Ashimiu Adewale Oba

Ashimiu Adewale Oba, (known affectionately by all as “Oba”) passed peacefully away Sunday, February 23, 2025 at VCU Medical Center following a brief and sudden illness at the age of 62. Oba was born July 25, 1962 to Mulikatu Saka Oba (mother; deceased) and Biliaminu Oba (father; deceased) in Lagos, Nigeria. One of the oldest of 11, Oba was highly regarded as a devoted son, brother, and uncle to many in his family. As an extremely successful tennis player in Nigeria, Oba was named one of the top junior players in his state. Oba arrived to the United States in January of 1981 on a scholarship to play tennis for Hampton Institute (University). He later transferred to Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, to play tennis and complete his studies, earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in economics. While there, Oba developed lifelong friendships with many, including his college tennis mates who, together, excelled at winning many matches. Following completion of his studies, Oba enlisted in the United States Army, serving the country as a proud soldier during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. Later, Oba went on to enlist in the U.S. Air Force National Guard where he served several more years before his honorable discharge from military service. A proud Veteran, Oba could be seen in later years at many local Veteran events and throughout his community supporting and being a voice for other Veterans. It was during his military years that Oba also had his first child, Ashlei Oba, adding the title of father to his most treasured accomplishments. Oba began his second career following the military with his return to Petersburg and employment with Erni Components, where he worked as a warehouse manager and met the love of his life, Rosalyn Vanessa Oba (Jackson). Meeting in 1991, Oba and Rosalyn quickly became an inseparable pair, marrying in 2004 and having their daughter, Raven, in 2009. Oba completed his professional career as a Counselor at Riverside Jail in Prince George, Virginia, demonstrating his ongoing commitment and desire to always help others. In his later years, when not spending time with his beloved family, you would often find Oba on the golf course, playing golf with his regular golf buddies Doc, Will, Eric, AJ, and Cliff. Never quite letting go of his competitive tennis spirit, golf brought Oba much joy and he played, and often won, every day. Throughout his life, Oba never forgot about others – always giving back through philanthropy, mentorship, leadership and more. Wise and giving, Oba could often be found sharing advice, wisdom, or a good home-cooked Nigerian dish with others. A devoted husband, caring father, great friend, mentor, leader, family man, and well respected individual, Oba leaves a legacy of a life well lived. The epitome of resilience, tenacity, leadership, and strength, Oba will forever be a model of compassion and strength to all who knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Rosalyn; daughters, Raven and Ashlei (Frankie; West Virginia); three grandchildren, Aspyn, Ace and Abe (West Virginia); ten Timothy Olatunbosun Oba (brother; Lagos, Nigera), Adekunle Ayodeji (brother; Lagos, Nigeria), Olabode Musiliu Oba (brother; California), and Silifat Oba (Shobande; sister), Nimota Abimbola Oba (Oyedele; sister), Kuburat Oba (sister), Afusat Oba (Oyedele; sister), Kehinde Mojisola Oba (Adenekan; sister), Jamiu Olanrewaju Oba (brother), Balikis Oba (sister), Safiat Oba (sister), Lagos Nigeria; mother-in-law, Bertina Brown (Petersburg); three sister-in-laws, Tameca Harris-Jackson, Chandra Harris-Jackson (Florida), and Sheila Brown (Petersburg); a few of his closest friends, Sonny Aye and Andrew Mutemba (Chesterfield), 1982-83 VSU Tennis Team, Cassian Chima Ugworji, Leke Suara, Adeyemi, Adekoya, Femi David, Sadiq Abdullahi, Muri Ajibade, Richard Morakinyo and Yomi Shokunbi., and his beloved chihuahuas, Mimi and Niko; a host of friends, family and acquaintances across the globe. Although Oba’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing and may we carry forth his legacy of compassion and acts of service in all that we do.

Tributes

Ashimiu Adewale Oba

July 25, 1962 - February 23, 2025