Tribute to a friend: A fallen Hero -Late Brigadier General Olatunji .L. Olayinka

Late Brigadier General Olatunji .L. OLAYNKA He was born on the 13th June, 1970; to the family of Late

High Chief & Mrs Lateef Olayinka-Onikoro (the then Onikoro of Agboyi & Former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs & Boundary Matters in Lagos State, Nigeria. It was a rude shock when I received the phone call that you have passed away on Friday 21st May 2021. Of course, first reaction was unbelief. I was together with you in February to celebrate your mom’s 75th birthday. We looked forward to your next promotion due for December this year when you would have become a full Major General in Nigerian Army you have served so meritoriously. I have served the nation most of your life in the North and we were hoping that with your promotion, you may finally have the chance to serve in the South West as G.O.C. either in Lagos or Ibadan. Wishes and wishes but all came to nothing as I received the sad news that my amiable friend is gone to great beyond. A friendship of 21 years ended without a parting word, I am pained to my bones.

Late Brigadier General Olatunji L. Olayinka, the then Acting Provost Marshall of Nigerian Army died in entourage with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in a plane crash in Kaduna on their way to Abuja for an official assignment, nine other officers perished in the crash. This is very personal to me; I have known him earlier before we met in The Netherlands during his Military Course in 2001 and our relationship got stronger and bigger afterwards. I am yet to fully understand your untimely death leaving behind a family and friends who loved you so much and appreciate your friendship. I remember how you look forward to receive your copy of The Voice magazine published in The Netherlands where I work and introduced you to my publisher, Pastor Elvis Iruh and subsequently you became friends as well. I can’t share the exciting magazine with you any longer as you look forward to seeing a copy each month. You are being remembered for various reasons, your cheerfulness, hospitality, and you are always available to render succours to those in need. You were an epitome of love, a man despite your military calling showed compassion to everyone that comes across you. You will be missed for your readiness always to serve your fatherland and you displayed your high level security experiences to help our country. I want it on record that you are one of those instrumental into the developmental negotiations on the Security challenges of Nigeria and you continued until death. May God Allah grant your repose soul an Aljanah and give your wife, children and the rest of the families, friends and associates the everlasting fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Continue to rest in Perfect Peace till we meet to part no more. Adieu my friend!! Survived by Aged Mother, Wife and Children. Fondly remembered by: Olatunji Matthew ODAGI Lagos, Nigeria.