Tributes for Rachel Bolaji Asagba

The announcement of the sudden passing of Late Prof. Asagba came to me as a rude shock, more so, because I interacted with her a few days before her passing. I knew Late Prof. Asagba for over a decade, which dates back to my studentship years in the department of Psychology, University of Ibadan. For me, my memoir of her would not be judiciously executed without touching on the roles she assumed in her daily interactions while I was her student and as her colleague before her passing. In these two categories, she was a special person who played the unique role of tutoring, counseling and caring for me as a mother would her daughter.

My first direct interaction with her was in my penultimate year of my undergraduate programme in the university. Back then, I was really appreciative of her style of teaching and how she introduced her courses…

I shall never forget you Professor Rachel Bolaji Asagba. I still find it hard to believe that you are gone forever till the day of the parousia. Prof. Asagba was born in February 13 while I have my birthday a day earlier. On my 70th birthday on February 12, 2021, she was at our house to felicitate with me. Little did I know that that was her goodbye visit. My family had known her for about 45 years. In the late 70s, she worked with daddy at UCH on her arrival as a Dietitian from Austria. She later travelled abroad again and trained as a psychologist. In the period that we had known Prof. Asagba she was very loving, kind, considerate, amiable and affable. Never was an unkind word ever heard from her lips. She was ever smiling even under difficult circumstances.

She was never afraid to confront difficult situations.…

It feels so sad to hear of Late Professor Rachel Bolaji Asagba’s death and I want to commiserate with her immediate family members and friends as they go through this period of grief. Late Professor Asagba was an important member of the psychology family and we will certainly miss her.

I have known Late Professor Rachel Asagba for about two and half decades in the Department of Psychology where she was a colleague. My first impression in the early part of my interactions with her was that of a very practical cum visionary researcher/teacher and an unassuming personality. She was never hesitant to creatively and empirically explore societal issues, and seemed to enjoy every new research opportunity.

Late Professor Rachel Asagba’s interpersonal interactions in the department conveyed a sense that members of staff in the Department of Psychology were an extension of her own extended family. I can remember vividly…

I fondly remember meeting and first getting to know Dr. Rachel B. Asagba at my very first Logotherapy Congress in Dallas – and how happy I was to learn that she had not only been to Austria AND met Dr. Frankl and Elli, but had also studied with my beloved teacher, Dr. Elisabeth Lukas.

We kept in touch – thanks to Facebook and the strong ties Logotherapy tends to create among kindred spirits.

When my partner and I were traveling Africa on our motorbikes (2011 – 2015), we eventually came to Ibadan (in 2012). And – spur of the moment – decided to “just pop in and say hello” to Dr. Rachel at Ibandan University – and see if we might be able to arrange a “proper meeting” for later. Well, that day, I ended up teaching three impromptu logotherapy classes for some wonderful and dedicated students. Such fond memories!

Aunty Bolaji as l fondly called you. You are no more and l still find it hard to take it in considering our last contact. I shared so many memories with you that I do not know where to start now: is it how I often visited the time l would visit you back in New church Grammar school and I would be the reason you had to be given exit permits so you could take me back home safely, or when you'd smuggle me out of the house to take me to a party. I was the " agba kekere" and you were the " agba nla". Memories of gone days keep running through my mind as I picture you.

Dearest aunt, thanks for your love and support through the years. God will surely shine His light upon you perpetually as you rest in His bosom. Sleep on till…

Sister, that you are no more is still a nightmare. You came, you saw, you conquered. Rest well at the bosom of the Lord!

Dickson Ajayi

Prof. Mrs Mobolaji Rachel Asagba was a disciplinarian, kind-hearted, generous, loyal and faithful virtuous woman l have related within my life. She was a great educationist that always encouraged youths in the family to know the importance of education

.

Her cheerful heart and generosity towards the elderly people in the family, both mother and father's side, cannot be quantified. And it will always remain in my heart forever.

Aunty mi, your untimely death is a great loss to Usikaye family and the entire Owo kingdom as a whole.

Till meet and depart no more , continue rest in the bosom of the Lord. ADIEU!!!!

OMA ELEWUOKUN AYUGBA ONE TORE

Utterly devastated to hear about the tragic death of my aunty(aunty bolaji). I still fondly recall your positive approach to life. Death may have taken you away from us, but you'll always remain alive in our hearts. Even in death you are still loved and forever will be. You may not be with us today in blood and flesh and blood, but your footsteps can never be erased. We are not saying goodbye forever but goodbye for now. You will always live in our hearts!

Seyi Akinmade Awoyele (Cousin)

Even though you are gone away.

Your love will always be here to stay.

You touched our hearts with so many things.

God knew you were the one to save,

Even though we Loved you best.

Our hearts are filled with so much pain,