Hakeem, as I knew him and will always remember him: gentle, happy, amiable, gregarious, loving, smart and ambitious, jovial and playful yet serious and grounded. May your gentle and loving soul find sweet rest with the Lord. May your family find solace in their indelible memories of all the happy moments shared together and joyful comfort in their knowledge that your life, though short, was remarkable and deeply fulfilling. Lanre Animashaun Union, NJ

“To live in the hears we leave behind is not to die” Thomas Campbell As much as I would love, I just cannot divine the reason why you were taken from our midst at this time. The history of humankind, after all, is peppered with instances of people in the prime of their lives being snatched by the cold unfeeling clutch of death and people much smarter than any of us have tried, but failed, to answer the eternal question: Why? Since it is then futile for me to make any sense of this, I will retreat to find solace in more mundane philosophical pursuits such as the soothing saying of the Yoruba people that when a banana tree ties, it is replaced in the natural order by its offspring. Pal, your family – immediate and extended – and we your friends – casual ones and lifelong acquaintance – all mourn you and miss you. That makes you way ahead of uncountable souls who have passed unsung and unwept. Sleep well and happy happy trails, buddy. Barry and family

It was a call from Dare Lawal that sensitized me but got no confirmation until the following morning when I called Erelu Adenike Alli who dropped the bombshell and I quote "Sammy Jay, Uncle Hakeem ti ku o!". The question: Why again? flashes through my mind but no one could unravel the mystery behind this. Hakeem was a Gentleman and an Officer. I could recall his days with the State Security Service (then Nigeria Security Organisation-NSO), he served his country diligently and was never involved in any scandal. And at the appointed time he left the shores of 9ja to the US in search of greener pastures, and today I'm a living witness to success recorded by the man I sometimes refer to as the "Gentle Giant". His gentility is total, I mean from the way he walks, talk and coupled with his captivating smile. A jolly good fellow, a family man, caring father and an epitome of a good husband. Hakeem knows how to make his money work for him, resident in the US with business connection all over 9ja. My man you really paid your dues and reason why it's so painful that at the time to retire and eat the fruit of your labor you took the final bow. It is an understatement that your loved ones will miss you, the fact is the vacuum created by your unexpected and untimely exit will be very difficult to fill. I'll forever miss your love and care towards me and my family. And on behalf of the entire MAJOYEOGBE family I say Goodnight to a great friend and brother. -- Samson Majoyeogbe

Hakeem, It was after 30 years we finished from Isolo that I found you on facebook. Our conversation that day was to catch up and shared memory about how life was @ Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo. Since that day, we had several conversations over the phone or facebook and you connected me with Agoro. We talked about families and life generally. Waoooo, O ma se o, Ile nje eniyan. O ti lo sinmi sugbon awon omo, iya ati mama ti o fi sile. Ki olorun wa pelu won. May Almighty Allah continue to guide and protect them. May Almighty grant them the strength to bear your loss and death. You will be greatly missed Hakeem. I just closed my eyes and see you in that "Khaki short and Khaki Shirt" uniform in the 70,s @ Isolo. You were a very gentle, respectful and dedicated young man. Please keep your facebook page on. We shall meet and you will give me your address in "Heaven" May your soul rest in perfect peace....amen. Yinka Animashaun (Isolarian)

Hakeem, I still can't believe that u are no longer with us. I did not know that when i spoke to u on Friday, it will be our last conversation. You were such a loving father and husband. Very kind, religious, understanding and a great friend. May God bless and comfort all your loved ones, especially Bukky and your children. Adieu Akoko Akuma,until we meet to part no more. Tunde Martins & Family

Uncle Lekan, you were such a loving person who NEVER wanted to offend anybody, either old or young. You were such a trustworthy person and a true Christian, who lived by the Word. I thank God for your life and know without a doubt that you are resting in the bossom of your Creator. Rest in peace and I pray that the good Lord will console your dear wife and children. Sun re o!!!

Hakeem was a true gem! He touched many lives and was a blessing to many. We know that the good Lord will comfort, strengthen, keep and cover your lovely wife and your 4 beautiful children with His hand of mercy and protection. Goodbye Hakeem (Omo Oniya o mo ebi!)

I can NOT in fact explain the chill that ran through my spine when I got Oba's text this morning. The truth of the matter remains; I am deeply saddened to my bones but have to be mindful of sin. I want to believe that it is God’s wish. I pray that our Good Lord welcome and receive his Spirit into the bosom of Abraham, amen. For the family left behind, you all should be proud and build on his legacies especially Hakeem’s Love, active worship and services at C&S parishes and other churches. The Lord will uphold you all and grant you all fullness of age. The desires of Hakeem for you all would come to fruition in Jesus name, amen. My family’s hearts and prayers are perpetually on to you all. HAKEEM, R E S T I N P E A C E. *Deji Adeniyi

GOD GIVETH, GOD TAKETH.... MAY YOUR GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE AND MAY THE GOOD LORD UPHOLD YOUR FAMILY, AMEN".... ADIEU AKOKO AKUMARI

Hakeem, although it was such a long time ago, it seems like yesterday when we were chatting in your apartment off Franklin Blvd., Somerset, NJ. Your eloquent and radiant smiles then always bring joy and happiness to those around you but, God knows the best. He is unquestionable. I hope that you are now resting in the bosom of our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ where we shall all meet to part no more. It is also my prayer that God, our comforter will surely comfort your beloved wife and children you suddenly left behind. May your sould rest in perfect peace my friend.

Can't believe, we won't see you anymore! Can't believe, my fast friend is no more! Can't believe, we can't hang out just one more time! But, we thank God over your life and over your loving family and we pray that God will be their ROCK! When we were young, you've lived a charmed life, and when you were married, you lived a blessed & devoted life. And I'm very happy that the last deed with the family was a night of prayer. Olu King & Family

Only God knows why you left us so suddenly. Two noticeable things about Hakeem are his signature glasses and ebullient smiles. A humble gentleman, devote Christian and a family man. Before his demise, I was told Hakeem has finalized summer vacation arrangement for wife and kids. A testimony why he will be so missed by all. May Almighty God grant his soul perfect peace. - Babs.