Akinkunmi Kembi

Akinkunmi Kembi was born on Friday, March 20th, 1958 to Elizabeth Bamgbose and Gilbert Oluwole Kembi (GOK). His mother is from the ruling clan of Adelabu- Atewogboye Family in Ekiti state Nigeria. The history of Kembi Asofinyan can be traced back to 1750. Akin grew up at Ebute-Metta in his grandfather’s, Ayodele Kembi, compound. He was very close to his grandfather, a famous auctioneer in Lagos, and spent his childhood years with him. He attended Macjob Grammar School. Akin was a humble and obedient student. After completing school he worked at Lagos-State Ministry of Health before he relocated to the United States. In 1973, at the age of 20, Akin arrived in Chicago to join his brother, Olajide Labinjo. Akin earned his Masters degree in International Relations at Northeastern Illinois University in the fall of 1983. He had a passion for international affairs and was a strong proponent of national economic development in Nigeria. Akin met his love Juliana in 1989 in Lagos, Nigeria. They have been married for over 25 years. Juliana gave birth to two boys, Robert Akinola Kembi and David Akinwunmi Kembi. Akin emphasized the importance of education and knowledge to his children at a young age. He planted the thirst for knowledge in his children, a trait he learned from his father GOK and his grandfather. Akin loved to give a helping hand to his loved ones and will remembered for his eagerness to help. He had a passion for automotive battery technology and spent 20 years of his life perfecting his craft. Akin loved the music of the Nigerian musician Fela Kuti and Ebenezer Obey. He enjoyed analyzing international and political relations and believed the works of those artists shed an important light onto Nigerian political affairs. In his later life, Akin was diagnosed with throat and lung cancer. He fought a 3-year battle with cancer and beat the odds multiple times. He will be remembered for his strength, passion, courage, commitment and fulfillment of his duties. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Kembi; brother, Akintunde Kembi; wife, Juliana; two sons, Robert and David; and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be missed dearly by all but especially his wife and sons.

Tributes

Akinkunmi Kembi

March 20, 1953 - January 29, 2015