…I don’t think I can be as nice as my father – First Son, Olakunle.
By Divine Sam
The remains of former Daily News Newspaper staff, Pa Olayinka Emmanuel Ojofeitimi, have been laid to rest in his hometown of Ilesa, Osun State, on what would have been his 85th birthday.
The funeral activities commenced on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with a lying-in-state and Christian wake-keep held at his residence, No. 15 Dolapo Adeyemi Street, opposite RCCG, ICAST Road, Elebu, Ibadan, Oyo State. The service was conducted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus Government Parish, Elebu, Ibadan.
Ministering during the wake-keep service, Pastor Adewunmi Adebayo described the late Pa Ojofeitimi as a man of integrity, unwavering faith, and exemplary character whose life reflected genuine devotion to God.
Preaching from Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, Revelation 21:18-27, John 14:1-7, and 2 Corinthians 5:1, the cleric reminded worshippers that every human being was formed from dust and would one day return to it. He stressed that death is inevitable and urged everyone to live a righteous life, noting that no one knows when the call of eternity will come.
“Pa Olayinka Ojofeitimi has finished his earthly assignment. This message is no longer for him but for those of us still living. If you have not given your life to Christ, now is the time,” he admonished.
The funeral service took place on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at RCCG Glory Tabernacle Parish, opposite Happy Day Hall, behind Olorunwa Street, Ilaje, Oke Omiru, Ilesa, Osun State, where the deceased’s body was ushered into the church by undertakers before the commencement of the final funeral rites.
The first Bible reading was taken by the deceased’s first daughter, Mrs. Bosede Ojofeitimi, from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
In the biography read by his younger brother, Prof. Balogun Ojofeitimi, the late Pa Olayinka Emmanuel Ojofeitimi was described as a dedicated media professional who began his career with the Daily News Newspaper in Lagos before relocating to Ibadan, where he continued with the Sketch Newspaper.
Throughout his journalism career, he was widely respected for his professionalism, diligence, and strong work ethic.
Born on June 25, 1942, in Ilesa, Osun State, Pa Ojofeitimi was the only child of his parents, Pa Samuel Ojofeitimi and his mother, while also sharing strong family ties with the wider Ojofeitimi family through his father.
After leaving journalism, he ventured into private business, establishing successful enterprises in agrochemicals, beer distribution, building contracting, farming, and block manufacturing. His determination, business acumen, and commitment to excellence enabled him to provide comfortably for his family while earning respect within the business community.
He was married to the late Mrs. Iyabode Hilda Ojofeitimi (née Ajanaku), and together they raised five children in a home built on faith, discipline, love, and godly values.
A devoted Christian, Pa Ojofeitimi worshipped for many years at Methodist Church, Agbeni, Ibadan, before later becoming a committed member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Elebu Parish, Ibadan, where he remained steadfast in his faith until his passing.
He peacefully passed away at his residence on May 18, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m., leaving behind a legacy of faith, integrity, and selfless service.
Delivering the funeral sermon titled “A Good Name and A Great Legacy,” the Sunday School Coordinator of RCCG Region 4, Pastor John Sowore, preached from Ecclesiastes 7:1-5, Hebrews 11:12, 2 Corinthians 5:1, and 1 Thessalonians 4:18.
He reminded the congregation that death is a debt every human being must pay and urged believers to live lives worthy of emulation.
According to him, “A good name cannot be bought with money but is earned through integrity and righteous living. The large turnout at this funeral is a testimony to the kind of life Pa Ojofeitimi lived. Wealth may fade, but a good name endures forever.”
Pastor Sowore noted that the deceased left behind enduring legacies of faith, integrity, humility, and godly character, challenging worshippers to reflect on the kind of legacy they were building for future generations.
He concluded by asking the congregation: “Do you have a good name before God and men? What legacy are you leaving for your children? If death comes today, are you certain of eternity?”
The cleric prayed for God’s comfort upon the bereaved family and encouraged Christians to live lives that would positively impact humanity.
Speaking with Newsieevents.com shortly after the funeral service, the first son of the deceased, Mr. Olakunle Ojofeitimi, described his late father as a rare man of integrity, compassion, humility, and unwavering faith whose exemplary lifestyle touched countless lives.
According to him, his father’s greatest inheritance was not material wealth but the values of honesty, kindness, discipline, and the fear of God which he instilled in his children.
“My father left behind a legacy that is difficult to match. I don’t think I can be as nice as my father because he genuinely loved people and always looked for ways to help others. We can only pray for God’s grace to uphold the values he taught us and preserve the legacy he left behind,” he said.
Tributes poured in from the deceased’s children, grandchildren, relatives, church members, associates, cooperative societies, and friends, all describing Pa Olayinka Emmanuel Ojofeitimi as a man whose life was defined by integrity, generosity, diligence, and unwavering faith in God.
His passing, they noted, marks the end of an era but leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
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