In the past few days, I joined countless others—family, friends, and admirers alike—to bid a heartfelt farewell to one of Modakeke’s finest intellectual treasures, Chief Gabriel Adeyemo Adeyemi-Ale. From the somber Wake-Keep and Service of Songs to the Final Outing Ceremony, emotions ran deep. It was a time of profound reflection, shared memories, hearty reunions, and the familiar abundance of food and drink that marks such cultural celebrations. Yet, beneath the visible festivities, a single truth resonated most powerfully: Baba's legacy is immortal.

Chief Adeyemi-Ale was not merely a respected elder; he was a profound scholar, a quiet revolutionary of thought, and a passionate custodian of history. My journey with him began some fifteen years ago when I was privileged to work on the typesetting and design of his monumental work, The History and Development of Christianity in Modakeke. That encounter offered me my first true glimpse into Baba’s extraordinary intellect—a mind that wove together meticulous research, cultural insight, and an unwavering dedication to truth.

Though life’s tides occasionally pulled us apart, our bond deepened again in the years leading up to his passing. During that time, I rediscovered not just Baba’s scholarly excellence but also his humility, his kindness, and his relentless drive to pour out his vast knowledge for the benefit of coming generations. Baba was a man who lived by a principle too rare today: he sought not to hoard wisdom but to die empty, having emptied himself into the world through his writings and teachings.

I vividly recall a touching moment—one last planned meeting that, heartbreakingly, never materialized. Weeks before his death, Baba called and followed up with a text, eager to reconnect and share yet another moment of mentorship. Fate intervened, and the next call I received confirmed the worst: the rumour of his passing was true.

Yet, in truth, great men like Baba do not die—they transcend. His spirit, housed in his numerous books, manuscripts, and the countless lives he touched, lives on. From casual references to his work by distant professors to the thoughtful conversations that left you richer in spirit, Baba’s influence quietly permeated beyond geographical and academic boundaries.

During one of my final visits to his Adeowo residence, what began as a short courtesy call evolved into nearly two hours of deep, enriching dialogue. Baba, true to form, gifted me two of his books and spoke with a youthful passion about ongoing manuscripts he longed to complete. His mission was clear: he wanted to leave no wisdom buried, to gift every insight to the generations that would come after him.

To Baba’s family, I offer a heartfelt plea: retrieve and publish his unfinished works. His wisdom deserves to breathe, to reach beyond the drawers and old cabinets where they may now rest. Let his light continue to illuminate minds, inspire hearts, and educate seekers of truth for years to come.

Rest well, Chief Samuel Gabriel Adeyemo Adeyemi-Ale. You lived with purpose, you led with humility, and you gifted the world with wisdom beyond measure. Your chapter may have closed on earth, but your story will never end.