By Divine Okon Sam.
Encomiums poured in as eminent personalities from all walks of life converged at richbam event centre, Ibadan, Oyo State capital to bid farewell to late elder Jeremiah Akinlolu owojori
The event at the White horse multi decorated hall of the richbam had in attendance the high and mighty from all the strata of the nation’s economy – political, academia, administrative and business communities, including captains of industry, friends and associates of the owojori’s family who came in large numbers to bid the late octogenarian a final farewell.
The biography of the the deceased revealed he was born in 1938 into the family of Late Pa Josiah Owojori of lowa Akantioke Royal family and late chief Mrs. Comfort Arajanwo of Ogboru Royal family both in IIe-Ife.
Having laid a solid foundation through primary and secondary education, he passionaly engaged himself in an automobile training with curiosity of training others freely in his usual generosity.
Elder Jeremiah’s passion towards skill and development of many young people did not only stop him at training them and giving them lifetime means of survival and livelihood, he also established Oluwaseun automobile workshop to render all kinds of automobile servicess at Moniya, in Ibadan.
His ability and determination to be a godly loving husband and father of no means repute, propelled him beyond automobile guru to acquiring a certificate in marriage counselling and since then Elder Jeremiah become a tool that God used tremendously and in several occasions to restored many broken Christian marriages in the Christiandom.
Baba ilu oyinbo as fondly, was not just a committed church worker, he devoted his passion for God in totality especially after his retirement from the automobile company. His selfless service to humanity and divinity also endeared him into becoming patron and leader of many churches in the western region of Nigeria and also Co-found various multi cooperative societies.
Having functions in all spheres of life, elder Jeremiah Akinlolu when it comes to community development projects and activities was not found wanting, he took responsibilities and contributed immensely and meaningfully to the growth of his immediate community.
According to his biography, he was named the first chairman of his estate, a position he occupied for years because of his sterling leadership qualities that boom the victory estate Quarry Asunle, within a couple of years.
In his exhortation at the funeral service, Pastor Emmanuel Yusuf of Christ Authority miracle Church, Ibadan, admonished the children of the deceased and the well-wishers on how to handle the issue of death. He reminded and charged the congregation not to fear death but to be prepared and steadfast with God as everyone would be called home someday.
The preacher, in his admonition sue his listeners to adopt and imitate the christ-like footprint of the departed Elder Jeremiah who lived an examplary life to signify his faithfulness in God.
At the party, many who interacted with Newsieevents described the late community leader, as a compassionate and an epitome of love and discipline, while others noted that his humility and selfless service to God and humanity were second to none and cannot be overemphasised.
“He was a nation builder who sacrificed so much to the unity of his family and the society at large, though hardly heard of. It will amaze you to know that daddy was one those who made the survival of many cooperative societies in workable conditions.
“With his experience in the automobile, especially as an administrator, he advised series of young people quite often on several issues that arose and we always followed his direction whenever he cautioned.
He contributed so much to restoring peace in various environments.
“He had a good heart and many got to me for one favour or the other through him. Sadly, some of these people never acknowledged his role in getting such favours. I will miss him.”
On her part, the only daughter Deborah Oluwagbemisola William
“I don’t want to be emotional but I speak to him more than my mom, whatever happens in my life he’s always the first to know about it I’m super proud of having him as my father. He lived a life worthy of emulation. God will reward him abundantly for all his good deeds and forgive him of all his shortcomings. He would always call to pray for me and to bless me with all his heart. He was loved so dearly, and brought so much happiness to the many hearts he touched.
“He was always kind, caring and understanding towards people. He is a blessing and God’s gift to everyone who came across him and brought so much joy to many. He will be greatly missed.”
Agboola Owojori
My father was a selfless man and always put others before himself. He was always fair and honest, he was hard working and he instilled those qualities in me
” his simplest lessons: a kind word, an encouraging smile, the gratitude found in little things, shaped our moral compass more than he knew. While we dearly miss the sound of his voice.”
Kayode Owojori
” what does it really means to be a father? Providing for your family, shelter, food, security etc. Those are basics, I can say we got all those. One extra length which no money in the world can buy is push
Oy yes, push, pray until sometime happens. I have never seen anyone better in that aspect than my father Jeremiah Akinlolu Owojori and our dearest mother”
Kayode who was very emotional in his tribute to his father, when asked about the lifespan of the multi-cooperative societies, churches and other organisations the dad has left behind he said him and his siblings will continue to give their unflinching supports even better than what their father used to do
Bankole Owojori
I am who I am today and where I am because you inculcated maximum discipline in me and all of my siblings. I remember when you ask me to sign an undertaking with you that I’m going to finished my studies you did that because you wanted to motivate me to put in my best. Words are not enough to express how I am going to miss you Dad.
Oladapo Owojori
Millions of words not enough to describe my father, the Lord’s general, a mentor, a missionary, teacher and leader that departed from this sinful world
He was my Gist partner and confidant in care, counsel, discipline, humility, knowledge, moral, prayer and teachers that he impacted on all of us. If I should talk about all that it’ll take years to finish
Jide Owojori
I remember the smiles and the excitement when he was told he’ll come to London to see us
Dad’s words of encouragement gave me the vim and vigour to believe in my dreams that nothing is impossible to achieve. Dad would say Ti o ba ko oju si ko o ta, o ba ko ehin si e ko ta, ti o ba wa ku iwon nikan, ki o tun ero ara e pa.
Dad may your path be brightened by the light of God to eternal rest
Tobi Owojori
My dad was an incredible man, lover of Christ, cheerful giver, resourceful, peace maker and a courageous man
He thought me how to be independent, faithful, generous and helping hand to my spouse because my dad always assisted my mum and wouldn’t want her overstressed so he want we his children to follow his footstools.
The daughters inlaw Mrs. Ikemesit Owojori, Omowunmi Owojori also poured out their tributes in honour of their beloved father in law
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Victoria Olateju Agbeke, 7 children, grandchildren, daughters inlaw and host of many relatives.
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The party was mega with assorted varieties of both locally and internationally made delicacies, alcohol and none all available. It was fun and very entertaining with a versatile live band vibrating and keeping the ceremony alive.