We have lost a great man. Two issues preoccupied Mr. Moyib throughout the short time I knew him: his children and archaeology. He worked hard for both. A devoted father, loyal friend, and mentor of young archaeologists, he was the pillar of the Oyo Empire Archaeology + Heritage Project, serving as the project’s Assistant Director and geoarchaeologist since 2017. I’ve never met a more hardworking person. He was the best Nigerian field archaeologist of his generation. There is nothing in archaeological field operation he cannot and will not do very well. He was also an excellent cook and a field logistic expert. I would jokingly call him “Ten-People-In-One.” Our achievements on the Oyo Archaeology project would not have been possible without him. He was a generous man, willing to make himself available for the advancement of others, especially the younger archaeologists. There is hardly any major fieldwork in Nigerian archaeology he was not part of over the past ten years. As a result, he mentored several budding archaeologists.

He was in the last writing phase of his doctoral dissertation at the University of Ibadan, with great hopes for a better future. But the dream and hope ended when he became yet another victim of an overprivileged and careless young driver on one of Nigeria’s bad roads. Your sudden and tragic departure has left a big hole in your family and the archaeology community. I will always remember your impact on me and others. Although you are a private man, I know some of your sufferings brought on you by the limitations of our society. I always admire your candor, pride, determination, and optimism. You lived a life of integrity and hard work, joyful in your children’s well-being and success, and hopeful that it will all end well. But just like that, you are gone. Rest well, Mr. Moyib, a great confidant, collaborator, co-author, friend, mentee, and brother.