforded me to come to Accra and walked away straight to my hotel room for a deep sleep.

That union lasted till today when Funso suddenly without seeking permission from that beautiful damsel he married or from the rest of us his friends and fans. He just went with a whisper, desperate to leave us to the hard meaningless life that continues to buffet us with sadness and gloom.

This is crazy. Our young men are dying, but why are they running away. Who are they leaving to defend us? What kind of cowardice is this? Obire but why, Funso, am I enjoying this? Is there a new research department in heaven that is recruiting or is fate just playing tricks on us? 

Funso aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!! This is more than painful. The quiet ever so nice Funso; he supported me, bought my meaningless book, appeared at all my worthless events and even used to call to ask what next. He knew I was mad but liked it. In all he was just an eccentric man who would only shrug each time he was demoted or made to work under a junior. He never complained, he just shrugged and moved on.

Well as our Lord said, it is finished' Funso has gone to rest in his father’s bosom. His death has left me courageous as I no longer fear death. Funso's death is just one death too many.

What prints would you leave in the sand of time? As we pay our respects to our dearly departed brother, I remember his humility, his compassion towards others, his willingness to go the extra mile for the good of all, his smiles in the face of challenges and finally his faith in the Lord.

Lives you affected Bro. Funso and the marks you left indelible in our hearts are the things we remember as we think of the times we spent together and apart.

What a life you lived howbeit short by our estimation but well spent in the lives you have affected.

 

Your death, though in our eyes, untimely, yet in the eyes of the owner of life, timely, came as a rude shock and so painful. But I take solace in this simple fact, you made your peace with your Maker and this gives me the confidence that someday we shall meet once more to part no more.

You are loved and would be missed.

Adieu my friend. Rest well.

The sad news is shocking and I found it difficult to believe that it is true.  It is just like I am still dreaming about the demise of my brother, colleague and friend, Olufunso Iyanda Oke. I call him 'Professor' because of his high level of intelligence, insights and  rare talents of discovering opportunity in any area before any other person. He is highly meticulous and emphasize points that are only germane to an issue when discussing with him. A technocrat whose knowledge and analytics have given BGL an indelible prestigious brand in the capital market notwithstanding BGL's current challenges which will soon be over. His immense contributions to the growth of BGL remains unforgettable. Funso does not discriminate and he is very humble and amiable. I cannot forget how he brought Gregory Falowo to BGL to solve our Research database problems. The duo transformed BGL Research to become the best in the market.  I cannot count the number of strategies that Funso spearheaded to formulate which spurred the growth of BGL.

To me personally, I cannot count how Funso influenced and impacted my life positively.  Since the first day I came in contact with Funso up until his last week on this earth, a week cannot pass without Funso checking on me. One thing I thank God for is that he gave his life to Christ and there is hope that we will see again in the resurrection morning in the bosom of Lord Jesus Christ.  We love Funso but Jesus loves him more. May the Lord take care of his young family and grant his entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Adieu Olufunso Oke!

Funso Oke was my colleague and boss at BGL. I wasn’t close to him while we worked together. As a member of BGL 58, we were looked at from a distance by others and to be close to Funso, I had to be in research. But I was too hyper-active to survive in such a department.

Well back to Funso, whenever I saw him, a saw a very quiet man. Always sneaked out when I came to see a few friends I had in research. But when I left BGL, I connected with Funso. Wow! He was such a great man; gentle and kind. I so admired his humble demeanor that about 2 weeks ago on the way to a meeting with BAYO, I said to him out of the blues “Bayo I like Funso” and he said, “are you kidding me? I am busy discussing the business squad meeting ahead of us and you are talking about Funso”. In my normal sarcasm, I asked him if he was jealous. Bayo decided not to talk for a few minutes after that and I just ignored him.

Next day I was in their office and I said to Funso, “Can you imagine I told Bayo I like you and he gave me an attitude”? Let me spare you the 10 minutes more jokes we had.

Funso was a board member on my foundation “Whiteslate Foundation”. He bought into the dream and said I want to give back to the society through this medium. And he has being a pillar. I wish you were here to know the outcome of our meeting at Alausa.

I had seen Funso given his car (now not a saloon car) to a junior colleague, while he asked Bayo to make his small annoying car available for him for his meeting. I remember Him at his level going to get me coffee in his office instead of sending his office assistant or myself to go help myself.

I remember the joke about my yellow dress.  His sense of humor just spreads peace.

I never gave him a feedback on the mama Ghana he gave me. It’s indeed awesome.

May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen

I remember how Funso had a picture of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in school uniform as his DP forever. It cracked me up every single time.  That's the Funso I remember. He had a great sense of humor and was extremely intelligent in a quirky and somewhat eccentric way.  
Some of his ideas were far out and we would butt heads but always in jest. He was an original thinker and was one of the few people I would actually go and sit with for a conversation every now and again. 
Funso wasn't just my colleague, I considered him my personal person. He was invited to every major event in my life; the last event was my daughter's birthday and what fun we had. He participated like a brother, his wife was my sister and his daughters were my nieces. 

I wish we had spent more time together and I'm sad that that visit to my new office that we kept planning didn't happen. I have wonderful memories of Funso that I will cling to in this difficult time and I encourage us all to do the same for it is not about how long but how well. 

Funso was a great guy and the out pouring of emotion and tributes is a testament to that. Let's all reach out to his family as a cohesive force as there's no greater consolation as knowing that your loved one was also loved by all. 

Rest in Peace 
Ogbeni Funso Iyanda Oke!

Funso, you are not just my supervisor while at BGL research; but a kind and committed friend, a brother and associate. From the day I met you at that interview panel for BGL Research job in 2005, I know there is something special that bound both of us together. It’s been a great relationship since then even after we both left BGL.

Oh! Death, why are you so heartless. You took a good, gentle and very brilliant mind away without notice, for no offence. Funso, your exit came as a surprise; too soon, too sudden and too painful. I am yet to come to term with this sad reality. What of Victor Obire’s burial that we were both planning together? This is unspeakable, devastating and scary for me having my two supervisors (Funso and Victor) in the morgue at the same time. It is too difficult for me saying a final good-bye to you at this time.

Good night Sir.

I still can't believe this has happened. You were so interesting- fascinating in your combination of crazy innocence and just plain weirdness. You were such an idealist- always trying to see finance, business as it ought to be- but you were not naive- this is one of the things that made you special. 

You would come to me with the zaniest ideas -a product 'but surely this makes sense...' a transaction 'but why can't they see this opportunity' I would roll my eyes and (sometimes) patiently explain to you why  I didn't think it would work, why I thought investors wouldn't quite see things like that. You were resilient- you would not give up on those ideals- even with the harsh reality of greed in the finance world- it seems they did not break you. That was truly refreshing. You had the heartiest- laugh- it would come from deep within you and it always made me smile- I liked your honesty, your joie de vivre. Albert called you 'Rasta'; I just thought you were crazy!

Last time we spoke, you called to tell me about Obire. You said 'my sister, I will add you to the WhatsApp group, please support' I promised you I would- and then rushed off the phone- too busy forming busy. Like Usman, I wish I had lingered a while, caught up with you, laughed with you, asked you what your current zany finance/ world view was. I'm sorry I didn't.

Funso, you were my friend and I will miss you. I hope we will meet again in that place where there will be no more pain and no more tears. At the feet of the Lord Jesus- who formed us and made each of us so unique. Until then, Sun Re O.