TRIBUTE TO A PAL AT 70

It gives me great pleasure to rejoice with a compatriot at 70yrs.It is indeed through God’s mercy that Prof Philip Shola Olatunji weathered the storms of life and emerged unscathed. Writing a tribute to you is like describing a coat of many colors and as such I will mirror you through the nearly three decades that our paths crossed. Academics I respect your scholarship because you have proven to be a national and international erudite scholar, not just of your calling in Haematology; you are a compound educated rational mind who teaches with passion and conviction. You put a style to making difficult things appear easy yet I cannot remember any expression of academic arrogance despite your vast knowledge. Philip the Family Man Having followed up your family life as a friend, I cannot see a better soul mate in your loin, save Ayo, a feminine gender of Philip. I see no ‘feferity’ in your love life but a stoic body language that portrays intense linear love toward your spouse and children that is purer than diamond Shola and Faith Sometimes I feel that you may be the 13th disciple of God because I am convinced that you have made peace with God and have held on to Him tenaciously. You are a realist who goes to equity with clean hands. You have not allowed natural factors such as ethnicity, colour, or race to becloud your judgement. Indeed, as it has pleased God to spare your life till date, hold on fast and firm to your faith. Shola the Stormy Petrel Dare him not! Shola is the last man to shy away from a crisis and I can bear witness that betrayal is not a word for him no matter the constraints. Arguing with Shola is like wrestling amoeba. You will hardly get a hold of him. He puts a superior argument, and at the point when you think you have quashed the argument, he retreats, bends his neck to the left and with piercing eyes, he gives a wry smile, followed by a laughter which I describe as ‘Abalabic’. At this juncture, be rest assured that he has a superior counter, and will spring it on you like ‘Amotekun’. Shola is firm, courageous, and ruthless when need be, but beneath this tough skin is a humane, kind, rational and discerning personality who will choose hardship to make life softer for others.

During the years of academic tribulation, when there was need to recapitulate, Philip chose to be among the last men standing. My dear beloved brother, I am convinced that at 70, you are fulfilled. More importantly, you know the God that you serve. I pray to God to count you as one of those he would show mercy, and give you more years, good health and prosperity. You will indeed remain a trusted buddy. Remain Blessed. *Hmmm─ the kids are a chip off the old block. Please ask Toni about conspiracy. Your pal, Obi Ibegbulam (Consultant Haematologist)