Though he has died since May 1995, the family, friends and associates of the late Pa Clement Olajide Thomas rolled out the drums to celebrate their late father and grandfather in what they described as a moment of remembrance of someone who meant a lot to them.
The place to be on 31 May 2025 was Mati Olayiwola Street in the Egbeda area of Lagos where the family hosted dignitaries to the remembrance and final burial ceremony of Pa Clement Olajide Thomas.
“We gather together to mark a significant milestone in the life history of our beloved father. 30 years have passed since his passing and yet his memory remains etched in our hearts. Today, we come together again to pay our final respects, to celebrate his life, and to bid a farewell to a whose impact on our lives cannot be measured.
“Over the years, times May have taken its toll, but the memories of our father remain vivid and alive and today, we take a moment to reflect on the lessons he taught us, the values he instilled in us and the love he shared with us,” said Olusegun Thomas, the eldest of the children of the late Pa Thomas.
WATCH MOMENT DEACONESS FUNMILAYO THOMAS WAS DANCING WITH THE CHILDREN
The wife of the late Pa Clement Olajide Thomas, Deaconess Dorcas Folorunsho Funmilayo Thomas was full of praises to the Almighty God for everything, even as she recalled the moment of her husband’s death which she described as very shocking.
Olusegun in his tribute said that “It’s saddened that you left us, but you didn’t leave us in vain, you left us a legacy, I am grateful for your existence because through you, we possibly could not have existed,
His wife, Mrs Bukola Thomas said her husband has always singing praises his father at home on many occasions to show how loveable Pa Thomas was to his children during his lifetime.
Thomas Folashade Omowunmi – Awoyode was so emotional in her tribute describing her father as a testimony of the power of love, hard work, strength, resilience and dedication.
“You taught me the importance of family, integrity and compassion. You inspired me to be a better version of myself, your memory shaped me into the person I am today. Though, you were no longer here to share in my joy and struggles, I believe your spirit is continuously guiding and protecting me,” Folashade said.
Reflecting on the absence of her father, she said: “As I reflect on the past 30 years, I remember the challenges I faced without you, the hardship of life, the pain of losing you, the pain of being without a father, the pain of having to grow without a strong man that my father was. In this cruel world, the pain of you not being around me when I desperately needed a fatherly advice and guidance. Your absence has indeed left a great void in my life even till the present time.”
To Olabode Thomas, he would never forget his late dad’s unwavering desire to give his children a comfortable life. “You were always so grateful to God that all your children were healthy. Your hard labour has not gone unrewarded,” Olabode said.
Mrs. Adebayo Oluwatosin Thomas said that she had heard countless stories over the years of your great strength, integrity, wisdom and quiet kindness. A husband who lives deeply, a father who led with compassion and a man and who left lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path.
Abiodun Thomas in his tribute celebrated his dad “for all you did for me, every little thing that helped raised me till you passed. I am a father now and I know it’s not easy, so all I’m saying today is thank you,” he said.
One of the daughters in-law, Tolulope Dolapo Thomas said she came to know the late Pa Thomas through “the incredible man (her husband) has become. Your legacy lives through him, and I’m constantly reminded of the values and love you instilled in him, even your absence.
“As his partner, I have seen glimpses of you in his kindness, compassion, and strength. Your influence had shaped him into an amazing person, and for that, I am eternally grateful,” Dolapo said.
The remembrance ceremony was a moment for the family members, friends and well wishers to rejoice and dine with the family of the late Pa Clement Olajide Thomas.
