The Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, The Most Reverend Dr Michael Olusina Fape, has charged Christians to dedicate their lives to the service of God and humanity for a reward in the heavenly places.
He said this while delivering the sermon at the funeral of the late Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs) Mercy Temitayo Owolana, held at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne -Remo, on Friday.
Fape, who doubles as the Bishop of Remo Diocese at the service attended by the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, his wife, Bamidele; former governors of the state, Senator Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, his wife, Olufunso and former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, submitted that the late Iyalode of Ikenne lived a life of service to God and humanity in her 87 years sojourn on earth.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Olotu Micheal Oyedele; Asiwaju SK Onafowokan; the CEO of Betnaija, Mr. Kunle Soname.
Arch Bishop Fape who spoke on the theme: “There is a reward for your works after death”, acknowledged that death is a common debt to be paid by all, irrespective of creed, colour, status and age
Bishop Fape said: “Every person born of a woman must taste death one day, except Jesus Christ returns before it is your turn. Even Methuselah, who lived for 969 years, eventually died.”
He eulogized the virtues of late Mrs Owolana, as a woman of many parts, whose memories would continue to linger in the hearts of those that she impacted positively.
“If three governors in their generations could write about Mama Owolana, the woman we are celebrating today, clearly it is an indication that she was a good woman.
“For us in the Diocese of Remo, Mama Owolana was a cheerful giver, especially to the aged and widows whom she had been empowering for well over 60 years.
“She was indeed an embodiment of mercy. What are we going to say about you when you complete your earthly work? She was a great woman. She was an embodiment of humility,” Bishop Fape added.
Governor Abiodun, in his remarks at the service, said the life of Mama Owolana was full of many accomplishments.
He equally described her as an exceptional leader who discharged her duties well with all modesty.
“Her unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women is excellent.
“She was a selfless community leader. Her legacies would forever be cherished not only by her children but by all and sundry,” the governor said.
In her tribute on behalf of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu, said the late Mrs Owolana, was an industrious, amiable and a generous giver.
“Like all beloved personages, Chief (Mrs) Mercy Owolana always took note of the world around her. She saw the value in everyone. She built people’s spirit. She remained humble and amiable even in the midst of challenges, realizing that we are all examples of grace and understanding.
“She was industrious, she was successful, but she remained human and made a difference in countless people’s lives. She was generous to a fault,” she said.
READ ALSO: Police confirm Oloba Salo hospitalised after gun attack in Lagos
