Why God spares HID’s life - Bishop

By Tope Abiola and Yinka Olukoya - 26.11.2007

BISHOP of the Remo Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev.( Dr.) Michael Fape, on Sunday declared that God had been sparing the life of Yeye Oodua and matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo, to show Nigeria’s political leaders the right ways to do things.

Bishop Fape, while delivering his sermon at the thanksgiving service to mark the 92nd birthday of the chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, held at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne Remo, said God spared Mrs. Awolowo’s life to serve as a guardian to politicians regardless of their political affiliations as “she serves as a rallying point to the politicians.”

He said that “politicians visit her to learn from her goodness. Her life has impacted positively on the lives of many people in their socio-political careers.”

According to him, “God spared your life so that you can be involved in the ministry of reconciliation. You have been involved in reformation and reconciliation in our land and you should continue to do it for peace to reign in the land.”

He remarked that “God did not give her the opportunity to live for nothing sake, but to reconcile His people and to teach the goodness of God to this generation.”

Fape added that Mrs. Awolowo had achieved tremendously in life because her life had impacted positively on many people in the country.

He noted that “at 92, Mama Awolowo is still radiant and brilliant. She remains undaunted in her service to God and humanity.” Fape stressed that “being alive is an opportunity to serve Christ and appreciate God for His creation,” adding that God acknowledged her today because of her fellowship with Him.

The Bishop urged the congregation to take a leaf from the book of Yeyeoodua’s life. He encouraged the celebrant to continue with her devotion, commitment and dedication to God. At the thanksgiving service were the children of the matriarch: Rev. (Mrs.) Tola Oyediran, Evangelist (Dr.) Wole Awolowo, Otunba (Mrs) Ayo Soyode and Otunba (Dr.) Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu.

Dignitaries at the occasion included the governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, who read the second lesson at the service; his Ekiti State counterpart, Mr. Segun Oni and representative of the Oyo State governor, Mr. Diran Odeyemi.

Also in attendance was the wife of the Osun State governor, Chief (Mrs.) Omolola Oyinlola, who led wives of commissioners and permanent secretaries from the state.

The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mrs. Titi Oseni; members of the Ogun State executive council and top political functionaries in the state also attended the ceremony.

Also at the service were Chiefs Wumi Adegbonmire, Ebenezer Babatope, Senator Tony Adefuye, Chief and Mrs. G.O.K. Ajayi, Chief (Mrs.) Mercy Owolana, Mr. Kola Sunbola, Alhaji Tola Yusuf, Hon. (Mrs.) Omobonike Arike Tejuoso, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo, Olori Ayomide Adekeye, Mrs. Gbemi Onasanya, Mrs. Yemisi Oyenuga, Mrs. Foluke Sogunle and Mrs. Ann Awonusi.

Others were the Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Michael Faborode; Chief Olumuyiwa Olukoya, Chief (Mrs.) Elewuju Sadia, Chief Tunji Omisore, Mr. Ademola Odeneye, Mr. Gboyega Isiaka, Professor and Mrs. Gabriel Ogunmola.

Traditional rulers at the occasion were the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba (Dr.) Michael Sonariwo and his wife, Olori Abosede Sonariwo; the Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Oba Adewale Osiberu; the Oludotun of Idotun Ikenne, Oba Odunayo Solarin; the Onilagba of Ilagba, Oba S.A. Adesanya.

Other dignitaries were Chief M. Ogunjobi, Chief (Mrs.) Folake Marcus-Bello, Otunba Tiwalade Sobo and many others. At the occasion were also the management staff of the Tribune titles led by the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Segun Olatunji.