By Bukola Olamona

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday commissioned a Hall of Residence built by the family of the late Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, Afunbiowo 11, at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

Dignitaries from all walks of life graced the interdenominational thanksgiving service  and commissioning of the project to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of the demise of the Deji of Akure.

At the well attended event, the late Deji was described as a very kind personality who loved his kinsmen and was ready to sacrifice anything for them.

Other dignitaries at the event included Governor of Ondo State represented by Mr. Niyi Adelola; former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and wife, Mrs Olukemi; Deputy Governors of Oyo and Osun States, Bayo Lawal and Kola Adewusi, respectively; Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Victor Kiladejo; Olubaka of Okaland, Oba Adebori Adeleye; clergymen, members of the academia, among other  personalities.

In his sermon, during a thanksgiving service the Bishop of Akure and Archbishop Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev Simeon Borokini said whoever wants success must do the will of God.

He added that the late monarch did the will of God by showing love to everyone he came in contact with.

Bishop Borokini explained that this world is not a home for the children of God, but they are just sojourners in the world, adding that there  is a place called heaven where they belong.

“Whether we like it or not, this place is not our home; it is not permanent. Heaven is a prepared place for children of God, which means there is another fellowship in heaven,” he added.

He also noted that, though the late king was a man without a full moment, he left behind a beautiful legacy within the little time he spent on the throne, which he said would never be forgotten.

Also speaking, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Victor Kiladejo described the late king as a lively person and a great achiever who laid down  examples for other monarchs to emulate.

He said: “though he lived a very short life on the throne but he achieved a lot in that short period. His life was well planned, he did a lot for his community and also for the Council of Obas. He loved Akure from the bottom of his heart and gave his life for them”.

In her goodwill message during the commissioning of the Hall of Residence, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof Adenike Oladiji expressed her gratitude to the family of the late monarch, saying the hall is very special as it would go a long way to ameliorate the sufferings of students on campus who are finding it difficult to get accommodation.

 A spokesperson of the Adesida family and daughter and former Regent, Dr Adetutu Adesida Ojei, said the family members are very grateful to all for their show of love and support, especially after the demise of their father, promising that they would continue to uphold the principle and values he left behind.