“Aboderin was not just ambassador of the County but of God”, Says Cleric

Mary Nnah

It was rather a celebration of life well spent for late Mr. Gbadebowale Aboderin, Chairman, PUNCH Nigeria Limited, who died on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 after a heart surgery at the First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi, Lagos, at the age of 60.

Friends, colleagues and family members gathered at The Haven Event Centre, GRA, Ikeja on Thursday, June 14 during a Wake Keep service held on his behalf to celebrate a life that had impacted so much lives in the space of 60 years. The event conducted by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Lagos West, Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, GRA Ikeja, had the Diocesan, Rt Rev (Dr.) James .O. Odedeji as the officiating minister.

Speaking on the topic, “An Ambassador Returns Home”, Odedeji said Aboderin was an ambassador and a representative of God, adding, “He preached to the world. He did his bit.And we know that when an ambassador has finished his course, the authority asks him to return So Aboderin was an ambassador, not of just the country but of the almighty God. God sent him to this world. He was sent 60, years ago, to the Aboderin family and when he finished his course, God recalled him. At this time, he has returned to his maker, he has returned to give account of his life to God. He has returned to take his place in heaven

Quoting from the Bible book of 2nd Cor. 5 vs 20, which say, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God”, Odedeji said, “We are ambassadors, every Christian is an ambassador of Christ to preach and spread the light of God in the world.”

Reading from 1st Peter 2 Vs 11, which says, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul”, the cleric said, “We are here on a mission and when the time shall come, we shall all return one after the other. The one who sent us can ask us to return at any time. So when our brother, Wale Aboderin finished his own course, he was recalled by God to give account of his life.

The cleric said further that having read about the life and time of late Aboderin, it was obvious he was being celebrated and not mourned because he lives and not dead. “God only called him home and we all know that death is just a means that God calls His own to return to him”, he noted.

“I have read a lot about him since he passed away and all I read indicate that while on earth he has made impacts and affected lives, so before his maker, it is time to give account because he has cease from work.”

Calling on Aboderin’s widow and children to be strong he said, “I am trusting God that God will console his wife and children as well as the entire family. “Sister Titi, the Lord will console you and I want you to know that it pleases God to recall your beloved husband”, the cleric noted.