Tribute to Dr. Kehinde Faniyi: A Life of Impact and Grace-Paul Adebanjo
Tribute to Dr. kehinde Faniyi: A Life of Impact and Grace
By Paul Adebanjo
My heart sobered. I have been speechless — shock gripped me, not knowing what to say or write, or how to describe the beautiful soul you were. I had just finished a posthumous birthday tribute to my late sister, Mrs. Toyin Oladokun — my benefactor and a sister with a good heart — not knowing that another of my benefactors had also departed this world of sin.
After I opened the Society of Music Educators of Nigeria (SOMEN) platform and saw the painful news of your sudden and shocking exit, I was devastated. But who are we to question your Creator — the One who gives life and takes it back in His own time?
Mrs. Kehinde Faniyi, fondly called “Mrs. Family” by my set (2006/2009) during our Music Technology programme at The Polytechnic, Ibadan — the memories are still vivid. The name “Mrs. Family” was synonymous with the beautiful soul you were: ever ready to help, tolerant, nurturing, and motherly. You treated students like your own children. Your guidance and counsel, especially in your role as coordinator, shaped many of us into who we are today. Your legacy lives on through the many lives you touched.
My first employment as a keyboardist at New Covenant was through your referral during my time at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. The second opportunity — a lecturing appointment just last year — also came through your recommendation. You said to me, “Paul, keep this to yourself,” and I acted on your advice. Although it didn’t work out, the Lord had His way. You later told me in a voice note, “Paul, ó dùn mí gàn.” (Paul, it pained me deeply.)
The last time we met was just last month in Abeokuta during the SOMEN conference. We laughed together and shared light moments. You said you were thirsty and needed water, and I ran to get you a bottle. I didn’t know you were saying goodbye to this world — and perhaps, neither did you. These memories speak volumes of your thoughtful and kind heart.
You were a woman with the strength of a man — courageous, enthusiastic, energetic, and endowed with native intelligence. You were a rare gem in our field.
And I say with confidence: you were a winner.
You were saved and redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus. You touched countless lives and mentored many with your words and actions. You were a wife, a mother, and a grandmother.
You pursued your academic dreams to the peak and contributed immensely to the growth of music education in Nigeria. You came, you fought, and you conquered. To God be the glory!
Let it be known:
The value of a life well spent is not in Methuselah years, nor in mansions, riches, or extravagant possessions — but in the souls we’ve touched, the lives we’ve lifted, and the love we’ve sown into humanity.
“The memory of the just is blessing…” Proverbs 10v7- Though your earthly journey ended at just 52, we take solace in Christ, knowing that your life was full of meaning, purpose, and impact. You were a light — and your legacy lives on.
Things I Couldn’t Do for You…
If I had known you were leaving this world soon, I would have hugged you — at least to let you know that you were a mother to many, and a woman deeply admired by countless hearts.
I would have held you close and pleaded with you not to go
We need more souls like you — souls who truly understand the weight and meaning of living selflessly and giving generously.
I would have hastened my plan to visit you at your office after your emergence as the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, The Polytechnic, Ibadan — and we would have prayed together, not to stop what God had planned, but to thank Him for how far He had brought you.
But again… who are we to question your Creator?
He needs you, and He loves you even more than we do.
On behalf of the Music Technology Students, Set of 2009 (PT), I pray that the Lord Almighty grants fortitude to everyone affected by your sudden departure. May God comfort your family and strengthen all who mourn.
We take solace in Christ, knowing that you are resting in Him — until we all meet again and part no more.
Adieu, erudite musicologist, Dr. Omokehinde Alake Faniyi.
Paul Adebanjo
Musicologist and Media Practitioner