Tributes

Dad, you were a man of integrity and courage. You stood up for what was right and never
backed down from a challenge. It's painful how you left us, though we can't question why.
But, even in our grief, we are grateful for the time we had with you and the lessons you
taught us. You will be deeply missed, but your memory will live on in our hearts forever. 
– Marx Ofeoritse Toritseju-Etuwewe

To the man who taught me how to lead
To the man who taught me not to falter or fall
To the man who taught me how to be brave
To the one who always knew the right path to pave
Today I pen down words of gratitude and appreciation for all you have been in my life,
Through winds of change, seasons of struggles and times of joy and success. Thanks for
your unwavering support and guidance.
We honor you today and all days after, For your guidance, your wisdom, your strength and
benevolence . This is a tribute for you MY DAD IN BENIN as I always refer to you, here's
to a love that was, is and will always be true. – Mark Eworitse Obire (MEO)

We met in 1987 and ever since then, you accepted me as a part of your family and also aided
in establishing me by helping me to secure my first seawork. Over this 36 years I've come to
find in you a brother, mentor, problem solver and burden bearer even in spite of your
afflictions.
Toju, you have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, you have kept your faith and I
strongly believe that there awaits a crown of righteousness for you in God's eternal glory. Rest
on brother. – Captain Akasan Abrakang Matthew

Words fail me like one impaired. I think of you and I'm overwhelmed with emotions knowing
that in this world I'll never see you again, I'll never feel your push behind my back to face my
demons head-on, I'll never hear your voice drowning my doubts to face a new challenge, to
pursue something bigger, to be responsible, to lead. I listen to hear that this is all an elaborate
joke, I pinch myself to wake from this dream because I was never done needing that push at my
back.
Yet I'm encouraged, when I see the strength you demonstrated in spite of your afflictions, I'm
encouraged when I see your labor for God in spite of the thorn in your flesh. I'm in awe that you
wouldn't succumb to cowardice when it became difficult to provide for your home. I am proud of
the sons you have raised and I am grateful for you. Rest now father, the pain is done. – Marvans
Toritseju-Etuwewe

It still painful and difficult for me to think or say out, "my dad is late", "I lost my dad", "my dad is dead".

I get deeply heavy in the heart, I've cried, I've never imagined or expected to be in such dire situation anytime soon. It hurts that just when I realized how much I needed you more, Just when I was looking forward to coming home to seek your counsel on the issues I have, I get informed that you are no more. I've been trying to walk a mile in your shoes, To make you proud. I remember our last tête-à-tête, you relieving your early life in the oil industry I remember you praying for me before I left the next day for work, And it hurts that you wanted to wait for me to come back before you address us, So sad that you had to leave few hours before my time off It hurts that my absence deprived everyone of your last admonition. It's still hard to come to terms that you have gone Dad. I try not to think too much about it because it hurts so much, I cry. Writing this, and I'm struggling to hold the tears, I failed. It hurts to think I'll have to live my life without you in it, without your guidance. The one person I always give account to, you are no longer here.

You are no longer here to pray for me, I've lost that safe feeling I have because I know you pray for me. I'm lost without you, God knows anytime we've strayed from your guidance, there had been negative consequences. Now you are no longer here to guide us. We let our youthful contentions to blind us from realizing that you saw us struggling to find our feet, and you wanted us around to guide us better. You've battled this sickness for as long as I can remember, I guess you did so for us, I've never met anyone as strong, wise and resilient as you, You've touched lives and help many start their homes, I always had the confidence that you will be around to help me start mine, It really hurts to lose you like this, this soon, Now the affliction is done, I just try to take comfort that you are in the Lord's bossom resting. Farewell father and mentor. I will miss you dearly. - Martins Eworitse Toritseju-Etuwewe

Death came too early and took the husband of my youth, my love, kind-hearted, disciplined and selfless husband leaving a void that no man can fill. How will you enjoy the fruits of your labor? Who will come and motivate me? When I was in debt, you came to my rescue, when my customers would pressure me, you'll come to assist me and sew buttons on the clothes, when I needed to go out to buy fuel or supply uniforms, you'd ask me to stay and work while you go out to reduce my stress. Even while you were on the sick bed, you were still demanding to assist in sewing. On that black wednesday you left me when I needed you most but I am grateful you died in the Lord, sending out your final sermon, hours before your death. Goodnight my love, rest in peace. – Aghogho Toritseju-Etuwewe

It takes a special person to place everyone before themselves and lay down their life and that was my brother. I miss you terribly. Losing you is my biggest regret and I miss you every day. You are alive through my prayers and wishes, so rest peacefully, brother. You have touched countless lives and lived through your good deeds even after your death. We miss you always, my big brother and it's so painful you left mum behind. – Prince Oritsema Etuwewe

You were a strong and fearless person, always observant, and a disciplinarian who always believe in doing things rightly, You were God-sent to the family, but taken away from us so suddenly, though we cannot question God. Rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet to part no more. Mrs Etuwewe Omatseye Ajuebitsi

Daddy Toju as i fondly call you, I cannot believe I am writing your tribute at this time, but i have to come to terms with the reality that you have gone to join the host of Angels. You were a beam. of hope to many that crossed your path, a shinning light on a hill top, a true definition of a Christian, you were golden in your dealings with man and God and i can say i personally experienced your magnanimity, support and love even when i did not deserve it, you were always there for me in good times and challenging times. you taught me to always believe in the Grace of God in all situations. My pride as you always call me, i miss you so much but God knows best. Sleep on till we meet to part no more -Sis. Orherhe Sandra Ebiere

Just like a dream, we have lost a rare gem, a loving and a caring inlaw. You were such a God- fearing man, you were able to bring up your children in the ways of the lord. Rest on great man, until we meet to part no more. You will forever remain in our memories for the lives you were able to affect. Friday John Ogbe

"In loving memory of Late Bro. Toritseju Martins snr, who was a cherished member of our congregation. His unwavering faith, kindness, and contributions to our spiritual welfare will forever be remembered. May his soul find comfort, and may his legacy continue to inspire us. Amen. Ewah Road Church of Christ