i cant actually believe it!! i was just looking at all the pictures and it seems like it was just yesterday that all those things happened. i cant believe that i wont actually be able to take anymore photos with you. i just looked at the one where i was crying in the pool and even in my tears you still got me to wave at the camera. OMG..... wow. i cant believe you're actually gone... no more letters... even eating chips at Adelabu isn't the same without you. its so unbelievable.... wow!!! i literaly think about you like everyday. something always happens durioing the day that reminds me of you. i just wish you were here!!
i love you too much.
xx
I met Prof in 1983 at the Chapel of Transfiguration. First thing that struck me was his distinct voice. Getting to know him over the years birth a personal zeal and the willingness to want to be a part of the church that was directed by him every sunday morning. With that in mind, I became a part of the Chapel Choir years later. The discipline that grips everyone in the choir anytime we were informed that Prof was coming to address us showed that all concerned choir members needed to be alert, ready and attentive to whatever he was coming to say. That showed Prof's disciplinary attitude and no-nonsense personality! The service at the chapel of Transfiguration was complete. There were hymns, sermon and communion every sunday morning. Prof ensured that on the dot of 8.30am the service was over and it was time to put the benches back into the proper place used as sanctuary. Prof symbolized excellence. He was a man of action. He was very precise. He had no room to accomodate failure. He had a positive influence over his congregation. He was an encyclopeadia in himself. Prof was Highly knowledgeable, disciplined and he loved the Lord. He loved music and would "la" to introduce the tune to any music while the pianist is still looking for the right tune. Prof had no time to waste! He had a sharp and an alert mind. Prof sang most of the songs without looking into the hymnals. Prof brought out the best talent in each individual and maximized their potential. Prof initiated good music, corporate worship, supported and encouraged so many of us to excel. Prof was a blessing to my family. Knowing him and working with him to weave traditional wears for his daughters and Adekunle's wedding brought me closer to him and his family. He was very homely, warm, loving, caring and sometimes funny. I dread going into his office because it was always very cold in there. Prof was always on time. He was never late for service. He was always punctual at all services midweek, daily communion, and other unscheduled services. Prof was at his office and ready for service even when the flood almost swept our cars off the road during heavy downpours. He was in control and every one knew that when Prof was done with service and heading towards the Chapel of the Healing Cross; not one single piece of paper wouldl be seen on the path that led to the chapel. Prof was very organized and thorough. Papa was a symbol of excellence. He touched my life and that of my family in so many ways. I remember Papa coming to the airport to say "Farewell Flora" He rejoiced with me over my childrens sucess and freedom from incessant attack and bouts of armed robberies; Papa shared our problems and ensured that he prayed and encouraged us. That was how much Papa loved his congregation. My friendship with Papa's little sister (Auntie Modupe) opportuned me to get closer to Papa. Infact words are inadequate to express this loss. I know for sure that God will place a crown of glory over his head for the wonderful and excellent mission accomplished through him while he journeyed through this earth. Everytime I sing from the "Church Hymnal 4" the parting gift to my daughter when she was leaving for the USA ; and with the goodwill message which I still find difficult to read in Papas handwriting in 1997; Every prayer Papa said and the attendant blessings that were pronounced over her as she travelled leaves fresh memory in our hearts. Thank you so much Papa for impacting our lives and believing is us; thank you so much for being a blessing and speaking positively into our lives. Papa you had a voice like a cannon! You loved unconditionally and were very straight forward, faultless and faithful servant of the Most High God. You shaped lives, You moulded lives; You taught discipline and led by example. You were an epitome of wisdom. You were selfless and very warm. You were hgihly influencial and used your august position to the advantage of all. Everyone was equal and you were very accesible. I know that the church Triumphant in heaven welcomed you with loud shouts of Halleluya! All musical instruments heralded your welcome!! and all the Angels carried you to meet Jesus.!!!
Thank you so much Papa for being who you were. Your name will remain indelible in our heart and the hearts of all those who truely knew you. May God grant you Perfect Rest in Paradise and May Light perpetual shine upon you. Adieu Papa
Ven. & Prof. Olaitan was a thorough & understanding man of God. He touched so many lives and also touched the lives of my family as well. He used to call me D & O . He was a very dedicated to the works of Jehovah God. May His gentle soul rest in Perfect Peace. I will miss him greatly.
I met daddy in the late 80's whlie accompanying my grandad to Thursday services at The Chapel of The Healing Cross. He was so amazing that I looked forward to every thursday I had the opprotunity,to go to the chapel(the first person I met who prayed soundly in english and I was AMAZED! His personalty was admirable and as such I thought it would be nicer to get closer but little did I know that my brother was going to close the ranks as he dared walkin "in the valley of the shadow of Sam Ade Olaitan's vineyard" in search of hmmmm.....anyways,there was no need to fear any evil.
Daddy's person was infectious but it was positive all the way. To him,nothing seemed impossible except you didn't want to be a part of it.
For everything you stood and lived for-your values,beliefs,convictions,etc you will be greatly missed. Really don't know how my grandad will feel hearing about ur transition.
Enjoy a glorious time....As on the mount of transfiguration where mortality has been substituted for immortality and divinity reigns supreme,take your place.....
A Remarkable Person, Priest, Preacher and Professor
Dearest Venerable and Professor Samuel Adedapo Olaitan,
The patriarch of Chapel of the Healing Cross and Chapel of Transfiguration;
We will never forget you sir !
A minister par excellence, mentor, and model. Yours was a ministry and mission with undaunted passion.
You gave priesthood a human face, a human voice and a human touch. You knew us and called us by our first names and engaged us at any given opportunity. You touched our lives !
You were personable, a people-lover and a people-person. Your ministry was completely devoid of ethnic, tribal, or racial coloration and prejudice. Your friendship and fellowship new no bounds-it reached out to all- young and old, saints and sinners, friends and foes, Christians and Muslims. Our dear Prof, we will not forget you sir.
We were touched, motivated and captivated by your dynamism, diligence and discipline. Your commitment to your calling and to chapel was absolute and resolute. Your firm and focused leadership were unmistakable. Your sense of mission is unforgettable. You lived and died offering laudable worship and service to GOD and engaging us to do same. You prayed us to always remain within the boundaries where GODs love can reach us and bless us.
Your mission, vision and passion for GODs ministry have been engraved in the sands of time for posterity.
Our pledge is to uphold the virtues your ministry personified. Our consolation-GOD is a rewarder of them that diligently seek and serve Him.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has conceived what GOD as prepared for those who love him”
“O death where now is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory”
Adieu dear and most personable and passionate priest, preacher, and professor par excellence.
Adieu our dear Venerable and Professor Samuel Adedapo Olaitan
Christy Nene Okoromah