To Baba Anthony.. From Monsignor Edward Akintunji Ogidan.
I met Baba Asaolu about 65 years ago, when I was in class one in the Major Seminary, SS. Peter and Paul, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The family, especially the Children and their mother, Chief Mrs Roseline Asaolu, was the person bringing the children to Sunday masses and attimes, for daily masses. Their presence was first noticed by Rev. Fr. John Ayo Ayodele from Usi Ekiti, the Parish headquarters of Usi Parish, where the Asaolus came from. It happened that Chief and Chief Mrs Asaolu schooled in Usi Ekiti, the home town of Fr. John Ayodele, in the late 50s. Every Major Seminarian likes to see or look for someone from his own home or State after the usual mass. We called it " Major Seminarians Social Contacts ", this is very important and popular, because the more people you know during this period, will determine the people who will attend your Ordination during your Ordination in your home Diocese. Not only that, it will also determine your gifts, purses, and later life communications. So knowing people during this time is as important as your level of horizon in future. Chief Rawa Asaolu was rarely seen or known by me, but he was well known by Rev. Fr. John Ayodele because they were from the same home Parish in Ekiti Diocese.
Ecclesiasticus;44:1-8>
"Next, let us praise illustrious men,.........some wielded authority as kings and were renowned for their strength; others were intelligent advisers and uttered prophetic oracles. Others directed the people by their advice, by their understanding of the popular mind, and by the wise words of their teachings; others composed musical melodies and set down ballads; others were rich and powerful, living peacefully in their homes. All these were honoured by their contemporaries and were the glory of their day. Some of them left a name behind them, so that their praises are still sung'“
Chief Anthony Rawa belong to these men. A man of deep simplicity, humility, intellectual depth and missionary spirit. Chief will long be remembered not only by his immediate family but, across the people he has come in contact with. Indeed ,he was a father to many, a mentor to lay people in his church, a mentor to many priests and a true teacher per excellence, whose life radiated wisdom and faith to all his students. Rawa was indeed a hero. Heroes are neither infallible nor impeccable. They are not perfect. They are heroes because, despite their imperfections, they are able to make positive contributions to the common life of the people around them. A hero or a model is one who is able to transcend his imperfection and biases in a radical turn to what is true, to what is good, to what is loving, to what is of God. Rather than dismiss them on account of their perceived imperfections, younger generations can learn from such people by emulating their wisdom and by avoiding the mistakes they have made: those who fail to acknowledge their heroes will never accomplish anything heroic. Chief Asaolu belongs to these group of heroes. A progressive thinker. A pace setter and a dynamic teacher.
May God console the immediate family and all who are left to mourn him. But I am sure that Baba can boast like St.Paul did to Timothy in those days: (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord will award to me on that day"
May God reward you, Baba, with the crown of glory.
Monsignor Edward Akintunji Ogidan