Paying homage to my biggest mentor.
It’s been 12 years after he passed away and since that day, I used Yorùbá understanding of death to heal what could be the most disastrous happening in my life.
12 years being proud of his life and legacy.
Kí awo rere jẹ ní mọ̀rẹ̀rè...
The sacred tree of virtue rarely dwells long in the forest. Baba Àràbà Kúnlé Bámiṣayé was one of the rarest jewels among us, a selfless and devoted Oníṣẹ̀ṣe who gave his all to the flourishing of Ìṣẹ̀ṣe (Yorùbá Indigenous Religion) without holding back.
When the news of his transition first reached me, I struggled to believe it. It felt surreal as though the earth had merely whispered a rumour too painful to be true. But alas, the truth has settled in, and we must accept that a giant among men, a paragon of loyalty and dedication, has indeed journeyed to the realm of the ancestors.
Àràbà Kúnlé Bamisaye was not just a name, he was a movement of wisdom, humility, and service. His presence commanded respect, his words uplifted the soul, and his actions spoke of a heart deeply rooted in Ìṣẹ̀ṣe and love for his people.
Until his passing, he served as the Àràbà of Iyeni, Ire-Ekiti, where he guided the indigenous spiritual life and community traditions with uncommon wisdom and humility. He was also the Ọ̀tun Bàbá Ìjọ Ọ̀rúnmìlà Adúláwọ̀, Mushin, where he played a central role in the rebranding, elevation and administrative strength of the Ìjọ.
The Ìṣẹ̀ṣe world has lost a pillar—one whose presence could calm storms and whose insight lit dark paths.
Professionally, he was the Compliance Director at Modandola Group, a position he held with distinction for nearly 12 years. Before that, he was General Manager (Security Printing) and Company Secretary at Megavons (West Africa) Ltd., Lagos, where his stewardship protected sensitive national assets and ensured ethical practices in security printing and corporate operations.
His academic achievements were equally distinguished. He obtained a Master's degree in Public Management from Babcock University and an earlier Master’s in Legal Studies (Labour Law & Industrial Relations) from Lagos State University—qualifications he wielded with quiet brilliance and discipline.
Àràbà Bamisaye’s life was a sacred blend of ancestral duty and civic responsibility. He embodied what it means to be a custodian of tradition in a modern world—never compromising either side, but harmonising both with rare elegance.
Kí awo rere o jẹ ní mọ̀rẹ̀rè