By The Merit Newspaper’s Reporter
Emotions flowed freely in the ancient city of Abeokuta as family members, friends and associates gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Oyesiku Abdulsemiu Amosun, described by his children as a selfless and deeply devoted family man whose life was defined by service to others and unwavering faith in Allah.
In a touching tribute delivered during the funeral gathering, one of his daughters, Amosun Omowunmi Aishat, described him in one word — selfless — a quality she said captured the essence of a man who lived not for himself but for everyone around him.
“If I had to use one word to describe him, it would be selfless,” Aishat Amosun said.
A life rooted in faith and discipline
The late Amosun was remembered as a devout Muslim who instilled strong religious values in his family, ensuring that faith remained the foundation of their daily lives.
According to Amosun Omowunmi Aishat, family prayers were a non-negotiable routine in their home, starting every morning and ending each day in devotion.
“He was a man of faith who taught me to keep God at the forefront of everything. Growing up, the first thing we did every morning was pray as a family, and we never went to bed without observing the night prayers,” she recalled.
She added that his passing during the holy month of Ramadan reflected the spiritual life he lived.
“It is so like my dad to pass away in the holy month of Ramadan. Thank you for showing me what true faith means. May Almighty Allah forgive your shortcomings and grant you Aljannah Firdaus,” Aishat prayed.
A man who gave even when he had little
Speakers at the event described the deceased as a man who may not have possessed great material wealth but was rich in generosity, always willing to offer his time, connections and limited resources to help others solve their problems.
Family members said he was known for his reassuring words whenever anyone approached him for help.
Rather than rejecting requests, he would often say in Yoruba, “Je kin pe eni yi” (let me call someone) or “Ma ba lagbaja soro” (I will speak to someone), demonstrating his determination to find solutions.
“Ask him for a favour and he would never say no outright. He would always say he would speak to someone. Without hesitation, he would do his best to ensure things were sorted,” Amosun Omowunmi Aishat said.
Friends of the family confirmed that many people benefited from his interventions, describing him as a dependable bridge builder who believed no problem was beyond resolution.
A disciplinarian with a gentle heart
While he was known as a strict disciplinarian during his children’s early years, his family said he later became noticeably softer, revealing a tender and nurturing side that left lasting impressions.
His daughter, Aishat Amosun, fondly recalled how he personally drove his children wherever they needed to go, helped maintain their cars, and even taught practical life skills many fathers rarely teach their daughters.
“He would wash my car himself, fill my fuel tank and even taught me how to change a tyre. He was truly a girl-child hero,” she said.
A legacy of respect and humanity
Beyond his home, Amosun was remembered as a man who respected everyone regardless of age, social class or status — a principle his children say continues to shape their worldview.
“He taught us to honour everyone. One of my life mantras today is that we are all shaped by our upbringing, and I carry so many memories of him with me,” Amosun Omowunmi Aishat said.
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She also shared a deeply emotional reflection about visiting Abeokuta after his passing, recalling how she once surprised him during a previous visit by finding him exactly where she expected — at home on a Sunday morning.
“This is the second time I have come to Abeokuta without you knowing. The first time, I surprised you. This time, you surprised me by not being there,” she said.
A reminder of life’s temporary nature
Family members drew strength from verses of the Qur’an, including Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), which reminds believers that life and death are tests of faith and character.
The gathering ended with prayers and the Islamic declaration: “To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.”
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A life well lived
Despite their grief, the family expressed gratitude for what they described as a purposeful and impactful life.
“We are broken, but we thank God for a life well lived. This was not our plan, but perhaps this is God’s plan,” Aishat Amosun reiterated.
As tributes continued, one message remained consistent — that Oyesiku Abdulsemiu Amosun’s greatest wealth was not material possessions but the lives he touched, the values he instilled and the memories he left behind.
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For his family and community, his story remains a powerful reminder that true greatness is measured not by what one owns, but by how much one gives.
Sun re oo.
