Celebrating the Legacy of
late mr. rufus afolayan osayomi
biography
about mr. rufus Afolayan osayomi
Rufus Afolayan Osayomi, a name that resonates with warmth, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to faith and family, was born in August 1950 to the Osayomi family of Odo-Ode, Ewu-Ekiti, in the Ilejemeje local government area. As the first child of seven siblings—five brothers and one sister—Rufus grew up with a natural sense of responsibility and leadership. His early years were spent in Ekiti State, where he completed his primary education before venturing to Lagos State in search of greener pastures. Little did he know that his journey would leave an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.
In Lagos, Daddy Afolayan’s (as he was fondly called) industrious spirit shone brightly. He worked in several production plants, where his dedication, efficiency, and integrity quickly earned him the respect of his peers and superiors. Rising to the position of foreman, he won numerous awards, a testament to his hard work and commitment to excellence. But Rufus was not one to rest on his laurels. He also mastered the art of tailoring, a skill he used to serve both the high and low of society. His needle and thread brought joy to many, including some top members of the Nigerian military, who trusted him to create garments that reflected their stature. Rufus’s hands were not just skilled; they were an extension of his generous heart.
In September 1991, Mr Rufus married the love of his life, Mrs. Deborah Adunni Larape Afolayan. Their union was a beautiful story of love, faith, and mutual respect, blessed with three wonderful children and men: Daniel, Stephen, and Emmanuel. Rufus was not just a father; he was a mentor, a guide, and a source of unwavering support. His family was his pride and joy, and he poured his heart into raising his children with Christian values and a deep sense of discipline. He often turned to his favorite Bible chapter, Romans Chapter 12, which he read frequently during family devotions, instilling in his children the importance of living a life of service, humility, and love.
Rufus’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. A dedicated and born-again Christian, he served diligently at the Deeper Life Bible Church as part of the prayer warrior team. His commitment to his faith was evident in everything he did, from his jovial demeanor to his firm yet loving approach to life. He was a man who could light up a room with his laughter and yet command respect with his wisdom. Daddy Afolayan saw everyone around him as family, treating friends and fellow believers with the same warmth and affection he reserved for his blood relatives. His daughter-in-law, Modupe Afolayan, married to his son Daniel, held a special place in his heart. He often referred to her as his own daughter, a reflection of his boundless capacity to love and embrace others.
Despite battling kidney disease in his final four years, Rufus faced his challenges with grace and cheerfulness. His illness never dimmed his spirit or his laughter. Even on his most difficult days, he would sing hymns, finding solace and strength in worship. On his last day on earth, January 28, 2025, he was recorded singing hymns, a fitting farewell for a man whose life was a song of faith and resilience. His ability to remain joyful in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Rufus’s love for his wife, Deborah, was a beautiful testament to the power of partnership and devotion. The couple was inseparable, often seen together at events and occasions, their bond a shining example of marital bliss. Rufus was deeply committed to his wife’s catering business, waking up as early as 4 a.m. on some days to help her prepare for the day. His support was unwavering, a reflection of his selflessness and dedication. He never shied away from hard work or responsibility, embodying the values of diligence and perseverance.
Rufus Afolayan Osayomi was a man of many layers—a dedicated worker, a skilled tailor, a loving husband, a doting father, an omoluabi, and a faithful servant of God. He was jovial yet firm, disciplined yet compassionate, and always ready with a smile or a word of encouragement. His love for children was evident in the way he played with them, and his accommodating nature made everyone feel at home in his presence. He was a man committed to his causes, whether it was his faith, his family, or his community.
As we remember Rufus, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life that touched countless hearts and left a legacy of love, faith, and laughter. His favorite verse, Romans 12, encapsulates the essence of who he was: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rufus lived these words every day, and though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift us all. Rest in peace, Rufus Afolayan Osayomi—a true man of God, a loving family man, and a friend to all.
Tributes & Condolences
Heartfelt tributes and condolences that honor the legacy and life of late mr. rufus afolayan osayomi
condolence
May his soul rest in peace.
Daniel afolayan
son
tribute
Daddy Is A Loving And Protective Father. A Strong Man, A Fighter Who Fought For His Survival But Has God Would Choose It, He Gives And Takes
To Will Forever Be In Our Hearts. Rest Well Daddy, I Love You But God Loves You More.
Osayomi funmilayo
Daughter
tribute
Daddy is a loving and father., A strong man, a fighter who fought for his survival. But as God would have it, He gives and takes.But God Knows the best , Rest well, Daddy. I love you, but God Do you more.
Osayomi Joseph
Son
tribute
It’s so painful daddy died few days i left the house,daddy was my best Friend at home,he is never against what i did or what am doing…..Daddy is good,supportive,strong,passionate like this man no lazy with the fact he is strong Daddy i miss you will always do. I know youre resting 
I love you Baba Afolayan as mummy will Say.
Osayomi hannah Ayomide
Daughter
tribute
His love for his family was unwavering, and he always made us feel special. He was a man of integrity and principle, and his example will continue to inspire us for years to come. While his absence leaves a void in our hearts, his spirit will forever live on in the lives he touched.Daddy may you so Rest in per peace
Osayomi Christianah Bolajoko
Niece
tribute
I know you are not here anymore, but I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thank you for being my father, I’m so proud to be your son . I will always carry your love and memory with me. (RIP DAD)
Stephen afolayan
Son
condolence
My brother,good night we shall meet at bosom of Christ on restoration day (Osayomi Joshua)
Joshua osayomi
Brother
tribute
You have left your footprints with glory on the sand of time. Your name will be remembered for a long time, and your story will be told for generations. R.I.P
Adebayo Oluwasesan Adedayo
Family
condolence
Dad, your passing leaves a huge void, but my heart is filled with memories of our time together—the laughter, adventures, and prayers. I remember how you longed for everlasting rest because the pain was unbearable. I’m sad and happy at the same time, knowing you’re in a better place—no more pain, no more dialysis, no more suffering. Your love, wisdom, and spirit will live on through me. Thank you for being an amazing dad.
Afolayan emmanuel
Son
condolence
May his soul rest in peace.
Daniel afolayan
son
tribute
Daddy Is A Loving And Protective Father. A Strong Man, A Fighter Who Fought For His Survival But Has God Would Choose It, He Gives And Takes To Will Forever Be In Our Hearts. Rest Well Daddy, I Love You But God Loves You More.
Osayomi funmilayo
Daughter
tribute
Daddy is a loving and father., A strong man, a fighter who fought for his survival. But as God would have it, He gives and takes.But God Knows the best , Rest well, Daddy. I love you, but God Do you more.
Osayomi Joseph
Son
tribute
It’s so painful daddy died few days i left the house,daddy was my best Friend at home,he is never against what i did or what am doing…..Daddy is good,supportive,strong,passionate like this man no lazy with the fact he is strong Daddy i miss you will always do. I know youre resting I love you Baba Afolayan as mummy will Say.
Osayomi hannah Ayomide
Daughter
tribute
His love for his family was unwavering, and he always made us feel special. He was a man of integrity and principle, and his example will continue to inspire us for years to come. While his absence leaves a void in our hearts, his spirit will forever live on in the lives he touched.Daddy may you so Rest in per peace
Osayomi Christianah Bolajoko
Niece
tribute
I know you are not here anymore, but I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thank you for being my father, I’m so proud to be your son . I will always carry your love and memory with me. (RIP DAD)
Stephen afolayan
Son
condolence
My brother,good night we shall meet at bosom of Christ on restoration day (Osayomi Joshua)
Joshua osayomi
Brother
tribute
You have left your footprints with glory on the sand of time. Your name will be remembered for a long time, and your story will be told for generations. R.I.P
Adebayo Oluwasesan Adedayo
Family
condolence
Dad, your passing leaves a huge void, but my heart is filled with memories of our time together—the laughter, adventures, and prayers. I remember how you longed for everlasting rest because the pain was unbearable. I’m sad and happy at the same time, knowing you’re in a better place—no more pain, no more dialysis, no more suffering. Your love, wisdom, and spirit will live on through me. Thank you for being an amazing dad.
Afolayan emmanuel
Son
captured moments
Life is a collection of fleeting moments—capture them before they fade, for the memories we hold are the ones that truly last.
sweet…
Memories
Program Details
join us as we celebrate the legacy of mr. rufus afolayan osayomi
Wake Keeping
- Address: 5, Bamako Street, Bamako Estate, Omole, Ikeja Lagos.
- Date: Wednesday, April 9th, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM
Burial Ceremony
- Location: Deeper Life Bible Church, Aiyetoro Ekiti, Ekiti State.
- Date: Saturday, April 12th, 2025.
- Time: 10:00 AM
Internment & Reception
- Location: Odo-Ode, Ewu Ekiti, Ekiti State.
- Date: Saturday, April 12th, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM (Immediately following the burial ceremony)
Share Your Condolences and Tribute
Join us in honoring their memory by sharing your heartfelt condolences and tributes
Contact
Stephen Afolayan (+234 816 089 2680) for directions to the wake-keeping and transportation arrangements to Ewu-Ekiti for the burial ceremony.