Chief Michael Oluwole Oyedele of Frisco, Texas departed this life on September 18, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, at the age of 89.
Chief Oyedele was born on May 11, 1936 in the town of Imo-Ijiwo under the Obafemi Owode Local Government, Abeokuta to Moses Ogunsola Oyedele and Alice Yoriola Soetan, in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He attended St. Peters Primary School, Ake. Abeokuta and went on to be a proud graduate of Abeokuta Grammar School, Class of 1957, He pursued his higher education at the University of Lagos, where he majored in International Mass Communication. His love of knowledge earned him an all expense tuition paid trip to New York University (NYU) in 1972 where he earned a Master’s degree in International Relations. After the loss of his wife Mrs. Olajumoke Oyedele on December 20th, 1968. He dedicated his life to his career and raising his children.
In 1973, Chief Michael married Mrs. Folashade Oyedele (nee Edun) and the marriage produced a son.
In 1976, Chief Michael married Mrs. Augustina Esinana Bruce Oyedele. Their union was one of deep love and companionship, and together they built a life full of shared joy, values, and cherished memories.
Michael dedicated many years of his career to The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), headquartered in New York, USA, serving as a Chief Information Officer for the Nigerian Office for 32 years. His work took him on a journey to many countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia where he worked passionately to improve the lives of children where needed. His work reflected not only his intelligence and dedication, but also his heart for service. Qualities that ultimately earned him the title “Ambassador" among his peers.
A man of many talents and interests, Chief Michael was a gifted musician, known for his skillful playing of the piano, harmonica, and conga (other percussions) along with his love of singing to the glory of God enthusiastically, a testament of his faith in God. He was also a passionate follower of sports, especially soccer, and proudly supported the Chelsea Football Club of the (English Premier League). Michael was an avid follower of current events and world news, and had a well-known sweet tooth, particularly for desserts. Chief Michael's natural talent and intellect is undeniably well recognized, that ultimately led to his many affiliations and membership to such social clubs as; The Lagos Island Club, The Greenlight Club, Lagos, The Elite Club of Abeokuta, and now recognized as “Baba Ewe of Yewa land (a chieftancy title conferred on him by (Oba Adeniran Adekanmbi, Tella the 3rd) of Ilaro, Ogun State. He was the Treasurer for many years at St. Peters Church, Imo-Ijiwo (descendants), Obafemi Owode Local Government in Ogun State.
He lived a life rooted in faith, as a devoted member of the Anglican Church, and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Chief Michael Oluwole Oyedele will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Augustina Esinana Bruce Oyedele of Frisco, Texas; five daughters and four sons, David O. Oyedele and wife, Damilola of Providence, Rhode Island, Chief (Mrs) Grace O. Adebiyi (nee Oyedele) of Newfoundland, Canada, Mrs. Oluwatobi Etaba (nee Oyedele) and husband, Charles of Ontario, Canada, Oluwaseun Oyedele and wife, Olajumoke of United Kingdom, Mrs. Mojisola Olusegun-Akinola (nee Odunowo) and husband, Ayodeji of Frisco, Texas, Oladapo O. Oyedele and wife, Oluwasola of United Kingdom, Adedayo O. Oyedele and wife, Kimberly of Austin, Texas, Mrs. Tolulope A. Irefin (nee Oyedele) and husband, Adebayo of United Kingdom, Mrs. Oluwatosin E. Laja-Akintayo (nee Oyedele) and husband, Akinsanmi of Prosper, Texas and Mrs. Abiola Oyedele (wife of John Olasupo Oyedele, deceased) of Ogun State, Nigeria, Twenty-nine (29) grandchildren; three (3) great-grandchildren; and a host of other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Moses and Alice Oyedele, his son, John Olasupo Oyedele; grandson, Emmanuel O. Oyedele; and five siblings, Felicia A. Majekodunmi, Jonathan O. Oyedele, Juliana A. Akoni, Samuel Ayinla Oyedele, and Ajoke Oyedele (Ifo, Ogun State).
A private funeral service and committal will be held for Chief Michael Oluwole Oyedele at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013 with attendance limited to immediate family. The service will be live streamed for those invited, but not in attendance by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/chief-michael-oluwole-oyedele.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday afternoon October 31st, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. Immediately following the visitation, all are warmly invited to join the family for a Service of Songs for Chief Michael which will be held at New Covenant House, Dallas Texas, 12921 Senlac drive, Farmers Branch, TX at 7pm. This will be a time of fellowship, reflection, and song, honoring his love of music and the joyful spirit he shared with all. Thank you and God's blessings.