Doyin???

Writing this tribute is so strange and painful.

Goodnight Doyin, dear friend, brother, and Class Governor… our Guy. We were all chatting just the other day, all jokes and banter – about football, politics, business and everything in between… just like many times before. This is all so sudden and shocking, like a bad dream. Alas, we must face this cold reality, with God’s help.

Doyin… The man with a heart of gold. Calm, kindhearted, and generous with his time, attention and laughter. If leadership and selfless service were a person, that was Doyin. He made it look easy. He had a laugh and a shrug for just about every situation, and words like “..we will deal with it… it does not really matter anyway…”.

In our huge class of diverse characters, he knew practically everyone by name and flowed with all. He was always willing to help, with that knowing smile when he realized that you did not even know where to begin on an issue, yet with such humility, downplaying his unusually high intelligence and drive, and high ambitions.

Yes, Doyin was a trailblazer and a visionary, and wise beyond his years. So many things he spoke about as a university student, he made them a reality within a few years after graduation. He was a driving and uniting force – right from our undergraduate days till recent times, and from our online platforms to alumni reunions and programs – Doyin was always leading, always serving, always smiling.

Hmm… Doyin….

Our hearts are full of questions…. But only God has all the answers, and He loves you best. We surrender therefore to Him, who knows all things and owns us all.

To Doyin’s beloved wife, children and entire family: Please take heart, and may our Lord console you and keep you in His loving arms. Our God who knows you and sees you right now, surely, He will be your strength and song always.

To Our Class of 2000 and all Doyin’s close friends: May God keep us through this and help us to honour Doyin in the causes dear to him.    

Goodnight, dear Doyin. Rest in God’s eternal peace. You were a special gift to us, and we thank God for your genuine friendship. May your legacy live forever, and may your memory always be a blessing. May our Lord embrace you into His eternal rest. Amen.