- As Osinbajo, Adeboye, govs, others bid Pa Abiodun farewell
By James Sowole
The Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Diocesan Bishop of Remo, the Rev. Olusina Fape, has cautioned politicians and other influential persons against accumulation of wealth at the expense of the masses.
In his sermon at the funeral and thanksgiving service for the burial of Dr Emmanuel Abiodun, the father of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, Rev. Tape advised the people to always think of what happens after they are dead and should not do anything that would impoverish the masses.
He said: “If the office you are occupying today had made you to become arrogant and make you feel on top of the world; if the position you are occupying today will make people unsafe because of the level of insecurity and people are suffering from poverty, you have to rethink now. You have to think of what happens after your death.”
Pointing out that heaven is a prepared place for prepared people, the cleric further urged the people to live a life of expectation of making heaven.
“Nobody has ever escaped the cold hands of death. And nobody gets to heaven’s prepared place by chance, you must work to get there. We must prepare to meet our Creator. Inheriting the beautiful mansion is not automatic. If you don’t live and die in Christ, there is not peace for you after death.
“You should start thinking about your temporary existence on earth and start doing what will make you inherit heavenly mansions when you die,” Bishop Cape stated.
He described Pa Abiodun as a great teacher and committed Christian who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.
“Papa has worked and distinguished himself in his career and service to humanity. He also passed the torch of Christian faith to his children. He was a loving father and husband. He was an humble man. And because of this, God indeed honoured and rewarded Pa Abiodun’s humility and dedication to God’s way, with blessed children.
“As a Christian, Baba has done well and he never preoccupied himself with earthly possessions, but dedicated himself to the service of God and humanity. What will you be remembered for after leaving the office or position you hold on tightly to? If people are crying because you are a leader, God will judge you,” the cleric added.
Visitors from business, administrative and political circles arrived the town from all parts of Nigeria as early as 8:00am for the programme, which climaxed in the burial programmes that started on Wednesday.
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo led the federal government delegation which included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha; the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Alhaji Abubakar Malami; and the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare, among others.
The Chairman of the Nigeria’s Governors Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, led other governors from Ondo, Kebbi, Edo, Kwara, Adamawa, Lagos, Nasaarawa and Borno States.
Also in attendance were the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele; the President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; Alhaji Aliko Dangote and several managing directors of banks.
The funeral and thanksgiving service also had in attendance the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enorch Adeboye; former governors of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Chief Gbenga Daniel; a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Olusegun Osoba; the Acting National Leader of the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, bishops and clerics, captains of industry and top political functionaries.
Speaking on behalf of past and serving governors, Governor Kayode Fayemi described the deceased as “an exemplar and a great teacher”.
While noting that the deceased lived a good life, Fayemi urged the congregation to reflect on the message by the cleric and prepare very well in order to make heaven.
Delivering the message of President Muhammadu Buhari, VP Osinbajo noted that Pa Abiodun enjoyed the grace of God, but did not take the grace for granted by giving back to his community via the teaching profession and service to God.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun described his late dad as his mentor, moral compass and teacher.
He added that he would continue to miss his father, who he further described as his cheer leader and hero.
While thanking dignitaries who attended the funeral service of his late dad, Abiodun submitted that he would continue to hold on tightly to the morals and values inculcated in him by his father while alive.
