Tributes
IN HONOUR of
MR. ANTHONY AYE ANENI
Mr. Anthony Aye Aneni joined the Club in 1986 and served selflessly as Honorary. Treasurer, Chairman and volunteered at the meeting held on September 2018 – a function he could not perform because of the illness.
Always impeccably dressed, always smiling and an educator on various issues including finance, accounting and current affairs at our Dinner meetings.
Let us get to know Mr. Aye Aneni from eyes of some eminent members of the Club:
Very sad. I thought he recovered fully when he returned to Nigeria Engr. M. D. Akinjo
How sad! Looked like he was recovering. He even participated in the Club Group Chat. We'll miss him a lot for his professional service as our Hon. Treasurer and later Chairman, his unmatchable humour and his ready knowledge of Club rules. Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose:
In the Ibadan Dining Club he was known as a charming, witty contributor to debates, a long time Treasurer and Chairman. He was the Leader of the Dining Club 'Choir' during Happy Birthday and National Anthem verses. Dr. Tony Marinho
Mr Tony Aneni's demise is painful and sad.
A man of many parts, Tony was a top-flight professional. He was cordial, suave and genial.
May God uphold and comfort his family in this period of grief and may his Creator grant his soul a sweet repose. Dr. Olutunde Oni
It is very sad to learn about the demise of Mr. Tony Anenih. He was such an easy going, cheerful, warm and likeable long and old serving member of the Club. He added colour to the Club when he was Chairman. What a loss! He will be sorely missed. Emeritus Prof. B. O. Onadeko
What a great pity! Tony enlivened every meeting of the club he attended and rendered invaluable service as Treasurer and Chairman. Emeritus Prof. Ayo BANJO
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. General Oladayo Popoola (retd):
On behalf of the entire members of Ibadan Dining Club, I pray that the merciful God will continue to uphold Madam, the children and grandchildren and grant all of us the fortitude to carry on, while Mr. Anthony Aye Aneni continues to rest in the bosom of our Lord.
Adetunji Adepeju
Chairman
IN HONOUR of
High Chief A. D. Stephen Odigie
Mr. A. D. Stephen Odigie, as he then was, joined our Club in August 31, 1992 and he was actively involved in ensuring that our dinner meetings held under very posh and conducive environment, especially while at Segi’s Restaurant, Broking House, Ibadan. He was always gaily dressed in traditional attires, at meetings after he became a Chief. His analytical contributions and voluntary service as Auditor a couple of years ago, were well appreciated during his 30 years of purposeful membership of the Club. The last meeting he attended was on Monday, June 27, 2022 at Premier Hotel, Mokola, Ibadan.
I present below a few Tributes by some of the distinguished members of our Club:
1. A great loss. Chief ADS Odigie was kind and gentle in his ways. From him, always emanated a gentle word, a gracious compliment and a hearty encouragement. May his noble soul rest in peace.
Gbenro Adegbola
2. I wish to attest to the testimony above, too.
The last time we met at diner, he was quite well.
This is a great loss indeed for those who have only recently been associated with him.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace with the saints triumphant.
He will be sadly missed.
Prof. Femi Ogunbiyi
3. Another great loss! Our condolences to his family and Fellow Diners. May he rest in peace!
Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose
4. How very sad! Heartfelt condolences to Fellow Diners, and to all that he left behind. May he rest in perfect peace.
Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo
5. May the soul of High Chief Odigie rest in peace. May God comfort and grant strength to his children and family to bear the loss
Brig-General J. Ola Oni (rtd)
6. What a sad loss .Chief Odigie was a highly respected personality. We who sat with him on the same table at the Club will miss him .May his soul rest in peace.
Emeritus Professor Tunde Onadeko
7. May his soul rest in perfect peace
Major General Oladayo Popoola (retd)
Perpetual light shine upon distinguished Diner, High Chief A. D. S. Odigie!
Adetunji Adepeju
Chairman
IN HONOUR of
Engr. Falade - Fatila
Engineer Falade-Fatila was admitted as a member of Ibadan Dining Club in March 2018. He was one of the youngest members of the Club and within the short association, he made many suggestions towards the bringing more youths into our Club.
His presence at the October 31, 2022 meeting where he energetically engaged the Guest Speaker on policies of Central Bank of Nigeria and the NNPC Limited still remain fresh in the memories of other members of the Club.
My interaction with him, while he was in the United Kingdom, between November 8 - 22, 2022 when we were preparing for our Annual Gala Nite held on November 25, 2022 and his promise to “be back soon” to pick his Membership Plaque and 2023 Diary still make his transition seem like a dream to me.
I take solace in the Lord “that giveth and taketh away”. Blessed be the name of our God.
Adetunji Adepeju
Chairman
My condolences to his family and IDC.May he rest in peace.
His sudden death is a palpable reminder to each one of us to prepare ourselves spiritually and socially for the inevitable journey i.e. not to die intestate.
God bless us all. Archbishop Felix Alaba Job
How very sad! My condolences to his family and Fellow Diners. May he rest in peace! Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose
This is shocking, may God grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Dele Akinmusuti Esq
Oh la la!!! Shocking & sad news. We spoke couple weeks ago. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Dr. Tosin Atewologun
This is sad and unpleasant news about the sudden demise of this worthy fellow Diner. Only God understands. May his soul rest in peace.
Emeritus Professor Babatunde Onadeko.
So shocking and sad... My heartfelt Condolences to all Members of IDC and his entire household. May God comfort them and grant his soul eternal rest.
Arc. Sunkanmi Onadeko
This is quite shocking and sad. My sincere condolences to the family and fellow Diners. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Engr. M. D. Akinjo
Sad indeed. May God Almighty give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Condolences to Fellow Diners. Ogbuefi Emeka Okoli
Very shocking news. May his Soul Rest in Perfect Peace, amen. My condolences to his family and Fellow Diners. Col. Y. M. Anifowoshe.(retd)
This is a sad news My sincere condolences to the family and Fellow Dinners May God grant us the strength and comfort to bear the loss May his soul rest in perfect peace Amen. General J. Ola Oni (retd)
God gives and takes at will. May his soul Rest in Peace. May God grant his families the strength to bear the loss and prevent further untimely deaths in our midst.
Oluwafemi Abioye
Bye for now, Adedamola, We commit your family into the hands of the Lord who shall continue to strengthen, guide and protect them at all times.
IBADAN DINING CLUB
IN HONOUR of
Brig. General Sunday Esi Tuoyo (retd)
Brig. General Sunday Esi Tuoyo (retd) was admitted as a member of Ibadan Dining Club on March 26, 2007. He happened to be the oldest of the four Generals and a Colonel in the membership of our Club. His presence at our meetings, usually in full Yoruba traditional attire was always a delight, with his quiet, dignified and graceful disposition.
I personally recall his humility whenever we met at functions at which he deferred to me, a small boy, as his Chairman. His occasional phone call to ask after my well-being and the goings-on in the Club were really “intimidating” but delightful.
A few days after our 2019 Annual Gala Nite held at Kakanfo Inn, Gen. Tuoyo called to thank me for making him and mama do some exercises by climbing the stairs to the floor where the event held. I got him message and noted that subsequent Dinners are better held on the ground floor, bearing in mind the interests of our Table 1 members (more senior citizens in the Club)
We commiserate with Mama and the children as well as other members of the family on the graceful transition of General Tuoyo and pray for God’s comfort and mercies, at all times.
ADETUNJI ADEPEJU
Chairman
May this distinguished officer and exemplary gentleman live on in the Officers who learnt from him. May he rest in perfect peace and may Almighty God comfort Mama and the family.
Dr. Tony Marinho
Praise God for the transition of a Soldier and a Gentleman who has joined the Church Triumphant. Rest in Peace General.
Dr. Tosin Atewologun
Celebration of a good life spent.
We pray for the soul of the departed to Rest in Peace and grant the families the strength to carry on.
Oluwafemi Abioye
Baba you have leaved a fulfilled life. We will miss your soft spoken words in the Dinning Club. May your soul rest in peace and may God grant the members of this Club and his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Dr. Wale Fasakin
Brig. General Tuoyo (rtd) has joined the saints. What a great loss!
May God grant his gentle soul sweet repose. May He comfort the family and all his loved ones.
Pastor Yinka Adepoju
He was a great individual. May he rest in perfect peace and may God console the family and Fellow Diners.
Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo
May the soul of Brig. General S. Esi Tuoyo (retd) rest in perfect peace. He will be missed.
Jimi Ajijola
IN HONOUR of
Emeritus Ayo Banjo
An Ode to Emeritus Ayo Banjo at the Special Meeting of Ibadan Dining Club held on Monday, May 27, 2024
Professor Ayo Banjo who died on May 24, 2024 made his first appearance at a Ibadan Dining Club meeting on February 24, 1986. He was invited to join the Club, by virtue of his position as Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan. Other new attendees at the meeting were Micheletti A. C.; Hon. Justice S. O. Agbaje-Williams; J. B. Aribisala.
Dr. Tony Marinho was present at the January 27, 1986 meeting while S. A. Ajibade, C. S. O. Akande were at the March 31, 1986. I am pleased to welcome Mr. Banwo Smith who attended the Club’s meeting on May 26, 1986 with late Anthony Aneni (former Chairman), late B. T. Akinwale, Sam Okunribido and Edet Nkposong who I learnt also passed on recently.
Professor Ayo Banjo took up the position of Chairman of Ibadan Dining Club on and served meritoriously until 19 but he was always the unanimous choice as Interim Chairman whenever a sitting Chairman was unavailable at a meeting.
Attendance at meetings
I joined the Ibadan Dining Club in April 1995, and my search through records of members attendance in those early years showed that Professor Ayo Banjo scored the following marks:
1. 1995/96- 12/12
2. 1996/97- 10/10
3. 1997/98 – 11/11
Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo was a highly consistent, always prompt Diner, who always came in company of his academic elder twin brother, Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, who graciously agreed to be physically present at this meeting.
Personally, I benefitted a lot from the wealth of administrative turbo-charged capacity of Professor Banjo and had the privileged of drinking from his well of wisdom. On some occasions I had approached him for guidance on how best to resolve some issues arising from my position as Chairman with our members who tried to show me “some pepper” in the conduct of our Club’s affairs.
In my tribute titled “I met him before I met him”, on pages 76 – 77 in the publication by Department of English, University of Ibadan “AYO BANJO – Tributes and thoughts at 80” I stated, inter alia:
In July 2008 my company was invited to facilitate a Workshop on ‘Shared Vision for Service Excellence in Tertiary Institutions’ at the Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso. I had to look for a resource person that could really command the high level of respect and experience that would douse the brewing tension on the campus. My mind went to no other personality than Prof., Ayo Banjo.
I approached him after one of our Club’s dinner with the request and without hesitation, he obliged to speak as the Lead Facilitator on “Ladoke Akintola University and the Evolving Nigeria University System”. The mere mention of his name in the university’s circular to all expected participants – Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments/Units and Faculty Officers made those who did not plan to attend to show up. The moment Prof. Banjo stepped into the Senate Building those who were not supposed to attend the workshop gate-crashed. And we allowed them in.
Prof. Ayo Banjo was given a standing ovation and virtually all the participants struggled to have a personal handshake with him and he obliged them.
Emeritus Professor Ladipo Ayodeji Banjo, humble, modest, unassuming, punctual at events, highly organised, highly respected always impeccably dressed towered above many of his peers, did enjoy the mercies of the Almighty, morning by morning. Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo exuded and shared the grace bestowed on him by God with many people that came across him, until he breathed his last on Friday, May 24, 2024.
IN HONOUR of
Chief Dr Raymond Zard
(Ray of Hope)
He was Admiral of the Business Fleet.
He was the Quintessential Eveready, Multifaceted, Multitasking Benefactor to Organisations like Rotary, Educare Trust, Nigerwives. IBADAN Dining Club and 1000 others, etc
He did the same for families, groups and individuals totalling countless millions-directly and indirectly-.
He was the Exemplary Superb Host who never tired of receiving visitors with his characteristic smile and welcoming arms and generous entertainment with music to match while dispensing wise words, and marshaling the dispersal of Luxurious Liquids and Superb Cuisine from his Perch at his homebased Ray's Bar.
Those days and many of the actors have moved from this world.
Many people will have their personal 'Dr Zard saved me' story to share.
Today we are suddenly forced to mourn a true giant among men who had a giant and gentle giving heart and the wherewithal, through hard work, to inflict bodily harm on affliction and poverty and needy circumstances.
The exit of Dr Raymond Zard challenges his Acolytes, his Admirers, his Beneficiaries and especially his Detractors to rise up, dust their garments, Learn from the Lessons and Lectures arising from the Zard Tsunami of Good and Great Works and follow the Chief, Dr RAK Zard Road to the alleviation of suffering in complete strangers. Even when health and relocation separated him from his chosen needy flock, he refused to turn away, minimised his own health issues and continued to act in an exemplary humanitarian manner, though long distance.
Many are given or Earn great wealth, but few have used 'So Much for so Many Others' as Uncle Ray.
May many more, wealthy in Treasure, Talent or Time, follow his spectacular and, dare I say, almost Saintly example. He rarely said 'No'.
May Uncle Ray, Life Patron and First Principle Sponsor of Educare Trust, Activities, among a 100 other Titles, Rest in Perfect Peace.
Dr Tony Marinho Founder, Founding Secretary, Educare Trust, Nigeria.
IN HONOUR of
Chief Joop Berkhout, OON
The Chief of the Source was very faithful to his work and calling. He was a truly good man. He lived well and was impactful.
May God grant his soul sweet repose. May He comfort Ernest, his son, and the family, his workers, friends, and associates.
Indeed, an era has ended in the vibrant intellectual circle of Ibadan.
Adieu Chief Joop Berkhout.....Requiescat in pace
Joop Berkhout was a wonderful person. He was the doyen of publishing in Nigeria, and from Spectrum to Safari, he nurtured several budding publishers who now control flourishing businesses of their own. Joop will travel any distance in Nigeria and abroad in quest of books. You can also count on him not to miss any worthwhile event, especially at the University of Ibadan Convocation, where his late friend and close associate, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, was Vice-Chancellor
The joke I usually make about Joop is that when he is standing near you, he smells books.
He never ceased to ask you about your autobiography, which, of course, he would publish. Joop Berkhout will be sorely missed in several circles. My condolences to his family, his staff, and the groups to which he belonged. May he rest in perfect peace!
Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose
Joop was a man that I have always known all my life…..he was my father’s boss at Evans after head hunting him from UI Bookshops where he worked in the late 1960…..
He mentored my father in publishing and art of sales and marketing…..
Later in life he would call me whenever he’s in the UK where I was residing and studying law inviting me over for lunch and talked about Nigeria and when would I join politics like my father…..
He was my brother’s God-father and he employed him at Spectrum…..
In his later years and as I ventured into government he would ask me of my experience in government and the challenges…..during our urban renewal projects in Ibadan; Chief was interested……being the Special Adviser on Environment then and my project he would make suggestions and recommendations on what we could do differently……
When I was appointed as the commissioner for youths …. Chief never stopped his interest in my development and progress always available for advice and encouragement……
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Abayomi Oke
May his great soul find peace with the Lord.
May the Lord console and comfort his family members and other loved ones he left behind Amen
Pastor Yinka Adepoju
He was indeed a great man, full of life and very industrious,life like all things created must surely come to an end , may God comfort the families he left behind both immediate and corporate
Dele Akinmusuti - Esq
A great friend & mentor is gone.
A very proud Nigerian who lets anyone around him know.
Adieu Chief Joop Berkhout.
Chief Babajide Olatunde - Agbeja
May the soul of Chief Joop BerKhout rest in peace. I had the opportunity of working very closely with him at SPECTRUM BOOKS in the nineties ,when I was editor in chief of African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences.We were able to resuscitate the dead and dormant Journal ,which has grown with International reputation, today.He was dependable and very committed to the growth of literally work in Nigeria.
He was a committed member of the Ibadan Dining Club and a 'proud' Nigerian-Duttch.!
Emeritus Professor Babatunde Onadeko, OFR.
May the soul of Chief Joop Berkhout rest in perfect peace. He was indeed a good man!
Ogbuefi Emeka Okoli
Chief Joop Berkhout was a great entrepreneur in the publishing Industry. His exemplary behaviour in this Industry especially in this country is quite remarkable and worth emulating. May his Soul rest in perfect peace.
Professor Biodun Adeyinka
May the soul of Chief Joop BerKhout rest in peace. SPECTRUM BOOKS was synonymous with excellence.
Professor Ayo Arowojolu
