Olayinka Clarence Adeniyi
1930 - 2025
Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord" - Revelation 14:13.
- Born on March 13, 1930
- Passed away in 2025
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Olayinka Clarence Adeniyi, born on March 13, 1930, and passed away in 2025. We will remember Olayinka forever.
Olayinka Clarence Adeniyi's Obituary
Clarence Olayinka Adeniyi was born in 1930 to Pa David Adeniyi and Mama Mary Adeniyi of Ogga, Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State. He was the third child among his siblings: Late Prof. Adeoye Adeniyi; Late Olatunde Adeniyi; Late Engr. Oladunjoye Adeniyi; Late Mrs. Tale Ojuekaiye; and Ijaola Adeniyi.
A self-made man blessed with God’s special favor, Olayinka Adeniyi had a remarkable educational journey. He began as a Grade II Teacher’s Certificate holder from the Lagos State Teachers’ Training College, Surulere, and later obtained his Ordinary and Advanced Level GCE from Odu Abore Secondary School. Through correspondence studies, he became a distinguished member of the Chartered Institute of Transport, London, and was among the first few individuals in Nigeria to pass the examinations. He further enriched his knowledge through various short courses, including Business Administration at the University of Lagos, Akoka.
As a dedicated educator, Olayinka Adeniyi taught at several institutions, including Baptist Primary School, Oke Ado, Ibadan; Ijero Baptist School, Apapa Road, Lagos; Clerical Training College, Surulere; and Yaba College of Technology, where he lectured in English Language and British Commonwealth History. His passion for education led him to co-found State High School (formerly Progress College), Lagos, where he instilled discipline and a strong work ethic in his students.
Beyond teaching, Olayinka Adeniyi ventured into business. He served as a director of a furniture company, owned a cold room business, and was the Managing Director of Gafis Glamour Garments Limited, Lagos. He also held several leadership positions in voluntary organizations, including Assistant Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Transport, Nigeria Section (1973–1975); General Secretary of the Nigeria–India Association (1973–1985); and President of the Rotary Club of Iju, District 9110 (1994–1995). He was an active Rotarian and the first President of the Boy Scouts of Ogba Local Association, Lagos State.
A man of strong faith, Olayinka Adeniyi served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos, and as Chairman of its Building Committee. He founded and nurtured the church’s Junior Choir and was an active member of the Men’s Missionary Union (MMU). He was an avid reader, accomplished orator, and lover of good music, particularly hymns and classical music.
A sports enthusiast, Olayinka Adeniyi was a talented footballer, lawn tennis player, and hockey player. He was among the first hockey coaches to train members of the Nigerian Police Force at the Police College, Ikeja, and was a foundation member of the Officers’ Mess at the college. As a member of the Ikeja Country Club, he enjoyed playing lawn tennis and spent many years training others in hockey. His passion for sports extended to coaching and promoting athletics, football, and hockey in Lagos schools. He also facilitated the Nigeria–India football friendly match in 1981.
A prolific writer, he published several articles in national newspapers and authored an unpublished book about his father titled Life and Times of David Osayingbemi Adeniyi: A Colossus Christian Activist during the Colonial Era in Nigeria.
Olayinka Adeniyi was a devoted family man, married to Olufunmilayo Mary Adeniyi for over 56 years, with four children: Bunmi, Bukky, Femi, and Kemi, and grandchildren: Pelumi, Ayomide, Korede, Ololade, and Oluwatobiloba. He passed away on 8th December 2025.
Olayinka will be deeply missed by family and friends. This memorial has been created to honor and celebrate the life of Olayinka Adeniyi.
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord" - Revelation 14:13.
Tributes & Condolences
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Dear Baba Olayinka Adeniyi, Your legacy lives on, and your impact will never be forgotten. May your gentle and kind soul continue to rest in peace. You touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing you, and your memory will remain a blessing to us all. Good night baba that loves everybody that comes around him. Dare Ayansina
Dear Grandpa, Goodnight, I've always looked up to you as a role model.My Mom's stories about your life are so inspiring. I'm glad I got to hear about the amazing things you did. I wish I could've known you better. I hope you're watching over us and guiding me to be the best version of myself. I'll make sure to keep your legacy alive. Love, Oluwatobiloba Olatunde
AN ICON HAS GONE HOME TO REST Stories begin and end, the sun rises and sets, people come and go, but some leave memories that can neither be forgotten nor erased. You were a rare kind of man - a blunt role model, a teacher per excellence, a disciplinarian and a genius unsung. Even as an easy going person, the values, morals and principles you projected are still alive. Your life was a great legacy. You were GOD fearing, lover of GOD and things of GOD. You were a legend choir master, a builder
A Tribute to My Late Father’s Friend, Pa Olayinka ADENIYI There are remarkable people who leave an indelible mark not only on the world, but also on the hearts of those around them. Today, I wish to honor one such man—a person who was a steadfast friend to my late father and together they built the Rotary Club of Iju. From my earliest memories, his presence was a constant—warm, genuine, and steadfast. He and my father shared a bond that transcended ordinary friendship; theirs was a brotherhood b
Our church Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Lisa has lost a pillar of faith, but heaven has gained a faithful servant. We honor an elder who walked closely with God. Though we feel the weight of his absence, we rejoice in the legacy he leave behind a legacy of service, faithfulness, and love. As Scripture reminds us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” your work on earth is complete, but the impact will live on in this church and beyond, good night Daddy.
On behalf of Emmanuel House Fellowship of Shepherdhill members to whom Baba belonged, and my own family, we thank God for the life of Baba Adeniyi. He was a fearless and faithful worker in the Lord’s vineyard. May the Lord bless the families and legacies he left behind. May the Lord grant his soul eternal rest. Amen. Deacon Vincent Kusimo, Shepherdhill Baptist Church
Celebrating an icon for a life well spent. Rest in peace dad. Yomi Fatumbi
We love you Uncle Yinka Adeniyi, but God loves you most. Sun re, sun re, sun re. Amen. Mrs. Funke Shekoni
Daddy, we love you, but God loves you best. I really thank God for his life well spent. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Baba lived an exemplary life, and it is worth emulating. God rest his soul. Mr. & Mrs. Adekunle, CAC Rescue Arena
Grandpa, thank you for being so caring. We miss you so much. May your gentle soul rest in perfect and everlasting peace. Demilade
Daddy, you are too dear to us. Your passing is sudden, and we wish you were still around with us. May your soul rest in peace. Babayemi Family
Good night, Grandpa. May your gentle soul rest in peace. Great man, loving father, and grandpa. Baba dada, sun re o. Amusan Family
A Tribute to Daddy Olayinka Adeniyi To the world, you were a hardworking, devoted role model in all you did, but to me, you were the man who raised the incredible person I married, and who welcomed me into his family with open arms. I didn't just gain a good wife when I married into this family; I gained a father. Daddy, you had a way of making me feel like I belonged. I’ll always remember your firm handshake that said "welcome," your unique phrases to welcome me, and the way you always asked ab
I give God Almighty all the glory for the life you've lived. I'm still in awe that you won't be here to celebrate my 55th birthday, which passed last December. Your special baritone voice and the unique birthday song you sang for me every year are greatly missed. You were a breath of fresh air, always making us laugh and creating unforgettable moments. Your fearlessness, boldness, and zest for life inspired me. I fondly remember asking, "Grandpa, how are you?" and your response would always be,
Tribute to Baba Iju It is with a heavy heart, yet with deep gratitude to God, that I pay this final tribute to Baba Iju—a man of honour, grace, and uncommon kindness. I am profoundly blessed to have known him, not only as the father of my beloved wife, but as a father who lovingly accepted me as his own son. Baba Iju was a man full of life, warmth, and joyful humour. From our very first meeting, his lively spirit was evident. I vividly remember how he asked about the etymology of my name—a sim
Rest in peace, Grandpa. Although I knew you for only a few years, your integrity inspired me, and I'll carry your legacy with me always. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Korede
A heartfelt tribute to a remarkable man, my late father-in-law. It's difficult to put into words the impact he had on our lives, but I want to celebrate the goodness of God that shone through his life. Grandpa's unwavering gratitude to God for His blessings was truly exemplary. He was a faithful steward of God's resources, and his generosity knew no bounds. As I reflect on his life, I'm reminded of the words of Apostle Paul: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept
The news of your passing away to glory was received with shock, but we are consoled by the exemplary life that you lived with sweet and loving memories. Your love for God was at its core. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Phil 1:21). Daddy, as we fondly called Pa Clarance Olayinka Adeniyi, was a daddy to many. Your appearance lightens up the room. Your smile and sense of humor were second to none. Like you'll always say, "Se O'un chop life." You encouraged us and lifted up our s
To a dear great man and mentor, we remember you with love and gratitude. Your lively humor and hearty laughter brightened every room, and your favorite phrase, 'We are great planners,' reminded us to dream big and act wisely. Your kindness, wisdom, and presence in our lives growing up left a lasting impact. You were more than a jolly good family friend to our parents; you were family. Your legacy of love, integrity, and community will live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, and thank you for