Remembering my Brother and Friend, Mr. Allen Yinka Akinyemi-A life Well-lived with Purpose, Love, and Grace
-Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” — Psalm 116:15
In the tapestry of life, some threads shine brighter than others, weaving a narrative filled with joy, laughter, and love. One such vibrant thread was Mr. Allen Yinka Akinyemi, a remarkable friend and brother. On February 28, as we celebrate his life, we embark on a heartfelt journey through the memories he created, the love he shared, and the indelible mark he left on our hearts. While we say goodbye, we also choose to honor his spirit and the legacy of joy he has gifted us all. His laughter was contagious, often echoing through the air like music.
Daddy Attleboro, as my children often called him was more than just a friend; he was a brother to me and father to many. He effortlessly blends camaraderie and kinship. His laughter echoed in every corner of our gatherings, leaving a trail of joy in its wake. Each moment spent with him felt like a new adventure, filled with warmth and genuine connection. He had a unique ability to make everyone feel special, whether through a heartfelt compliment or a spontaneous plan to enjoy the day. He had an innate understanding of the power of friendship. From late-night conversations to shared dreams of the future, Mr. Akinyemi nurtured bonds that transcended time and distance.
His loyalty was unwavering, a testament to his character and the love he held for those around him. In celebrating Mr. Akinyemi, we are reminded of the beauty of brotherhood that he exemplified every day, creating an unbreakable bond that will forever resonate in our hearts.
One day, he called me and asked that I gather everybody together because he had something very important for us. The excitement at the other end was infections to the point that I started thinking he must have won a lottery. When he showed up, he asked that I turn my computer on and to my bewilderment he popped out a compact disc sleeve and placed a CD in the computer for us to sing along. Guess what he brought – Hezekiah Walker.
I need you, you need me.
We’re all a part of God’s body.
Stand with me, agree with me.
We’re all a part of God’s body.It is his will, that every need be supplied.
You are important to me, I need you to survive.
You are important to me, I need you to survive.
I pray for you, You pray for me.
I love you, I need you to survive.
I won’t harm you with words from my mouth.
I love you, I need you to survive.
It is his will, that every need be supplied.
He drove from Massachusetts to Rhode Island to come an sing with us and to about friendship and love.These lyrics summed up almost everything about him. This is his favorable song. You can see that he is magnanimous and altruistic to a fault. He will go extra-mile for people even if it means sacrificing his own career. I have never seen someone so loving and caring like Mr. Akinyemi.
I remember attending an award ceremony with him at Boston University Teaching Hospital (BMC) where he was recognized for mentoring and lifting others. His colleagues told me so many great things he did for them and others and how he helped them climb their career lattices. From BMC to Boston Children Hospital, Cape cod hospital and CharterCARE Health Partners , he left indelible marks of altruism.
As we gather to celebrate Mr. Allen Yinka Akinyemi, we must do so with gratitude, love, and cherished memories. Though his physical presence may be absent, his spirit will forever remain a part of us. Let us honor his legacy by living our lives to the fullest, embracing joy, and championing love and justice.
Looking back on the memories and experiences shared with him, we understand that his impact extends far beyond his time on earth. His legacy encourages us to cultivate our friendships, to stand up for what is right, and to embrace life with open hearts.
However,
- Much as he loved people, he hated injustice and disrespect with passion. His heart wasn’t only full of joy — it was full of conviction. He despised injustice and disrespect in any form or disguise. He stood up for people, spoke truth when it mattered, and refused to let wrongs go unchallenged. His courage inspired us to be better, to do better, to treat others with dignity and fairness.
- If you really know him very well, you must have heard him say ‘ a lè sọ nítorí pé a fẹ́ jẹ màálù, ká pè ní bòòdá’ – Integrity over Appetite: Mr. Akinyemi believed that your desires or “hunger” should not lead you to flatter those who do not deserve it or to pretend something is what it is not. It is not in his character to flatter anyone. He will not hesitate to praise or encourage you but it is not in his ethos to flatter anyone.
Finally, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the joy he spread, and the love he gave so freely. We honor him by living with the same courage, compassion, and faith that defined his journey. His light continues to shine — in our memories, in our actions, and in the hope, we hold that we will see him again. At the core of his existence was his unwavering belief in friendship and brotherhood. He had an uncanny ability to foster deep connections, creating a circle of love and support that embraced everyone. He reminded us that friendship is not just about laughter but about being there for one another in times of need.
He was not just a father to Wande, Bisola, Alex and Danielle, many women conferred on him the honor of being the Godfather to their Children. That speaks volumes of the person called Allen Akinyemi.
Until we meet again, dear Mr. Akinyemi, we celebrate your beautiful soul and the light you brought into our lives. You will always be missed but never forgotten.
Rest in God’s eternal peace,
Your spirit lives on, your love remains, and your light will never fade.
Your Brother.
Abiodun Egunjobi
Here is the GoFundMe link for those who want to be part of this celebration.
Saturday, February 28, 2026
10:00AM – 11:00AM
200 Hawkins Street
Providence, RI 02904
Saturday, February 28, 2026
11:15AM – 12:00PM
A.A. Mariani & Son Funeral Home
200 Hawkins Street
Providence, RI 02904