The emotional burial of the late National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Organising Secretary, Comrade Joel Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Toba Ijaya, has sparked deep reflections among Nigerians. Toba Ijaya was laid to rest on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at his residence in Fadeyi, Lagos, amid tears and calls for justice after being fatally shot by gunmen. A Nigerian man took to Facebook to share profound life lessons after watching the late union leader's viral funeral videos.
Man Shares Life Lessons After Watching Toba Ijaya's Burial Videos
Oladele John Olorunshola, a Facebook user, posted a thoughtful message after viewing videos of the funeral. Although he did not know Toba Ijaya personally, the outpouring of grief and the testimonies from his community forced him to stop and reflect. He quoted a passage from the Holy Bible, Proverbs 19:17, which reads: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again."
Olorunshola wrote: "Lessons from the Life of Comrade Joel Toba Ajiboye (A.K.A. Toba Ijaya). I have come across several videos on social media showing the burial of the late Comrade Joel Toba Ajiboye (A.K.A. Toba Ijaya). The outpouring of emotions, the large crowd, and the tributes from family, friends, and well-wishers have been remarkable. Listening to the testimonies shared by many, I heard people speak of his generosity and willingness to help others. Many described how he supported widows, cared for the less privileged, and extended a helping hand to those in need. Whether or not we knew him personally, these testimonies remind us of an important truth. There is a lesson for all of us: if God has blessed you, do not live only for yourself. Be generous. Help the poor, support widows and orphans, encourage the weak, and be a blessing to your community. The greatest legacy is not measured by the wealth we accumulate but by the lives we positively impact."
Bible Verse and Call to Generosity
He continued: "The Bible says: 'He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.' — Proverbs 19:17 (KJV). One day, every one of us will leave this world. People may not remember the size of our bank accounts or the positions we held, but they will remember our kindness, our compassion, and the difference we made in the lives of others. Let us therefore strive to live lives of love, generosity, humility, and service to humanity, so that when our time comes, our legacy will speak for us. May God comfort the family, friends, and everyone mourning the passing of Comrade Joel Toba Ajiboye. May the Lord grant them strength and peace, and may His mercy be upon the departed."
Reactions to the Facebook Post
The post garnered reactions from netizens. Yke Okoroafor commented: "It's only God that sees the heart...living in a notorious world doesn't respect or recognise your charity works, they take a life when it's necessary to them." Omo Wunmbabare said: "I met this man once at Mushin. He was indeed a very good person. Every good word that has been said about him are true. May God rest his soul." Oyewole Kehinde offered a critical view: "Owo Abu ni won fi n se Abu ni alejo. This is a proceed from extortion. They forced their oppressed to pay dues from the little they manage to make amidst high cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance. I personally don't accept this as a kind gesture. They oppress the poor to please the poor and this is not acceptable to God."
Background on Toba Ijaya's Death and Burial
Toba Ijaya tragically passed away in mid-July 2026 after succumbing to gunshot wounds sustained during a fatal ambush by unidentified gunmen along the Ikorodu Road corridor in Lagos. His funeral, held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at his residence on Ereko Street, Fadeyi, drew an immense crowd of family, friends, transport workers, and political associates. Emotional videos from the ceremony circulated widely on social media, prompting reflections like Olorunshola's.
