By Adekola Afolabi & Jimoh Ahmed
All roads lead to Owo, the country home of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as his mother, Lady Evangelist Grace Abosede Akeredolu who died on September 15, this year finally takes a bow tomorrow.
Already, all hotels and guest houses in the ancient town have been fully booked as eminent personalities poured into the town to give the Akeredolus support.
At a service of songs held for Evangelist Akeredolu on Thursday, Governor Akeredolu led his siblings and other family members to hold a Service of Songs for their late mother at All Saints’ Church, Jacob and Grace Chapel, Ido in Ibadan.
Meanwhile, another Service of Songs was also held simultaneously at St. Matthias Anglican Church, Orogun, Ibadan. The First Lady, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu joined the Governor’s siblings including Professor Wole Akeredolu, Pastor Kola Akeredolu, and Mrs Toyin Akeredolu.
At Jacob and Grace Chapel, the first Bible lesson at the Service of Songs was read by the Governor’s younger sister, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, while mama’s last child, Mr. Femi Akeredolu took the second lesson. Governor Akeredolu’s daughter, Dr. Teniola Akeredolu read the last lesson.
In his brief exhortation tilted “Finishing Well” the presiding minister, Very Rev. Dr. Kalu Ndukwe, extolled the legacy and footprints left behind by Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu, adding that the nonagenarian had fought a good fight and finished the race well.
The cleric particularly lauded the deceased for her worthy service to God and humanity.
“We thank God for the life mama lived and the remarkable footprints she left behind. The testimony that we heard today was that she was prayerful,” she was generous.
“This message is not for her. The books are closed and the message is for the living. It is for us to live well so that we can exit gracefully and end well. Wisdom demands that we should be prepared to finish well,” he added.
In his testimony, Governor Akeredolu first child, Rotimi Akeredolu junior described the deceased as a special woman.
He said:”Granny was a special woman. She had passed but her memory will definitely lingers on. One of my first memories was Orogun. Granny was hundred percent devoted to God.
“One thing that was special about her was her generosity. She was very generous to everybody. It was painful that she passed away.”
In his vote of thanks, Governor Akeredolu thanked the church for allowing the children to build the Jacob and Grace Chapel named after their late father and mother.
“When we were laying the foundation stone of this chapel, only few of us were there. My mum was here. We laid the foundation together. And I want to specially appreciate All Saints Church.
“Your church, my church, our church, I am proud of this church. You gave us a great honour to build this small chapel. This church was named after my mum and her late husband. For allowing us to do that, I want to thank the Church,” he said.
A minute silence was also observed in honour of the departed nonagenarian.
There was also planting of a memorial tree in honor of the nonagenarian and her late husband, Rev Jacob Akeredolu.
Highlights of the event were choir ministration, presentation by Community High School, Iddo as well as prayers for the departed, her children and the entire family members.
The burial arrangements started on Wednesday in Owo, the country home of Governor Akeredolu, with the traditional Ajabue dance round the ancient town.
The traditional procession was led by Governor Akeredolu’s immediate younger brother, Professor Wole Akeredolu, and the last child of the deceased, Mr. Femi Akeredolu.
The burial arrangements continue today, Friday November 11, 2022, with Commendation Service at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Molete, Ibadan, by 9am.
It will be followed by Service of Songs at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, Ondo State, by 4pm and later in the evening, the Wake Keep will be held at Jacob & Grace Garden, opposite Imade College, Oke-Ogun, Owo .
On Saturday, November 12, 2022, the burial service will hold at St Andrew’s Cathedral, Imola Street, Owo, by 10am.
Interment follows immediately after the burial service. Reception is at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo.
Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu died on September 15 at the age of 90 years.