I thought writing my father's tribute was difficult. Writing this one is even more difficult.
This is a tribute to a great patriarch, my uncle, father and my children's big granddad, Prof Zaccheus Oyeleye Oyediran. One of the pillars God blessed me with in this world. A true father, confidant and advisor, who always had my back. He was my advocate, defender and friend.
Many people feel he is strange, queer and different. Yes, he dared to be different and stand up for what he believed. He was the son of Emmanuel Solademi Oyediran, who stood for honesty and integrity. He dared to be himself, sacrificed fame, wealth and power for integrity.
My earliest memory of him was when I was about three years old and he stood over me looking very worried. I was staying with him in Ife and I had fallen down the staircase while riding my bicycle on the porch. I had stitches on my forehead as I had a deep cut on it.
I remember my secondary school days conversation were always centered on my grades and books. He was always proud of me even when his brother,my father felt I had not done my best.
I remember my very first vacation to the USA was with him , Omoloye and Oyelola. My A level days in Ibadan Polytechnic, I spent in his house, where I learnt many life lessons including the love of family, integrity and honesty. I also learned how to confidently request and go after the things I wanted. He would watch me struggle with things I needed and say nothing. Initially I thought he was wicked since he was in a position to help, until I overheard a conversation between him and my dad. He told him that I was just been silly and I needed to learn a lesson now or I would struggle in life. I needed to learn to request and go for the things I need. That evening I summoned courage and stood before him and requested for five things, explaining why I needed them. He smiled and gave me all. Since then, I would ask for things , of course giving reasons and he would give me.
He loved books. He would spend hours reading and later on writing. I admired this so much I developed a love for books. He house and office were always full of books and he encouraged me to read. He would casually point me to different books and say you should read this or that book.
His house in Kongi Ibadan was my weekend getaway when I was at the University of Ife. He will come in and meet me at home. He would say lovingly ' iwo o le duro si ile iwe re' translated can't you stay at school. I knew he was glad to see me. By the time I had graduated, he had moved to Lagos, so I stayed with him during my service year.
After marriage, my family spent a few years, with him at Unilag till we found a suitable accommodation. I remember he will come home and say Olubunmi ( he was the only one who called me by my full name) go and pack for the children, I am taking them to Ibadan with me. The children of course loved him and were delighted.
I can go and on. He was always there for me. I miss him so much. 2018 has created a gigantic void in me. I feel so empty. ...... I have lost a father, the patriarch of the Oyediran dynasty has gone, Nigeria has lost a great man, the world is without a great academician .
Adieu uncle till we meet again.
