MEMORIES
DR. ADEWUNMI
ADEROUNMU
DESALU
03.05.1943 - 29.09.2019
Tempus fugit
(Time flies)…
A year has passed since the world fell silent
from the absence of your laughter.
What we would give to hear your laugh,
dance with you, play with you,
and be comforted by your smile.
A genius was taken from us too soon,
but your legacy has been chronicled.
Your achievements in life and
business were undeniable.
You were our hero, a fixer of all things,
and a man of principle… our King.
The crown you wore was a precious
possession and delighted others.
The light that you provided continues
to shine onto all of us that
were touched by your exemplary life.
Rest well, till we meet again,
laugh again, and smile again.
We love and honor your memory.
DR.ADEWUNMI
ADEROUNMU
DESALU
03.05.1943 - 29.09.2019
ALWAYS LOVED AND FOREVER MISSED BY
HIS WIFE: Omorinsojo; HIS CHILDREN: Adebola, Ademola & Danielle, Adetokunbo & Karin,
Olivier & Jessie, Oluwarotimi & Oluwadara, Adewale, Adeniran AND HIS GRANDCHILDREN:
Adebunmi, TemilOluwa, Adeyemisi, Adekale, Lucille Adesola, Remy Adebayo and TaraOluwa.
Please Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6525211421?pwd=MU1lQmtZaTk5WlBrVDVReU9DTTR1QT09
Meeting ID: 6525211421 Passcode: ASCL20
The Diocese of Lagos All Souls
Church of Nigeria
(Anglican Communion)
All Souls Church, Lekki Peninsula
Road 15 (Kayode Animashaun Street)
Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
An of
To mark the
1st
Year Memorial
for
DR. ADEWUNMI ADEROUNMU
DESALU
3 MAY 1943 - 29 SEPT. 2019
Tuesday, 29th day of September, 2020
@ 5:00 pm
Dayo Adeniyi Mr. Segun Faleye Mr. Yomi Oredugba
Organist Verger Verger
Mr. Olasijibomi Ojuola Dr. Kachi Onubogu
Vicar's Warden People's Warden
The Revd. Emmanuel Akinsola
The Revd. Enema Joseph
The Rev. Canon Raphael Gbenle
The Ven. Obiora Anyika
Curates
The Ven. Folorunso OreOluwa Agbelusi M. A; M.Th.
Vicar & Archdeacon of Lekki
The Rt. Revd. Dr. Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye, Ph.D (Ibadan)
The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Missioner
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1. Opening Hymn: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
2. Opening Prayer
3. Hymn Series I: INTRO OLIVIER
I. THE KING OF LOVE, MY SHEPHERD IS INTRO ADENIRAN
II. IN CHRIST ALONE INTRO ADEKALE
III. SHINE, JESUS SHINE
4. Bible Reading 1: ROMANS 8:28-31 ADEWALE
5. Hymn Series II: INTRO ADEBUNMI
I. WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER INTRO TEMILOLUWA
II. FADING AWAY LIKE THE STARS …. INTRO ADEYEMISI
III. THROUGH THE LOVE OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR
6. Bible Reading 2: PSALM 121 OLUWADARA
7. Special Rendition: “MY HELP” - NONSO UGWU INTRO DANIELLE
8. The Word
9. Family Rendition: E JE KA F'INU DIDUN INTRO ADEMOLA
(LET US WITH A GLADSOME MIND)
10. Prayer for the family
11. Vote of Thanks ADEBOLA
12. Closing Hymn: A F'OPE F”OLORUN. (NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD)
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1. OPENING HYMN: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
Thomas Obediah Chisholm was born in Kentucky in 1866, received his education in a little country
schoolhouse, and at age 16 began teaching at the same school. He became a Christian at age 27, and
with no college or seminary training was ordained to the Methodist ministry at age 36. Chisholm
served as a Methodist minister for a year, but ill health made it impossible for him to continue.
Chisholm wrote hundreds of poems during his lifetime. In 1923, he was inspired by Lamentations 3:22-
23 to write the text for the hymn, “Great is thy Faithfulness.” Those verses are as follows, “The
steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every
morning; great is your faithfulness.”
He suffered ill health most of his adult life and therefore had a smaller than average income. Of this
circumstance he said, “God has given me many wonderful displays of his providing care, which have
filled me with astonishing gratefulness.” Chisholm sent the words to one of his poems, “Great Is thy
Faithfulness” to his friend, William Runyan, and Runyan wrote a musical setting.
Likewise, our Father Dr. Adewunmi Desalu, born of humble beginnings on 3 May 1943, was educated
at Ijero Baptist School and Igbobi College, Lagos by the special grace of God. All that He needed, God's
hand provided all the way through the Renselaer Polytechnic Institute to a Doctorate from the the
Massachussetts Institute of Technology. He was blessed with a glorious career, a happy home and a
quiver full of arrows. In latter years, more children by marriage and many grandchildren. In the latter
years, he was victorious over a series of health challenges, however, he was steadfast in praising His
God and often testified singing the hymn “Great is Thy faithfulness.”
1. Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father; 2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
there is no shadow of turning with thee; sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; join with all nature in manifold witness
as thou hast been thou forever wilt be. to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Great is thy faithfulness! 3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Great is thy faithfulness! thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Morning by morning new mercies I see: strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
all I have needed thy hand hath provided– blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
2. OPENING PRAYER
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3. HYMN SERIES I:
I. THE KING OF LOVE, MY SHEPHERD IS - INTRO OLIVIER
Sir Henry Williams Baker (1821-1877), the author of this hymn and also the vicar of Monkland Priory
Church in Herefordshire, England, is said to have spoken stanza three of this hymn as his last words
before dying: Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me, And on His shoulder
gently laid, And home, rejoicing, brought me.
The hymn opens with a beautiful title for God: “The King of Love.” The first stanza has a calm, familiar
feeling of repeated words “ –is...His”; “never...forever.” Baker tied in ideas about Jesus as the Shepherd
from several different places in Scripture, including Psalm 23 and John 10:11. The hymn uses a lot of
verbs and describes the Shepherd by his actions. In this hymn, we contemplate the good care that our
Good Shepherd gives. Even as we acknowledge that we are often “perverse and foolish,” and obviously
do not deserve His kindness, God surrounds us with symbols of His loving care. Truly “thy goodness
faileth never.”
Our father Adewunmi Desalu loved Psalm 23 and this hymn was one his favorite versions of it.
1. The King of love my shepherd is, 4. In death's dark vale I fear no ill,
whose goodness faileth never. with thee, dear Lord, beside me;
I nothing lack if I am his, thy rod and staff my comfort still,
and he is mine forever. thy cross before to guide me.
2. Where streams of living water flow, 5. Thou spreadst a table in my sight;
my ransomed soul he leadeth; thy unction grace bestoweth;
and where the verdant pastures grow, and oh, what transport of delight
with food celestial feedeth. from thy pure chalice floweth!
3. Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, 6. And so through all the length of days,
but yet in love he sought me; thy goodness faileth never;
and on his shoulder gently laid, Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
and home, rejoicing, brought me. within thy house forever.
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II. IN CHRIST ALONE - INTRO ADENIRAN
"In Christ Alone" is a popular modern Christian song written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend, both
songwriters of Christian hymns and contemporary worship music in the United Kingdom. The song,
with a strong Irish melody, was composed in 2001.
The theme of the song is the life, death and resurrection of Christ, [3]and that he is God whom even
death cannot hold. The song is commonly known as "In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found)" and "In
Christ Alone (I Stand)" taking verses from the song. It has become very popular and has been the
subject of many cover versions[4]and many language translations.
“It seems like this song is timely,” Townend says. “We in the West have had our sense of safety and
security brutally torn apart by recent world events, and it's caused many to re-evaluate the
foundations of their life. I feel that the song has helped to stir faith in many believers that God really
is our protector; that our lives are in His unshakable hands.”
My Father taught me to pray and to stand in Christ alone. In this last twelve months that my father
has been with Jesus - the year 2020 arrived and COVID-19 makes these words very real. Daddy, In
Christ Alone I will stand.
1. In Christ alone my hope is found 3. There in the ground His body lay
He is my light, my strength, my song Light of the world by darkness slain
This cornerstone, this solid ground Then bursting forth in glorious day
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm Up from the grave He rose again
What heights of love, what depths of peace And as He stands in victory
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
My comforter, my all in all For I am His and He is mine
Here in the love of Christ I stand Bought with the precious blood of Christ
2. In Christ alone, Who took on flesh 4. No guilt in life, no fear in death
Fullness of God in helpless babe This is the pow'r of Christ in me.
This gift of love and righteousness From life's first cry to final breath
Scorned by the ones He came to save Jesus commands my destiny
'Til on that cross as Jesus died No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man
The wrath of God was satisfied Can ever pluck me from His hand
For every sin on Him was laid 'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the death of Christ I live Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
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III. SHINE, JESUS SHINE - INTRO ADEKALE
“Shine, Jesus, Shine” is a Christian praise song written in 1987 by Graham Kendrick. He wrote at a time
that most people were writing short songs or choruses and this is one like a hymn. My “Baba” told me
to SHINE FOR JESUS and I will always remember to do that.
1. Lord, the light of your love is shining 2. Lord, I come to your awesome presence
In the midst of the darkness, shining From the shadows into your radiance
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us By the blood I may enter your brightness
Set us free by the truth you now bring us Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me. Shine on me, shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine 3. As we gaze on your kingly brightness
Fill this land with the Father's glory So our faces display your likeness
Blaze, Spirit, blaze Ever changing from glory to glory
Set our hearts on fire Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Flow, river, flow Shine on me, shine on me.
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
4. BIBLE READING 1: ROMANS 8:28-31 - ADEWALE
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called
according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image
of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.30 And those he
predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
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5. HYMN SERIES II:
I. WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER - INTRO ADEBUNMI
In November, 1873, Horatio Spafford sent his wife and four daughters on the French ship Ville du
Havre from their home in Chicago to a vacation in France, planning to set out a few days later himself.
Somewhere in the Atlantic, the Ville du Havre collided with a British ship coming the other way, and
sank in just 12 minutes.
Spafford's wife was saved, but his daughters perished. After arriving in Wales, Mrs. Spafford cabled
her husband, "Saved alone." Spafford took the next boat over, and as he passed the spot where the
ship went down, began to write, “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea
billows roll,” and continued until he had the text, “It is well with my soul.”
Upon hearing the news, evangelist Dwight L. Moody, a friend of the Spaffords, traveled to England to
comfort them. He reported that Spafford said about the tragic event, "It is well; the will of God be
done." His good friend, Philip Bliss, composed the tune for his words, naming it after the ship, VILLE DU
HAVRE.
In this hymn, Spafford has given all of us words of comfort and assurance in times of physical and
spiritual crisis, paraphrasing those familiar words of Julian of Norwich: “And all shall be well, and all
shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”
This was my GrandFather's favorite hymn of all time, please join us to sing with gusto as he would
have done.
WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER
1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, 3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
when sorrows like sea billows roll; My sin, not in part but the whole,
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
It is well, it is well with my soul. praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul, It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul. it is well, it is well with my soul.
2. Though Satan should buffet, 4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
though trials should come, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
let this blest assurance control, the trump shall resound,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and the Lord shall descend,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul. even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul, It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul. it is well, it is well with my soul.
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II. FADING AWAY LIKE THE STARS …. - INTRO TEMILOLUWA
"Fading away like the stars of the morning,
Losing their light in the glorious sun.”
Only Remembered by What We Have Done
Dr. Horatius Bonar (1808 – 1889), of Edinburgh, wrote the words of this hymn, which Ira D. Sankey set
to music in 1891. Sankey sang it as a solo in the Tabernacle in London at the funeral of his friend, C. H.
Spurgeon, the great London preacher. The words in every verse are clear with the message that we are
only remembered by what we have done. I will always remember my grandfather Dr Adewunmi
Desalu for the many many good things he has done like flying to London to be there when I was born.
1. Fading away like the stars of the morning, 3. Only the truth that in life we have spoken,
Losing their light in the glorious sun– Only the seed that on earth we have sown;
Thus would we pass from These shall pass onward when
the earth and its toiling, we are forgotten,
Only remembered by what we have done. Fruits of the harvest and what
we have done. [Refrain]
Only remembered, only remembered,
Only remembered by what we have done; 4. Oh, when the Saviour shall
Thus would we pass from
the earth and its toiling, make up His jewels,
Only remembered by what we have done.
When the bright crowns of rejoicing are won,
2. Shall we be miss'd though by others succeeded,
Reaping the fields we in springtime have sown? Then shall His weary and faithful disciples,
No, for the sowers may pass from their labors,
Only remembered by what they All be remembered by what they
have done. [Refrain]
have done. [Refrain]
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III. THROUGH THE LOVE OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR - INTRO ADEYEMISI
This comforting hymn was written by Mary Bowley commonly known Mrs.John McWilliam Peters. He
died in 1834, leaving her a widow at the early age of twenty-one. As a young widow, Mrs. Peters was
very familiar with sorrow but she chose to be happy in the writing of hymns. She is most famous for
the hymn: “Through the love of God our Savior, All will be well. She died in 1856, at the young age of 43.
Her hymns live on to tell the story of her faith in God and praise Him no matter what. My Grandpa
always praised God even when he was not very strong.
1. Through the love of God our Savior, 2. Though we pass through tribulation,
all will be well all will be well
Free and changeless is His favor, all is well Ours is such a full salvation, all is well
Precious is the blood that healed us Happy still in God confiding
Perfect is the grace that sealed us Fruitful if in Christ abiding
Strong the hand stretched forth to shield us Steadfast through the Spirit's guiding
All must be well. All must be well.
3. We expect a bright tomorrow;
all will be well
Faith can sing through days of sorrow, all is well
On our Father's love relying
Jesus every need supplying
Yes in living or in dying
All must be well.
6. BIBLE READING 2: PSALM 121 - OLUWADARA
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who
made heaven and earth. 3He will not allow your foot to [a] be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is your [b] keeper; The Lord is
your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord
shall[c] preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.8The Lord shall preserve[d]your going out
and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
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7. SPECIAL RENDITION: “MY HELP” - INTRO DANIELLE
Every man is given the precious gift of life. We are born into a world full of beauty and majesty. Life at
times can feel like it is the best thing ever. Every man is also given something else that I dare not call a
gift, but it is the sin nature of Adam. The Psalmist wrote that he was born into sin and shaped by
iniquity. Because of sin and our nature to gravitate towards it, life can sometimes feel like a burden or
a terrible event to face on a daily basis. There are so many clichés which incorporate the word life such
as “life of the party” or “put life on the line” etc. So the question is when life is not a party, when things
get downright difficult especially as a Christian: what is your response? How should you deal with the
pains or trials of life that make you want to give up?
Let's look at what David said in the Psalms. David was a shepherd boy, a warrior, and finally a king.
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
David was a very noble and righteous man who could take care of himself better than most. Yet, when
he faced hardships that no man or earthly organization could help him with, David looked to the hills
which simply denotes that he was looking beyond himself. You see, there is nothing too hard for God.
Better yet, nothing is hard for God at all. Just as easily as you can blow the flowers from a dandelion,
God can bring entire solar systems into being. All of the heavenly bodies running their courses with
the most perfect precision and timing that simply defy all mathematical concepts in an instant. I hope
you are grasping to Whom it is that you are looking to the hills for: He is the mighty God who keeps His
promises.
Our dad went through difficult times, he faced circumstances that if nothing short of a miracle had
happened then he would have been finished. His record was far from perfect, but when he was able to
get a hold of himself, look to the hills for some help from the Lord, God always came through.
You may be in a battle or trial in your life and there is no one to help you. It is quite possible that no one
could help you even if they wanted to. These are the times where your character will be tested, and
you will see how much you trust the God you tell everyone about. It is just you and God in these times.
Although Jesus was surrounded by crowds during his ministry, in the Garden of Gethsemane – the
crossroads to Calvary – Jesus had to walk alone. He had to look to the hill from where His help would
come. Jesus alone with His Father! There was no human in history that could help the Son of God with
the rest of this journey, but we all know how the story ends.
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Our Lord triumphed over death and was sat down next to the Majesty on high. His Father – our Father –
seeing Him through it all. In this same way, the Father who saw Our earthly Father Adewunmi Desalu
through, will see you through your trials and triumphs as well. God is like the song says, “A Good, Good
Father!”
I will lift up mine eyes to the hills Oh the Lord is thy keeper the Lord is thy shade
From whence cometh my help Upon thy right hand, upon thy right hand
My help cometh from the Lord, No the sun shall not smite thee by day,
The Lord which made heaven and earth Nor the moon by night
He said, He would not suffer thy foot, He shall preserve thy soul, even forevermore
Thy foot to be moved My help, my help, my help,
The Lord that keepeth thee, All of my help cometh from the Lord
He will not slumber nor sleep Oh the Lord is thy keeper the Lord is thy shade
Oh the Lord is thy keeper the Lord is thy shade Upon thy right hand, upon thy right hand
Upon thy right hand, upon thy right hand No the sun shall not smite thee by day,
No the sun shall not smite thee by day, Nor the moon by night
Nor the moon by night He shall preserve thy soul, even forevermore
He shall preserve thy soul, even forevermore My help, my help, my help,
My help, my help, my help, All of my help cometh from the Lord
All of my help cometh from the Lord My help, my help, my help,
I will lift up mine eyes to the hills All of my help cometh from the Lord
From whence cometh my help My help, my help, my help,
My help cometh from the Lord, All of my help cometh from the Lord
The Lord which made heaven and earth Lift up mine eyes unto the hills
He said, He would not suffer thy foot, All of my help cometh from the Lord
Thy foot to be moved I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills
The Lord that keepeth thee, From whence cometh my help
He will not slumber nor sleep All of my help cometh from the Lord
Gonna keep my eyes on You Lord All of my help cometh from the Lord
I won't look to the left, I won't look to right I lift up my eyes
I'll stay focused on You Jesus I look to the hills (He is my strength)
All of my help cometh from the Lord All of my help cometh from the Lord
My help, my help, my help,
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8. THE WORD
9. FAMILY RENDITION: E JE KA F'INU DIDUN - INTRO ADEMOLA
(LET US WITH A GLADSOME MIND)
This hymn has a delightful freshness and innocence about it, which is perhaps not surprising as it was
written by a schoolboy. This was the 15-year-old John Milton (1608-1674) when he was a pupil at St
Paul's School, London. He composed Let Us, With a Gladsome Mind, his first hymn, in 1623. It is a
paraphrase of Psalm 136, part of which reads:
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever . . .
Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Here Let Us, With a Gladsome Mind is sung in Yoruba as 'E ja ka f'inu didun' by The Desalu Family to
celebrate our Darling Father - Dr. Adewunmi Desalu. (Tune: HENDON)
Ẹ JẸ KA F'INÚ DÍDÙN LET US WITH A GLADSOME MIND
1. Ẹ jẹ ka f'inú dídùn 1. Let us, with a gladsome mind,
Yin Olúwa Olóore. Praise the Lord, for He is kind.
Áánù Rẹ̀ yío wa títi, For His mercies aye endure,
L'ododó dáju-dajú, Ever faithful, ever sure,
L'ododó dáju-dajú. Ever faithful, ever sure.
2. On nípa agbára Rẹ̀, 2. He with all commanding might
F'ìmọĺ ẹ̀ s'áiíyé titun. Filled the new made world with light.
Áánù Rẹ̀ yío wa títi, For His mercies aye endure,
L'ododó dáju-dajú, Ever faithful, ever sure,
L'ododó dáju-dajú. Ever faithful, ever sure.
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3. O mbọ́ gbogb'ẹ̀dá l'áiye, 3. All things living He doth feed,
O np'èsè fún àìní wọn. His full hand supplies their need.
Áánù Rẹ̀ yío wa títi, For His mercies aye endure,
L'ododó dáju-dajú, Ever faithful, ever sure,
L'ododó dáju-dajú. Ever faithful, ever sure.
4. O nbùkún àyànfẹ́ Rẹ,̀ 4. He, His chosen race did bless,
Lí aginjù ìpárun. In the wasteful wilderness:
Áánù Rẹ̀ yío wa títi, For His mercies aye endure,
L'ododó dáju-dajú, Ever faithful, ever sure,
L'ododó dáju-dajú. Ever faithful, ever sure
5. Ẹ jẹ ka f'inú dídùn 5. Let us, with a gladsome mind,
Yin Olúwa Olóore. Praise the Lord, for He is kind.
Áánù Rẹ̀ yío wa títi, For His mercies aye endure,
L'ododó dáju-dajú, Ever faithful, ever sure,
L'ododó dáju-daju. Ever faithful, ever sure.
10. PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY
11. VOTE OF THANKS - ADEBOLA
12. CLOSING HYMN: A F'OPE F”OLORUN. (NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD)
This hymn was originally written in German by Martin Rinkart, son of George Rinkart or Rinckart, who
was born at Eilenburg, April 23, 1586. After passing through the Latin school at Eilenburg, he became,
in Nov., 1601, a foundation scholar and chorister of the St. Thomas's School at Leipzig. Catherine
Winkworth translated the song into English. She is “the most gifted translator of any foreign sacred
lyrics into our tongue, after Dr. Neale and John Wesley; and in practical services rendered, taking
quality with quantity, the first of those who have laboured upon German hymns.
This was one of the favorite hymns of Dr. Adewunmi Desalu who spent his life in thanksgiving for the
numerous blessings of God on his life, from losing his mother at the age of two through many victories
into his 77th year. He loved in particular to sing this in his mother-tongue, Yoruba – “A f'ope f'Olorun.”
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A F'OPE F”OLORUN NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD
1. A f'ope f'Olorun 1. Now thank we all our God
L'okan ati l'ohun wa With heart and hands and voices,
Eni s'ohun 'yanu Who wondrous things has done,
N'nu eni t'araye nyo In whom his world rejoices;
'gbat'a wa l'om'owo Who from our mothers' arms
On na l'o ntoju wa Has blessed us on our way
O si nf'ebun ife With countless gifts of love,
Se 'toju wa sibe. And still is ours today.
2 Oba Onib'ore 2. O may this bounteous God
Ma fi w asile laelae Through all our life be near us,
Ayo ti ko l'opin With ever joyful hearts
On 'bukun y'o je ti wa And blessed peace to cheer us,
Pa wa mo n'nu ore To keep us in his grace,
To wa, gb'a ba damu And guide us when perplexed,
Yo wa ninu ibi And free us from all ills
L'aye ati l'orun Of this world in the next.
3. K'a f'iyin on ope 3. All praise and thanks to God
F'Olorun, Baba, Omo The Father now be given,
Ati Emi mimo The Son and Spirit blest,
Ti O ga julo lorun Who reign in highest heaven
Olorun kan laelae The one eternal God,
T'aye at'orun mbo Whom heaven and earth adore;
Be l'o wa d'isiyi For thus it was, is now,
Beni y'o wa laelae. And shall be evermore.
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THE LIFE & TIMES OF
ADEWUNMI
ADEROUNMU
DESALU
03.05.1943 - 29.09.2019
ROOTS
Adewunmi Aderounmu Desalu was born into the
illustrious Desalu family of Desalu Compound, Abule
Nla Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigeria on 3rd May
1943. His parents were Nusiratu Adunni (Oyewole-
Ojora) and Adewale Owolabi Desalu.
EARLY YEARS
Adewunmi was the 5th of his father's 11 children but
the last of his mother's 3 children. His mother passed
away at the age of 26, shortly before his third birthday,
and thereafter he lived with his maternal grandfather,
Prince Oyekunle Ojora in Ijora, along with his sister. In
1949, their father took them back to live in Ebute
Metta.
Education
Adewunmi started his primary education in 1949 at
Ijero Baptist School, Ebute Metta, his family
worshipped at Williams' Memorial Methodist Church,
Ago-Ijaiye, Ebute Metta. In January 1957, he was
admitted to Igbobi College one of the top 3 secondary
schools in the Lagos area at the time for his secondary
education. He was a boarder in the best house in
Igbobi College - Oluwole House. He often referred to
his years at Igbobi College as “The Best Years Of
His Life.”
By his own account, he was rascally, yet he thrived
academically and was often rated top of his class.
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Adewunmi was athletic and competed for Igbobi College in the 440 metres, 880 metres and cross-
country races as well as in the triple jump event.
Upon his father's retirement in 1960, the family's circumstances changed. Adewunmi's ability to
remain at Igbobi College was threatened. With the intervention of the then principal of Igbobi College,
the late Mr. Adeboye Babalola, who secured a full scholarship for him, from late Ambassador
Adepelehin Martins then Nigeria's Ambassador to Liberia, Adewunmi was able to continue his studies.
Amb. Martins took up the sponsorship of his studies until the completion of his high school education
in 1963. Adewunmi obtained a General Certificate of Education (GCE) at the Ordinary and Advanced
Levels from Igbobi College in 1961 and 1963 respectively.
Higher Education
Upon completion of his high school education, Adewunmi was awarded the “Best African Student
Scholarship” under the African Scholarship Program of American Universities (ASPAU) and proceeded
to the United States of America.
He enrolled at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, New York, the oldest technological university
in the English-speaking world (established 1824), where he studied Electrical Engineering. He was on
RPI's soccer and athletics teams and won several medals at various collegiate competitions.
Adewunmi was an academic at heart. He obtained his first degree, a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
from RPI in 1967. Following this, he was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts where he obtained three
degrees - Master of Electrical Engineering in 1968, Professional Electrical Engineering in 1969, and
Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering in 1974. His PhD thesis was on the Optimal Control of
Regenerative Chemical Processes (governed by partial differential equations) and his project was cited
and used in Skylab (the first United States space station, launched by NASA in May 1973) to regenerate
oxygen.
Dr. Adewunmi Desalu was not done yet. Keen to take control and expand on his career opportunities,
he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania in 1977.
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
While at University between 1966 and 1967, Adewunmi worked at Johns-Manville Research Center in
New Jersey as a Process Control Engineer and supervised the Optimal Control on Marinite
Manufacture at the company's facility in Massachusetts. After completing his degree in Professional
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Electrical Engineering in 1969, he joined Westinghouse, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a Senior Systems
Engineer for Nuclear Power Plants in 1969.
In this role, Adewunmi was part of a team of 4, charged with developing the first nuclear power plant-
training simulator. In the process of developing these simulators, he was credited and holds two world
patents:
# 443087 on “Training Simulator for Nuclear Power Plants Reactor Coolant Systems” 1971
# 44308 on “Engineering Safeguards and Systems in Nuclear Power Plants and Training Simulators”
1971
He worked with Westinghouse until he completed this project in 1972 and then returned to MIT to
complete his Doctorate Degree in 1974.
Dr. Adewunmi Desalu subsequently joined Gulf Research and Development Company – the research
arm of Gulf Oil, as a Process Control Engineer in 1974. In this role, he developed mathematical
processes and computer controls for refining crude oil all the way to the petrochemical stage.
Over the same period 1976 and 1979, Dr. Adewunmi Desalu's love for academia led him to lecture at
the University of Pennsylvania, teaching Mathematics and Industrial Electronics courses.
In February 1979, Dr. Adewunmi Desalu moved back to Nigeria to work with General Electric (GE.) In
the country, he was responsible for selling and installing GE Gas Turbines and Power Systems, later
Transportation Systems and Medical Diagnostic Systems. Most notably, he was credited for selling six
Delta IV Frame 9 Gas Turbines to the Nigerian government through the National Electric Power
Authority (NEPA), to run the Delta Power Station. Dr. Adewunmi Desalu was also involved in selling
locomotives to Nigerian Railways Corporation.
Having suffered a personal tradgedy, Adewunmi convinced GE to allow him market medical diagnostic
equipment in Nigeria. Between 1981 and 1988, whilst Dr. Adewunmi Desalu ran the operations in
Nigeria, he became a National Executive and then a Consultant, running all GE's operations in West
Africa and sub- regional Africa.
In 1989, even as GE left Nigeria, they supported him to set up his own company, BOTAD General Limited
(BOTAD), and transferred all of GE's operations in Nigeria to BOTAD. BOTAD installed medical
diagnostic systems in University College Hospitals across Nigeria and many private hospitals.
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BOTAD ran GE operations up until 2006 when GE re-started its operations in Nigeria. Upon GE's return
to Nigeria, Dr. Adewunmi Desalu became a GE partner and maintained that relationship with GE, up
until his retirement from active engineering services in 2011.
DIRECTORSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
Dr. Adewunmi Desalu was the Chairman of RADMED Diagnostic Center Limited, which provided a
complete medical diagnostic service. He served as a Director on a number of Boards including Capital
Bank International Limited, later Access Bank Plc., STI Consulting, which had a Europcar franchise,
Peninsula Asset Management Company, Digital Jewels Limited, Mercedes-Benz AutoMobile Limited
and GTE Limited.
Dr. Adewunmi Desalu was a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a Registered Engineer with
the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of
Engineering (NAE) and a Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), USA.
Dr. Adewunmi Desalu was a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a Registered Engineer with
the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of
Engineering (NAE) and a Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), USA.
He gave his time to non-profit companies including the Nigerian Higher Education Fund.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Dr. Adewunmi Desalu was a God-fearing man and a faithful follower of Christ. He was of the Anglican
Communion and worshipped mainly at Our Saviour's Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos; and All
Souls' Church, Lekki, where he served on the Parish Church Council (PCC) and on the Building
Committee.
Adewunmi was a Kingdom Treasurer who put the resources the Lord gave him, back into the work of
God, casting his bread upon many waters. He visited the Holy Land on pilgrimage in 2014, where he
was baptized by immersion in the River Jordan. He returned refreshed and renewed for a closer walk
with God. In 2016, Adewunmi enrolled for the MasterLife Discipleship Training, which took 32 weeks to
complete. He diligently studied the Bible, learned the discipline of having a Quiet Time with God each
day and ensured he completed the program, graduating in January 2017. He was instrumental in
ensuring that more people got the opportunity to become disciple makers through the MasterLife
program.
In his later years, he faced health challenges that he took on bravely and with Christian fortitude.
Adewunmi suffered a stroke in 2011, was fitted with a PaceMaker in 2013 and then diagnosed with
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Parkinson's Disease in 2014. He put on his customary 'jagidi-jagan' to fight every one of the illnesses. It
was a long walk with twists and turns. In 2017, he lost mobility but held on to Psalm 34:19 which says,
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Through it all,
the faithfulness of God was evident.
The family moved to live in Atlanta, GA where he could have the best of medical attention. Through the
final season of Adewunmi's life, his home church was the Redeemed Christian Church of God, King's
Court Chapel in Roswell, Georgia.
FAMILY
Dr. Adewunmi Desalu was married to Mrs. Omorinsojo Desalu (nee Babalola). He was blessed with
seven children: Ms. Adebola Desalu, Mr. Ademola Desalu, Mr. Adetokunbo Desalu, Mr. Olivier
Aderounmu Belzile, Mrs. Oluwadara Owoyemi, Mr. Adewale Desalu and Master Adeniran Desalu.
He is blessed with more children by marriage: Mrs. Danielle Aderinsola Desalu, Mrs. Karin Adeolu
Desalu, Mrs. Jessie Ademide Belzile and Mr. Oluwarotimi Owoyemi.
THE LAST SUPPER
On the evening of Saturday, 28th September 2019, Adewunmi spent a lovely time with his classmate at
Igbobi College, Dr. Kasumu Salawu, who visited with the family for five hours. There was banter,
reminiscences, and nostalgia. They supped together and at 7:04 pm Dr. Salawu requested that a
photograph be taken of them eating. Thereafter, they sat in the courtyard enjoying the evening breeze.
They returned indoors soon after 9:00 pm and Adewunmi bade farewell to Dr. Salawu and asked to
retire to bed. Dr. Salawu took his leave at 9:25 pm. The family soon after also went to bed. On rising in
the morning of Sunday 29th September, 2019, his wife Omorinsojo saw that indeed two can lie together
and one can be taken: Dr. Adewunmi Aderounmu Desalu had gone to be with his Lord.
God's finger touched him and he slept.
All the glory must be to the Lord.
ADIEU
One year later, as we continue to celebrate the life of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle,
cousin, colleague and friend Dr. Adewunmi Aderounmu Desalu, we have a lot to be thankful to God
for. He lived a fruitful and fulfilled life. Heaven received a new angel; we miss him here but we are
assured that we will meet again on the Resurrection morning.
Sleep on Beloved.
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On behalf of the family of late Dr. Adewunmi Army; The Harbour Point; The Publications Crew for
Aderounmu Desalu, I write to express our deep CHRONICLES who worked tirelessly to build a lasting
appreciation for the sympathy and genuine memorial led by Revd. Prof Konyinsola Ajayi; Detailz Graphix;
kindness extended towards our family at our time of loss. Printserve; HiQue Graphics. Chidi @ Vaults & Gardens;
We appreciate the condolence visits, gifts in financial Rhodes Stoneworks; The AISL SuperMoms; The Lekki “Soccer
instruments and in kind, and that unquantifiable spiritual Thursdays” Little League Parents; The Women of God’s
and moral support received during the obsequies for our Waiting Room; 4 Promises Kept; The Lovett School Parent’s
dear father, who passed away at the age of 76 one year ago Association; The Fairfield Road Family; The Citizens of
on Sunday 29th September 2019. BeulahLand, Still Waters, Genesis Lodge and GraceLand.
It is our prayer that we all live to a ripe old age in good health Finally, we thank our Families: The Desalu Family far and
and happy circumstances. I pray that our children will survive wide from Abule Nla Road to Oworonsoki, Lekki and in
us and give us a worthy farewell at the appointed time. Diaspora; The Ojora Royal Family of Ijora; The Erinles; The
We use this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to: Hotonus; The Ogunmuyiwas; The Ogunsolas; The Coles; The
Ven. OreOluwa Agbelusi, The Clergy and the entire Church Denloye Clan; The Moores; The Soleyes; The Ogunlewes;The
Family at All Souls’ Church, Lekki, Lagos; Ven. & Mrs Olubisi Tubis; The Sawyerrs; The Odunaiyas; The Delanos; The
Odejimi; The Right Revd. Dr. Dada Adebayo Akinde, Retired Odumosus; The Harrisons; The Akinolas; The Adekoyas,, The
ArchBishop of Lagos; The Right Revd. Oluranti Odubogun, Latunde-Dadas; The Akintoyes; The Fishers; The Belziles; The
Retired Bishop of Ife; Emeritus Primate Peter Jasper Akinola; Sagays; The Kabutiitis; The Babalola Alatunse Clan; The
The Very Revd. Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, Emmanuel Chapel, Agustos; The Bakares; The Georges; The Falases, The
Ikoyi, Lagos; Revd. Israel Kristilere, Shepherdhill Baptist Oyewoles; The Tagoes; The Haydens; The Davis’; The
Church; Lekki Baptist Church Family; the Pastors Kunle & Juusolas; The Owoyemis and the hurricane strength army of
Bolaji Akindoju and the RCCG Kings’ Court Chapel Family of friends that have become FAMILY to us - too numerous to
Atlanta, Georgia; CHOPIN Music Co. Limited; The MasterLife name individually.
Family of the UpperRoom, Lekki; The M.I.T. Club of Nigeria; All those that have become our Daddy’s children by the way
President & Members, Igbobi College Old Boys’ Association; his life impacted on yours, you will always be our brothers
Old Igbobians 1957-1961/63; ICOBA North America; The Ijero and sisters. Particular thanks to all our brethren who flew in
Baptist School Mates; The President & Members, Reagan Old specifically from Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, the UK
Girls’ Association; Reaganites 1971-1974; ROGA-USA Branch; and USA to pay their final respects to our father.
The Board of Trustees and Sisterhood of WIMBIZ; The Please find the grace to pardon any omissions, we are
Professional Insurance Ladies Association; Our Neighbors grateful to you even if we have not mentioned you by name
and Friends in Lekki, Ikoyi, Atlanta and all over the UK and here.
USA. We thank you for the love, your prayers and the full support
Boards that he served on including: Digital Jewels Limited, that you gave to us. May God reward you for the honour you
RADMED Diagnostics Limited and EuropCar Limited. Related gave to our Husband, Father and Grandfather, Dr.
Corporations that reached out, ADEWUNMI ADEROUNMU DESALU while he lived and when
The Risk Watch Insurance Brokers Family; the BOTAD he slept in the Lord, Amen.
General Family, The Alatunse Ede Yoruba Family; Daddy’s
Friends who became his brothers - The Olagundoyes; The Signed:
Akinduros;The Cokers; The Akinbamis; The Abduls; The Ademola Babatunde Desalu
Senbanjos; The Kofo-Abayomis; The Ayidas and the Partners for the entire family
of ALP Uganda.
ChrisGloria Nursing Services; The TOS Funerals Crew; Delta
Airlines Lagos; Senantra Limited and the supporting Logistics
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The Diocese of Lagos All Souls
Church of Nigeria
(Anglican Communion)
YOU ARE WELCOME
Our Parish is one of the churches in the Anglican Diocese of Lagos. We exist to glorify God, edify
believers and multiply disciples for our Lord Jesus Christ. Led by our Diocesan cum Missioner and
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we stand on a mandate with 5-fold ministries namely
Priestly, Pastoral, Prophetic, Prayer and Praise ministries.
Join us to worship and honour God as He nourishes and refreshes us.
Sunday: (Holy Communion/Mattins) - 7:30 am/10:00 am
Monday-Saturday: Daily Communion - 6:15am-7:00am
Monday : Bible Study - 6:00pm
Tuesday: Youth Fellowship - 6:30pm
Wednesday: Victory Hour - 6:00pm
Thursday: Women's Meeting - 6:00 pm
Friday : Worship Without Walls - 6:00pm/ Vigil 11pm
1st Saturday: Business & Professional Women's Fellowship - 8:00am
3rd Saturday: Mother's Union Fellowship - 9:00am
Kindly visit www.allsoulschurchlekki.org for more information and join us on our YouTube and
Facebook pages@ AllSoulsAnglicanChurchLekki
On behalf of our Diocesan and Missioner, The Right Reverend Doctor Humphrey Bamisebi
Olumakaiye, Ph.D (Ibadan), God's loving children who worship, fellowship and serve God in this
Church, I invite you to a life-transforming experience as you worship God with us.
The Venerable Folorunso OreOluwa Agbelusi, M.A, M.Th, Dip.Th
Vicar & Archdeacon of Lekki
A production of Detailz: +234 803 322 5125