A Tribute to My beloved Father, my mentor and magician!!!!

“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature………your heart was pure, it was loving, it was loyal, it was dedicated, it was caring, it was vibrant!!!”
How can I possibly repay such love, but to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you for loving me….
Thank you for showing and teaching me what true love means……
Thank you for being the rock foundation of love in my life…….

As my mentor, you were a man of unparalleled integrity…….
A source of uncommon wisdom…..
A legacy of strength and resilience……
A disciplinarian (tough love)
A fantastic work ethic

As a magician, you juggled and balanced your work life, your private life, your social life, and your family life with such precision, commitment, and gusto unparalleled by anyone i have known in my life.
You worked hard, and you most definitely played hard!!!!

“MAY EACH TEAR EACH FOND MEMORY BE A NOTE OF LOVE RISING TO MEET YOU”

Your love continues to guide me every day. Your memory is a source of strength, and I honor you by living the values you instilled in me and all my siblings.

Your spirit lives on in my laughter, in my love, in cherished memories, and in the lives all my children.

Your loving daughter,
Adetokunbo Ajile Awogboro. 

 

A REAR GEM

My papa is indeed a memorial of God’s faithfulness and uprightness to His promises- psalm 92:15
” To have a dad like my papa is a blessing from Almighty God”. I am yet to see a great combination of HONESTY, COURAGE, HARD WORK,
INTEGRITY, SELF-RESPECT,
LOVE & CARE in anyone but my dad. Papa is a kind of father this world should have in numbers. His love was expressed not only to his family but as many that came in contact with him and had genuine needs. His care and protection remain as a pillar of strength throughout – I remember one of my classmate’s mum that met me at the Polytechnic Ibadan, was very excited & told me my dad built a house for her in Benin free of charge including all the building materials because she was a widow Papa is the glue that holds Oni family together to date. He inculcated into us agape love for one another & unity irrespective of our differences. He is still an inspirational figure in my life and I am very proud of my mentor and hero. His countless sacrifices and abundant support for my well-being cannot be overemphasized. He gave me the opportunity to grow up in a home that has no equal An environment that exposed me to the best in the world. There is a saying that “no one is perfect but my dad was perfect for me” because I have only beautiful memories of him. I will testify to just a few of his love, care & encourage ment- As busy as he was he still had time to drive us by himself to Recreation club in Ibadan in his convertible sport car (with an open roof) and we enjoyed going out with him. He would balanced the outing with the hardwork aspect by taking us to his construction sites & he would explain how bridges were built. Also his farms at Olojuoro & abanla along ibadan – Lagos express road. He told us there isn’t a short cut to success in life than being close to Almighty God & hard work. One of my personal memories of him was when he told me at the age of 11+ that I was more beautiful than Suze Martins ( the young lady that did the advert for Lux bath soap on the television in the early 70s). I can never forget that evening, how I ran to check myself in a mirror if it was true and he actually went ahead to christen me Susan to show me he meant what he said 😂. Hummmmm
PAPA ………. REMEMBERING YOU IS EASY, I DO IT EVERY DAY. MISSING YOU IS THE HEARTACHE THAT NEVER GOES AWAY.

By Mrs Adekemi Adekoya

 

A Tribute to My Late Father, Chief T.A. Oni (Anpapa)

My father, Chief T.A. Oni, was more than just a successful entrepreneur – he was an extraordinary father, filled with wisdom and love. At 36, he built his first house, and his marriages to wives from different ethnic backgrounds were a testament to his open-mindedness and generosity of spirit.

As a proud Ekiti man, education was paramount to him. He celebrated our academic achievements, rewarding us for good school reports and instilling in us a lifelong love of learning. His attention to detail was remarkable, as I recall a time in primary school when I misspelled my name on a form, (Segi Lade instead of Segilade)!His gentle correction has stayed with me to this day.

But it was his unwavering dedication to our well-being that I cherish most. He never allowed us to use the family swimming pool without his watchful supervision, always prioritizing our safety. These moments, though small, speak volumes about his character.

As we honor his memory today, we find solace in the countless memories we shared. The strong family bonds we formed, rooted in our community-oriented upbringing, continue to connect us across time and space. The Christian values he instilled in us through Sunday school at St. James Cathedral Chuch, later Ebenezer African Church, Ibadan, have remained our guiding principles.

Though you may not be with us physically, Dad, your legacy endures. Your impact on our lives is immeasurable, and we strive to emulate the values you embodied. Rest in peace.

With love and gratitude,
Mrs. Segilade Elugbadebo (née Oni)

 

As I reflect on the life Papa lived, though short, I can’t help but feel that I am proud and privileged to be your daughter. I am grateful for that. Your wisdom transcends
the kind of wisdom we have in families today. With the grace of God, you loved, disciplined, nurtured and held the family together as one. Even though you are gone, your spirit lives on in us and those you touched. Your legacy will always be a part of me.
Your love was, is, and will always be our anchor.

Your daughter
Mrs. Sunbo Oni-Adigun

 

THE STAR OF MY STORY.
Holding your hands on the balcony while you stared at the sky and asked me questions.
Sitting with you in the evening while I read you the headlines of papers and then major parts of the ones that interest you. You would correct me when I had difficulties with words.
It’s now I know you would have been crying behind your dark sunglasses wondering what would become of me.
You did insurance for my university abroad even before my 6th birthday, Great foresight ! Great love!! Greatest man !!!

Detola Oni

 

TRIBUTE TO MY LATE DAD: Anpapa, your absence is deeply felt, but your love continues to guide us everyday. Your memory is a source of strength, and we honour you by living the values you instilled in us. Though you are no longer with us, your spirit lives on. My love for you will never die. I strive to honour his memory by living a life of integrity, showing love and kindness to others.

From Mrs Tutu Okobaroh

 

YES! THAT`S THE ONE! THAT`S MY GRANDFATHER!

Where do I begin to testify to the life of the greatest man that ever lived that I am so proud to call my Granddad? How do I begin to quantify the good name and Legacy my grandfather left for me and everyone else that proudly bears the “Oni” Trademark?

How do I begin to describe the Proud feeling I get when up till today (so many years after this great man passed on) I stand tall and fulfilled when I introduce myself as ADEDOLAPO ONI and people ask “Is it the same Oni and Sons?” and I Proudly and Arrogantly say “YES.  That’s the one! That’s my Grandfather!”

Recently, I was invited to a Charity event and at the door where we get our table numbers to be seated the guy giving out the seats asked (as usual) are you TA Oni & Sons and as always, I proudly said YES.  This guy gave me a long story of how his father worked with Harboni Ltd and they lived at one of the staff quarters in Onireke etc.  He made it his business to tell everyone who cared to listen how Chief TA Oni was the greatest man that ever came out of Ibadan.  You can guess what followed.  He immediately changed my table seating and put me amongst VIPs.

Tell me, what more can say about a man who worked hard his whole lifetime to leave me with such Dignity in the society. “Adventure Land” That is the only way to describe the haven Papa created for us in the Goodwill House. Going to visit granddaddy in this “Estate” was like taking a trip to Disney land.  There was always something extra ordinary to look forward to… the New Year`s Eve parties, The Swimming pool, The Horse Riding, the Singing and Story times….. Those times although very short can never be erased from my memory.

The Legacy he has left for us can never be measured in words. Papa can never be forgotten in the History of Ibadan and Okemesi, indeed Nigeria, particularly the construction industry.

What words can I use to describe the achievements of a man that 31 years after his death we are still living off his goodwill and hard work,  a Man that 31 years after his death his Name still opens many doors of opportunities  

Papa inspires me every step of my way?  I always have it at the back of my mind that I must not fail in anything I do.  If my Grandfather could work so hard, to leave me a great name, why can’t I work harder, to make the name Greater.

Princess Adedolapo Oni

  

WHAT I HEARD!

Well I never had the opportunity of meeting Chief T.A Oni(Grand Dad) neither did my younger brother; what I do know is that he a was a strict, loving father to his children, and a loving & charming husband to his wives; I have heard my mother and so many of her brothers & sisters say that he taught them table manners, to respect their elders and to show to the world which home they have come from!  He definitely was a philanthropist, so I know he had a kind and loving heart.  I wish I had met him; unfortunately he passed on just a few years before I was born. There is no doubt that most of his children; even his grand children (including ME!!) have his trade mark-“pointed nose”. God bless u Papa & continue to rest in perfect peace…Amen

Femi Sosanya

PROUD TO BE HIS GRANDDAUGHTER

From what I have heard about granddad from family members and

outsiders, he was such a great, kind, hardworking and successful man.  I am so proud, happy and lucky to be his granddaughter so much so that anytime anyone asks me “which ONI  are you?”  I proudly tell them that I am from the famous TA Oni & Sons family popularly known in Ibadan, though from Oke-mesi in Ekiti State.

Adebukola Oni

 

THE GRANDADDY I REMEMBER

It was about 9am on a Sunday morning, when I overheard my father whispering (possibly to prevent us from hearing) to someone that Papa (as he was called by his children) had died in Manila.  We were living at Oluyole Estate in Ringroad. Immediately, my brothers and I hopped into the car to go to GOODWILL HOUSE –RINGROAD. I was 11 years old and I remember being very sad to hear of granddaddy’s death.

I am one of the lucky grandchildren who saw him alive and knew him as I was in often in ‘Ringroad.’ I will not try to analyse his idiosyncrasies, I will just write my memories of him.

When I was growing up, for me, Ringroad was the ultimate place to be, I did not visit friends, cousins, etc, just going to Ringroad to spend a few nights was enough! It was the norm for his grandchildren then to be dropped off by our parents (Dotun, Leke-Yemi, Leye, Doyin, Ade, Laja, Kola A. Kola O. Jide, Dolapo and others).

I remember going with his younger children from the boarding house (boarder) to greet granddaddy in the mornings.

I remember the Xmas Carol services we used to have on the balcony upstairs in his wing (Ile Tuntun), I remember in particular the last Carol service (December 1974) when we had to sing “Joy to the world” over and over again because he just kept on dancing especially to the part –“Repeat the sound of joy”…..It was almost as if he knew that would be the last carol service we would share together. I particularly remember our New Year’s Eve family parties in Ringroad- that for me was always the height of my Xmas celebrations. It was sheer ecstasy! pure joy! That single act by granddaddy defined what Xmas celebration is for me and it can never be the same!!!

I remember granddaddy being unhappy with my dad, for daring to pick me up from my school (during my first half term break) when he had already sent a car to pick sis Toks and sis Tutu from the same school.

I also remember running down my grandmummy`s compound to meet him, on the occasions he came to visit his two Oke Ado wives. He was always with an entourage!! I could go on and on…….

While my granddaddy was alive, I did not know how important or great he was, I just took Goodwill house for granted, I took the name ONI for granted, it was only after his death from the newspaper articles, and during his funeral, that I realized what a great man he was.

For me, the most important thing is how proud I am, to be a grandchild of this extra ordinary man.  I am only sad that he did not stay long enough to see us as adults, he did not stay long enough for me to sit at his feet to listen to the story of his life directly from him. When I read the book written on him, my emotions were in turmoil; proud, happy, sad, and weepy; I asked myself why? I think it is because, I wish he had stayed long enough to answer all my unanswered questions, to enable me say to him all the things I could have said today as an adult.

To my very young aunties and uncles- Derin, Dekemi, Gboyega, Toyin, Yemi and Detola- I feel for you, because it must be worse for you.  

Ronke K

 

“HARD WAY THE ONLY WAY”

I was 3yrs old at the time of demise of granddad. I was in nursery one and really too young and an introvert to remember anything first hand about him. In those days I remember I was just concerned about sleeping, eating, and mastery of those things children are concerned about. By the time I was in primary one, my thoughts began to peak around my environment so I could concentrate enough to look at pictures hung in our parlor and those generous mention of him by my mum (late Dupe Oni).

On such occasions when mum had to reprimand us, her children, she would recount such values as discipline orchestrated by Granddad through mama

Matron, the love, respect and cohesion he brought into the family, the good training papa gave them and how Papa rose from grass to grace through hard work. She would say granddad was not born with a silver spoon but the man worked himself honestly up the ladder to the limelight.

Intuitively, I guess I learned my first lesson about the cliché ‘hard way the only way’ from that. Eventually I learned that my dad could have gotten mum because he shares same surname with granddad! Even though I was young, bubbling and enjoying those nurturing beans mum used to cook for my accelerated growth, I knew mum had high regard and respect for granddad. And I was impressed with man myself for his feats and philanthropy. Surely, am glad I have a niche in him.

Oluwafemi oni

 

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT BABA – THE GREAT MAN

Being Baba`s Grandchild gives me a sense of pride and confidence (I wish I could express my feelings more humbly, but this is just how I feel)

My first real encounter with him was when I was 6 years old. I was informed by a friend of his- Alhaja Sadia that Papa was a very rich man. As a curios little boy, the opportunity to confirm Alhaja`s assertion presented itself to me when I spotted Papa’s briefcase in his living room in his house in Palm Grove. Of course I proceeded to search the briefcase and who walked in! He half heartedly shooed me along with a smack on my bottom, telling me that it was rude to go through other people’s things. All was forgiven when he apologised by asking me to sit beside him when he was entertaining his friends later on that evening.

I became more aware of Papa’s wealth and importance from the series of activities which took place in Goodwill House, an extremely impressive family house (was a sight to behold), the visits by various VIPs and praises being showered on him due to his achievements. In spite of all of the above, I could not help but notice the simplicity of the man, which was also passed to his children and grandchildren (through their parents).

The uniqueness of Papa’s practice of polygamy is there for us to see; my friends, even my wife are always amazed to find that I know all my uncles and aunties sufficiently well, how many kids they have (till the 1980s), and I can proudly say that I could visit any of them at a moment’s notice without fear of rejection. I remember with fun, when Yemi (my twin brother) and I would fight over who was going to fan him with the traditional “abebe”, in Goodwill house, Papa was equitable by allocating time slots between us.

As a talkative and a very inquisitive child, I used to ask papa mundane and childish. I wish I had seen him as an adult, I would have asked him more useful questions like… how he managed to build his business to the level he did, why he married so many wives, what prompted him to have so many kids, how he managed to negotiate the rough road of life to succeed and so on…. Boy! Believe me! With only one lovely wife and 2 children, it is not easy keeping everything going at 41 years old.

I have met people from all works of life in the course of my personal life and professional career, the mere mention of the surname ONI, has generated a lot of positive reaction, comments, business and the most important words- “GREAT MAN”! And that sums it all up for me………..

Leke Oni

 

THEOLPHILUS ADEDIRAN ONI -THE LEGEND THAT WAS, IS, AND WILL FOREVER BE

Some knew him as Balogun, others knew him as Theophilus, SEVERAL knew him as father, and even more knew him as Grandfather, regardless of what fashion, ones’ relationship was with him, there is no denying, it was and still is a profound one. Chief T.A was a man who knew no boundaries; a true story of perseverance.

Colonialism to most was a period of oppression; to this man it was a time of opportunity and prosperity. The infrastructure created by this man; built in the colonial era, is still of better quality than that built 50/60 years later. This is not just a reflection on Nigeria’s short comings but rather an example of one man’s determination.

We could list this man’s achievements in volumes of text, just to put his greatness in perspective. However in my humble opinion; TO HIM, none of what he accomplished in his daily working life compare to what he accomplished and created in his personal family life.

As I end this testimony let me leave you with a quote that encompasses my understanding of Chief T.A Oni:

Do it Anyway

”People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway. 
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you’ve got anyway. 
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.”

Author unknown

To me, Chief T.A Oni wrote this by the way he lived his life. Amen

By: Olukayode Awogboro, (for those who were never blessed with the opportunity to meet the Great Chief T.A Oni)  

 

MY PREFERED GRANDPA

My memory of him is a bit vague, I remember sitting on his lap on the veranda of the main house at Ringroad. He used to play with Ore Asuni and I and even then I thought he was my preferred grandpa! God was definitely present in his life, he was a celebrated man (still is). He always let go of what he had and God let go of what was in HIS hands for him. I know he was a great man and his legacy still lives on, I am very proud to be an ONI. I remember all the stories my mum used to tell me about him and what a hard working man he was and how he brought all his kids up to be united and I am happy that the tradition still continues. May his soul continue to rest in peace!

 Ayoola Alfonso-Olusanya