By Babatunde Ayedoju

All roads led to Ajowa-Akoko last Friday as friends and family members gathered at All Saints Anglican Church to bid late Mrs. Janet Dada Ayejoto mother of Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Finance, Mr Tokunbo Ayejoto farewell.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Akoko Diocese, Rt. Rev. J.O.B. Bada (JP), described the death of Mrs. Ayejoto as the end of an era, likened her life of commitment to the service of God to that of Prophetess Anna in the Bible.

Drawing his sermon from Luke 2:36-38, Bishop Bada disclosed that while Anna was a prophetess, Mrs. Ayejoto was an evangelist who did not waste any opportunity to preach the gospel.

He said: “Mama served the Lord like Anna did. I know that God connected Mama with the Ayejoto family because of His purpose for the children who would later be born into that family. She never hesitated to preach the gospel and she also demonstrated a god-like character. She was an irreplaceable and generous giver who left a good legacy for all of us.”

He equally admonished his audience to imbibe patience like Anna in the Bible, instead of the attitude of haste that is now prevalent.

The Bishop added that the deceased and her husband lived for the work of the ministry and the result of their ministry could be seen in the lives of their children who were also serving the Lord.

He stated further, “Contrary to the general notion that children of priests are wayward, the Ayejoto family made a difference by producing God fearing children. We must follow their footsteps.”

The senior clergyman commended the children of the deceased for taking good care of their mother while she was alive and encouraging others to do the same.

“Everyone of you above 50 years should begin to consider your final days. Whatever position you occupy, why did God put you there? It’s for you to preach the gospel.”

Highlights of the service included presentation of songs by invited choirs and special prayers for the family of the deceased.

Speaking on behalf of the children, Mr Tokunbo Ayejoto said her mother would be greatly missed by everybody

“I recall with nostalgia how you were always there for my siblings and I, supplying all we needed, visiting us in school…, You were indeed such a caring mum. All you did for me during my NYSC days that I can never forget makes me see you as a mother in Israel”

The burial ceremony was graced by Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ondo State, Olugbenga Ale, Ondo State Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele;

Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa; Chairman of Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Victor Olabimtan

Others are: Permanent Secretaries, former Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo; ; Archbishop of Ondo Anglican Province, Most Rev. Simeon Borokini who sent representatives, retired Bishop of Ijumu Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ezekiel Ikupolati, and many others.