By OLAYINKA OLUKOYA, Abeokuta

Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State stood still in honour of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, as he buried his father Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun in grandstyle on Thursday.

The burial service held at the auditorium of St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, had in attendance President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo with his wife, Dolapo; former president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and wife, Bola; the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and his wife, Folu; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

Others are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; governors of Lagos, Ekiti, Edo, Kebbi, Kwara and Ondo States, Babajide Sanwoolu, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Godwin Obaseki, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Abdulrasaq Abdulraham and Rotimi Akeredolu respectively while the governors of Borno and Nasarawa States were represented by their deputies.

Also in attendance were former governors of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun; former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao- Akala; Alhaji Aliko Dangote; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole; former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomole; the acting National Leader of Afenifere, Pa. Ayo Adebanjo; the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele; the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina among others.

The Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, The Most Reverend Dr. Olusina Fape, in his sermon, described the deceased as “teacher of teachers”, who used his talents very well in developing humanity.

Fape, who doubles as the Diocesan Bishop of Remo, said the late Abiodun lived a life of legacy that is worthy of emulation.

The cleric noted that death is a debt every mortal shall pay, urging people to prepare well to meet their creator, saying “heaven is a prepared place for prepared people.”

“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 Fape 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.

While calling on the congregation to emulate the exemplary life of the deceased, Fape prayed the Lord should strengthen the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Victoria Abiodun, his children and other family members.

Speaking on behalf of past and serving governors, Governor Kayode Fayemi, said the service was to celebrate Pa Abiodun whom he described 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 for very well in order to make heaven.

Delivering the message of President 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 Dapo Abiodun described his late dad as his mentor, moral compass and teacher.

He added that he would continue to miss his father whom 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.(Nigerian Tribune)

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