At home, Omo had another great seat of learning, merely by being exposed to the example of his parents. Until this day, his father Chief S.I. Ojigbed is synonymous with integrity and honest to all who have ever had the pleasure of working with him. Mrs O, as his mother was often affectionately called, was full of boundless energy and was a renowned hard worker, who had a successful career in HR, all while she owned her own business and kept the home running smoothly.
But home life wasn't all work. Many people have heard Sly tell the story of how his love for music,
His secondary education also followed the family tradition when he proceeded to Command Secondary School, Ipaja, a schooll attended by his only sister Hilda and also by Stanley, one of his older brothers. He was at CSS, Ipaja from 1989 to 1994. Sly was a popular student, participating actively in many social activities and sports, especially basketball. His outgoing personality, warmth as well as his flair for music and entertainment made him a favourite with many. It was at this time that his talent and deep knowledge of contemporary music started to become obvious, writing his own rap verses in his notebook and coming up with the answer to almost any movie or music question he was asked.
After CSS, Ipaja, Omo attended the University of Ilorin for a year, before changing to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a degree in Economics. He was a diligent student, making the 'Dean's list' on more than one occasion. It was in Unilag tha he met the lady who would complete him Funmilayo. Dunbar could be moody sometimes and she was his perfect foil. Her irrepressible cheerfulness and gentle teasing worked wonders for him. In the future, her strength would be needed more than anyone could have imagined then.
Omo worked for sometime in branding and advertising, at Advanta Interactive Company with his eldest brother, Efe Ojigbede. Later, he chose to pursue a career in banking, taking a position with United Mortgage, then moving on to Zenith Bank. While on a marketing assignment for Zenith, he met the man who would become his mentor, Tintin. Through him, Sly began to do weekend stints on the radio, with Classic FM, Sly had found his calling.
Sly took to radio like a duck to water. In a short time his voice and manner on the radio were as self-assured and natural as if he was a veteran. That diligence learned all those past years was paying off big-time. He threw himself into the work, building a loyal followership while he worked with a great cast of other OAPs in the Classic family. The camaraderie and love between them all was evident in their banter while on air. Tintin, Afrologic, Buki, Schullzz, Chico, Bukola, Kachi, Queen Ahneva, Benji, Lawrence, Elvina, Flo, Uyoh, Silo Bankole and of course his "Uncle" Jimi Disu... Sly had found yet another family.
In December 2013, Sly's diligence was rewarded and his excellence was officially recognised when he was named outstanding Presenter of the Year at the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards.
His success wasn't limited to work, though. In his home life, Dunbar was growing. On the 20th of September, 2008, Omo and the love of his life, Ivy Funmilayo, became one. Their union has been blessed in many ways, with the highlights being their two beautiful daughters, Tare and Luyi. Omo shared a warm, happy, vibrant relationship with his family. The way Tare engages you effortlessly lets you know that she is a loved child, confident in the regard of her parents and family.
This warmth went beyond his nuclear family, of course. The child who had been pampered by an army of uncles, aunts and neighbours was now himself a favourite uncle. There was no gathering of his extended family, with the various nieces and nephews, that wasn't improved by having Uncle Dunbar present. He would kick a ball around with Aye, play a video game with Chibundu, have a friendly chat with Kenechi.
He is still present at any gathering of his family, friends and fans. His spirit will now be with us, all of us who knew and loved him. All of us who felt the special glow that was his presence. That loud
laugh. Those
crushing hugs. The ability to mimic almost anyone he had ever met. Being
able to recite entire movies word for word. His loyalty. His
willingness to help. Compassion. His karaoke singing. His love for
Chelsea Football Club. His knowledge. His passion for rap, hip hop, RnB,
jazz, rock, reggae and indeed all music. Diligence et al.The 8th of May marks the birthday of his mothe Mrs Victoria Modupe Ojigbede who passed on in 1998. They shared a special relationship, the strong bond that often forms between a woman and her youngest child. It is fitting that he is also laid to rest on this day, just as his spirit has joined hers, once again.
Adieu Sylvester 'Sly' Ojigbede!
