49 ADIEU ENIGMATIC SURV. ALHAJI ADESUPO ODUKOYAaka 'OF ALL' Iku iba gbowo, a ba fun lowo! Iku iba gbobi, ba robi fun! Iku iba gbagbo, a ba ra gbo fun! Iku doro! Iku m'eni rere lo! How I think I could think of a better eulogy to describe my sense of loss when Kunle called me to break the news of the passing away of his father, my big brother and mentor, the polyvalent Alhaji Adesupo Odukoya, known to generations of Ijebu Ode Grammar School (IOGS) Old Students as “Of All” for his scholarly performance. He was unbeatable in virtually all subjects; always carting away prizes and awards at the annual prize giving days. He passed out of IOGS in 1964 after completing the Higher School Certificate course. He was at various times Chapel Prefect, an Alter Server and finally Head Prefect in his final year. You were many things to me:- a father, brother, friend, companion, mentor just to mention a few. You were a rallying point to others. Rest in perfect peace. OTUNBADR. OYE ERIBAKE It is often said that “Morning shows the day as boyhood shows manhood.” His record of outstanding performance was not limited to his days at IOGS, he was a reference You were the sound box from which many of us around you, old or young, had to seek opinion on very important issues. You were always there for anyone that cared to ask for your help. You took other people's problems as if though they were yours. We will miss you greatly no doubt. We have no choice but to accept your "painful " departure. I am convinced that it is not your wish to leave us suddenly like that, but that of God which we can not question. It is my prayer that you find peace with your creator. I pray that God will keep the family you left behind and that they will be able to bear this big loss. Adieu, till we meet to part no more.
50 I am confident, Allah will accept him and watch over his family. Adieu, honest and reliable friend. May Al-janah be your home. honesty. He was down to earth and very frank. He never minced word over any issue for which he was not pleased. He was very loving and would go places to please and assist anyone he had interest in. He was not selfish and exposed some of his friends to take advantage of any issue that will benefit them. We had our valedictory meeting on 1st January 2024 and had some heart rendering discussions not knowing it was our last. When we got married and started having children, he took interest in our children and in their academic pursuit. From time to time, he was interested in the progress. Supo will not give one fish but would teach one how to fish. It was after the first term examination we became friends because of his brilliance as he took the third position in the two classes comprising of sixty-six students. OLASUPO ADEMOSU, PH.D, FAENG AKA OLASUPO, THE EVANGELIST After leaving Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, he attended Federal Surveys School in Okene now in Kogi State to study Surveying and from there he was Late Surv Adesupo Odukoya and myself met at Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, IjebuOde in January 1959, when he joined the Class of 1958/1962 in form two. Thereafter, in all examinations without exemption, he came first earning himself the title "of all subjects" until we wrote the West African Examination Examination/Cambridge University, in December 1962, which he passed in First Division and I left the School, to take up Employment with The Federal Land Registry Department, located at Tafa Balewa Square, Race-course and he stayed behind to do the Higher School Course which he finished in flying colours in December 1964 in four principal subjects of Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
51 It is my prayer that the Lord Almighty would continue to guide and protect the wife, children and grandchildren he left behind and give them the courage and strength to continue the legacy he has built during his lifetime. CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF AFATHER We both joined the Island Club, Lagos on the same date through the efforts of our mutual friend, the Late Surv. Olugbenga Adekoya, the pioneer President of Surveyors Registration Council of Nigeria and a Director in the company, Map Data services Limited, jointly registered by Late Surv. Adesupo Odukoya and Late Surv. Olugbenga Adekoya. ‘Supo, as I fondly called him, though older but never took any offense. He was a kind hearted, humble, honest and a man of good disposition. Since he returned back to the country from Canada we have been in close contact and our friendship continued to wax stronger making his friends my friends and my friends his friends. It is often said that love leaves a memory no one can steal, but death leaves a memory no one can heal. It is a loving memory for me when I think about the life of Alhaji Adesupo Odukoya. sponsored to do a degree in Surveying Engineering at the University of NewBrunswick Fredericton, in Canada under the Commonwealth Scholarship programme and returned back to Nigeria in 1969 with a degree in Surveying Engineering. The demise of Adesupo Odukoya was a big blow to me but I take solace in the fact that his creator loved him better and called him at the appointed time. PROFESSOR OLUKEMI A. ODUKOYA FAS, FPSN, FPCPHARM, FNAPHARM, FAMEDS He was a foundation member of The Progressives Club and Jogs Mates '62, a former President of both groups and a strong supporter of the continued existence of the groups until his Home call by his creator on January 19, 2024 at exactly 13:05 Hours.
52 Words seem to be feeble in moments like this. The loss of a father no matter how old he is, changes one's life forever. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. The voice of a great philanthropist that never publicized his deeds is still within us, for what it meant to lose Alhaji Adesupo Odukoya no one will ever know. He was a father whose worth can never be told. There is a vacuum in our hearts no one can fill! We miss you and will always miss you! Two days before Daddy's passing, by 12.38 pm, I got a message from Funmilola that Daddy was sick and in the hospital and was supposed to be in Nigeria but the flight was cancelled due to bad weather. I assured her that I will call mummy to know about his welfare. However I could not on that day so planned to see Mummy the next day in the afternoon/evening after work. I called Seun and they were all at a prayer session for daddy. I also spoke with Mummy and was to see her later that evening on my way home, I was optimistic that all was well. Within the period I knew him, there were no records of him being hospitalized. Alas, by 14.38pm, Funmi's message came in: Daddy has passed today. They haven't told mummy so don't call her. Pls don't go there, Mummy is not doing well. So I was just there in my office, did not know what to do, say, or who to call with mixed feelings in sadness. Seun called me about 9pm saying mummy was expecting me earlier in the day and also confirmed Daddy's passage. This is not how I imagined him leaving us at all and it pains me to realize that he has gone. There are so many memories to speak about but that would need more than a book to write it in. My association with Seun and Funmilola has been rewarding and made me a part of the family. I remember the family celebration of my attaining the Zenith of my career as a Professor, how I was celebrated by Daddy and Mummy together with Daddy Adekoya, all the Odukoyas and Sanni families. Recently, I have been going down memory lane and I am proud that I was given the opportunity to call Alhaji Adesupo Odukoya my Daddy. Aman who loved his family deeply, Aman who worked hard to take care of his family, Aman who brought all his children up in the way of the Lord and the very best education. Aman who was always willing to lend a helping hand, A husband, A father, A friend, A man who was and never thought there was anything you could not do if you wanted to do well except avoid death, died well in the midst of his children and loved ones praying. Daddy grew up in a very humble environment. With his resilience, he made it from Primary to Modern school, Secondary and ultimately the University to be a surveying engineer. He was always happy and grateful to God relating the fascinating
54 My first encounter with the Odukoya family was shortly after our marriage, when we were invited to spend time at their country home at Owu Ijebu. I personally felt highly honoured then, an impression I have carried till date. Thereafter, the relationship became that of one big family, especially when our children were in school and with us living on University of Lagos campus. May Allah SWT grant you Al jannah Firdaus and let your good deeds count in your favour on the day of Alqiyama HALIMAS. EGBERONGBE PHD (ASSOC. PROF) Death, as we all know is inevitable, but when it comes so close as in the case of our beloved relation, it becomes difficult to be in terms with reality. I have known Alhaji Surveyor Olasupo Odukoya for 30 years as a close friend and professional colleague of my late husband, Professor Abdul Fatai Egberongbe of blessed memory. I have even known Alhaji better after the passing on of my husband. Apart from persistent reassurance that we still remain one family, your unwavering support - both morally and financially has not gone unnoticed and for which I remain ever grateful. I can't forget the experiences of life you shared with me whenever I called to visit. To me you were experience personified; not to talk of intellectual conversations which I looked forward to during those visits. It is hard to believe you are gone sir, but we take solace in the fact that you lived a good life, played a good part and have gone to rest with your creator at the appointed time. you farewell. To Auntie Alhaja Yinka Odukoya, I pray Allah SWT will comfort, grant you and the entire family succor and cover you with His wings of mercy and protection, Aamiin MR. TOPE ASHAJU Daddy, it is still like a dream that you are no more. I was with you a day before Christmas and we had our usual father/son conversations for hours. You gave me the The Children (Yinka and Francois) and I salute you sir, while we bid
53 Daddy Odukoya faithfully lived his values, his kind was rare, his method was simple, and he was a teacher of all things, taught by example with endless teachings. He fulfilled every obligation he ever undertook. He was a very loyal professional, and a family, religious and community leader whose loss cannot be replaced. Daddy's faithfulness and philanthropy to the people he interacted with during his lifetime within family, friends, and religious organizations both Muslim and Christian communities were highly cherished. He maintained ties with everyone he ever knew. story of his life and his emergence into an incredible engineer, having served his country Nigeria both in the North as well as in the South; he was able to achieve so much. He had vivid memories of his life, career and family with loving words to have made him one of the greatest orators and word-smiths of his time. Alhaji Adesupo Odukoya had a quiet dignity, although he is no more, we will continue to celebrate him as someone whose life reflects a heart of service and commitment to faith, family, friends, and certainly those who strive to follow his example. Not only was he a wonderful father, grandfather, best friend, he was also a wonderful husband. To Mummy, Living without your beloved spouse takes courage, InshaAllah, you will get through each day because of the love you shared. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun. May Allah grant him Jannatul-Firdaus and forgive his sins Amen. In this time of loss, may Allah be our source of strength, forgive the departed soul and grant him a peaceful place in Jannah. My thoughts and prayers are with all members of the family. No doubt the Odukoyas, Sannis, Ijebu-Owu and Ijebu-Mushin communities both Muslims and Christians, JOGS family and the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors have lost a rare gem; We must all remember, there is a reason for memories…hold to them tightly. I pray that we all find comfort in his memories.
55 When we lost our second born in 1988, he came and took us away to Owu, Ijebu in Ogun State and took care of us for days. I cannot chronicle all the acts and actions of Alhaji in making positive differences in the life of those around him. He was an exceptionally good man. When I got promoted as head of my Corps, he invited his friends to come and celebrate with me all at his cost. I am not the only one he extended his benevolence towards. When a lady [do not want to mention her name] was appointed the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria [ICAN] he invited my wife and I and gave a big reception for her. Our paths again crossed each other when I served in the military. Incidentally, he was a very close friend of my boss Air Vice Marshal NZ Adama who was then the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Ikeja. My boss is from Bida Niger State. “OF ALL” is from Owu Ijebu in Ogun State. The inference we easily can draw is that Alhaji is a detribalised Nigerian. He possessed that intangible gift of the heart, head, mind and soul. He conducted many Aerial Surveys and made several friends from different walks of life as he moved on. His professional partner who predeceased him were in partnership for several years and never quarreled. Then came 19th January 2023, God recalled the great man Alhaji Adesupo Odukoya. One other thing I must say is this – that Alhaji was a man who transcends the dichotomy of religious leanings. He respected his religion as well as others. He was there with his lovely wife on my 70th birthday at Bola Memorial Anglican Church, Lagos despite the fact that he was a very good Muslim. The fact that Alhaji is a freeminded, God-fearing is attested to by the fact that the members of St. Michael At School, where providence had brought us together [Ijebu-Ode Grammar School], he was the Head Prefect back then in 1962. He was highly respected. He had the nickname – “OF ALL” and for your benefit “OF ALL SUBJECTS”. He was extremely brilliant. His brilliance earned him the nickname “OF ALL”. Of course, he was my big senior. I was in class one when he was in the graduating class. We must take particular note of the fact that Ijebu-Ode Grammar school is principally a Christian school, yet as a Muslim he was appointed the Head Prefect. No thanks to the F's that were reposed in him- fear of God, Fairness to all, forthright, frank, far-seeing and friendly approaches. “OF ALL” was a man who educates, inspires, mentors and gets things done with a sense of purpose. In him, we saw kindness, compassion, love and humanness. He was cool.
56 Not many people remember that Surv. Supo Odukoya was one time First Vice President of the Institution. A position he held with dignity and in which he served selflessly. good deeds and gentle nature. He served the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors loyally and faithfully. Surv. Odukoya and his partner Surv. Olugbenga Adekoya were “behind the scenes”actors that contributed immensely morally and financially (along with others) to make the 1996 Federal Government Approved Scale of Fees” for Surveyors possible. Hear the victors who o'ercame; “Watch and pray.” MR. SUNDAYIZAH My great Managing Director Alhaji (Surveyor) Adesupo Odukoya employed me in his company MAPDATASERVICES LTD, on the 20th of February 1984. I called him Great because of his VERSATILITY. He is interested in the growth and intelligence of many good things. He was a disciplined and goal-oriented man. All with one sweet voice exclaim, Today, surveyors receive a bound volume of proceedings of AGM as a matter of cause, once they register. This was not always the case. Surv. Odukoya was the Chairman of the planning committee of 1995 AGM charged with the responsibility of compiling all materials of the AGM including technical papers of which Prof. Fajemirokun ensured were available with sufficient time for the production before the AGM. Not only did Surv. Odukoya successfully produced the printed bound volume, (in sufficient quantities for all registered members) for the first time in the history of the NIS, he was also responsible for sourcing the fund for the production because the Institution had no such fund. Still they mark each warrior's way; Surv. Supo Odukoya (FNIS) will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.
57 usual Christmas gifts when I was leaving which you have not missed for over a decade. You saw me off and you promised to let me know once you got back from Ijebu but that never happened as your creator called you home. Daddy, you were one in a million. A loving and caring father with a large and accommodating heart. I will never forget how you provided me a shoulder to lean on at the lowest period of my life. You stood by me and I will forever be grateful to you. There was never a time I brought my personal issues to you that you did not have time for me. The news of your transition struck like a thunder. My consolation is that you lived an impactful life. You touched so many lives. You taught me the virtues of honesty, integrity, humility, hard work and perseverance, among others. I remember you always told me that these are the virtues that would make one stand out in the crowd. I believe that you are now resting in the bosom of God, your creator. May God grant you eternal rest, Daddy. GROUPCAPTAIN BOLAOLUMUYIWAABAYOMI SOTUBO (RTD) With a deep sense of loss but with gratitude to Almighty God, we are gathered here today to celebrate a gentleman, a man of honour and respect, a humane and loving father who would gratuitously lay down his life for others to live, a man whose footprints are there to see, a man who is adored and loved by his people and family, his mates and the entire JOGS (Ijebu-Ode Grammar School) family. First, let me commemorate with the family and the loved ones, the Owu Community, JOGS family, his friends and professional colleagues he left behind. May the good Lord comfort them and give them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. Tribute to my Mentor Alhaji Adesupo Odukoya In the weeks preceding the 9th of December 2023, I made frantic calls to Alhaji Adesupo Odukoya to inform him I had arrived in Nigeria for the holidays and to see if he could attend the reunion get-together of JOGS 62/68 and Associates set. Little did I realise the condition he was in. I did not suspect he was in bed when he told me that he could not attend because he had no driver. I believed him and thought everything was fine.
58 Bye-bye and good night. Tribute to a good man and a Worthy Surveyor Surv. (Alhaji) Supo Odukoya Alhaji Odukoya may have departed this earthly world but his legacies abound everywhere for people to see. He was a very good man with a good heart. He lived a well fulfilled life. We shall continue to see as we proceed the good mark Alhaji left behind. This is our everyday joy in spite of the fact that he is now with the Lord. CHIEFG.O EGIGBA Since I knew Ahlaji Adesupo Odukoya, over 20 years ago , I can say for certain that he was a man of principle, discipline, very thorough in whatever he handles, and a person who always stands for the truth. To Mama (Alhaja) and the children, please do not be afraid. The good Lord is with you. He will guide your footsteps and nothing evil will beset you. Wherever you go, the Lord is your Shepherd. Take courage. We have all lost a great honest man. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen. He will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in perfect peace. He was a committed family man and a devoted Muslim. Anglican Church, Owu, Ijebu, Ogun State (after this sad occurrence) posted hand bills in deference to the good works Alhaji had done in both the Church and the Mosque. As the chairman of Egbeyemi Resident Association, he ensured that a proper and well organized security outfit was engaged for the safety of Residents. SURVBOSUN AYINDE I was distraught when I received the news of the passing away of Surv. Supo Odukoya. It was most unexpected. But Alhaji will be remembered for his
60 MYMENTOR What kind of a boss are you TREMENDOUS What kind of a leader are you FABULOUS What kind of a manager are you EFFICIENT ALIMI THOMAS ADEBAYO (MNIS) SURVEYOR What kind of trainer are you PROFICIENT What kind of a person are you EXTRAORDINARY How awesome we think you are. I hope you can see: Your leadership and support are the reason for my progress, without your guidance I would have been a mess, I owe you heaps for pushing me harder. Your inspirational words have changed my life forever. The biggest challenge in loosing a leader like you is learning how to cope up with someone new. There is no other professional who can fill your shoes, your absence is a blow which will leave a bad bruise. I am deeply sorry for your father's loss, your father was remarkable for his warrant and kindness. I will miss him more than his biological sons and daughters. Farewell my professional daddy rest in the bosom of the lord until the day of resurrection. Surv. Odukoya was a very intelligent man who was very experienced not only in Surveying but also in all issues of life and living. I have known Surv. Odukoya since around August/September 1973, while still in my formative years. He was one of the 'big Ogas' posted to Kaduna Field Headquarters of the then Federal Survey Department of the then Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. It was from there that he was posted to the Kano Field Base behind the Central Hotel in Kano. He worked directly under late Surv. Olugbenga Adekoya both of whom later established MAPDATASERVICES LIMITED. PRINCE AFOLABI O. SOLESI, FNIS
59 We shared good relationships in the office like father and son until he called me on the 8th of January 2024 for fatherly advice. Little did I know that he has commenced his journey to eternal Glory to sleep in the bosom of our Lord. God loves him more. May his soul forever rest in peace. Amen SURV. DEJI SEBIOTIMO FNIS It was in 1986, at Map Data Services Ltd. in Lagos, where our paths first converged, setting the stage for a profound mentorship that would shape my professional trajectory. His unwavering commitment to excellence and tireless dedication to his craft served as a constant source of motivation, pushing me to strive for greatness in every endeavor. I remember my first project in Map data at Lassa Borno state. One day, he called me that I should be ready to go to Lassa to carry out a topographical survey of 1000 hectares which I had not done before. I couldn't complain, I accepted to go though I was scared about handling the project but following his instructions I was able to do the Job successfully. In loving memory of Surv. Alhaji Supo Odukoya, a remarkable individual whose legacy will forever be cherished. Once a job does not pass quality controls, he sends you back to the fields. Under his guidance, I embarked on a transformative journey as an IT student with Surv. Odukoya serving as both mentor and teacher. Surv. Odukoya was more than just a boss; he was a visionary leader who instilled discipline and integrity in all aspects of our work ensuring Quality Control in all.
61 He led the party that worked on a section of the 'M' series of the country's Cadastral Framework known as the 'CFM Project'. He was very versatile and worked with ease, using both WILD and KERN instruments on Bilby towers which could be as high as between 100 feet to 150 feet, and at distances of about 5 miles apart. He worked with Surveyors AA Balogun, TC Eze, SO Soipe and many others. I worked under him as one of the young Assistant Technical Officers who were in training then. He invested money and time in the Surveying profession and Institution. He was a silent but effective achiever who was committed to the profession and Institution of Surveying. He served as a First Vice President of the Institution and pulled all strings necessary, to ensure success of anything that had to do with Surveying. He was always advising the younger ones on how to secure their future both in Surveying and life in general. Surv. Odukoya never associated with nor condoned failures. He was brutally frank when it comes to issues of life and the profession. After establishing MAP DATA SERVICES LIMITED with his late partner, he always worked behind the scenes, as the 'engine room' of the company. This definitely explains why most Surveyors knew and were more at home with his late partner. He was a good listener but you needed to convince him that you were serious, for him to welcome you into his life. Surv. Odukoya was a seasoned Surveyor, investment guru and a Community man par excellence. He was bold and highly disciplined, humble and respectful of all shades of opinions and religions. He was a Muslim but not a religious bigot and was at home with you regardless of your religious beliefs. May the soul of Alhaji Surv. Chief Abdul-Rasheed Adesupo Taiwo Odukoya a.k.a "OF ALL" rest in peace.
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65 Chairman Yes your traverse has closed but we rejoice in knowing your life was well spent. Surv. Ola Shiyanbola fnis Sun Re. Daddy Supo Odukoya fnis The SURVEYORS BUSINESS GROUP We just lost a pillar. The second side of the same coin. A father, a mentor, a distinguished senior colleague. Sir, you are now in a better place and your legacy lives on and will continue to live on. He deliberately went out of his way to raise others and made himself a source of encouragement for those coming behind him. He was one of the few who effortlessly saw good in others. Who knew there was enough space for all. TRIBUTE TO LATE SURV. (ALHAJI) ABDUL-RASHEED ADESUPO TAIWO ODUKOYA, FNIS. A former Vice President of the Institution and remained an elder with broad shoulders to carry anyone that came to him. We stand here humbled but greatly blessed that I had the rare privilege to have sat at your feet and to have had unfettered access to drink from your fountain of wisdom. We stand consoled in the fact that you came, you saw and God allowed you to conquer. You are now with the Greatest Surveyor the Almighty and your fellow Surveyors that have gone before you.
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"A life dedicated to serving humanity is a noble pursuit we should all strive for." The entire Odukoya family extends heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, support, and unwavering love since Allah called our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin home. May Allah bless you with safe travels to your respective destinations. “Ojo a ji na si ra won” Scan for Virtual Program