Methodist Cathedral of Light, Agodi, Ibadan was filled to capacity with several other guests standing outside the main auditorium to bid farewell to a soldier of Jesus Christ, humble, unassuming, and faithful Methodist, Sir Chief Solomon Oluokun Babalola on Friday November 8th 2024.
There’s no passer-by in Gate area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital that didn’t know that a giant and icon was been celebrated throughout the over three hours, the Funeral service took.
The Bishop of Agodi Diocese, The Rt Rev Simeon O. Onaleke JP was on hand to welcome five other Bishops and over twenty other categories of the clergies.
The Service started when the members of the prestigious Council of Knights wheeled the remains of the soldier of Christ to the church auditorium with children and grandchildren filling along to pay their last respect.
The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Oliver Ali Aba who was represented by the Methodist Archbishop of Lagos, The Most Revd Ayobami Olawuyi, prayed for new strength for the widow, Lady Mary Toyosi Babalola to carry on with the task of building and unifying the family which Sir Babalola was known for.
Archbishop Olawuyi described the deceased as his confidant and great supporter of his ministry.
He took the sermon from Job chapter 14 vs 1 with the title from “Mortality into Immortality”, he reminded the congregants that all human beings must die one day but where they would spend eternity matters most.
The clergy said life of man is of few days, stressing that only a life lived in Jesus Christ would rejoice in heaven.
He quotes copiously from Isaiah chapter 40 vs 6 -8; Job 19: 25 – 27 and I Corinthians 15: 53.
Most Revd Olawuyi then counselled Nigerian politicians to be as humane as Sir Babalola by having compassion on the citizenry and always do what is good.
“The deceased hate injustice, corruption as well as given and taken of bribes.
“If politicians can emulate all these his attributes, Nigeria will be a good place to live.”
The remains of the late Baba Ojo of MCN Alakia, Sanctuary of Joy were later interred at the Church cemetery.
The guests were later treated to sumptuous meals at the reception.
Born April 16, 1952, late Sir Oluokun Babalola had been a Choirister since his youthful days. He was a lover of Methodism who single handedly built a church in honour of his late Father, Pa David Babalola in Babalola Village of Akinyele Local Government.
He was survived by wife, Children, Grandchildren, relatives and aged mother.
