Encomium
Classic FM presenter, Sylvester Ojigbede was on Friday, May 8, 2015, laid to rest at the Ikoyi Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Sly, as he was popularly known, died on Monday, May 4, 2015, following complications of spine infection. The news of his passage shook the media space and many are yet to come to terms with the reality of his demise.
Born Sylvester Omolieje Ojigbede, he was a lover of good music, attributed to his father’s collection of LPs (long plays), eight track cartridges and cassettes. His favourite genres were hip hop/rap, RnB, soul, funk, dance, reggae and neo-soul. No wonder he was dubbed the ‘Classic Radio hip hop king.’
Until his death, he was presenting the Breakfast Show on Classic FM 97.3, from 6am-11am alongside Bukola Ogunrinde, as well as Classic X-press on Saturdays.
A wake in honour of the ‘hardworker’ and jolly good fellow, as he was eulogized by his colleagues, held on Thursday, May 7, 2015, at King’s College Annex, Adeyemo Alakija Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was attended by the colleagues of the married-with-kids, 37-year-old both at Classic FM and sister stations, Beat FM and Naija FM (all owned and operated by Megalectrics Ltd).
His family, friends and workmates took their turns on the podium to pay emotion-laden tributes to the Economics graduate from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). He was described as a man passionate about his family.
One of the highpoints of the evening was the performance of sultry vocalist, Ego and inspirational crooner, Nosa. Ego, tactfully, performed Sly’s favourite ‘track four’ off her album. It was a moving rendition. Chocolate City act, Nosa, on his part performed his hit tunes, Always on my mind and Always pray for you.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, was the venue of the funeral service on Friday, May 8, 2015, from where his body was taken to the Ikoyi Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos, for interment.
‘We shared many wonderful moments, he was my best friend’ – IVY OJIGBEDE, wife
Do accept our condolences. What were the fond memories you shared?
There’s no particular one, they are so many fond memories I shared with my husband. There’s none that stands out.
What will you miss most about him?
Our friendship.Also the fact that I can’t call him anymore. Usually, he’s the one I call first when there’s something or if I need anything.
How have you been coping?
It’s been hard, but I have God and my family around me. I’m very okay
What were the last moments you shared?
They are private. I won’t comment on that.
Can you tell us what he died of?
He was ill. He had an infection in his spine and he died from complications.
How do you plan to immortalize him?
There’s something in the works, there’s nothing concrete for now. We are talking about it.
How will you bounce back to normal life?
I’ll take it one day at a time, there’s nothing to be rushed. And like I said, I have God.
‘IT WAS WONDERFUL WORKING WITH SLY’
– Bukola Ogunrinde, Sly’s Breakfast Show co-host on Classic FM
ENCOMIUM Weekly also spoke with his co-host, Bukola, whom she referred to as her cohort, and not just a co-host when she gave her tribute at the wake…
What was it like working with Sly?
Sly was my brother. There are so many memories that if I start talking about, you can’t write them all. It was a wonderful time working with Sly, and he’ll be dearly missed. Definitely, there can’t be another Sly in my life. I’m grateful to God that I worked with him.
What would you miss most about him?
His energy. Sly was somebody that would encourage you. He really had energy.
How did he rub off on you?
He taught me not to procrastinate. Sly was a go-getter. I have the tendency to want to postpone things to the next day or two days after, but I learnt from him that it is always better to do it now, without wasting time.
What were the last moments you shared?
We talked on phone, we prayed together. He was strong as always.
What happens now, how will you cope?
We are in God’s hands.
