By Sade Adewale

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A philosopher Dane Cicely Saunders (1918-2005), founder of the modern hospice movement says, “It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. The act of dying is not of importance, it lasts so short a time.”
All creatures will die, no matter how young or old they may live. Bode Boye Betiku was full of enthusiasm the week before his death, but his cock crowed on June 19, 2021 when his maker summoned him to heaven. In a jiffy he was gone and like a candle in the night, the immediate past Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of Owena Press Limited, publisher of The Hope titles went on a journey of no return. Ondo, his home town was thrown into a mourning mood, friends and family members wept uncontrollably, those he mentored bowed down, hissed as torrential tears filled their eyes.
The reality dawned on them finally on Thursday, July 1, 2021 when his remains were brought to his father’s house at Igbonmoba for prayers, in line with the traditions in the kingdom. At the lying-in-state and wake keep people from all walks of life commiserated with his wife, children and other family members.
The funeral which was held at Lourdes Catholic Church, Akinjagunla Ondo was also attended by friends, family members, well wishers and government officials.
Earlier in his sermon, at the wake keep, Rev Father Stephen Akinnusoye said, “Man was created in God’s image and likeness and he did not create us to die but we used our hands to bring death upon ourselves.
“Death is certain and it will come when it will, that is why each day of our lives is important to God. There is need for us to prepare every moment of our lives for death.
“The situation in Nigeria today has imposed a lot on our minds that people are afraid of death, but certainly death will come. Death is cheap today in the country, but to live is costly, that is why we must learn to live beyond ordinary listening to the word of God. Whatever you hear from God, you must practicalise it and make use of it.
“Betiku in his life time, touched many lives, nobody is perfect but we will continue to pray that God should look kindly upon him and grant him rest in His kingdom. His journey has ended because we know anybody born of woman will die, it does not matter how short or long.
“Bode Betiku loved his wife, children, family members, culture and his town, Ondo kingdom, so much. He lived a selfless life, living his life for others. He never thought he could live up to this time. It has pleased his creator to call him home at the age of 69.
“We should live our lives as peaceful as ever and as simple as you want it to be. The life that we live is simple and delicate,” the Rev father stressed.
Rev. Father Stephen Akinnusoye who also preached at the funeral service held at Lourdes Catholic Church, Akinjagunla, Ondo called on Christians to know that death can come at anytime, but they should hold tenaciously to God Almighty, so that, they could reign with Him on the last day.
Akinnusoye said that Bode Betiku had played his own part, served people and humanity conscientiously and what awaits him was judgement from God his maker.
Also speaking at the burial, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Jude Ayodeji Arogundade described Betiku as a wonderful, decent and gentle man who wanted to do his best for everyone.
Arogundade said, “Bode was a wonderful and decent human being, this is the time we need him most but God has called him.
“Betiku was a complete gentleman, he wanted a beautiful country and state. May God grant him eternal rest.
“He worked tirelessly to make the church a cynosure of all eyes, he was active in Ondo State and Ondo city,” he stressed.
After the burial service, the remains of the media guru, was laid to rest at the cemetery at Olaniyan Street, besides Saint Paul Primary School, Ondo as sympathisers thronged his residence to condole with the widow and children he left behind.
Speaking about her husband after the burial, the widow, Mrs Ibiyemi Bode Betiku described the death of her husband as shocking, devastating and heart broken.
Mrs Bode Betiku said the deceased was not only her husband but an adviser, confidant, mentor who was always ready to help and a good man in all ramifications.
Also playing glowing tribute to his friend of many years, Chief Andy Akintoye said that Bode Betiku was a good and kind man who was willing to help others and gave nesting shoulders to comfort those in distress.
He advised his friends family to encourage themselves by giving thanks to God always, adding that his legacy will live on forever.
Speaking about her father, the daughter of Bode Betiku, Miss Bababusolami said, “my daddy was such a wonderful person, everyone in the family will miss his smile and helpful attitude.
Meanwhile, in a letter of condolence by the Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, he described the passage of the media guru as a great loss to Ondo State, Ondo Kingdom and the journalism profession in Nigeria.
“Late Bode Betiku was a respected journalist, politician of repute and a great community leader who contributed greatly to the development of his town, Ondo city. He was indeed a great man and an enigma who left indelible footprints in the sands of time.
“No doubt, his exit has created a void in the family and the media circle in Ondo State, where he was a father figure. However, I implore us to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a rewarding and impactful life. Our collective sense of satisfaction lies in the consoling legacies he left behind. Our hearts are with the children and the entire family during this period of grief and personal loss of their patriarch.”
“The late media personality will be sorely missed for his bravery, doggedness and contributions to the uplifting of the pen profession in Nigeria and most especially in Ondo State. His prolific writing proficiency thoroughness, professionalism and sense of duty will be missed by all.”
Also, the management and staff of Crest 87.7fm, Akure, in a condolence letter sent to the Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of Owena Press Limited, and signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the radio station, Mr Adeolu Gboyega, the radio station expressed shock on the passage of the former Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of The Hope.
The management and staff said Betiku’s contributions to the journalism profession remained indelible while his exploits as the Chief Executive Officer of The Hope newspaper remained a reference point for budding journalists.