RIP Chief Olugbenga "Wesco" Amudipe

2 months ago, our dad came back from Nigeria, skinnier than he has ever been. So much so, that he called to warn us beforehand so that we wouldn’t be scared. But of course, we were! He had suddenly dropped 20-30 pounds and had a chronic cough. We went to the doctors at which they thought he had bronchitis. Eventually, his conditions began to worsen; a poor appetite, more weight loss, jaundice (yellowish eyes and skin), and lethargy. We were so scared. We admitted him to the ER where they ran a million tests and still didn’t know what could possibly be wrong. After transferring him to multiple hospitals over the course of multiple days, he was finally diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer on July 26th. It’s the 4th deadliest cancer whose symptoms don’t arise until it’s already too late. As soon as we knew about the cancer, we tried everything in our power to try and heal him naturally before his next doctor's appointment. Before we had the chance to get a second opinion, have our next doctors appointment on 8/14, try chemotherapy or radiation, or even process all the weight of having to fight cancer at all, God gained an angel just 2 weeks after his diagnosis. Just like that, GONE! We are HEARTBROKEN, devastated, and in shock at how quickly he left us and how quickly the cancer won. Even though cancer may have won this fight, we won’t let it destroy the rest of our family too.

 

If you know the Amudipes, and if you knew our dad, you knew he was an HONORABLE, CHARITABLE, HONEST, and HUMBLE man. These words still can’t even encompass the man he truly was! He always extended himself to others whether it was through extended family, family friends, friends, or even STRANGERS in need, financially, mentally, emotionally etc. After giving back to his hometown, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria with an Estate to provide accommodation spaces for youth pursuing higher education, he was finally recognized for his philanthropy work. On April 27, 2018, he was crowned as the Olisa of Akure Kingdom in Nigeria, one of his dreams and greatest accomplishments. He had so much in store to give back to his community after undergoing so many trials and tribulations just to reach this pinnacle in his life. Our dad worked so so so so so so hard for his family and his community, and the saddest part is that he didn’t get the chance or luxury to even enjoy the fruits of his labor.

We lost such a monumental figure way too soon! Not just for our family, but for every family and community who has crossed paths with him.

Burial rites in Nigeria are such an important part of our tradition and culture which can last for several days. Especially with his chieftaincy title and his wishes, his body HAS TO BE transported & buried in Nigeria. If any of you have ever buried a loved one outside the country, you know just how expensive it is just to get him there.

So, we would LOVE for you all to please help us give him the proper burial he deserves in Nigeria by supporting us financially and helping share this. Anything counts & nothing is too little!


All donations will go towards:

Funeral Arrangements in the US & Nigeria

Plane Tickets

Housing Accommodation in Nigeria

Business Expenses to keep our family business going and keep a roof over our heads

For the family