Dr Alexander Aristotelis Thomopulos was a firm leader whose influence was felt.  As former Chief Operating Officer of The Guardian Newspapers, he believed systems must work, but never at the expense of people. These tributes from family, colleagues, and friends reflect the many roles he played: uncle, brother, mentor, and administrator. Together, they speak of a life guided by integrity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility to leave every place better than he found it.

LADY MAIDEN ALEX IBRU
(Sister)

“No one can ever replace you.”

AAT,

Where do I even begin?

Since I heard the news, my heart has not rested. I keep asking God the same question: why do You allow such things? I ask it, and I ask it again, and I still cannot find an answer.

My beloved brother, Dr Alexander Aristotelis Thomopulos, was a great man, not because he tried to be seen, but because he chose to be good. He was humble and easygoing. He was highly cerebral, yet gentle. He carried his intelligence without pride. He moved through life at peace with people. He was kind, humorous, decent, and he treated everyone he met with respect and dignity.

AAT was loved by many who knew him, and anyone who spent time around him understood why. He had a way of making people feel safe. Even in serious moments, he could still find a way to bring a smile. And now that he is gone, it is those little things that feel the loudest in our hearts.

As his sister, I saw him even more intimately. He was steady, thoughtful, and present. He cared deeply about family. He loved his sisters: myself and our younger sister, Philomena Awosika. My late husband, Alexander Ibru, was VERY fond of him, and they got on so well. To have my husband view my brother Alex as someone beyond a brother-in-law, but as a true brother and confidante, is extremely rare. He invited him in as a Trustee, Director, and Shareholder of his companies, entrusting him with his succession plans and the preservation of his legacy. It is a blessing. My children and I will be forever grateful to him for living up to the trust and high expectations my husband Alex had of him. 

Business aside, he also loved all seven of our grandchildren. He enjoyed them, paid attention to them, and made them feel cherished. They all fondly called him G.Pa (which, by coincidence and unknowingly to them, is so close to the Greek word for grandpa: Opa). That kind of love is not common. Previously unseen photos they have been sharing with me speak for themselves and bring both tears and sadness as well as joy to me. Those memories shall be forever cherished.

Today, the house feels different. The family feels different. We miss him, his voice, his humour, the way he showed up for his nieces, nephews, and friends. We miss the simple comfort of knowing he was there.

Yet, even as I grieve, I hold on to my faith. I believe he is with our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe he is resting. And I remind myself of the philosophy I have lived by: “All things happen at God’s chosen time.”

My dear brother, you were the best. No one can ever replace you. You lived well. You loved well. You served well. May you travel well. It’s now God’s chosen time for you to join the other great Alexander, your true friend and brother.

       Rest in the bosom of God, your Creator.

       Shalom.

       Lady Maiden Alex Ibru 

Dear Aunty Maiden,  

This picture demonstrates the unbreakable love you had for your beloved brother, Mr Alex Thomopulos (Uncle A.T.). Indeed, a picture tells a thousand words. May his truly kind and gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

— Adebisi Shobanjo

ANITA ‘WAWO’ ATHENA IBRU
(Niece)

“I thought we still had time.”

Words usually come easily to me; they have always been my strongest currency. But I am weak, and I have been struggling since 22 December. 

My heart is so heavy. On 2 December, when I nearly missed my flight to see you just one more time, to say “see you in January” and to pray for you, my words of prayer flowed so easily. Even I surprised myself, and we laughed about it. The words came pouring out because I truly believed that this was not the final goodbye. And that God was going to grant you your seventh life. You really have been through a lot, and you made it through each time, so I believed. 

But since hearing the heartbreaking news, all I can do for comfort, in between the tears, is reach out for solemn and heartfelt musical pieces, readings, and poems that may remind us of you, dearest Uncle — Notes & Letters that can, somehow, make a connection with you even though you are no longer here. Is it poetic words about the loss of a family member as close as a parent? Or hymns sung on Remembrance Day to honour gallant soldiers? Or regal music that reminds one of a true king? You really fought for and protected us, just as dear Daddy knew you would. And you did do beyond measure. 

So I would like to share these musical and written pieces with all those who come to honour and remember you at Federal Palace this Sunday. I just wish you were back here with us.

Thank you for all your dedication, and for the way you stood by us: on boards, in committee meetings, and at home. Our father, your great friend and another Alexander, asked you to take care of us, and you went above and beyond that. 

Uncle, thank you. You were always just “Uncle” — the ONE. You have also taught me one of the highest forms of human virtue recently: and that is patience. 

I will be forever grateful for the time we shared this past couple of years, no matter how hard it was at times seeing you suffer. Still, during your periods of healing, you gave me advice, you cheered me on during challenging periods, and you never let me forget the meaning of my names Avelohoya (Eloho), Athena, Alero. 

     God bless you, Uncle, and please greet dearest Daddy for us in heaven.

OZ ‘UM CHEM CHEM’ AWANI
(Niece)

“We promise to honour you in the ways that matter.”

Our Beloved Uncs Alex, rest in peace.

It is hard — painfully hard — to be writing this. I am still in shock that you are no longer with us, and trying to put these feelings into words feels almost impossible.

Uncs, you were more than an uncle. You were a second father to us — steady, wise, and endlessly kind. You made room for us in your life and in your heart, guiding us with gentle strength and showing up in ways that shaped who we are. You listened when we were unsure, corrected us when we needed direction, celebrated our small victories as if they were your own, and stood watch when life felt heavy. Your love gave us courage. Your example taught us integrity. Your presence made us feel safe. 

You were also the best brother to our mum—her constant, loyal companion through every season. We saw how deeply you loved her: the care in your words, the protection in your actions, and the pride you carried for her. You were her anchor and her joy, and in loving her so wholeheartedly, you loved us too. That bond—a brother’s bond—shaped our family. It showed us what devotion looks like, what kindness can do, and how to stand by those we love without wavering.

Even in your quiet moments, your strength and generosity spoke loudly. You did things the right way, lifted people up, and gave of yourself without counting the cost. You had a gift for turning difficult days into bearable ones, and ordinary moments into cherished memories—through your laughter, your stories, your counsel, and the simple grace of being present. To be with you was to feel seen, steadied, and loved.

Today, disbelief sits alongside grief. We still reach for the phone to call you, still expect your voice to fill the room, still imagine your reassuring smile in the doorway. The gap you leave is immense, but so is the gratitude we carry: for the love you poured out, for the lessons you taught, and for the legacy you placed in our hands.

We promise to honour you in the ways that matter: by looking after Mum, just as you did, faithfully and tenderly; by showing up for each other with the same steadfast love you showed us; by living with courage, humility, and generosity, the values you embodied every day.

Rest in perfect peace, dear Uncs. You remain forever in our hearts: our mentor, our example, our second father. Loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, and carried with us in all we do. 

With so much love and a broken heart, Ose, ‘Um Chem Chem’ (still do not know where this nickname came from)

TIVE DAVID ‘BOSCO’ IBRU
(Nephew)

“Your memory will be a guiding light forever.”

My dearest Uncle, thank you for being a constant source of love and support. Your laughter, wisdom, and kindness shaped who I am. I’ll miss you terribly, but your memory will be a guiding light forever. Rest in peace.

Uncle, it’s hard to believe you’re gone. I’ll never forget your stories, the skills you taught me, and your big hugs. You were an angel on earth, and I’m so grateful for the time we had. 

During the assassination attempt on Daddy, you were there for the entire family, which I will never forget.

You weren’t just an uncle; you were a mentor, a friend, a hero. Thank you for every lesson, every laugh, and every moment. The world feels dimmer without you, but your spirit lives on in us. 

       Sleep peacefully.

       Love you always. 

       Bosco Boy (Tive).

       Shalom.

UVIE ‘SHUNGENE’ PEILE
(Niece) 

“Another ‘Alexander the Great’ has gone to heaven.”

My dearest Greeeeaaaazzzzzy Uncs, 

I still can’t believe you are no longer here with us. I miss you more than words can express. We have lost another father. Another rare gem. Another “Alexander the Great” has gone to heaven.

We used to laugh so much together. I will miss your wonderful sense of humour. Remember how scared I was of your moustache when I was a little girl? I always loved it when you did that impression of me running away, and you would say “Shungene” and make fun of me for being so scared! So many funny memories. 

I am laughing and crying as I write this, and know you would be laughing too if you were here. Remember “NEW YORK CITYYYYY” and all of us in that hotel? When you said, “It’s more than enough!!!” I won’t go into all the other hilarious parts of that holiday, but the way you summed up all of our characters was just brilliant. 

I will never forget our holiday in Athens as well, visiting our relatives, eating gyros, and trying our best to speak Greek with Mr Antoniadis. Again, I know you would be laughing right now as I reminisce. I nearly forgot to mention the days of watching Return to Eden in Palm Grove… “Like North & South!” we would say.  

I will miss your “bounce.” That’s how I will remember you most fondly: bouncing and looking so cool in your shades. My favourite was in London when you would bounce off, saying you were going to Tottenham Court Road. Then you would laugh, because you knew I would say, “Uncs, are you going to look at more gadgets again?” 

There are some sad memories too, of course, and you were always there for us through the hard times. The day I found out that Daddy had been shot when I came home from boarding school, you were there in Pier House. I was only 10 years old, but I remember that day so clearly as if it happened yesterday. It was extremely comforting to have you there with us; you looked after us while Mummy was in hospital with Daddy, and took us to visit him. The years following that were tough, but I am eternally grateful that we had you. 

When Daddy had cancer, you were there for us and incredibly supportive. I will never forget the night you were praying and praying by his bedside when we all knew he didn’t have long. I hope I thanked you enough for being such an amazing rock to Daddy. He loved you very much. You both fought so bravely in this life when faced with illness. I pray that you are resting together in perfect peace now. 

Max remembers meeting you for the first time when we were at University and always said what a positive, happy person you were and how you always enjoyed having a good chuckle. He will always remember your calm presence and how you seemed to appreciate life. His parents also loved you dearly and will remember you as a gentle soul. 

I wish you were here to see our children continue to grow, but I am grateful for the time that they had with you in London and Lagos. It makes me so sad that they did not get to meet Daddy, but thank God they had you as their other “G.Pa Alex”. Thank you again for being the best brother to Mummy, the best uncle we could have ever wished for, and the best “G.Pa” to the children. 

Forever in our hearts, always loved, never forgotten and forever missed. 

       With all my love,

       Your greeeeazzzzy niezzzze Shungene (Uvie) xx

GREGS THOMOPULOS
(Brother)

“You were not supposed to go so soon.”

My departed brother Alex, I am still in disbelief over your passing. You were not supposed to go so soon. I thought we had time left to undertake the plans we made to travel to Greece together and for you to visit me in the United States. But God’s ways are not our ways. You were called to heaven before we could fulfil these plans. 

Losing you, my younger brother, feels like losing a part of myself. You were such a vibrant, intelligent, fun-loving human being; a brother who was also kind, generous, loving, and caring. You undertook the financial responsibility of supporting the children of your then-partner without any hesitation. I will always remember our long phone conversations, which we had for many years until your health made it difficult. 

My memories of you and the good times we had together are what keep me going. I remember our time together at Government College, Ughelli, where you were known as one of the neatest and well-dressed students in the school. I remember the time we were together before I departed to study at the University of Kansas. You later joined me there, where you undertook your studies in environmental science. 

I remember the times you worked in the US before returning to Nigeria. We kept in touch through all these years, and now that you are gone, I feel a void that is hard to fill. I know that I speak for my sisters — Nikki, Maiden, Carol, Kate and Philo — that we feel your love, and miss you dearly. 

       Rest in Eternal Peace, my brother. 

CAMELIA OROS TSAROUCHIS 

“A bridge-builder with an unwavering heart.”

“Uncle” Alex Thomopoulos will be remembered for his unwavering heart, courage, and devotion to community. 

A respected figure in the Greek community in Nigeria, he devoted his life to building bridges between people and creating opportunities for collaboration. 

His support, love, and far-reaching vision touched many lives and inspired others to work together for a greater good. It was his heartfelt wish that a collaboration between myself and his dear niece, Anita, would come to fruition, and this spirit of partnership was reflected most recently at the Nigeria Summit in November 2025. 

Despite his frailty, he joined us with dignity and warmth. His spirit, kindness, and laughter will live on in all who were fortunate to know him. We will miss him more than words can say.

       Ας αναπαυθεί εν ειρήνη. 

       Camelia Oros Tsarouchis

PHILOMENA AWOSIKA
(Sister)

“You were a guiding presence in my life and a father figure I cherished.”

My dear brother, Dr Alexander Aristostelis Thomopulos (AAT), your sudden departure, while I was out of the country, remains heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend.

I lived with you after you returned from the United States until I married in 1981, and those years remain some of the most meaningful of my life. You were an extraordinary man: loving, affectionate, humble, and generous to a fault.

To your nieces and nephews, you were lovingly known as Uncs. You gave each of them special nicknames, and they always looked forward to time spent with you, filled with warmth and laughter.

You lived your life with quiet contentment. You never complained and never compared yourself to others. Your gentle spirit, kindness, and integrity are virtues I carry with me every day.

I am especially grateful for the precious time we shared in your later years, travelling together to Greece (our father’s homeland), where we took long walks, and for the joy I found in cooking for you and caring for you.

Your generosity and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. You will forever live in my heart and in the hearts of my children.

       May your soul rest peacefully with the Lord until we meet again.

       With endless love,

       Philomena Awosika (Momsy)

BUKI ‘BUKS MI BUKS’ AWOSIKA
(Niece)

“My one and only uncle.”

Words cannot express the depth of my pain now that you are gone. Breaking the news to my mum, who loved you so dearly, was heartbreaking. Growing up, there was only one uncle — you. I remember our Sunday visits after church, filled with warmth, kindness, and laughter.

You loved dogs, especially Alsatians. I still remember one of your first dogs, Bruno. You had so many that we were often too scared to get out of the car before entering your house. You were so cool to us kids. I remember running around your home office, snooping around your lab, and marvelling at the golf course in your yard, which felt magical to us.

One childhood moment still brings laughter. I once saw you smoking a cigarette and said, “Uncle, you are smoking.” With playful sternness, you replied, “Will you shut up!” We were stunned, then burst into laughter. My siblings and I still chuckle whenever we remember it.

You supported me in ways I will never forget. When I left for college, you gifted me $5,000 to help me settle in. When I was accepted into medical school, you bought me my MacBook laptop. You would smile and call me “Buks mi Buks,” and later, proudly, “Dr Buks.” Those words will live in my heart forever.

I cherish visiting you in Greece, where you shared stories about your father, our heritage, and taught me a few Greek words. I reread our emails and WhatsApp chats, and I’m grateful I could share photos of my babies, though I ache that you never met them.

Thank you for being an extraordinary uncle. Thank you for standing by my mum and always having her back. You will be deeply missed. May your beautiful soul rest in peace with the Lord until we meet again.

       Love always,

       Buki Awosika (Your Buks mi Buks)

SEUN AWOSIKA
(Niece)

“You brought light into every room.”

Dearest Uncle Alex,

I remember and celebrate your life that was rich with laughter, warmth, and unwavering love. Though your absence is deeply felt, your presence remains alive in the countless memories you gave us. You always stood out to me as the definitive example of what an uncle is and can be, ever since my childhood.

Thank you for all the wonderful memories and love that you showed us over the many years of your life. You were always such a cheerful and larger-than-life uncle whose presence continually brought us joy and laughter every time we were with you. You knew how to make people feel at ease. Whether through a perfectly timed joke or a story told with dramatic flair, you brought light into every room you entered. 

But beyond your humour was also a heart full of love, and we remember you for your generosity and loving support through the good times and hard times alike.

Although you are no longer with us in the flesh, you will always live on within the most special and cherished parts of our hearts. Your laughter echoes in our memories, your love surrounds us still, and your joy remains a lasting gift to us all. 

Until we meet again in Paradise, may you rest in perfect peace in the presence of the Divine Father. Amen.

DESOLA OYEGUNLE
(Niece)

“You will be greatly missed, Uncle.” 

My dear Uncs, my heart is heavy. You’re the only Uncle I ever had. You always had a pet name for all your nieces and nephews. I would forever cherish the memories we shared, especially your last couple of trips to London with Mummy. Little did I know it would be the last time I would see you. 

You hugged me so tight and thanked me for my hospitality. It was an honour to always cook your meals, and you would say to me, “Dede, you sabi cook like this?” And would enjoy and wack every meal I brought to you. Your comfort was so important to me, and I’m glad I air-freighted your bed to Nigeria, even though your time on it was so short. Oh, Uncs, this hurts so bad. My kids, Temi and Tio, cried so much hearing the devastating news about your passing. 

“Grand Uncle”, as they fondly called you, and disturbed you when they visited you. You always enjoyed their company and vice versa. “Snazzy snazzy, what’s crackalacking?” as you would say. You will be greatly missed, but we are comforted that you are with Jesus, free from it all. Rest well, Uncle mi. Love you always.

      Your Oruku Orukus.

KATHIE ABIOLA EYITAYO (née Thomopulos)
(Sister)

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” — Psalm 116:15

A tribute to my brother Alexander A. Thomopulos. My beloved brother. My dearest brother. The news of your passing came as a profound shock to us when Sister Maiden announced it.

We were with you in the hospital a few days before, not knowing it would be the last time we would be with you. It left us with an indescribable sense of loss, yet amidst the pain, we are deeply grateful to Almighty God for the beautiful life you lived and the enduring legacy you left behind among family and friends. I can’t forget your regular visits in my younger days, just to make sure I was alright. You were always very caring, humorous, selfless, never complaining, very content, and compassionate.

Adieu, our beloved brother. You will forever be in our hearts. My brother, you will forever rest in God’s bosom. No more pain, no more worldly problems, no more challenges, no more sickness. HALLELUJAH!

       Your sister, 

       Kathie Abiola Eyitayo (née Thomopulos)

The Guardian and Industry Associates mourn AAT

The Guardian Management

“With profound respect and gratitude.”

Dr Thomopulos served the company with dedication, integrity, and exceptional leadership, and his contribution to the growth and success of the organisation was invaluable and will be remembered with profound respect and gratitude. Management extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. 

Prof. Wale Omole

Chairman of The Guardian’s Editorial Board

“A God-given appointment at a difficult time.”

Dr Thomopulos’ advent into The Guardian was a God-given appointment which came at a difficult time, when the founder of the newspaper, Mr Alex Ibru, was abroad. Dr Thomopulos did his best, and he was consistent all through. We will surely miss him.

Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi

Former Minister of External Affairs

“A good man and a good companion.”

Eternal rest grant him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. He was a good man. A good companion whose company I came to appreciate.

Mr Martins Oloja

Former MD/Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian

“His name will not be forgotten.”

Good Night, Dr Alex Thomopulos. May his soul rest in perfect peace. I would like to condole with the chief mourner, Madam Chairman and Publisher, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru. When the history of The Guardian (Nigeria) in the first 40 years comes to be written, the name of the late Dr Thomopulos will not be forgotten. In Nigeria, it isn’t a mourning time. It is a celebration of life @78… Sleep well, Dr AAT.

Dr Kabir Alabi Garba

Editor of the Weekend Guardian

“May the Almighty uphold the family.”

May his soul rest in peace. May the Almighty uphold the family, both the nuclear and the extended, including us in The Guardian. Adieu Dr. Thomopulos!

Mr Francis Onaiyekan

Member of the Editorial Board

“Strength and peace to the families.”

Dr has moved on to a higher and better place of bliss than here below. I wish the families strength and peace.

Mr Alabi Williams

Condolences and prayers for the families.

Mr Felix Kuye 

May God grant him peaceful rest. Good night, good man.

Mr Francis Abayomi

May his soul rest in peace.

Mr Sonnie Ekwowusi

“Simplicity personified—a gem on the Board.”

You can say it again and again: he was simplicity personified. A very unassuming gentleman. One of his outstanding qualities on the Board is kindness and concern for others. I remember when Jacob Akindele was very sick, he took it upon himself to visit Jacob and even footed some of his medical bills before the Board officially visited. He would be missed on the Board with his sarcasm and great sense of humour. Condolences especially to the Publisher, the chief mourner on the Board, his family and all of us. We have indeed lost a gem.

Eno Bassey

Oh! Dr has gone. Who will call me princess in the newsroom? Sleep on. May God forgive your shortcomings. RIP.

Tony Okeregbe

At the Editorial Board Meeting, he used to call me “My Sapele Brother”. He was a jolly “young” old man, God rest his soul.

Bola Ganiyu

What a loss to The Guardian newspaper. May the good Lord be pleased with his return. 

Abiola Lawal

AT is gone!! May Almighty God grant him eternal rest in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Ozah Matthew

Oh! What a great loss. He was the “Iroko” of The Guardian after the passing of our amiable Chairman. Dr AT, as he was fondly called, was a fine gentleman and an excellent administrator who had an eye for detail. 

Although he knew me quite well on the Editorial Board, we became closer after he read my article on Sapele, published on July 10, 2019. His secretary, Mrs Priscilia, summoned me to say that ‘Oga’ wants to see me. As I entered his office, he said, “Are you the one who wrote this article?” pointing to it on his table. I responded in the affirmative, and he said, “So you’re a Sapele man? What part of Sapele did you grow up in?” I said, “URBAN Area.” 

“Oh!!!” he exclaimed, “JAGUDA boys zone,” and we both laughed aloud because the neighbourhood is known for its notoriousness. He made comments that suggested a certain power bloc within the organisation enjoys my posting to “Afghanistan”. He encouraged me and said his doors are wide open for me. Thereafter, he called me Sapele man, and I called him Uncle. 

      May your soul rest in eternal peace in the Lord, Dr AAT, my Uncle.

Desmond Alozie

May your soul rest in peace, Dr T. Fondly called by this name by the Chairman, I knew him when I worked in the Chairman’s house. He’d make jokes, and you would laugh.

Akinola Ajiboye

May his gentle soul rest in peace, and may God console the family he left behind, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

Chukwuma Muuanya

He was a very straightforward and truthful man. May his soul rest in peace. 

Segun Belo-Osagie

My condolences. He was a friendly man. Got to know him through Mrs Maiden Ibru.

FirstDove Farms

May Jehovah comfort his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace

Christiana Atoki

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Richards Oluwatoyin Juliet

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Fakeye Ahmwd David

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

Benson Alawode

Perfect eternal rest, Grant him, oh Lord and let light Perpetual shine upon him.

Ifeanyi Ibe

Former Security Manager of The Guardian

“Working with you was a school.”

Oh, my God!!!!! I can’t quite situate this.

Dr, working under you for 12 years was a ‘school’. I remember the day you asked me, “What do people say about me?” In my response, I said, “Working with you is a school where I learn a whole lot every day. People are surprised that I work with you successfully, and they want to know how I do it.” You were so excited at my response that you lectured me on discipline and character. You said Nigerians would like to take discipline for wickedness because they don’t want to change their character. 

You were an excellent manager. Some would dispute this because it seemed you were lacking in emotional intelligence. Yet, those who didn’t understand would not know you could be humane in many respects.

For instance, when you learnt that my wife was so sick in 2021, you sent me ₦100,000 and urged me to do my best to take care of her (you shocked me with the gift). This was a time I had already resigned from my job and had no connection with The Guardian. I also remember how helpless you felt when I resigned.

To many, you were seen as wicked, autocratic. But to those who worked closely with you, you were an epitome of excellence in administration. Your sense of cleanliness, forthrightness, discipline and humour is unmatched.

I pray God to receive you and give you His Peace.

       Rest on, Dr.