Remembering Mr. Ohifemen Justus Aikhoje: Statesman, Mentor, World Traveler, and Beloved Uncle

On June 12, 2026, my family lost a remarkable man. On June 19, 2026 (two days before Father’s Day), we gathered in Massachusetts to lay my beloved uncle, Ohifemen Justus Aikhoje, to rest. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life defined by service, excellence, wisdom, humility, and an unwavering commitment to family.

My uncle belonged to a generation of Nigerians whose lives helped shape the nation’s engagement with the world. He was a highly accomplished public servant who represented Nigeria at high-level, high-stakes meetings across the globe. Over the course of his distinguished career, he traveled to more than sixty countries, serving his nation with dignity, professionalism, and integrity. His work brought him into contact with world leaders, diplomats, and policymakers, some of whom would later rise to become presidents, prime ministers, and heads of their countries’ government. Yet despite his impressive accomplishments and international stature, he remained humble, thoughtful, and deeply connected to Ora, our beautiful, culture-rich homeland.

His intellectual journey was equally impressive. He studied at the University of Ibadan and the University of Ife in Nigeria before continuing his professional development at the Royal Institute of Public Administration in London and the Japan Institute of Public Administration. He was a lifelong learner who understood that leadership required both knowledge and wisdom. His global perspective, combined with his deep love for Nigeria, made him a highly respected voice wherever he went.

To the world, he was an accomplished statesman and public servant. To me, he was something even more special—an uncle who believed in me.

Uncle Justus was one of the strongest cheerleaders of my professional journey. He took a genuine interest in my work as a psychotherapist, educator, writer, and podcaster. He read my academic and blog articles, listened to my podcasts, and followed my professional growth with pride. Knowing that he was reading my work and listening to my reflections meant more than I can adequately express. His encouragement was never loud or boastful; it was steady, sincere, and deeply meaningful.

One of the greatest gifts he gave me was his willingness to engage with my work and the causes that mattered to me. Through our many conversations, he developed a deep appreciation for social work education and became one of its strongest advocates. He understood the importance of preparing future generations of social workers and became a fervent supporter of the profession’s mission to improve lives, strengthen communities, and advance social justice. His enthusiasm for social work education reflected the very values that had guided his own life—service, compassion, leadership, and the belief that education can transform individuals and societies.

His support extended beyond our family. Following his passing, Dr. Victoria Folake Iyanda, Head of the Social Work Unit at Lead City University in Ibadan, Nigeria, offered a moving tribute that captures the essence of the man so many of us knew and loved:

“It is a privilege to write this tribute in honour of a distinguished Elder whose life exemplified kindness, humility, and wisdom. Although my relationship with him was for a relatively short period, he made a profound and lasting impression on me.

A man of many parts, worthy of admiration, he touched many lives through his warm personality, generosity, and genuine concern for others. I will always remember his kind disposition, fatherly counsel, and his ability to make others feel valued and appreciated.

His passing has left a void in the hearts of his loved ones and all who knew him. However, we take comfort in the fact that he lived a life that was impactful, exemplary, and worthy of emulation.

I am grateful for the privilege of knowing him and for having benefited from his kindness. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may God grant his family the strength and comfort to bear the loss.”

Those words resonate deeply because they capture the qualities that defined my uncle. Whether interacting with world leaders or university faculty, family members or friends, he treated people with dignity and respect. He had a rare ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued.

One of the memories I will cherish forever occurred in July 2025 when we were both in Nigeria. During that visit, he gave me the experience of my first-ever train ride in Nigeria—a round-trip journey from Lagos to Ibadan to see my older uncle, Dr. Sam Aikhoje. What might have seemed like a simple excursion became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. As the train moved through the countryside, he shared stories about our family, our history, and our roots—stories I had never heard before. For hours, I listened as he connected me to generations that came before us, preserving memories and traditions that might otherwise have been lost.

It was during that trip that he said something I will carry with me for the rest of my life:

“I am beginning to think you took after me.”

At the time, I smiled and appreciated the compliment. Today, those words carry even greater significance. As I reflect on his life, I can see many ways in which that assertion was accurate. Like him, I have devoted my life to education, service, international engagement, and helping others. Like him, I believe deeply in the power of knowledge, relationships, and meaningful contribution.

Another memory that now feels especially sacred occurred on February 7, 2026, at my conference in Lagos, Nigeria. Uncle Justus graciously agreed to deliver the opening address in which he challenge the packed room to commit themselves to service and character-building. His presence elevated the occasion, and his words reflected the wisdom, experience, and leadership that had characterized his entire life. None of us knew at the time that it would become his final public appearance. Looking back, I am profoundly grateful that his last opportunities to speak publicly was in support of an event that meant so much to me – and to so many. It was a final gift of encouragement, mentorship, and love for which I will be eternally grateful.

The measure of a life is not simply found in titles, achievements, or places visited. It is found in the lives touched, the wisdom shared, and the legacy left behind. By those measures, Uncle Justus lived an extraordinary life. He represented Nigeria with distinction and traveled the world while never forgetting where he came from. He valued education and lifelong learning. He invested in younger generations in his community and encouraged them to pursue their highest aspirations. He carried himself with dignity and grace, earning overwhelming respect wherever he went.

For me, his legacy is both public and personal. It is found in the remarkable career he built and the countless people he influenced. It is found in his support of social work education and his belief in the importance of preparing future leaders. It is found in a train ride from Lagos to Ibadan, in stories about family history, in words of encouragement after reading any of my articles and/or hearing my podcast episode, and in simple statements that now echo in my heart.

Farewell, Uncle. Thank you for your example, your wisdom, your encouragement, your stories, and your love. Your journey is complete, but your legacy lives on—in our family, the nation you served, the students and professionals you encouraged, and the lives you inspired.

May you rest in perfect peace.