Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete (Aug 26 1930 – Sept 22 2023) Celebration of Life
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 3 Call to Glory DIOCESE OF LAGOS WEST ARCHBISHOP VINING MEMORIAL CHURCH CATHEDRAL Oba Akinjobi Road, G.R.A. Ikeja, Lagos. ORDER OF FUNERAL SERVICE FOR Aged: 93years Friday, 3rd November, 2023 @ 9.00am Akinsete Dr. Valentine Omokehinde
4 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete The Rev. Oluwatomide Oso The Rev. Adefope Adetujoye The Rev. Michael Obembe The Rev. Yinka Akinpeju The Rev. Toyin Adeyeye The Rev. Canon Ayodeji Oluwatusin The Ven. Dr. Benjamin Chijioke Okere The Ven. Azubike Ahubelem Cathedral Priests The Ven. Abiodun Omoyelu Canon Residentiary The Ven. Ebenezer Adewole Dean of the Cathedral The Rt. Rev. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West Mr Femi Williams Mr Sina Oyeneye Dr Chinedu Osinigwe Assistant Organists Mr Sunday Olawuwo Organist & Master of the Music Dr. Dayo Omogbehin Sir. Charles Ojo Cathedral Wardens DIOCESE OF LAGOS WEST (Anglican Communion) Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral Oba Akinjobi Road, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 5 Order of Service 1. Meeting the body 2. Sentences 3. Hymn - CONH. 453: Hark, Hark my soul! 4. Preparation - Collect 5. The Epistle - Revelation 7:9-17 6. Hymn - CONH. 785: Through all the changing scenes 7. The Gospel - John 14:1-6 8. Sermon 9. Hymn - CONH 509 – Christ is our Corner-Stone 10. Prayer of the faithful 11. The Peace 12. The Offertory Hymn - I.O.M. – Ore Ofe Ohun…… 13. Eucharistic Prayer 14. Hymns during administration of the Eucharist: CONH 65, 50, The Old Rugged 15. Hymn for the Ablution - CONH. 291: Rock of Ages (Covnant Seed) 16. Post-Communion Prayer 17. Anthems 18. Notices 19. Nunc Dimittis 20. Withdrawal Hymn - CONH 337: Jesus lives, thy terrors now AT THE GRAVE SIDE 21. Sentences – The Burial 22. Hymn CONH. 659: Sleep on beloved 23. Committal, prayers and benediction AT HOME 24. Hymn CONH 131: Abide with me, Fast falls the eventide 25. Psalm 121 26. Prayer and Grace
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 7 1. MEETING THE BODY The Minister shall meet the body at the entrance to the Church Reception of the body Priest: With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our father, Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete, for burial. Let us pray with confidence in God, the giver of life, that He will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints. Silence may be kept, after which the Minister says: Heavenly Father, you have power over death and you have given victory through the death of Your Son, Jesus Christ; may Your Holy Spirit remind us daily of our inheritance in Your kingdom, so that we may not be overcome by the world and miss our fellowship with You in Heaven but keep our faith constant in Your Son, who is the resurrection and life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Priest: I have set God always before me for He is on my right hand, therefore, I shall not fall. People: Wherefore my heart was glad, and my soul rejoiced, my flesh also shall resting hope. Priest: You shall not leave my soul in hell: nor shall You allow Your Holy one to see corruption People: Thou shall show me the path of life, in Your presence is the fullness of joy and at Your right hand are pleasures for evermore. All: Amen. 2. SENTENCES I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. We brought nothing into this world and it is certain we carry nothing out. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Whether we live, we live unto the Lord: and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore or die we are the Lord’s.
8 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete For to this end Christ both died and rose that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Let not your hearts be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house, there are many mansions. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels, nor principalities nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 3. HYMN CONH. 453: HARK, HARK MY SOUL! 1. Hark, Hark my soul! Angelic songs are swelling O’er earth’s green fields and ocean’s wave-beat shore; How sweet the truth those blessed strains are telling Of that new life when sin shall be no more Angels of Jesus, Angels of light Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the night. 2. Onward we go, for till we hear them singing, Come, weary souls, for Jesus bid for you come: And through the dark, its echoes sweetly ringing, The music of the Gospel leads us home, Angels of Jesus, Angels of light Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the nigh 3. Far, far away, like bells at evening pealing, The voice of Jesus sounds o’er land and sea; And laden souls by thousands meekly stealing, Kind Shepherd, turn their weary steps to Thee, Angels of Jesus, Angels of light Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the nigh 4. Rest comes at length: though life be long and dreary, The day must dawn, and darksome night be past; Faith’s journey ends in welcome to the weary, And heaven, the heart’s true home, will come at last. Angels of Jesus, Angels of light Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the nigh 5. Angels sing on, your faithful watches keeping, Sing us sweet fragment of the songs above; Till morning’s joy shall end the night of weeping. And life’s long shadows break in cloudless love Angels of Jesus, Angels of light Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the nigh 4. PREPARATION COLLECT President: Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so will it be for those who have died: God will bring them to life with Jesus. President: The Lord is here All: His Spirit with us
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 9 All: Almighty God unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from which secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit; that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your Holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen KYRIE ELEISON President: Lord, have mercy All: Lord, have mercy President: Christ, have mercy All: Christ, have mercy President: Lord, have mercy All: Lord, have mercy President: God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ to save us from our sins, to be our Advocate in heaven, and to bring us to eternal life. President: Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith, firmly resolved to keep God’s commandments and to live in love and peace with all people; meekly kneeling and saying together. The Priest and people make the following confession: Almighty God our heavenly Father, we have sinned against you and against our neighbor in thought and word and deed, through negligence, through weakness, and through our own deliberate fault. We have not sufficiently walked according to the mind of Christ. We have named the name of Christ, but have not departed from iniquity. We are truly sorry, and repent of all our sins. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for us, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may serve you in newness of life; to the glory of Your Name.Amen President: Almighty God, who forgives all who truly repent, have mercy upon, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. COLLECT: O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all mankind, grant us, with Your servant Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete and all the faithful departed, the sure benefits of Your Son’s saving passion and glorious resurrection that in the last day, when You gather up all things in Christ, we may with them enjoy the fullness of your promises; we ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
10 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 5. THE EPISTLE - REVELATION 7: 9 – 17 9. After this I beheld , and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. 10. And cried with a loud voice, saying Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11. And all the Angels stool round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God. 12. Saying, Amen, blessing and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen. 13. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me what are these which are arrayed in white robes and whence came they? 14. And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple, and He that sitteth on throne shall dwell among them. 16. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them nor any heat. 17. For the Lamb which is in midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them unto living fountains of water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. This is the word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God 6. HYMN CONH. 785 (I): THROUGH ALL THE CHANGING SCENES OF LIFE 1. Through all the changing scenes of life In trouble and in joy The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ. 2. Of His deliverance I will boast, Till all that are distressed From my example courage take And soothe their griefs to rest.
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 11 3. Their drooping hearts were soon refreshed, Who looked to Him for aid; Desired success in every face, A cheerful air displayed. 4 “Behold,” they say, “Behold the man Whom providence relieved; The man so dangerously beset, So wondrously retrieved!” 5. The hosts of God encamp around The dwellings of the just Deliverance He affords to all Who on His succour trust. 7. THE GOSPEL JOHN 14:1-6 Gospeller: The Holy Gospel is written in the fourteenth Chapter of the Gospel as recorded by Saint John the Apostle, beginning at the first verse. All: Glory be to Christ our Saviour Gospeller: 1. Let not your hearts be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. 2. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself that where I am, there you may be also. 4. And where I go, you know, and the way you know 5. Thomas said unto Him, Lord, we know not where You are going, how can we know the way? 6. Jesus said unto him: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by me. This is the Gospel of Christ All: Praise be to Christ our Lord 8. THE SERMON 9. HYMN: CONH 50 CHRIST IS OUR CORNERSTONE 1. Christ is our Corner-stone On Him alone we build With His true saints alone, The courts of heaven are filled, On His great love our hopes we place Of present grace and joys above. 2. O then with hymns of praise, These hallowed courts shall ring, Our voices we will raise The Three-in-One to sing,
12 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete And thus proclaim in joyful song Both loud and long that glorious name. 3. Here, gracious God, do Thou For evermore draw nigh; Accept each faithful vow And mark each suppliant sigh In copious shower on all who pray Each holy day Thy blessings pour. 4. Here may we gain from heaven The grace which we implore. And may that grace, once given Be with us evermore, Until that day when all the blessed, To endless rest are called away. Amen 10. PRAYER Priest: The Lord be with you. People: And with thy spirit Let us pray Lord have mercy Christ have mercy Lord have mercy Our Father, which art in Heaven. Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen Priest: Enter not into judgment with thy son Dr. Valentine Akinsete People: For in thy sight shall no man living be justified Priest: Grant eternal rest unto Dr. Valentine Akinsete People: And let perpetual light shine upon him Priest: We believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord People: In the land of the living Priest: Oh Lord, hear our prayer People: And let our cry come unto thee Priest: O Lord God, who conquered death through His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ thereby opened for us the way of life everlasting, we thank you for the life of your servant Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete who ended his sojourn on earth trusting and fearing Thee and we beseech Thee that by the examples and teachings of thy faithful who passed away to their glorious rest, we may be partakers with them in thy perpetual light. Give succour to his children, friends and well wishers, be their
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 13 comforter, helper, supporter and shield unto them at all times through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord and Saviour. Amen. O God, the maker and redeemer of mankind, grant us, with your son Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete and all the faithful departed the sure benefits of Your Son’s saving passion and glorious resurrection that on the last day, when you gather all things in Christ, we may with them enjoy the fullness of Your promises through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our dear Lord God, You hold all souls in life, shed forth we pray, upon Your holy Church in paradise and on earth, the bright beams of Your light and heavenly comfort and grant that we, following the good example of those who have loved and served You here and now at rest, may at last enter with them into the fullness of joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty God, Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort, deal graciously we pray with those who mourn; that casting every care on you, they may know the consolation of your love. Help us we pray Thee to live as those who believe and trust in the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of life everlasting and strengthen this faith in us through the love of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. Father, creator of Heaven and Earth, we beseech Thee for those who travelled here to this town to pay their last respect to our departed Dr Valentine Akinsete we pray that just as you protected them on their way here, you may guard them equally on their return home, protect them from all dangers that attends travelers, and take them to their destinations in peace and joy. Let them not fall into any danger. Bless their going out and their coming in. Furthermore, may it please Thee to give each and every one of us grace to enjoy long life. Give unto us that our life on earth may be long, full and satisfying; that we may be privileged to bring up our children to a point where they can stand on their own feet before we answer thy call in the late night or our lives. Grant this to us our most merciful Father through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. To be said by all: O Lord, support us all the day long in this troubled life until the shade lengthens and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then Lord, in your mercy, grant us safe lodging, a holy rest and peace at last, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
14 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 11. THE PEACE President: We are the body of Christ. In the One Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Let us then pursue all that makes for peace and build up our common life. The President gives the Peace to the congregation, saying: The Peace of the Lord be always with you. All: And also with you. President: Let us offer one another the sign of peace. 12. HYMN FOR THE OFFERTORY I.O.M ORE OFE OHUN 1. Ore ofe ohun Adun ni l’eti wa Gbohun gbohun re y’o gba orun kan Aye y’o gbo pelu Chorus: Ore ofe sa N’igbekele mi Jesu ku fun araye O ku fun mi pelu 2. Ore ofe l’o ko Oruko mi l’orun L’o fi mi fun Od’agutan T’O gba iya mi je. 3. Ore ofe to mi S’ona alafia O ntoju mi l’ojojumo Ni irin ajo mi 4. Ore ofe ko mi Bi a ti ‘gbadura O pa mi mo titi d’oni Ko si je ki nsako 5. Je k’ore ofe yi F’agbara f’okan mi Ki nle fi gbogbo ipa mi At’ojo mi fun O. Amin. At the offering of the bread President: Blessed are You, Lord, God of all creation, through Your goodness we have this bread to offer; which the earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the Bread of Life. All: Blessed be God for ever. Amen.
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 15 President: Blessed are You Lord, God of all creation through Your goodness we have this wine to offer; fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink. All: Blessed be God for ever. Amen. 13. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER Then the President takes the offering in his hand and says with the people: All: Yours Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory, and the majesty. All that is in heaven and earth is yours. All things come from you, O Lord, and of your own do we give you. President: The Lord be with you People: And also with you President: Lift up your hearts People: We lift them to the Lord. President: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is meet and right so to do. President: It is indeed right: it is our duty and joy, at all times and in all places to give you thanks and praise holy Father, heavenly king. Almighty and eternal God; through Jesus Christ your only Son our Lord. For He is your living Word: through Him you have created all things from beginning and formed us in your own image. Through Him you have freed us from the slavery of sin, giving Him to be born as man and to die upon the cross; You raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to your right hand on high. Through Him, You have sent upon us your Holy and Life-giving Spirit, and made us a people for your own possession. And now we give you thanks; because through Him You have given us the hope of a glorious resurrection, so that although death comes to us all, yet we rejoice in the promise of eternal life; for to your faithful people, life is changed, not taken away and when our mortal flesh is laid aside; an everlasting dwelling place is made ready for us in heaven. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name for ever praising you and saying: All: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest. President: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, All: Hosanna in the highest.
16 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete President: Accept our prayers, heavenly Father, through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and as we follow His example and obey His command grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit these gifts of bread and wine may be to us His Body and Blood; who in the same night He was betrayed, took bread and gave you thanks; He broke it and gave it to His disciples saying: Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper, He took the cup and gave you thanks. He gave it to them, saying Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in remembrance of me. Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: All: Christ has died, Christ is risen; Christ will come again. President: Therefore, Heavenly father, we remember His offering of Himself made once for all upon the cross; and proclaim His mighty resurrection and glorious ascension. As we look for His coming in glory, we celebrate with this bread and this cup His one perfect sacrifice. Accept through Him, our great high priest, this our sacrifice of thanks and praise: and as we eat and drink these holy gifts in the presence of your divine majesty, renew us by your Spirit, inspire us with your love, and unite us in the body of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, by the Power of the Holy Spirit, with all who stand before you in earth and heaven we worship you, Father Almighty, in songs of everlasting praise. All: Blessing and honour and glory and power be Yours for ever and ever. Amen. The Breaking of the Bread President: We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. People: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one Bread. President: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. People: Have mercy on us. President: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. People: Have mercy on us. President: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. People: Grant us peace.
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 17 Prayer of Humble Access We do not presume to come to this Your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness but in Your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under Your table, but You are the same Lord, whose nature is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, Gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of Your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink His Blood; that we may evermore dwell in Him and He in us. Amen. 14. HYMNS DURING ADMINISTRATION OF THE EUCHARIST: LOVE DIVINE CONH 65 1. Love divine all love excelling, Joy of heaven to earth come down. Fix in us Thy humble dwelling All Thy faithful mercies crown. Jesus Thou art all compassion Pure unbounded love Thou art, Visit us with Thy salvation Enter every trembling heart. 2. Come, Almighty to deliver Let us all Thy grace receive. Suddenly return and never Never more Thy temple leave. Thee, we would always be blessing Serve Thee as Thy hosts above, Pray and praise Thee without ceasing Glory in Thy perfect love., 3. Finish then Thy new creation Pure and sinless let us be. Let us see Thy great salvation Perfectly restored in Thee. Changed from glory into glory Till in heaven we take our place Till we cast our crowns before Thee Lost in wonder, love and praise. Amen BLESSED ASSURANCE CONH 50 1. Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine Oh what a foretaste of glory divine Heir of salvation, purchase of love Born of His Spirit washed in His blood Ref: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour, all the day long, 2. Perfect submission, perfect delight Visions of rapture now burst on my sight Angels descending bring from above, Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
18 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete Ref: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour, all the day long, 3. Perfect submission, all is at rest I in my Saviour am happy and blessed Watching and waiting looking above Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Ref: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour, all the day long, THE OLD RUGGED CROSS 1. On a hill far away stood an Old Rugged Cross The emblem of suffering and shame And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain Chorus: So I’ll cherish the Old Rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the Old Rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown 2. Oh! That Old Rugged Cross so despised by the world Has a wondrous attraction for me For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary Chorus: So I’ll cherish the Old Rugged Cross 3. In the Old Rugged Cross, stained with blood so divine A wondrous beauty I see For it was on that old Cross Jesus suffered and died To pardon and sanctify me Chorus: So I’ll cherish the Old Rugged Cross 4. To the Old Rugged Cross I will ever be true Its shame and reproach gladly bear Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away Where His glory for ever I’ll share Chorus: So I’ll cherish the Old Rugged Cross 15. HYMN FOR THE ABLUTION - CONH. 291: ROCK OF AGES 1. Rock of Ages cleft for me Let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood From Thy riven side which flowed
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 19 Be of sin the double cure, Cleanse me from its guilt and power. 2. Not the labour of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demand. Could my zeal no respite know Could my tears for ever flow, All for sin could not atone, Thou must save, and Thou alone. 3. Nothing in my hand I bring Simply to Thy Cross I cling Naked, come to Thee for dress Helpless look to Thee for grace, Foul, I to the fountain fly Wash me, Saviour, or I die. 4. While I draw this fleeting breath While mine eyelids close in death When I soar through tracts unknown See Thee on Thy judgment throne Rock of Ages cleft for me Let me hide myself in Thee. Amen 16. POST COMMUNION PRAYER Post Communion Sentence: President: Behold, I am coming quickly and my reward is with me to give to everyone according to his work. President: As our Saviour taught us, so we pray All: Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and glory are yours now and forever. Amen. All: Almighty God, We thank You for feeding us with the body and blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Through Him we offer You our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice. Send us out in the power of Your Spirit to live and work to Your praise and glory. Amen 17. ANTHEM 18. NOTICES 19. NUNC DIMITTIS 1. Lord now you let your servant/ go in/ peace: Your/ word has/ been ful/ filled 2. My own eyes have/ seen the sal/vation: Which you have prepared in the/ sight of/ every/ people
20 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 3. A light to re/ veal you to the/ nations And the/ glory of Your/ people/ Israel Glory be to the father and/ to the son: And/ to the/ holy/ Spirit; As it was in the be/ ginning is now: And shall be for/ ever. Amen 20. WITHDRAWAL HYMN- CONH. 337: JESUS LIVES, THY TERRORS 1. Jesus lives, thy terrors now Can, O death no more appall us, Jesus lives! by this we know, Thou, O grave cannot enthrall us. Alleluia! 2. Jesus lives, henceforth is death But the gate of life immortal; This shall calm our trembling breath, When we pass its gloomy portal, Alleluia! 3. Jesus lives, for us He died; Then, alone to Jesus living, Pure in heart may we abide, Glory to our Saviour giving, Alleluia! 4. Jesus lives, our hearts know well Naught from us His love shall sever Life, nor death, nor power of hell Tear us from His keeping ever. Alleluia! 5. Jesus lives, to Him the throne Over all the world is given; May we go where He is gone, Rest and reign with Him in heaven. ff Alleluia! Amen AT THE GRAVE SIDE 21. SENTENCES -The Burial Like as a father pities his own children, even so is the Lord merciful to them that fear him. For He knows how we are made; He remembers that we are dust. The days of man are like grass; for it flourishes as a flowerof the field. For as soon as the wind goes over it, it is gone and the place thereafter shall know it no more. But the merciful goodness of the lord endures forever and ever upon them that fear Him; and His righteousness upon children’s children.
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 21 Then, while the earth shall be cast upon the body by someone standing by the Minister shall say: For as much as it hath pleased Almighty God in His mercy to take to himself the soul of our dear brother here departed, we therefore, commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change the body of our low estate that it may be like unto His glorious body, according to the mighty working whereby He is able to subdue all things to Himself Then shall be said: I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, write, from henceforth blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, even so says the Spirit, for they rest from their labours. LET US PRAY: Grant, O God that while we lament the departure of your servant Dr. Valentine Akinsete we may always remember that we are most certain to follow him. And give us grace to prepare for that last hour by a good life, that we may not be surprised by a sudden and unprepared-for death, but be ever watching, that, when you shall call, we may, with the bridegroom, enter into eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Priest: Lord have mercy upon us People: Christ have mercy upon us Priest: Lord have mercy upon us THE LORD’S PRAYER Priest: O Lord, enter not into judgment with your servant Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete People: For in your sight can no one living be justified Priest: Grant unto him eternal rest People: And let light perpetual shine upon him. Priest: We truly believe to see the goodness of the Lord People: In the land of the living Priest: O Lord, hear our prayer People: And let our cry come unto Thee. PRAYERS: O father of all, we pray to Thee for our brother Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete whom we love but see no longer. Grant him your peace, let light perpetual shine upon him and in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in him the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
22 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete O Heavenly Father, who in your son, Jesus Christ, has given us a true faith and a sure hope; help us we pray, to live as those who believe and trust in the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting, and strengthen this faith and hope in us all the days of our life; through the love of your Son, Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 22. HYMN CONH. 659 Sleep on beloved, Sleep and take your rest 1. Sleep on belovèd, sleep and take your rest Lay down your head upon your Saviour’s breast We love you well, but Jesus loves you best Good night! 2. Calm is your slumber as an infant’s sleep, But you shall wake no more to toil and weep Yours is a perfect rest, secure and deep Good night! 3 Until the shadows from this earth are cast Until He gathers in His sheaves at last Until the twilight good is over-passed Good night! 4. Until the Lord’s new glory floods the skies Until the loved in Jesus shall arise And He shall come, but not in lowly guise Good night! 5. Only “Good night!” belovèd, not ‘Farewell’ A little while and all His saints shall dwell In hallowed union, indivisible Good night! 6. Until we meet again before His throne Clothed in the spotless robe He gives His own Until we know, even as we are known Good night! Amen. 23. COMMITTAL, PRAYERS & BENEDICTION Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete go forth upon your journey from this world, O Christian soul, in the name of God the Father who created you; in the name of Jesus Christ who suffered for you; In the name of the Holy Spirit who strengthened you. In communion with the blessed Saints and aided by Archangels and all the armies of the heavenly host. May your portion this day be in peace and your abode in holy Zion. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Benediction The God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 23 sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. AT HOME 24. HYMN CONH 131: Abide with me, Fast Falls the eventide 1. Abide with me, fast falls the eventide, The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide, When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. 2. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day, Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away Change and decay in all around I see, O Thou who changest not, abide with me. 3. I need Thy presence every passing hour, What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord abide with me. 4. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless,, Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness, Where is death’s sting? Where, grave thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me. 5. Hold, Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes, Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies, Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadowsflee, In life, in death, O Lord abide with me. Amen 25. PSALM 121 1. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. 26. PRAYER AND GRACE
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete Biography Dr Valentine O m o k e h i n d e Akinsete was born on Tuesday, August 26, 1930, to the illustrious Akinsete family of Ondo Town. Omokehinde, the second of twin boys born to the revered late High Chief Gabriel Mafiekuyomi Akinsete MBE (Sasere of Ondo land) and late Mrs Agnes Abeo Akinsete (nee Omololu, a Lagos Family). His parents were accomplished individuals and successful entrepreneurs. High Chief Akinsete was a well-known timber magnate and Mrs. Akinsete was a prosperous businesswoman. Omokehinde was the 5th born of eight children by his mother and 10th born of 27 children by his father. He grew up in the family house, 11 Idimi Lokun with his 26 other siblings. He started his early education in Ondo where he attended St. Stephens Primary School and Ondo Boys High School with several of his brothers and made lifelong friends. Growing up in Ondo, Omokehinde and his siblings were instilled with Christian values from an early age and discipline expected of the children of a prominent High Chief. Exemplary ideals were demonstrated by High Chief and Mrs Akinsete in their belief, that all their children, regardless of their gender, were deserving of receiving formal education to the highest levels in order to prepare them for service to the Nigerian nation in particular and humanity in general. To this end, the Akinsetes’ stand out as a great family which has produced an impressive and outstanding array of professionals in various fields of endeavor such as: medicine, engineering, law, judiciary, accountancy and banking. Omokehinde started his career, surprisingly in Accounting in Lagos working ECN (Electric Company of Nigeria) and then moved to the United Kingdom (UK) where he attended Trinity College, Dublin where he obtained his medical degree. He had his training in Anaesthesia in various hospitals in the UK and admitted the fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1973.
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 25 He was admitted to the fellowship of the National Post Medical College on his return to Nigeria. A consummate and inquisitive learner, he attended several trainings, conferences, adding on more qualifications to himself. He was never big on title and only wanted to be referred to simply as “Dr. V.O. Akinsete”. On his return to Nigeria, he built an extensive career working in both public and private establishments which included the University College Hospital Ibadan, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba; Military Hospital; National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi. He later became the Medical Director of Nigeria Airways, making significant impact in the Aviation Medicine and Care Protocols for intending pilgrims at the defunct Nigeria Airways which is still talked about till now. Omokehinde’s career also took him outside the shores of Nigeria, being one of the early Nigerian doctors that worked in Saudi Arabia. His love for the medical profession was evident in his care for his patients. Even after returning to Nigeria, Omokehinde keen to continue to practice his lifelong passion, worked with other members of the team at the newly accredited Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, to achieve accreditation of Department of Anesthesia for both undergraduate and postgraduate training. With his quiet and gentle demeanor, Omokehinde was a people person, “friend to all”. His ability to connect and relate with anyone and everyone was phenomenal. Surprisingly, he has a witty side to him. A man of peace, his mantra was “For Peace Sake…”. His humility and respect for the other person was exceptional. It is of this humble nature that he gave of his time and resources that cannot be quantified and not known to the next person.
26 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete Known as a brilliant mind from his school days, he was a great storyteller, and an astute observer and recounter of history and miniscule details. He is always up to date on current affairs and enjoyed trivia. He had a knack of tracing family roots with people he met. Though, on the side of an introvert, he knew a lot of people. His love for his family, both immediate and extended, is indescribable. He met his lifelong partner Olayinka (nee Ogunnaike of Iperu Remo) at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. They are blessed with 5 children – Tinuola, OmoKehinde, Omobolanle, Arinola, Tunbola and their spouses; Rotimi, Lape, Bode (of blessed memory), Babajide & Olubola; their grandchildren are Olaotan Oyekan, Yewande Oyekan, Mosopefoluwa Fetuga, Tirenioluwa Akinsete, Modesireoluwa Akinyemi, Mofetoluwa Fetuga, OluwaFeyikemi Akinsete and OluwaSeyifunmi Akinsete. His grandchildren were his world, he loved spending time with them going on walks, playing games, attending their school activities, and was deeply involved in their daily lives. Like a school master, his Saturday routine was to have a roll call, calling the children & grandchildren to check up on their welfare and how they fared during the week. He was king of giving out nicknames, and never disclosed who was #1 of his Many Many “girlfriends” as he would describe them. In his later years, he was referred to as “Grandpa Boyfriend”. A lifelong Anglican, he was a member of Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church of Oba Akinjobi, GRA – Ikeja with his roots embedded in the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Oke-Aluko, Ondo. He belonged to the Torch Bearer’s Society and until his death a patron of Band of Grace Society. In the early days of the church, Dr. Valentine Omokehinde though not an active member, he was interested in the activities of the Girls & Boys Brigade, Christ Little Band. He was also a member of Rotary Ikeja, District 9110 and the Ondo Club 75 for many decades. In his distinguished career and exemplary life, he was a recipient of several awards – professional, religious and humanitarian associations, given to him in recognition of his sterling contributions. He was a peaceful, understanding, and soft-spoken person. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of life. A sweet tooth, his love for pastries and “Walkers Shortbread” but most of all he looked forward to having family and friends visit… and they had to be long visits. You couldn’t have visited him in a hurry. He was very loyal even to his favorite after shave & fragrance, Old Spice. He lived a simple and practical Christian life. May His Kind & Gentle Soul Rest in Peace! Amen.
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete Ẹ̀jìrẹ́ ará ìṣokún. Ẹdúnjobí Ọmọ ẹdun tíí ṣeré orí igi Ọ́-bẹ́-kẹ́ṣé-bẹ́-kàṣà, Ó fẹsẹ̀ méjèèjì bẹ sílé alákìísa; Ó salákìísà donígba aṣọ. Gbajúmọ̀ ọmọ tíí gbàkúnlẹ̀ ìyá, Tíí gbàdọ̀bálẹ̀ lọ́wọ́ baba tó bí í lọ́mọ. Wínrinwínrin lójú orogún Ejìwọ̀rọ̀ lojú ìyá ẹ̀. Tani o bi ibeji ko n’owo? Ẹ̀jìrẹ́ okin Ẹ̀jìrẹ́ ti mo bi, ti mo jo Ẹ̀jìrẹ́ ti mo bi, ti mo yó ORIKI Ẹ̀JÌRẸ́ Ẹ̀jìrẹ́ ara isokun Omó édun nsere lori igi Ẹ̀jìrẹ́ wo ile olowo ko ló O wo ile olola ko ló bé Ile alakisá lo ló Ẹ̀jìrẹ́ só alakisá di alasó O só otosi di olowo Bi Taiwo ti nló ni iwaju Bééni, Kéhinde ntó lehin Taiwo ni omode, Kehinde ni ebgon Taiwo ni a ran ni sé Pe ki o ló tó aiye wò Bi aiye dara, bi ko dara O tó aiye wò. Aiye dun bi oyin Taiwo, Kehinde, ni mo ki Eji woró ni oju iya ré O de ile oba térin-térin Jé ki nri jé, ki nri mu
28 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete PARENTS Oba Adesoji Tadenikawo Aderemi (KCMG), Ooni of Ife & Governor of Western Nigeria (representing the Queen) decorates High Chief Gabriel Mamukuyomi AKINSETE, the Sasere of Ondo kingdom with the Queens medal of the Member of the British Empire (MBE). As written in the Supplement to the London Gazette, 10th June 1961, “The Queen has been graciously pleased on the occasion of Her Majesty’s Birthday” to award him the medal.
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete Tributes
30 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete Tribute To My Beloved Husband, Soul Mate, My Best Friend And Personal Physician OMOKEHINDE VALENTINE AKINSETE For over fifty-five years, we enjoyed true partnership, friendship and marriage. A thousand tears won’t bring you back, I know because I have cried. In the good times, we rejoiced and thank the Lord. So, I have accepted this great loss and I thank God for your life and the many lives you impacted. Kehinde was the true definition of a GENTLEMAN. He was calm, caring and simple in character. He was the most organized person I knew, articulate, brilliant and had a sound memory. He was also a proud Ondo descendant and exposed us to the culture, language and traditions. Kehinde cherished family life. He never wavered in his commitment to me and our family, rather constantly striving to give us the best of everything within his reach. Just as he was a devoted husband and father, he proved to be a worthy son, brother, uncle and friend to everyone he owed those responsibilities to. Kehinde was a hardworker. He loved the medical profession dearly. It is not surprising two of our children - Tinuola and Arinola followed in his footsteps and studied medicine and dentistry respectively. He was a dutiful father who sacrificed a lot to ensure his children had quality education and to the glory of God, they are all successful in their chosen fields. You loved each one of our five children immensely, unable to tell who your favourite was; Tinu was your Turu, Kenke your man, Bolanle was Bolus your wife, Arinola your baby girl, and Tunbola your Chief of Staff. Kehinde loved and served God in his own simple ways. He loved God without question, he loved men, women, and children without limits. He did nothing in half-measures and made everyone he met feel so special, age was never a barrier to his friendship. He
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 31 was a man, complete in every sense of the word. I count myself blessed and privileged to have shared the greater part of my life with you as my husband and a loving father to our children. Kehinde was so many things to so many people; constantly ready to listen and offer advice and share his fatherly love with others. He was a proud alumnus of Trinity College and a great Rotarian. Kehinde, the way you were called by the Lord is befitting of how you conducted yourself in life – quietly, privately and without any fuss. You left your mark – a simple, honest, principled, hardworking man of integrity. I feel proud to have shared your life’s journey. I know that in life you touched so many people, so I pray that your memory will also impact and empower generations. Sleep well in the Lord my beloved husband. I am comforted knowing that you finished your work on this earth and the Lord called you home to rest in glory. Till we meet again to part no more! Sun re oooo Kehinde! Olayinka
32 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete I am writing this tribute with a deep sense of loss and grief but with immense gratitude to my heavenly father for the privilege to have been your daughter. MY DADDY, MY DADDY; A GREAT MAN, A GOOD MAN, A GENTLE, BUT STRONG MAN WHO WAS NOT ASHAMED TO SHOW HIS SOFTER SIDE. He influenced my siblings and I more by how he lived his life than by words. As I grew older his ways gave me a better understanding of how God the Father relates with us his children. He loved his family, both immediate and extended, unconditionally. A man of peace; even when issues came up and my hotheaded self would be up in arms, Daddy would call me privately and say ‘ma binu, let’s just do everything for the sake of peace. For Daddy, nothing was too great to sacrifice for the sake of unity and peace in the family. He was extremely sacrificial in loving and giving, never asking anything of anyone, but always willing and ready to give of himself. He had an uncanny ability to make us all feel special and unique. He knew his children and related with his children as individuals, he had the ability to read our expressions and body language. He understood the uniqueness of each child and related to us as such. Extremely humble, almost to a fault, kind, a friend to our friends. Comfortable with people of high and low status. Daddy was a consummate physician who went over and beyond the call of duty for his patients and whoever he came across with medical issues. He was always willing to learn new developments in medicine, even if after my explanations he’d end up saying okay, but I don’t understand everything... Witty and always tried to connect the dots. As we all left home to pursue our paths, he cared immensely that we were all okay. His grandchildren, with whom he had individual relationships, he called them specific nicknames, just indicating his hopes and aspirations for their futures. He would call weekly, just to say hello, and end his call with OLUWA AWA PELU YIN. He was quick to express his gratitude for even the smallest things or even things we considered our duty. He actually insisted on giving each of us a gift from his long-awaited accumulated pension. When I asked why, he said for taking care of me for all these years. I could go on and on, there is soooooo much to write. The memories flood in all the time and the tears keep coming but I know you
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 33 would not want me to be desolate, you would want me to be strong. Thank you, Daddy, for everything, for all I learnt from you, for the honour of being your daughter, for being a GOOD MAN, my first love. I miss you soooooo much. Thank you for showing me how much you loved and valued me. I know I echo the thoughts of my siblings and your grandchildren; we will keep your legacy strong. Sun re Baba Mi, Love you. Tinuola A TRIBUTE TO MY DAD My dear Daddy, I am truly at a loss for words on what to write. I cannot remember the last time I wept this much. I have truly lost an integral part of me. You taught me humility, selflessness and how to treat and respect people – women, the elderly, our children, and so much more, in whatever situation i find myself. Your life was a living example of life worthy of living. When you passed and people came to condole with us, the most common phrase I heard from people was that you were an “epitome of humility”. You could remove your jacket for the next man, even when you did not know them. I heard stories from people, whom you did not know, who came to the hospital for procedures, and the level of care and empathy you gave them post-op was beyond their imagination. Incidentally, one or two are people I met or know personally. My dad was an “UDEME”, as said in an advertisement – HE WAS REALLY A GREAT GUY. I recall my times in secondary school, where he never missed our outing days, and came with a cooler of Jollof rice and cold drinks to Maiduguri, all the way from Lagos. I treasured my Sunday visits, where we spent hours on discussions on all and sundry. Your mind was so sharp, that you recalled even the most insignificant of details that occurred decades ago. I always marveled at that gift. You endowed us with humility, family love, sacrifice to others, and so much more. You loved each and everyone of us
34 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete unconditionally, even when we erred, and sacrificed SO MUCH to make us who we are today. We fought and did everything humanly possible to keep you with us, but God also wanted you too, and HIS will prevailed. Our loss was heavens gain. I thank you for being a wonderful dad and a beacon for us all. We know you are watching us from above and directing our paths as you did when you were here. THANK YOU, DADDY!! SUN RE O!! Kehinde Akinsete TRIBUTE TO MY ADORABLE DADDY! GrandPaaa!! What a Father, What a Man!! From my childhood you exemplified what a father meant - in your time, unending love and sacrifice. Nothing speaks more of a father than those 3 things and you more than showed me what it meant. I remember how I used to look forward to your letters back in the day with your all too famous handwriting that it always took me days to read through or when you come on visiting days with mummy and the now infamous Jollof rice I was known for and my classmates to this day talk about it. Or how you will come to the airport and see all “Lagos girls” (as we were known for) off and making sure we all were checked in before anyone else on the flights back to school. What more shows of a caring father. Till you took your last breath your concern was still about us and your Grandchildren like we are still those children of many years ago. Our friends were your friends and they all became your “girlfriends” they are all coming out and claiming to be the only one; if only they knew…but you had your way of making them feel like they were the only one. What a large heart you had. I was your “wife” even after I got married but I think you felt sorry for Bode so we only signaled ourselves. GrandPaaa as I fondly called you; May you rest in the Bosom of the Lord where you have always belonged. Bolanle
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 35 Daddy My Daddy Daddy… “My Forever Valentine…” Where do I begin from? Yoruba people say your name speaks and truly just as you were named “Valentine” you demonstrated what it is to love immensely. Baba, your father must have seen something in you to have chosen that name. We used to think Baba picked the noble English names for his children being of noble birth. You exuded this love in all spheres of life… your love for God, your immediate and extended family, your ever-growing friends turn family which cut across all age groups, your church, your social community, your profession (patients), your neighborhood, to all & sundry including the birds you scatter breadcrumbs for at home, not forgetting Tunbola’s pet chicken “Yetunde”. In your very gentle way, you showed us what a practical Christian life is. I remember my CRK class in secondary school when we did a lesson on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10); “Blessed are the peacemakers… Blessed are the meek…” and all I kept resonating that day was this is my daddy’s philosophy of life. You are a man of great character and strength, humble. We cannot speak to your charitable works as you did this in your usual quiet and simple manner, you gave of yourself, your time, your resources etc. to all. Family was everything to you. Your routine weekend calls to all of us like a schoolteacher taking attendance. You would rather spend time at home with us and your grandchildren than go for a social function. You attended the school functions of your grandchildren; your schedule was fixed around school pickup time and you & mummy were on duty for after school nursery. You played with your grandchildren despite advancing in age. You welcomed everybody to our home… the house was always fun. It is not surprising, 2 couples met in our house and eventually got married. Growing up was fun… In the days of NEPA (doing what they do best), we had our own version of tales by moonlight outside, playing with water so we weren’t too hot and could sleep when it was bedtime. You disciplined with gentle persuasion and laid down your expectation of us. You were proudly Ondo, proud of your lineage and it is those values and standards you raised us with. There were nicknames for everyone, your nieces especially who still competing who is your Number 1, your nephews, our friends… You became “Grandpa Boyfriend”. You sacrificed everything for us, even till the very end, you still put us first. You were independent (stubbornly holding on to it) and always thought of yourself as a
36 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete “Young Man”. You were “The Very Best” and without any doubt I could never have asked for a better father. Miss you so much it hurts… I can go on and on… You touched many aspects; Is it my love of Coffee, the smell; Old Spice which you have used forever; Walkers Shortbread Biscuit. Simple Pleasure! I thank God for You and pray for the grace to continue to make you proud and to live in your legacy of love. You have left an indelible mark, very big shoes to fill… Love you in unquantifiable words… Your Baby Girl Arinola My father, Dr Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete aka Granpa, I really don’t know where or how to start this tribute of a great, wonderful, kind, gentle, caring, selfless, loving, generous, humble man, friend & father. Honestly this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do as every time I try to put this together, I get overwhelmed with mixed emotions, some of sadness & pain because my friend & my father is no longer physically with me/a 15min drive away and some of immense joy & happiness that I had you as a father. You were the true definition of a simple, prim and proper perfect gentleman, always soft spoken and a man of few words, although when you were in your element/comfort zone you could talk, gist (gossip; LOL), crack jokes for days. I sit here and I think about how you have impacted every aspect of my life… I am who I am/the man I am today because of you. You taught me how to be a man, a friend, a husband, a father and I am still trying to live up to the standard/bar you unconsciously set as you made these roles and duties look so so easy… Nothing mattered more to you than just being a good person to any/everyone even to the animals too, I still remember how you always use to screed leftover bread and scatter it on the floor outsight the kitchen for the pigeons & other birds to feed on… I also remember how you would always leave/offered me the last piece of meat in your plate saying that you were full even though I knew all you were doing was always sacrificing your comfort just to make everyone else happy and it was quite amazing that this tradition continued till
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 37 the end of your days and my children/all your grandchildren got to experience this love and sacrifice of yours. You always put my/all our comfort ahead of yours, there was nothing you wouldn’t do to make sure everyone around you was happy and doing well and you did this effortlessly, this is an attribute amongst others that I strive to attain and pass on to my children. I can’t remember a time that you were never there for me, even when you not there you were there (I know that won’t make sense to most people) but with the way you impacted my life it was & still is very hard for to make a move without thinking ‘what would daddy do or say?’ and I am still guided by those thoughts till today. I only hope that I have made proud and will continue to make you proud with everything I do… I would miss your words of wisdom and your ways of getting me to do what you want me to do without forcing (gentle persuasions as you called it; laughs) but honestly it worked, your patience knew no bounds, your care and love for everyone was endless and age didn’t matter to you, there was nobody that was too young or too old for you talk/engage in conversion and you had a wealth of knowledge about everything. You took an interest in every aspect of my life and that of my friends, it’s amazing how you remembered most of my friends, their parents even the ones from primary school and most especially their nicknames or nicknames that you gave them. I still can’t believe you are no longer with us, whenever I get to the house, I still expect to see you on the balcony waiting to hear you “Chief of Staff” how are you? Longtime even though you saw me the day before, then you send the next few minutes asking about everyone then offer me a very cold Malta Gunnesses (I would miss this very much). Even though I know you lived a long, full and good life, it is still very painful that you are no longer with us, but God knows best. I would do my best to continue being the person, son, brother, husband, father & friend you wanted me to be (just like you, 1000% Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete) Thank you for all that you did for me and most especially being the best friend & father, anyone could ever ask for… Your Chief of Staff Babatunbola Olusegun Akinsete Tributes are not necessarily goodbyes, especially for uncommon and special people. Baba Ikeja as I choose to call him is and will remain a special person, he possesses a unique strength in his gentleness and his presence always presented a rare calmness wherever he is. Kind, gentle, he always has a good word for anyone and always lends a helping hand to you in any situation. Your memory will be cherished as a guiding light and a rare example of sacrifice for family and peace. He impacted on me
38 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete personally, the virtue of sacrifice for family and a forgiving heart. I am eternally grateful to him for this. Rest in peace daddy, knowing that you are loved deeply, profoundly, missed. You will forever be remembered. We will forever remember you and the values that you taught. Fond memories of a gentleman ‘s gentleman. Rotimi Tribute to my dear father-in-law Baba Ikeja as we all called him was a perfect gentleman in every sense of that word. I always remember the first time we met; it was on one of his visits home while working in Saudi. He came into the living room and there I was anxious to be meeting my soon to be father in law, but he just had a conversation without missing a beat as if we had always known each other. Always, always there for each and every one of the kids, their spouses and grandchildren. Going to Maryland was always exciting because just sitting and chatting with Baba Ikeja was always a pleasure. I remember when Arinola and I traveled for our wedding shopping n early 2003. Baba and Mama Ikeja were in London already and we had to spend a few nights at the flat in Walthamstow with them. He had prepared the sofa in the living room that me and him would sleep in the living room, whilst Arin stayed in the bedroom with Mama Ikeja (that’s how much of a gentleman he was). But of course, things didn’t work that way. So, when we eventually got married and Arinola got pregnant, I said to her what are we going to tell your dad happened oh! I miss you so much already sir. Miss our little rituals of buying you short bread every time from duty free. Miss you wanting to walk me to the car every time we came to visit at Shonibare Estate and wanting to start another conversation there at the doorstep. Miss your unannounced Sunday visits whilst doing your rounds of all the Children’s houses. We pray your soul repose, and we are comforted knowing that Heaven just gained another Angel. Rest in Peace Baba Ikeja Your son in law Babajide
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 39 TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER-IN-LOVE, GRANDPA as you were fondly called Waking up to the news of your passing into glory on Friday 22 September 2023 left me overwhelmed. When we said our goodbyes on August 14, little did we know it would be the last hugs; there we were, telling you we would see you in December and you responded with a prayer “Oluwa a wa pelu yin (God will be with you)”. Grandpa, Our Lord could not wait till December. He wanted you with the host of Angels sooner! It’s not easy to accept that you are truly gone, a great soul never dies. A great soul brings us all together again and again. Who are we to question God? The bible says, in all things, we must give thanks. It’s painful, but I have chosen to thank God for your life, you lived a long, impactful and fulfilled life and have now finished your race on earth to eternal blissful heaven. Thank you, Grandpa, for accepting and treating me not only as your daughter in-law, but also like your biological daughter, your last born, before we adopted “Friday” (smiles). Grandpa had a unique personality and a very sharp memory. He only needed to meet and engage you in a conversation once, and you stuck in his memory. He was extremely caring, gentle and calm to a fault. Grandpa would ask after all my siblings and their children, he even knew the names of my bosses and friends. He would sacrifice his comfort just to make others comfortable and see them happy. I saw how caring and loving he was to Grandma, his children and grandchildren loving each one equally, there was no favoritism with them. He had a lot of respect for them and the same was for his grandchildren. Grandpa always looked forward to welcoming us to his home in Maryland. Don’t make the mistake of promising him a visit and not show up, thinking he would forget. Not Grandpa! He would call to remind you and tell you how TRIBUTE TO A GENTLEMAN AND FUNNY “GRANPAAA AKINSETE” Thank you for all! You took on many roles, from the funniest grandpa to the much-needed welfare officer for all, always checking up on everyone. I will always remember you fondly for the smile that greeted us in Maryland, our newspaper reviews and ongoing commentary on whatever we were watching on Channels (from Pastor Matthew to the state of Nigeria). Like a “Lagosian”, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your exemplary knowledge of Isale Eko streets and family. I will miss our disagreements over moin-moin, which you always ended with jokes and a warm smile on any visit. E sun re o! Ojuolape
40 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete they had prepared Jollof rice and chicken for the children. Grandpa had a sweet tooth, so going to Maryland was always a time for the children to indulge in eating cakes, cookies and selecting drinks of their choice from his bedroom. I will miss your simplicity, wise counsel, our side jokes, your calm and peaceful persona, watching you use your fork and knife to eat almost any meal especially skinning chicken, seeing us off to the car, seeing you on the balcony of your room wave to either welcome us or say goodbye and calling me “Chief Judge”. With Grandpa, everyone had a name, and he knew how to make everyone feel special and at ease. I am grateful to God for meeting you and having the opportunity of calling you Daddy and Grandpa. I am particularly glad we got to show you how much you meant to us in your lifetime and thankful to God for the great examples and legacies you have left behind. No doubt your absence has left a deep wound in our hearts knowing we will not see you anymore on earth, but your gentle and peaceful memories will remain with us and will be forever cherished. You have left a legacy of Love, diligence and contentment and your endless love will continue to bind us together as a family. God be with you till we meet again. Rest in peace Grandpa! Your Chief Judge, Olubola
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete and Children VOA &
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46 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete My Grandad The Embodiment of Love. Honestly there aren’t enough words to sum up my grandpa. It’s weird thinking about him in the past tense because he was an ever present fixture in not just my life, but the life of all his grandchildren, children, nieces, nephews, friends and family. A deeply caring and loving man, he showed love to everyone, we all have a story of him stopping us from leaving Maryland, keeping us on the phone, remembering the most random things about us. He just loved and cared about people. I know everyone is going to talk about how he didn’t hold a grudge but something I think we all don’t realise is how he made everyone feel special, he cared about every part of your day. One of my last conversations with my grandpa was about what me and my cousins were doing now, he remembered exactly what we all did (till tomorrow he asks about the farmer - Dolapo). He cared a lot about all of us as we did him. There is so much to say but there is not enough time or space, my grandpa was the MAN amongst men, the bar for what a loving father is, the standard of a caring husband, what it means to love and the best grandfather anyone could wish for. Sunday’s will never be the same, Maryland can’t be the same, my grandad left a mark on generations and we are all blessed to have spent the time with him we did. You will forever be with us, we love you forever grandpa. Dr V.O.A the most loving, caring and kindest man we have seen. Your legacy will live through us. We all love you and will miss you, now and forever. Rest in eternal peace, you lived a long and amazing life. Lovingly yours, forever and always Olaotan Oyekan aka Papa Ajasko, CJN. I remember the first time I learned my grandpa’s actual name. I was playing in his big study (which I wasn’t supposed to be in,) and found a notebook with his name written on it. For years I thought it was strange that his name is Valentine, because his birthday was nowhere near February. Later on, I asked my mum and she didn’t have an answer either. But now I think about it, it was the perfect name for him because my grandpa was the most loving, caring man I’ve ever known. He loved us all so deeply and was never quiet about it. There were so many little things he said or did that spoke volumes about how much he loved and cared for his family. All the pictures around Maryland, the lengths he would go to so Ola and I were comfortable whenever we slept over, making sure there was bread for me whenever I went to visit him and Grandma, even holding on to things I’d forgotten for ages. I’m sure one of my books I left in the dining room over 10 years ago now is still there, because he kept it for me. Once, when I came back from boarding school, he told me he would move to the town and get a job in a factory somewhere, just so he could visit me and see my face more. I laughed because he was way TRIBUTES TO OUR GRAND FATHER
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 47 into his 80s at that time, but I don’t doubt he would’ve done it if he could. He was named perfectly for the kind of man he was. It took me a long time to realise how old he really was, because he never acted like it. When Sope was little, Grandpa would go outside and kick the ball around with him, when even I didn’t have the energy for Sope. It was only when he turned 90 that I realised how old he was, and how lucky I’d been to still have him. I’m so grateful that I was blessed to be his granddaughter. I can’t imagine there will ever be a time I’m not sad that he’s gone, but however sad I am, I will always be more proud and more thankful that I get to say he was my grandfather. Yewande Oyekan In Loving Memory of My Grandfather My beloved grandpa, you lived a full and meaningful life, one that spanned 93 years filled with wisdom, love, and unforgettable moments. As I reflect on your life, it’s clear that you were so much more than just a grandfather; you were a source of inspiration, strength, and unwavering love. You’ve left an indelible mark on all of us, a legacy that’s impossible to forget. Your wisdom was our guiding light, your stories our cherished treasures, and your presence our greatest joy. In every piece of advice, every shared moment, and every embrace, you showed us the power of family, kindness, and resilience. As we say goodbye, we do so with heavy hearts but with gratitude for the time we had with you. Your memory will live on, not just in the photos and moments but in the values, traditions, and love you’ve passed on to us. You will forever be a cherished part of our lives. Although we grieve your absence, we also celebrate a life well-lived and well-loved. In the warmth of our memories and the love you instilled in us, your spirit lives on. We will carry your legacy forward, ensuring that your love and wisdom continue to shine brightly in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear grandpa. We love you, and you will forever be missed. With love and fond memories, Mosopefoluwa Fetuga Dear Grandpa, One of my favourite memories with you is whenever you’d tell a joke, and I never got your jokes but just seeing you erupt with laughter after saying it made me laugh as well. I’m glad I got to spend your last birthday with you. Heaven has gained an angel! I will miss you so much but I know you are always watching over us.
48 Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete I love you, Grandpa. Tirenioluwa Akinsete GrandPa, my fondest memories is how you always insisted I MUST have some cake even if I didn’t want it anytime i visited you in Maryland. You will insist I take it home with a bottle of soft drink, so you always ensured you had cake at home. You were so excited when I said I would like to be a doctor and you wanted to fix your stethoscope you used when you were working, just so you could give it to me. I felt so good about it.You showed me so much care and attention when my daddy passed; I felt I was your favourite Grandchild. The last time I came to visit when I found your Trinity College cap; you allowed me wear it and we took pictures and you secretly hoped I will one day go there too to fulfill that medicine dream. I will miss you GrandPa for all the attention and love you gave all of us individually and collectively. MoDesire Akinyemi My Grandpa My Grandpa left a lasting legacy of kindness, wisdom, and beautiful memories. Grandpa stood as a symbol of love and constant support. He had a way of making each one of us feel special. My grandpa was very generous, always giving sweets, biscuits and gifts. His wardrobe was his treasure chest... He always told us stories, asking about school and our wellbeing. His stories weren’t just stories; they were life lessons for us to learn. Grandpa’s gentle and caring nature made him a source of comfort and joy to be around. His smile brightened our days, and his laughter was an invitation to share in the simple pleasures of life. Even though Grandpa was old, he played with us. It hurt my mummy, my aunties and uncles, Grandma when you were in hospital, I know you are in a better place and that makes me happy. We miss you very much, but we know you are resting with the Lord. Getting the chance to know you was amazing because most people didn’t know their Grandpa but I am glad that I got the chance. I love you and in many many many years in the future, I’ll see you again. We take comfort in the belief that Grandpa is now at peace in heaven, reunited with his siblings and embraced by the presence of God. As we wish him farewell, we do so with joy. We carry his love, gentle nature and wisdom with us as we continue along our own paths, knowing that his spirit will forever be with us. Mofetoluwa Fetuga
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete 49 Tribute to my ever-friendly Grandpa. Grandpa was the best. He was all our friend and would often refer to me as “Sister”. Whenever we visited him in Maryland, he always over pampered us with drinks, snacks, food and gifts.looked forward to always visiting him and grandma. He loved all his grandchildren dearly and was always willing to visit our school (Sunnydale) on special occasions. This shows how caring grandpa was. Grandpa was willing to do anything for us even if it meant for him to get up and see us off even when he was sick. I saw him last over the summer holidays when we visited Nigeria, and he kept reminding me of the red box with the biscuits and gifts he left in his room for me (smiles). I didn’t know it would be the last hugs and goodbye from my Grandpa. I will miss you very much Grandpa and remember all the good memories of you forever. Rest well my Grandpa. Feyikemi Akinsete “Sister” My Grandpa, my name sake and “brother”! My Grandpa and I shared the name Valentine. He was the August Valentine and I was the February Valentine. He called me his brother and did everything to make sure I was happy. Whenever I spoke to him or visited him and Grandma in Maryland, he would hug me so tightly and never wanted to let go. He always had so many gifts in his room and snacks and would tell us to go to his room behind his bed to choose whatever drink we wanted. Grandpa would even offer to go and buy us KFC and meat pie from Chicken Republic. He liked that meat pie very much. I am still emotional because when I hear his name, I just remember that I will not see him again. My parents tell me he has gone to meet Jesus so I should not cry anymore. My Grandpa was an important part of my family and I know he will always be with us wherever we go. I love you so much and will miss you Grandpa. From your namesake, Seyifunmi Valentine Akinsete
Valentine Omokehinde Akinsete VOA & GrandChildren