Genial Ayo Sogbuyi, the respected publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Afrika Konnekt News Network (AKNN) is bereaved but finds solace in celebrating the life of his dear friend and esteemed business partner, the late Oladipo Adenrele Soremekun, affectionately known as Lado. Together, they co-founded ‘Ontime Courier Services’, embarking on a journey underscored by camaraderie and shared successes. Lado’s passing on Sunday, March 3, in Los Angeles, California, USA, at the age of 71, leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him.
Family, friends, and well-wishers have come together to arrange his final burial ceremony, scheduled for Monday, March 18, at the esteemed High Desert Funeral & Cremation in Hesperia, California. It is not merely a family affair but a collective tribute from a community united in grief and fond remembrance. Lado was more than a friend; he was a guiding light, deeply woven into the fabric of their personal and professional lives.
Reflecting on their shared journey, Sogbuyi reminisces on Lado’s profound impact, both in their business ventures and beyond. His legacy of vitality and warmth is celebrated by those whose lives he touched.
“I am reminded every day of the lasting impact you made in my life, both within and beyond the confines of our workplace as business partners. I also take time to celebrate the vibrant life you led,” he emphasized.
Gbolade Egberongbe, a founding partner in Ontime Courier Services, echoes sentiments of gratitude and reverence. He acknowledges Lado’s influence with heartfelt thanks for the memories, guidance, and laughter shared under Lado’s stewardship. His spirit, Egberongbe assures, will forever illuminate their collective path, guiding them through both triumphs and challenges. Lado may have departed, but his legacy endures, as an ever-present beacon of inspiration.
“Thank you, Uncle Ladi, for the memories, the guidance, and the laughter. Your spirit will always be a part of our team, and your memory a guiding light in our lives. Rest in peace, dear uncle and colleague. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten”.
The Eternal Profile of Late Oladipo Adenrele Soremekun:
Born March 16, 1953, in the chilly town of Jos, Plateau State, in Northern Nigeria, to very devoted Christian parents, the late Most Senior Apostle Henry Adeyinka Soremekun and late Iya-Ijo Mother in Isreal Helen Olutayo Soremekun, nee Aderupoko-Coker of Bakatari, both from Egbaland, Abeokuta Ogun State.
Late Oladipo Adenrele Soremekun moved to Bauchi, with his late parents, and siblings where he enrolled to start his primary education at St. Paul Primary School, Baya Geri, off Kofa Wunti, Bauchi.
Following the Nigerian civil war of 1966-1967, Ladi along with his junior sister Foluke Soremekun, left their mother, his brother Bayolee, his sisters, Funmilayo, Bimbo and Sumbo to live with his late father who had earlier relocated to Lagos and they all stayed together as a family at Number 23, Obadeyi Street, Oko-Baba, Ebute-Meta, Lagos.
He was later enrolled into Ijero Municipal Primary School, to continue his primary education. After his primary education, he gained admission into African Church Grammar School, Ilesa for his secondary education, but later moved back to Jos to continue his secondary education at Naraguta College, Bauchi Road, Jos.
As an active athlete, Ladi moved to Ilorin for a brief stay with his late sister, Funmilayo to pursue his interest in sports, which later became a career for him in the field of both Volleyball and Basketball at State, National and International levels, where he won many medals. As a pioneer volleyball coach under the employment of Ogun State Sports Council, from 1976, Ladi later enrolled on the prestigious National Institute for Sports at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos for his Grades 2 & 3, Coaching course, which was sponsored by his sister, Bimbo Soremekun.
During his active playing years, it is on record that Ladi was the only volleyball player who spiked a leather volleyball and the ball got deflated.
His journey took an international turn when he ventured to Los Angeles, California, USA, in 1981, sponsored by his sister Sumbo Soremekun. There, he embarked on a career in the courier services industry, ultimately co-founding Ontime Courier Services with Ayo Sogbuyi and Gbolade Egberongbe.
Lado’s personal life was equally rich and fulfilling. He found love and companionship with Venerra, his beloved wife, a beautiful Black American woman. Their union bore fruit in the form of children – Adeyinka, Funmilayo, Lanre (Shawn), Sola, and Bayo – who now carry on his legacy with dignity and pride. Additionally, his grandchildren, Mia and Micheal Jr., brought him immeasurable joy and pride.
As Lado bids farewell to this world, he leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and a network of loved ones too numerous to count. His sisters, Bimbo, Sumbo, and Mofoluke, with his extended family, both near and far, mourn his loss deeply. May his caring soul find eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire all who knew him.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
