Otunba Segun Showunmi Pays Emotional Tribute on The Passing Of Rt. Hon. Soyemi Coker

Rt. Hon. Soyemi Coker: Farewell to a Worthy Son of a Great Lineage.

Itesi ọ̀rọ̀kì. Ọmọ Olúkójìyà. Ọmọ Adérùpókò. Ọmọ Olúfùsíbù Coker Adérùpókò.

It is strange to read of your demise. It is one of those moments when the mind rejects what the eyes have seen. Yet, painful as it is, reality remains stubborn.

My Egbon, it is truly unbelievable.

You were not merely a man of public service; you were a worthy heir to one of the most distinguished lineages in Egbaland. A son of Olúfùsíbù Coker Adérùpókò, the illustrious house that produced the first Oluwo of Itesi, a family woven deeply into the history and development of our people.

Your forebears were not spectators in the making of Egbaland. They were builders of society. The lineage is remembered for providing the first organized protective military militia for Egba people at a critical period in our history, standing as guardians of the land and defenders of the community when courage and sacrifice were demanded. They understood that a people must first be secure before they can prosper.

They were also visionaries. Long before education became fashionable, the Adérùpókò family recognized its power and became pioneers in encouraging learning by providing incentives for education, helping to nurture a culture of scholarship and enlightenment among our people. In this way, they helped shape not only the security of Egbaland but also its intellectual foundation.

That proud ancestry echoes through the famous family refrain:

“Bàtà mi àrò kò kò kà; tí ó bá kà, wọ́n á tà á, àrò kò kò kà.”

A description so enduring that it became a family identity and surname. You carried that heritage with grace, dignity, and honour. More importantly, you added to it through your own life of service, leadership, and commitment to the common good.

For those privileged to know you personally, we encountered a man of warmth, humour, wisdom, and uncommon accessibility. You never carried yourself with unnecessary airs. You spoke with people, not at them. You listened. You cared. You remained deeply connected to your roots and your people.

As I reflect on your passage, memories come rushing back. The conversations, the laughter, the camaraderie, and the reassuring feeling that whenever Soyemi was around, sound judgment and good sense would be present.

Egbaland has lost a distinguished son. Ogun State has lost a statesman. The Adérùpókò family has lost a proud standard-bearer. Many have lost a friend. I have lost an Egbon.

The pain is greater because it came without warning. There were still conversations to be had, counsel to receive, and moments to share. But death, as always, chooses its own hour.

Yet, even in grief, we thank Almighty God for the privilege of your life. Yours was a life that reflected the best traditions of your ancestry service, courage, leadership, and commitment to community. The same spirit that made your forebears builders of Egbaland remained evident in your own conduct and contributions.

As you journey to join the ancestors, may they receive you with honour befitting a son of Olúfùsíbù Coker Adérùpókò. May your memory remain a blessing. May your family find comfort in your legacy. And may future generations continue to draw inspiration from the noble heritage you represented so well.

Farewell, my Egbon.

Farewell, Rt. Hon. Soyemi Coker.

Sun re o. Iranti yin kii yoo parẹ. A o pade l’ẹyin odi.

Otunba Segun Showunmi

Odofin Keesi 

Odofin Kemta