Okonkwo, Abioye, Ashimalowo others Grace Odukoya’s Burial Service

Mary Nnah

The presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo and the first Vice President of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Abioye, Founder and President, Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo,were among several dignitaries who graced the final burial ceremony of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya who died on August 7,2023.

The funeral service of the late founding pastor of Fountain of Life Church, Taiwo Odukoya (67 ) held at the church headquarters in Lagos state with a massive crowd packed with dignitaries at the church auditorium.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bishop David Abioye described Bishop Odukoya as a father of faith who have left legacies.

While describing Bishop Odukoya as a man of character and that can be seen in the influence and impact his work had on many while doing God’s business, he said his character was worthy to emulate.

He said he was a man of high-level integrity who planned ahead, adding, “Odukoya prepared his home and worked before living to eternity.”

Quoting from Ecclesiastes 8:8 he said ‘Death is an appointment one has to keep and when it come you have to submit yourself without negotiation. We are waiting in the queue for our turn, everyone has a lifespan and what happens after your life span matters a great deal.

Abioye who equally preached the sermon during the service urged the congregation to be mindful of having a good name,as Pastor Odukoya was a man who would be remembered for his good name, character and works.

“The name of a man represents his recognition and we all saw that in the late Odukoya while he was alive.” Impact makes you relevant no matter how ugly one is,if you can influence people they will colour your face.

He said that the late clergyman’s church will not die because he was a vessel that brought forth the glory of God and the church of God can’t die because Jesus is the builder and God can’t be building while the devil raised his head.

Bishop Abioye noted that Odukoya’s exhibited a strong character, was victorious and finished strong.

In the course of the programme, Bishop Abioye charged the congregation to go home with these lessons,in all we do,don’t miss eternity.
“The church will stand. despite his demise. The work continues ,with fresh oil and grace. He said we celebrate birthdays but no one have ever says death day, Ecclesiastes,3:2

Others who were in attendance, Bishop Peace Okonkwo, former Vice President’s wife, pastor Dolapo Osibanjo, and pastor Mrs. Ifeanyi Adefarasin among other frontline men of God and well wishers who were present at the ceremony.

The funeral service was joined by 16000 participants online.

The church announced that the interment is a private one for only guests.
Pastor Odukoya is survived by five children and six grandchildren.
At the service of songs on Friday, tributes poured from clerics, colleagues, and mentees who extolled Pastor Odukoya’s virtues and praised the clergyman for the roles he performed in various lives.

A thanksgiving service will be held tomorrow at the church to signal the end of the funeral

The burial ceremony lasted for about three hours.