Be Born Again, Nigerian Leaders Admonished

Olayinka Olukoya, Abeokuta - 20.06.2009

LEADERS in the country have been urged to be born again and support the crusade for the rebranding of the country to make it a place worth living for the citizens.

Bishop of the Egba Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Right Reverend Oluremi Owadayo, gave the admonition on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at the burial service of of Madam Juliana Modupeolu Majekodunmi, mother-in-law of the Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikereku.

The cleric asked politicians to use the abundant resources in the country to better the lots of the citizens, reminding them that they would give account of their stewardship.

“We want to re-brand Nigeria, and it is a very good thing. What it means is that we have to be born again. From the theological point of view, whether we accept it or not, if we are not born again, we will not enjoy this world,” he said.

The ceremony turned out to be a rare gathering of politicians across party lines, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo in attendance.

Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Action Congress (AC) leaders and other dignitaries from all walks of life graced the ceremony, which started on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

While the AC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, was among the dignitaries at the farewell service held at the Saviour’s African Church, Ekotedo, Ibadan, on Thursday, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable ‘Dimeji Bankole and wife of the vice president, Mrs. Patience Jonathan led other leaders to Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikereku, Abeokuta, for the burial service, on Friday.

Also, Afenifere chieftains, including Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd), Chief Femi Okurounmu and Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) leader, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, were at the Abeokuta event.

Governors, deputy governors, ministers and wives of governors across the country, irrespective of party affiliations, were also present at the event where wife of former vice president, Hajia Titi Atiku Abubakar, was also in attendance.

Other eminent personalities at the ceremony included governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel and his wife, Olufunke; governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and Ekiti State governor, Mr. Segun Oni and his wife, Oluwakemi.

Former governors of Oyo and Ondo states, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, his wife, Mutiat and Chief Olusegun Agagu and his wife, Funke, were also in attendance.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Etteh; Brigadier-General Raji Rasaki (rtd), Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd), Chief (Mrs) Titi Ajanaku; members of the National Assembly, deputy governor of Osun State, Chief (Mrs.) Olusola Obada; Chief Adekunle Ojora and wife, Ojuolape, were also at the event.