By Adedotun Ajayi

A Thanksgiving service to bid late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu a final farewell was yesterday held at the Cathedral Church of St Andrew’s, Owo.

The service was part of the week-long activities lined up for the burial of the former governor which began on February 15 with a winning soul crusade at the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Present at the well attended service were family members, including Prof. Oluwole Akeredolu, Dr Teniola Akeredolu, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu jnr, Babajide Akeredolu, Pastor Kola Akeredolu, among other extended family members.

Also in attendance were Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, the Iyaloja General, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, traditional rulers, friends and associates among other well-wishers.

In his sermon titled, “Jesus Christ, The Sufficient High Priest,” delivered by the Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Rt Rev. Stephen Fagbemi, centered on the theme of salvation and divine intervention.

Drawing from Hebrews 7:17, Bishop Fagbemi emphasized the singular role of God in providing salvation and guidance during times of trouble and tribulations.

He stressed on the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ, which perpetually positions him as the eternal High Priest, interceding on behalf of humanity.

The Bishop expressed satisfaction that late Akeredolu had the opportunity to lay his mother to rest before his passing.

He offered words of encouragement to the grieving family, urging them to find solace in turning to Jesus, the High Priest and sole intermediary who can advocate to God on their behalf.

Bishop Fagbemi also appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for the roles played by the state government towards celebrating the life of the late Governor while sustaining his legacy.

Highlights of the service were special Thanksgiving and prayers for the family, after which the first son and eldest child of the late Chancellor of the Diocese, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Junior, was inducted into the Levite group in the Cathedral as the generation next.

Akeredolu died on December 26, 2023 after undergoing treatment for protracted prostate cancer in Germany. He was laid to rest on February 23 amidst tears and eulogies, in a private cemetery at the Chapel of Epiphany.