Kunle Adelabu
It has been all shock and disbelief since yesterday when the news of the passing on of the retired Director ofLagos State Ministry of Finance and former Council Administrator, Dr Olasunkanmi Odesanya (Steppy) broke out.
Dr Olasunkanmi Odesanya, an unassuming gentleman and thorough bred professional passed on Friday, at 63 years after a brief illness and has since been buried on the same day.
The late Odesanya, was a former Head of Council Administration/Council Manager before transferring his services to the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, where he retired as a Director.
Since the announcement of his death, many prominent personalities in and out of Ikorodu and other residents have expressed their sympathy and paid tributes to his memory.
While alive, Steppy mentored so many young souls and impacted greatly on his family, where he was highly venerated and called “Olori Ebi’ (family head) and a ‘Five Star General’, to emphasise his importance and esteem. It was also the same thing within the Ikorodu community, and the public service at large.
Sir Ayodele Elesho, KJW, the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom and former Commissioner for Information, Lagos State, reacting to the sad news, wrote:
“What a great loss.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace & fortitude granted to his wife, children & the family at large.”
Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, Barr SOK Shillings, also paying tributes to his former friend, wrote in consolation:
“My condolence to the Odesanya family on the demise of ‘General’ Sulaimon Odesanya a.k.a ‘Stepi’. He was my senior at the College. An amiable easy-going introvert. A distant friend and a pleasure to be with. A Doctor of Philosophy and a philosopher indeed. Retired civil servant of a high cadre and quality. Last saw him at his place at Oke-Ota-Ona mentoring his battalion of cerebral siblings. Neat and fit!
“This goes to Mickey, the dread, Distinguished Hon. Sunmi, Japhet(ism), Kunle, the Law, le Prof., those others and Tope, the energetic wife. I missed the funeral but I feel you.
“May his ascension be one of deserved grace while the Lord God grants all the fortitude to accept our inevitable fate of life and living.
“Adieu Stepi!”
Otunba (Dr.) Fatai Olukoga, former Special Adviser on Education to Governor of Lagos State, also paying his tribute, reacted:
“OMG!!!!
“May his soul rest in perfect peace and may GOD give his family the serenity to endure his irreplaceable loss”.
Wife of the former Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, who herself is a senior public servant, Yeye Adeola Agunbiade, also paid her tributes:
“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. What a loss. He was truly a kind and gentle soul. May God comfort his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Sir Soji Onafowokan, a music professional and community leader, in his own tributes said:
“Requiem in pace.
“Olodumare grant the family strength to bear this irreparable loss…Amen.”
Mr Babatunde Afuwape, a chieftain of Igbogbo Development Association (IDEA) and member, Ikorodu Town Hall Management Board, also wrote:
“May his gentle soul rest in peace. May the Good Lord comfort the family he left behind.
“Please accept my condolences.”
A technical education expert and public analyst, Dr Wole Ajifowoke, penned condolences:
“May he find solace in the bosom of his creator and May the Almighty fortify his family with the strength to endure the irreparable loss.”
A community and political leader, Elder Olu Ominiyi, reacting to his death described it as great loss.
“What a calamitous rendition!
“A spotted sore in the heart of city!!!
“May his soul find a permanent succour within the ambience of the glory of God.
“Steppy good night.”
In his own tribute, Prince Adedoyin Jokotex, former Chairmanship aspirant, said:
“May his gentle soul rest in peace and may the Lord give the family fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. Amen.”
