One year on...

Thank you Lord!
2022 started with so much anxiety about how the funeral will be. From your passing till your burial was one of the most stressful times of my life. There were so many unnecessary distractions but what kept me going was the determination that come what may, I will give you the befitting homegoing that you deserve. I am glad that desire came to pass.

After the funeral, I came back empty and drained. I tried to get back to "normal life"...focusing on my kids, work and family. But could I really? Several times without planning to, I would burst into inconsolable tears. Many times till now, I wish we went together instead of you leaving me behind. I have so many questions that will have to wait till the Resurrection morning.

As I look back over the past year, I see the goodness of God! He has indeed been a father to the fatherless to me. I feel His presence and comfort. He keeps sending people I don't expect to show me love in ways I do not expect. Indeed God works in mysterious ways. Thank you for leading us to Jesus, He is more than enough in times like this.

Just like you dad, I am determined to focus only on what is truly important and ignore the noise and distractions. I am accepting the impossibility of trying to please everyone. I will keep on striving to be the best that God wants me to be until we unite again to part no more.

Until then, my heart will go on singing;
Until then, with joy i'll carry on;
Until the day my eyes behold that city;
Until the day God calls me home.

Rest on Dad.

Happy Heavenly Birthday to my former husband, Professor David Adekunle ("Ade") Akanbi. You are so greatly missed.
In Loving Memory,
Professor Linda Akanbi

Tribute to Professor D.K. Akanbi from Prof O. A. Sofowora

To the world you were a person but to me you were a world. Daddy ,you were truest, dearest and more than a father to me. You taught me patience, endurance , commitment and love. You lead by example and always praise me whenever I did something good and pointed out my mistakes with gentle voice. You encouraged me to work hard in life to fulfill my ordained destiny.
You were a precious gift from God so much grace, beauty, love and patience you possessed. You touched so many people including myself. I remember your strength and smiles even during the darkest period in your life( at Faculty of Education Ile- Ife). You were instrumental to my appointment as a Graduate Assistant in the Department of Educational Technology , O.A.U.Ife where you retired from. Today, that little Graduate Assistant you gave opportunity to then, has now become a Professor of Educational Technology. It was very devastating to hear about your going into glory . I will never forget your love and constant advice/ prayer you and your wife used to pray for me. Both of you took me as a member of your family while you were in Ife Rd 18 Senior Staff Quarters.
I will forever adore you Daddy for everything you taught me in life. Your death was painful but i will hold unto the beautiful memories of times spent with you . Over the years, I have tried to emulate you the best way I could. You taught me to be faithful and the importance of punctuality and keeping to one's word. You also taught me to take care of the students and other staff . Your life legacies: passion for God and teaching, compassion for others, self sacrifice and an uncomplaining spirit remain in my memory. I am ever grateful for the influence that your love, wisdom amity, discipline, and guidance had in my life.
" If roses were in heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me.
Place them in Daddy's hand for me and tell him they are from his son Professor Alaba Sofowora.
Tell him , I love him and miss him. And when he turns to smile, place a kiss upon his cheek.
Hold him for a while, because remembering him is easy. I will do it every day.
However, there is an ache in my heart
That will never go away
Adieu Daddy! I will miss you."
Professor O .A. Sofowora

Daddy is a lover of people, a man with a heart of gold, his kind is rare. I knew him back from Ife and I can testify to his generosity and philanthropy. He will be sorely missed.
His excitement and desire for the success of others is commendable and worthy of emulation.
His kindness and love brings warmth to every heart. May your soul rest in peace. May we meet again on that resurrection morning.

Aworinde Family

I knew Baba to be a lover of God and the things of God. I pray that the Lord will keep all he left behind in Jesus Name.

Adetayo Adegbola

Your life was a beautiful testimony of what God expects from we His children. Rest in peace.

Mrs. Fafowora

I thank God he knows the Lord and faithfully serve the Lord. May we meet together again on the resurrection morning. Sleep on Dad.

Dr. Oluyemi Adetoyi

You are indeed a good hearted man of God, my contact with you is really a big lesson of humanity to me. Continue to rest in peace in the mansion that our Lord Jesus has gone to prepare ahead. Till we meet again in paradise.

Ayodapo

Dear father, sun re oo, o tun di ojo ajinde, odi arinako, otun di oju ala.
My family and cannot forget your good impact in our lives.
Goodnight, good father.

Son,
Pastor Yemi

May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.

Neighbor ,
Jenifer Otseke

Heaven has gained a soul. May the family be encouraged to carry on.
Eternity is near. Shalom.

For Bodija Church,
Lawal O.A

Prof. Akanbi sun re o. Olorun a te yin si afefe rere o Amin. Gbogbo omo ati iyawo ti e fisile, won a maa tesiwaju ninu ohun gbogbo o. Amin.

Honey foods,
Mrs. V.S. Dada

Daddy, thank you for everything you did for us. Thank you for the gift of your unconditional love. Thank you for the gift of Pamilerin. We love you Daddy but God loves you more.  

Daughter’s friends,
Elerewe Oyindamola & Popoola Tolulope                                             

Late Prof. D.K. Akanbi was an epitome of humility, dignity and righteous & decent living. He laid a good foundation for Babcock University Centre for Open Distance and e-Learning. He gave a good account of himself when he served as the Dean of School of Education and Humanities, Babcock University. No doubt a righteous man had gone!!
Farewell!! farewell!!

Junior colleague at Babcock University,
Prof. Ademola Taiwo

Papa was a quintessential scholar, leader, father and a child of God.

Prof. Abiodun

Prof. Kunle Akanbi, your untimely death is a terrible shock to me and my wife. We are going to miss you indeed. May your soul rest in perfect peace.

Bosom friends,
Prof. & Mrs. J.O Fawole

May your soul rest with the Lord in Jesus Name.

Wife’s friend ,
Mrs. Essien

Your death was a shock to me. I lost words and want to say is that may your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Friend,
Oluwatoyin Kolasi

Daddy, may your soul rest in perfect peace. Goodnight till resurrection day. Amen.

Friend,
Oluwatoyin Ogunlana

I have really lost a good friend and compassionate friend whom I can never forget. May your gentle soul rest in peace.

Friend,
Roy Eboda

It’s unbelievable to miss you so soon especially a father of such character. However, I wish you stayed longer but we believe God loves you most. Have a peaceful rest till we meet and part no more.

Adeoye Yetunde & Elder Dayo

We appreciate you, Daddy and we bless God for a beautiful and godly life.

On behalf of SDA, Bodija Church Members,
Olayinka & Aderonke Lawal

Thank you for all you have done. You are a rare gem, Oga. Your type is very scarce. You will be greatly missed. Your memory will forever be with us. Thank you my father, employer and mentor

Student.
Lanre Idowu (Ph.D.)

Prof. Akanbi was an epitome of humility, hard work and integrity. He motivates, encourages and connects with much love. We learnt a great deal from him and he will live in our memory forever. Adieu Prof.

Student, employee and mentee,
Dr. Mrs. Oyeniran (Alhaja)

My teacher and father, Prof. D.K. Akanbi, you will be greatly missed. Thank you for all you did to me and other descendants of yours. We are very grateful for the love you shared with us.
A o pade lese odo!

Dr. Deola Egbedokun

Baba Professor, you left us untimely, but what can we do. We give glory for your life, what you have done for most of us cannot be forgotten. The Educational Media and Technology Association of Nigeria will never forget you. Adieu. Rest on in perfect peace my teacher, father, supervisor and mentor.

Prof. Lade Joel Adeyanju

The Lord gave us this mentor and man of vision. We only ask for the fortitude to bear his loss. The Faculty of Education and the Department of Educational Technology will continue to remember the able Prof. D.K Akanbi. Adieu, man of God.

Dr. Bimbo Adekomi

How are the mighty fallen?
Things fall apart, the central cannot hold.
Daddy was a father in need and indeed. His door was open for everybody. He is a man of integrity but death is sure for every human. May God give him eternal rest.

Mrs. Solanke

You sure are a rare gem and will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you for giving us Pamilerin, she is a reflection of your greatness.

Daughter’s friends,
Akindolire Motolani & Ajakaiye Glory

He is a great man, loving and kind.

Afolabi Theophilus

Prof Kunle David Akanbi was the visioner and pioneer Director of the Babcock University Centre for Open Distance and e-Learning (BUCODEL). He has planted a seed that will germinate and bless many generations to come. He has done a great job and his good work will live after him. Meet you Prof. Akanbi on the resurrection morning.

His daughter in profession,
Prof. Mobolanle Sotunsa

Baba was a role model till death. I pray that we would meet in heaven to part no more.

Former staff,
Maitanmi Sola

Baba, you have done well. You worked hard to help and bless. Your work continues to be a blessing to many. We shall meet by & by in Jesus Name when He comes. Amen.

Elder Aluko Ayolayo

Praise the Lord for the life well spent. Your determination in the service of the God, tenacity in bringing up younger generation and focus on God’s purpose made the difference between you and all others. Your vision on all your children will be executed. See you when Jesus comes.

Pastor John Sotunsa

Dear beloved Prof. Kunle Akanbi, you are indeed victorious in depth as you lived your life serving God and humanity o the very end. Blessed be your sleep in the Lord, Adieu kindhearted father. Sleep on till the resurrection morning when we shall meet to part no more. Goodnight.

Kunle Binuyo

We will miss a pillar in our church. God knows best.

Orogun SDA Church Member,
Samuel Olajuyigbe

Daddy Prof, I still have reminiscences of your infectious smile exuding love. You were love personified, the quintessence of charity. You affected all that came in contact with you with the good news of Calvary. You demonstrated Christian conjugal bliss a you went everywhere with your life partner as the closest confidant and aide-de-camp, counsellor and companion. You were very addicted to giving and never bothered losing anything for the benefit of others; soft-spoken and fountain of comforting and motivating word. It is true that useful trees don’t last in the jungle. I am consoled that you finished your journey strong and well. Remain at rest in the bosom of our Lord. Adieu.

Pst. Sammy D.K Abraham,
General Secretary, Alapata Landlords Association

Your death came like a dream but God knows best. We know you to be a man of peace in all ramification and we are consoled that you are in a better place.
Goodnight, till we meet to part no more.

Neighbor
Rev. Dr S.A Akano, forTrinity Baptist Church, Ajobo, Ibadan

Prof and baba was a great academician of repute and a gentleman to the core. R.I.P
The good work you did in life speaks for you, sir.
Adieu baba.

Olaosebikan Olayiwola Titilola & Olajide

Father in heaven, I thank you the well spent life of our beloved Prof. Akanbi. I learnt humility, simplicity and love for God & human from you. Till we meet again at Jesus’ feet in eternity. Sleep on Beloved of God.

Evangelist Joseph Feoshi

He is a good person. Your death is a death is a shock to us all. God bless the family. He was a genius, a good husband, a wonderful member. Till we meet again at Jesus’ feet.

Pastor B.B Aina & Family

Prof, we are very much disturbed and disorganized to hear of your leaving us. You were already getting over the ailment and wounds as you were hale and hearty when we visited you in hospital.
You were loving, compassionate, generous, kind-hearted and loved the word of God. You showed love to your neighbors especially zone 6 landlords and landladies, we thank God for your love.
I did not meet you at Igbo-Elerin Grammar School, not even at OAU, even though I have been hearing about you but we met at Alapata where we were both landlords and God made your building adjacent to mine. Nobody knew us as landlords but as brothers because of your kindness and love.
We thank God who made you and have taken you away.
To Him be glory. Dear Prof, it is well, we commit your family, children, grandchildren to God’s care. Goodnight.

Brother/Neighbor,
Ven M.O & Mrs. Popoola

Daddy Akanbi, you are so nice to Fakayode’s family. We love you, but God loves you more. We shall meet on the resurrection day.

Mrs. Fakayode

Thanks for the fatherly love on earth. I’m sure you’re resting at the bosom of the Lord. Sleep on, Dad.

Son,
Fakayode Seye

We should take heart, he is resting now and the resurrection morning, we will see him again.


Son,
Elder C. Eze

We look forward to seeing him on the resurrection morning. He has lived a life worthy of emulation.

Son,
Elder Omoruyi

Daddy, you are superhero always full of life laughter and love. A legend and trailblazer has gone home...
Daddy, you will be greatly missed.... I thankful that you lived well you made impact you touched lives. You let me know that success and excellence were possible continually and then you instilled in me the tools i need to thrive... Character, Integrity, Determination, Diligence, Kindheartedness faith in God, I cannot forget days in OAU Teaching Hospital praying for the sick people. A true legend, a distinguished gentleman.
I love you forever DADDY and i will greatly miss you.
Rest in the bosom of your LORD, till we meet to part no more.

PROFESSOR KUNLE AKANBI - THE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIST
You taught and lived Ed. Tech. Every of your students had a pet name. It continues to ring in our ears even when you have gone to rest. 'Enny,' 'Bose,' 'Biodun,' etc. We were adopted into your family. Till death, you were accessible to us all.
We learnt humility, how to care and the willingness to ensure goal achievement from you.
You gave the first Quarterly Lecture of the Educational Technology Centre in Lagos State University. It was awesome.
Thank you, Sir for the legacy. We will keep on projecting your amiable character by the grace of God.
God will take care of your family in Jesus name.
O daaro Sir.
Dr. Bosede Amoo, MNIM
Director, Lagos State University Multimedia Centre, Ojo, Lagos

Life indeed is short and moments like this ( amongst other things) cause multi layered reflection on life, meaning , purpose and the impact our loved ones have had on us.

Knowing you all my life, Uncle, you remained consistent and true to who you are - An exemplar of a gentle, kind hearted yet thoughtful person who demonstrated a genuine interest in the affairs of his family.

It is hard to say goodbye but our hope is in an eternity that will not fade. Till we meet to part no more!

My earliest memories of you Uncle Kunle, were always pleasant, as it was always a pleasure to have you visit daddy, because it was always a period of robust discussions and rubbing of minds on topical local and global current affairs. You were a truly good hearted person, who always related exceptionally well with all your nephews, nieces and family with such grace and understanding.

Remembering when I was going through a period of childhood challenges, I still recall your encouraging words ,support and prayers... I will always remember your advice when I wanted to go into university and even when I had challenges..The comments you made about praying that none of your family would contract a particular ravaging disease I remember well, showing how you cared about us all and fought for us on the physical and spiritual front.

My dear Uncle and Professor emeritus, your commitment to education and the academics has been a source of encouragement to me, and I longed for the day to come and tell you how far I had gone towards continuing in the tradition of academic excellence and tradition that you and your siblings exemplify to us the younger generation... And though this passing to glory may not allow it for now ,I hope to be able to meet with you and Daddy to tell you both all about it, whilst singing the heavenly hallelujah, when I have also run my race in full, filled with joy for all the times you encouraged and supported me and indeed all your family members...for we do not mourn like those with no hope, but know that we are all in Christ and so being alive on earth or with Christ in heaven we are all one in God through our Lord Jesus.

Indeed, I am encouraged in the knowledge that you have run your course excellently well and no matter how we as humans may have our reservations on the timing and how...We as a family rooted in Christ know that you are in a better place and have been perfected in Christ... and it is now left to those of us around to continue with the baton and big shoes you have left behind... and through God's grace and help we shall continue to do so, to your heavenly joy In Jesus mighty name Amen...

So, my dear Uncle Kunle !!Reign with our Lord Jesus till we meet again to sing the heavenly hallelujah!!!Amen!!!