By Simeon Olagoke Binuyo
The fact still remains that our beloved Gbenga Olaofe will continue to live in our hearts. Indeed we have lost a gem, very unassuming, very intelligent, glamorous, sociable, kind, generous and humble.
Inspite of his record breaking feats and achievements, the enviable heights to which providence and God had taken him, he never looked down on anyone. He was a bridge builder, an umbrella for all of us his class mates. He touched many lives positively, in that many people drank from his milk of human kindness.
Adieu Chief Gbenga Olaofe, a seasoned Chartered Accountant, my honourable Mark Anthony (in our Julius Caeser cast) . Goodbye Emmanuel Olugbenga Olaofe till we meet to part no more.
We remember your roles as our second Agriculture prefect. Your sterling leadership qualities etc, etc. He was a strong pillar of our great association. He worked with others in bringing BACOSA ’79 set together.
At our first meeting In honour of the then provost of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo Dr. Amos Alabi, it was at his instance and invitation that the royal father Iku Baba Yeye the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi III graced the occasion at Atiba hall.
He hosted the association in his palatial house several times. I also recall he single handedly sponsored the BACOSA National meetings in Iwo severally. He was passionate when it comes to the issues concerning BACOSA ’79 set. He doesn’t joke with the unity and cohesion of the group.
The writer’s move to create a separate platform for Ibadan branch, drew his ire. In his wisdom, he felt such division might affect the group unity. That is Gbenga Olaofe for you. Whenever he took a swipe at anyone on BACOSA ’79 set platform, he meant no harm. He did it ostensibly to provoke such members into robust participation or contribution.
A man of peace par excellence; an harbinger of good tidings. It was Gbenga who first broke the news of Supreme Court as pertained to Oyo State to us and the date was December 18th, 2019. Few days later, after December 20th, his absence on the platform was noticeable.
His silence was so loud!. I thought perhaps he was very busy or might have travelled. You can’t help but noticing the absence of such a worthy contributor.
Alas, he was gradually bidding us eternal farewell. However, like the scripture says, we should not grieve like those without hope. I pray, we shall all live to fulfill our days.
Among us ‘Olorun ko ni se e la’aaro, ese o ni ya b’ara won o. O digbere’ . Good Bye Olugbenga Olaofe.
