Family members, friends and associates on December 20, 2025 gathered at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Aba Alamu Apata, Ibadan, for a memorial service in honour of the late Mr. Samson Olubayo Fakeye, marking what would have been his 70th birthday.
The service brought together mourners from Ibadan and Lagos to reflect on the life, values and influence of Mr Fakeye, who was described by speakers as a man of integrity, humility and commitment to others.
Tributes highlighted his role as a unifying figure within his family and community, as well as his reputation as a determined and hardworking individual.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his siblings described him as “a shining light” whose legacy continued to inspire those he left behind, likening his impact to that of an “unfelled Iroko tree.”
The service was officiated by Venerable M. O. Oke, who delivered a sermon centred on legacy and personal conduct.
He urged those present to reflect on their own lives, asking: “What will people say about us when we are no more?,” noting that many testimonies shared during the service pointed to Mr Fakeye’s integrity and service to others.
An emotional tribute was delivered by his daughter, Mrs Temitope Oluwatoyin Adebiyi, who said she never had the opportunity to know her father personally but felt a deep connection to him, saying that: Even though I never knew my father, his spirit abides in me.
She added that his life represented “an epitome of humility, love and greatness.”
Rev. Mrs Elizabeth Olufunke Oyebamiji recalled Mr. Fakeye’s role in guiding her faith journey, saying his sudden death had left a lasting impression on her life.
Supol Muyiwa Fakeye also paid tribute, describing him as “not just a relative, but a mentor and friend to everyone he met,” whose wisdom and kindness would be greatly missed.
On his part, Professor David Olugbade Fakeye, former Head of the Department of Arts and Social Science Education at the University of Ibadan, described his brother’s life as one dedicated to positive human development.
“The greatest good one can do is to develop human beings for positive change.That embodies my brother’s life.”
Concluding the tributes, Mrs Adebiyi said the occasion was not only a moment of mourning but also of celebration, adding that: “Today is not just about mourning; it is about celebrating a life that was lived fully and selflessly.
She noted that his memory would continue to shine in the hearts of those he touched.
The service featured hymns and readings by choir members and lay readers, creating an atmosphere that blended solemn reflection with moments of warmth and shared memories.
Following the church service, the Fakeye family hosted a reception at Sablak Event Centre, where guests were entertained with highlife music and took part in dancing and reminiscences celebrating Mr Fakeye’s life.
Among those present at the memorial were Venerable D. O. Oyewole, Venerable Jesulola, Engr. Abimbola Fakeye, Pastor Mrs Elizabeth Oyebamiji, Mr and Mrs Femi Ayinde, Supol Muyiwa Fakeye and his wife, Mrs Olayinka Fakeye, Alhaji M. O. Adeagbo and his wives, Chief Olatunde Amosun, Mr Debo Adeniran, as well as numerous other guests from Ibadan and Lagos.
