By Chiemelie Ezeobi
Despite efforts to maintain a stoic mien, tears poured in torrents as the remains of late Pastor Oluwadamilare, the son of General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, were laid to rest yesterday
The third child of the family, P Dee, as he was fondly called, died last Wednesday in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where he lived with his family and operated as the Assistant Pastor in charge of Region 35.
The 42-year-old, who fathered three daughters with his wife, Temiloluwa, was buried yesterday after a farewell service at the Youth Centre, Redemption Camp, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway .
Prior to the funeral, the church, especially the youth wing, had organised service of songs and night of tribute, championed by the deceased’s brother, Leke Adeboye.
At the funeral, the sermon was delivered by Pastor Kola Oyeneyin, while the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church, a.k.a, Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, prayed for the family.
Tears poured as he was committed to mother earth after the farewell service.
Among the dignitaries on ground were Oyedepo; his wife, Faith; Pastor David Oyedepo Jr; and Senior Pastor Covenant Christian Centre, Pastor Poju Oyemade; as well as thousands of worshippers and well-wishers, who connected physically and virtually.
In her tribute, the widow waxed poetic about the lengths her late husband often went to ensure she was happy.
She wrote, “I write this with a heavy heart because I never knew it would be this soon. I can’t believe I have to talk about you in past tense.
“I thank God for the wonderful life you lived. You were amazing inside and out. Yes, we had our differences and we fought.
“This time, you fought the good fight of faith and I’m sure you got the crown. You have run your race and have finished well.
“You have left us with the baton, and we will continue the race from here. It’s truly not a matter of how long, but how well.
“Although your time on earth was short, your impact is felt worldwide, especially amongst the youths. I do not mourn but I celebrate you because you are Heaven’s gain.
“In your last messages, you told us if you leave this world now, you are fulfilled and know you have done what the Lord sent you to do. Well done, God’s General. I salute you!
“You told the children, “Go with Mummy, she will take care of you better than I can’ and called me and said ‘Baby, please give them whatever they want. We kissed and said our byes.
“You said you wanted to rest and asked not to be disturbed, because you knew Jesus wanted you by His side. Who am I to question God?
“You’ve always said when I don’t have answers, I should ask the Holy Spirit for clarifications. I did! He assured me you’re with the Lord. I saw you
lifted into glory.
“The girls and I miss you so much already, but Heaven needs you more…..you were a man with an excellent spirit. Your attention to detail was top-notch. You ensured excellence in everything you did and taught us to follow suit.”
In his first broadcast to openly address the death of his son, Pastor Adeboye, who spoke virtually, charged the church not to mourn but to rejoice because God gained a general.
In the video posted afterwards on his different social media platforms, Pastor Adeboye said “we lost a General but we didn’t lose God. One man down, we regroup and advance!”
Urging Nigerians not to cry over the demise of his son, he rather called for prayers for his widow, mother, children, siblings and the entire family.
He said: “I want to thank each and every one of you, for this massive show of love, not just for Dare but for me, my wife, the widow, the children, the siblings
“I am extremely grateful, I am only bringing you this brief message not just to thank you but to let you know that by the special grace of God, we are loved of God and because we are loved of God, we are more than conquerors.
“I want you to know that God who knows the end from the beginning, knew long before the foundations of the world that what has happened is going to happen.
