With Fisayo Akinduro
Within the span of a few days, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, stood on opposite ends of life’s emotional spectrum, offering comfort to grieving families and celebrating the milestone of an octogenarian. The experiences, though different in mood, carried a common thread: the need to value loved ones while they are still alive.
That message resonated strongly as the governor joined other leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Monday in Osogbo, Osun State, to mourn with the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, over the death of his mother.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Aiyedatiwa visited the burial ground and the Bashiru family residence respectively, where they consoled the former Senate spokesman and members of his family.
The APC leaders prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and asked God to grant the family the fortitude to bear what they described as an irreparable loss.
Although mourning his mother, Bashiru reflected more on the fulfilment of her life than the pain of her passing. He described her as a woman of faith and contentment whose peaceful death marked the end of a life well lived.
The APC National Secretary recalled visiting her before travelling after the election, explaining that her condition had improved significantly after she was taken off oxygen support and discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
According to him, he was delighted by her appearance when he returned.
“I felt very happy. She looked very beautiful, very restful and very peaceful,” he said.
Bashiru said his mother’s passing underscored the certainty of death, expressing the hope that everyone would live a life deserving of honour and celebration.
He added that it was reassuring that she died surrounded by members of her family and commended his brother for the sacrifices he made while caring for their mother during her final days.
On Tuesday, the governor was in Abuja where he joined his counterparts in the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) for a meeting of All Progressives Congress governors.
The condolence visit followed Aiyedatiwa’s participation in two separate burial ceremonies on Friday.
The governor first joined family members and associates to pay his last respects to the late Mrs. Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku, who served Ondo State as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development between 2015 and 2017.
Describing her as a woman whose life inspired others, Aiyedatiwa said she made positive contributions to many lives during her lifetime. He prayed that her soul would find solace in Christ and that God would comfort the family she left behind.
Later, the governor travelled to Efon Alaaye to attend the burial of the father of his aide, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Photography, Miss Motunrayo Oyedele.
From those solemn moments, Aiyedatiwa’s schedule turned to celebration on Saturday as he chaired the 80th birthday ceremony of Special Apostle Titus Aremu Ogunseye in Ikeja, Lagos State.
It was there that the governor distilled the lessons from the week’s events into a heartfelt appeal, urging Nigerians to celebrate their loved ones while they are still alive.
He observed that many families organise elaborate ceremonies only after the death of parents and loved ones, denying them the opportunity to witness the affection and appreciation of those around them.
“Most of the time, when we lose our parents, we organise elaborate celebrations after they have gone and they do not have the opportunity to witness the love being shown to them. Today is different because Baba is alive to see everyone who has come to celebrate him,” he said.
Describing the attainment of 80 years as a special blessing from God, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for Apostle Ogunseye’s good health and strength.
He disclosed that he initially questioned whether he should chair the occasion because, at 61, he regarded the celebrant as old enough to be his father.
The governor also revealed that he had travelled from Lagos to attend the burial of the father of one of his aides before returning for the birthday celebration, saying both engagements were equally important.
He noted that occasions such as the celebration offered an opportunity to number one’s days in accordance with biblical teachings while appreciating God’s faithfulness.
According to him, wisdom acquired through age remains the true glory of old age, describing Apostle Ogunseye as a man whose 80 years reflected resilience, compassion, prayer and dedicated service.
He further described the cleric as a wise master builder in God’s vineyard who had devoted his life to building people through prayer, sound teaching and exemplary conduct.
As the celebration drew to a close, Aiyedatiwa congratulated the octogenarian and prayed for his continued good health and strength. He also prayed that everyone present would live to celebrate 80 years and beyond in peace and under God’s grace.
Taken together, the week’s engagements illustrated the delicate balance between life’s beginning and its inevitable end. From the silence of burial grounds to the applause of a birthday celebration, one enduring message stood out: the greatest tributes are often those expressed while loved ones are still alive to receive them.