From Jimoh Ahmed, Owo

The Diocese  of Owo Church of Nigeria – Anglican Communion), on Saturday held its 5th edition of the Evening of Praise To The Kings of Kings and Celebration of God’s Faithfulness in honour of the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

The programme which is a special edition with the Theme,  The All Sufficient Father, took place at Saint Andrew’s Church Cathedral,  Imola Street  in the ancient town of Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Government. 

 Speaking in his welcome address at the ocassion,  the Diocese Bishop,  Rt.Rev. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, who led other men of God in the diocese to praise God in honor of  late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN CON, who was until his demise was the Chancellor of the Diocese said the programme came into being five years ago when God instructed him to tell the late Governor to always give praise to Him every year.

Rt Revd. Fagbemi, disclosed that the Governor has always been present during the annual event except once in 2021 when he was unavoidably absent. 

According to him, the late former Governor was on the podium last year when he sang the ever popular song, “Awa take jewo re ni gbangba”.

He stated that the expectations of the Diocese was that the late former governor would be among the celebration but God has chosen to take him away.

On the question that question by some few that has God not answered tha prayers of the people for the recovery of Akeredolu from his sickness,  Bishop Fagbemi posited that indeed He has answered every good prayers for the deceased but has done that in a different way.

“Our worries were if God has not answered the prayers said for him.  It is clear He did answered but in a different way. Our expectations was that he will be sitting here among us but God has chosen to chosen to take him to the eternal Cathedral.  We lost him, Heaveans gained him”.

He disclosed that at first, there was the urge to cancel the programme but God said it must go on and it should be the first gathering to honour him and praise God for his life.

He, said late Gov. Akeredolu’s legacy would be remembered forever, while calling on other Politicians in the Country to emulate late Governor Akeredolu.

 Bishop Fagbemi, also used the ocassion to condole with the immediate family of Akeredolu, the government and people of Ondo State and Owo Community at large.

Right Revd. Fagbemi described late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as a man of integrity, who always stand by the truth ar all times. 

According to him, “he did his best before he was called to the other world”. 

“While we are mourning we should also be thanking Ggod for his life “

Venerable Oluwarotimi Komolafe who took the exhortation at the event said the theme, The All sufficient Father,  was chosen because the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu did made it clear that God was indeed sufficient for him, through his deeds, actions and faith. 

Venerable Komolafe said Akeredolu changed the belief that no child of God can contest an election in Nigeria and win.

“He is a unique personality. He ran for the first time and fail but never gave up and contested again and won because he believed God is sufficient for him”.

“He never gave money to buy votes but rather chosen to appreciate those who saw him winning the election. 

“Even in sickness he believed God is sufficient for him. He has faith in Him”.

He described the late Governor Akeredolu as a unique person who was always bold and fearless.

According to him, for many, Akeredolu is dead  but his spirit lives forever  and will forever be evergreen in the memory of the people of the sunshine State.

Highlights if the event included praise and worship to Almighty God with the Emerald Choir from Akure taking the late Governor’s special numbers, “Awa tajewo re ni gbangba” and Aba Father. 

  Meanwhile, the evening of Praise was attended by the  Member representing Owo Constituency II in Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon.(Mrs) Morenike Joke Witherspoon, The Caretaker Chairman Owo local government, Hon. Samuel Adegbegi, Hon. Femi Adekanbi, the Chairman Ondo State Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Victor Olabitan, and the Caretaker Chairman Ipele LCDA, Barrister Olatunbosun Aganun,.

 Other includes, the APC Party Chairman in Owo local government Mr. Samuel Balogun, the Vice Chairman of Iyere LCDA, Hon. Taiwo Adako, the Education Secretary of Owo local government, Mrs Anoma, the former SA to the late Governor, Hon.(Chief) Yusuf Isaika Elegbenrenban, the representative of Oba Ojomoluda and other APC Party Stalwarts.