The Life And Times of O.M.A
Oriola Michael Aregbesola was born on November 10, 1989, in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, to the family of late Chief Olusola Michael Aregbesola and late Mrs Adeyinka Felicia Aregbesola. Oriola was known for his energy, obedience, selflessness, resourcefulness, innovation, and diligence in all that he undertook.
His early education began at Victory Nursery and Primary School in Akure, after which he attended Aquinas College, where he served as the school chapel prefect, leading and coordinating prayers during school assemblies. In 2007, Oriola advanced his education at Ekiti State University, studying Guidance and Counselling, and he graduated 2011.
Following his university education, Oriola dedicated 2012 to serving Nigeria, teaching in a school as part of the National Youth Service Corps. In 2014, he ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing a laundry business, which he successfully managed until 2017.
Oriola’s life took a new direction when he met his wife in 2016. They married in 2017, after which he moved to South Florida to join her. Together, they were blessed with a son and Oriola took great pride in his role as a devoted husband and father.
Professionally, Oriola made a significant impact in the healthcare field. Between 2018 and 2020, he worked with Tenet Healthcare, Memorial Healthcare System, and HCA North Florida Division, providing essential support to individuals based on their care plans.
His compassion and professionalism left a lasting mark on those he served.
In July 2020, Oriola embarked on a journey of service in the United States Navy, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his adopted country. He quickly distinguished himself and was assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 7, known as the Swamp Foxes, by December 2020. Oriola’s rapid progression reflected his dedication and his potential within the Navy.
As an Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class, Oriola was stationed on the USS Mason in the Red Sea, fully embracing the Navy’s values of selflessness and strength. In his final role, he supported operations in the Red Sea as part of the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87).
On March 20, 2024, while stationed on the USS Mason, Oriola went overboard and was subsequently reported missing. As the youngest member of his family, Oriola was deeply cherished, a beloved last-born whose spirit, character, and contributions left an indelible impact on all who knew him.
This is Oriola’s beautiful background.
Good Night Michael
Funeral Information
Memorial Information
1. Processional
2. Welcome & Opening Remarks
* Led: John
3. Opening Prayer
* Led by Adebola
* Opening Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
Led by: Sahara
4. Scripture Reading. Led by Toby
* Old Testament Reading: Psalm 23
* New Testament Reading: John 14:1-3.
5. Hymn
* “Song Title” – “How Great Thou Art”
6. Biography
* Delivered by: Christianah
(A reflection on Oriola’s life, achievements, and the legacy he leaves behind)
7. Tributes
* Led by: Daniel
8. Slide Show
* A presentation of Oriola’s life through photos and videos
9. Reflections, Led by Joseph
* Open Floor for Short Memories and Words of Comfort
10. Sermon/Message of Comfort
* Speaker Pastor Tafari Cunningham
11. Closing Hymn
* “It Is Well with My Soul”
12. Closing Prayer
* Led by Robin
13. Benediction
* Officiant’s Final Words and Blessing
14. Recessional Hymn
* Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Memorial Hymns
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
It Is Well with My Soul
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul!”
It is well with my soul!
It is well, it is well with my soul!
Though Satan should buffet, though trials
should come, Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought—
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to His Cross, and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live;
If dark hours about me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
How Great Thou Art
My Father God, when on Thy vast creation,
The wonders of the heav’n and earth, I gaze,
Things great and small, beyond enumeration,
Which manifest Thy pow’r in untold ways;
Then all my being sings in praise to Thee,
How marvellous! How great Thou art!
And this I’ll sing through all eternity,
How marvellous! How great Thou art!
As I enjoy the grace of Thy salvation
And contemplate how Thou Thy Son hast sent,
Who died that we might be Thy new creation,
Thy life expressing to the full extent;
When in the church, in blest participation,
I see how millions Thine own life possess,
How they are built to form Thy habitation,
Containing Thee, Thy fulness to express;
As I expect the coming age of fulness
And hope to share the new Jerusalem,
With all the heavens and the earth in newness
And all Thou art expressed in all of them;
Tributes
To my dear little brother, Aregbesola Oriola Michael,
Your bright smile and laughter remain etched in my memory. Your curious spirit and adventurous heart inspired me. I’ll cherish memories of our childhood escapades, late-night conversations, and shared dreams.
Your passing leaves a void, but your love, kindness, and zest for life guide me. I’ll hold on to the lessons you taught me and strive to make you proud.
Rest in peace, little brother. You’ll forever be in my heart and prayers.
With love and cherished memories.
Your Brother
Aregbesola Charles
To my dearest lovely brother, Oriola Michael Aregbesola.
I am writing this with a heavy and broken heart. Oriola, you are the lovely brother I have adored since you were born and the day I received the tragic news of you missing onboard was the saddest day of all. My heart has been left broken, the pain is indescribable and unbearable and words cannot describe the loss I feel saying farewell to you.
You grew up and proved to be a man that is fair and true. You are pure kind-hearted man who always lends a listening ear and helping others. Your simplicity, honesty and integrity are indescribable. The endless joy you brought to our family as the last born warms my heart with gratitude, and I cherish every moment we spent together as a gift from God. Your legend will ever be in the family.
I just want you to know how precious you are to me and our brothers. I am proud of the man you have become. I love watching you being a hand on dad, which I will missed dearly. I wish I have one more chance to see your tender smile and laugh with you again my darling, Oriola.
I know you are in good hands and wherever you are resting, I hope that you can see how precious your memory is to me. You will forever remain my shining star and my hero.
Goodbye My Love.
Your Sister
Folasade C Awotoye Nee Aregbesola.
Good Night my Dear brother.
Your brother
Abiola JOSEPH Aregbesola
It is with heavy grief and traumatic tears that I pen this little tribute. I still find it difficult to come to reality that Oriolami has transited.
Oriolami, you were such an amazing, gentle, handsome and amiable person. You always left an indelible positive marks in the minds of people that came across you.
How many of your kindness and great gestures that I want start mentioning now, so numerous! I recall our last phone conversation where I requested that I wanted to come and spend my vacation with you, you simply said that Aunty Kemi with all pleasures. Alas, this will never see the light of the day!. You were such a generous and kind-hearted person that you always sent gifts to my family.
Your sudden transition from this earthly world is shocking and not expected, you are surely being deeply missed.
Oriolami, may God grant you eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon you. May your beautiful soul rest In peace. May God grant us the fortitude to bear your departure from this world. Amen.
Your Sister
Kemi Olawale nee Adeleye.
Today, we gather to honor the life and legacy of my beloved brother, ORIOLA MICHAEL AREGBESOLA, known to our family as OYORO and OrissKoloba.
He was more than just the youngest in our family—he was the heartbeat of our home. His vibrant energy, laughter, and unwavering kindness touched everyone who knew him.
ORIOLA was a devoted son and our mother’s closest companion, always looking out for her. His passion for cooking was unmatched, and he put love into every dish he made. It’s no wonder everyone wanted him in the kitchen.
Before he left, OYORO encouraged me to start DJing again. I bought a controller, eagerly waiting for him to return so he could see me pursuing my passion. But that moment never came. Now, I find myself staring at the equipment, still expecting his call, his voice, his presence.
This memorial is not because I believe you are gone. It is simply to honor your absence. I don’t believe you are dead. OYORO, you will always “Sail on” in our hearts, your light guiding us forward. We will forever cherish your memory and wait for the day we meet again.
Your brother
Ajibola John Aregbesola
Gallery
Recessional Hymn
1
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
2
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
3
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
Acknowledgement
The family of Oriola Michael Aregbesola would like to express their heartfelt thanks for your love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.