Girlfriend’s heartfelt tribute to ‘beautiful, honest’ Thames hero Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole as he is farewelled

Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, known as Jimi by his friends, died after diving into the river in a rescue attempt last month
Handout

The family of a young man who died trying to save a woman from the Thames say they are “overwhelmed” by the support they have received from the public as they held his funeral today.

Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, known as Jimi by his friends, died after diving into the river in a rescue attempt last month. The 20-year-old’s funeral was being held at the Best Way International Christian Centre in south-east London today.

The numbers were limited to 30, because of Covid restrictions, but the event was live streamed. His white coffin with blue flower arrangements spelling out Son was carried in sombrely by pallbearers.

Father pays tribute to hero who died trying to save woman who fell from London Bridge
Jimi Olubunmi-Adewole
Malcolm World Foundation

His parents Michael Adewola, 63, and Olasunkanmi Adewole, 54, sat in the front row in masks and socially distanced for the traditional ceremony.

His girlfriend gave an emotional tribute through tears: “I’m glad I got to spend his last chapter with him because he brought me so much joy and happiness into my life.

“I remember the day I fell in love with Jimi when he told me how to make pounded yams, to add oil so it doesn't stick to my hands. It was little things like that and the way he loved others especially his mum, dad and brothers.

Jimi’s heartbroken girlfriend revealed he visited her just before he died
Youtube

“[Just before his death] Jimi came to my university. We weren't on good terms but he insisted to see me, he was so adamant. When he came he was so happy I was confused as to what was going on.

“But he just said he wanted to be there and hold me that night... It was almost like God sent Jimi to hold me that night because he knew I would be alone when I found out the news.

“Thank you for being there for me Jimi, thank you for being my strength.”

To his parents, she said: “Thank you for raising a beautiful, honest man.

“I know you are in heaven, I know in my heart I can feel it. Until we meet again.”

Jimi’s parents Michael Adewola and his mother Olasunkanmi Adewole
YouTube

His football coach James Robinson gave a speech as tears rolled down his cheeks saying Jimi was a “legend, a talented player and a colourful character”.

He said:“It was a privilege to know Jimi. He would transform all the training sessions into fun with his smile. Life was fun for him. But on a cold, wet winter morning he would rather be at home with his mum.”

Hannah Davies, his maths teacher, told the congregation, “Students like Folajimi are the reason I get up in the morning to teach. He was a smiler, he was always happy.”

She spoke of his best friend Jesse and how she could never separate them despite trying.

“I was proud of him then, and I’m even more proud now... The last conversation I had with him he said ‘Miss, I’m going to be alright, you’ll see’.

“I didn’t know what he meant. The world can see. I haven't come to terms yet as we mourn the loss of our son.

“Folajimi changed the narrative around young black men... I’m confident in knowing that he is above smiling at us. I’m proud to call him my student, thank you mummy and daddy for sharing your son with us.

“The world will forever remember him as a hero. We will never forget you.”

An uncle of Jimi, Olumide Wole Maderiola, gave a powerful tribute saying he inspired the entire world.

He said that he is proud of Jimi even though he’s devastated by what happened.

An order of service features a picture of the victim with the words “Jimi the hero” next to it. He was buried in Camberwell New Cemetery.

Friends and family mourn Jimi as he is buried in Camberwell New Cemetery
Youtube

Tributes poured in for the man who lived with his family in Bermondsey amid growing calls for him to be given a posthumous medal. His father Michael, 63, said: “He is a hero and always will be.”

Jimi was on his way home from work when he was alerted to a woman, who survived the incident, falling into the river. The death was the second tragedy for the family after Jimi’s cousin Malcolm Mide-Madariola, 17, was fatally stabbed trying to protect a teenager in Clapham in 2018.

Jimi’s uncle and Malcolm’s father Olumide Wole-Madariola said of the funeral and the public response: “It’s overwhelming. The family are full of anxiety, they feel under pressure, they are doing their best. It’s been a very difficult time for my family.”

The funeral comes after pop star Dua Lipa paid tribute to Jimi at the Brit awards on Tuesday. She joined calls for him and fellow rescuer Joaquin Garcia, 21, to be given bravery awards.

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