Death, mysterious end of man – Bishop Fagbemi
From Ayodele Fagbohun, Owo
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The Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, Rt. Revd. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi has described death as a mysterious phenomenon and urged human beings to shun wordly things.
Bishop Fagbemi stated this while delivering the sermon at the funeral service for the former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the late Pa John Bolanle Aragbaiye at St Patrick’s Church, Ijebu Owo.
He warned the congregation to learn from the story of the rich fool who mainly relied on the acquisition of mundane wealth to the exclusion of God in his life and God terminated his soul in the process without enjoying the fruit of his labour (Luke 12:16-23).
According to the cleric, “It is hardly possible to think of death. But death continues to appear unpredictably, very crude, wicked and interrupts free flow of life. Death is real. It can strike anywhere anytime. It appears at a time when we don’t expect it. It is permanent in the history of man even though it is not in the original plan of God.”
The cleric stressed that death was the penalty for human sin of disobedience, urging Christians to always live according to the dictates of God’s law and be prepared for the challenge that they are children of God.
He however listed the positive side of death which included preventing and shielding man from imminent shame, giving man the rest from the struggles of life and to cap it all, death ushers man into the kingdom of God.
The cleric enjoined the deceased’s children to sustain the legacy of Aragbaiye dynasty in the church.
“The church needs you; wherever you are, continue to support the church,” the Bishop enthused.
Elder John Bolanle Aragbaiye (77 years) a veteran journalist and newspaper man died in Ibadan, Oyo State. He is survived by his amiable wife, Evangelist (Dr) Funmi Aragbaiye, children, brothers, sisters and other relations.
Some of the dignitaries who came from all walks of life to grace the church service included Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the immediate past deputy governor of Osun State, Mrs Titi Laoye Tomori and former Minister of Health, Prof. Eyitayo Lambo.
