The remains of the late Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Barr. Isaac Omodewu, was on Friday, laid to rest in his home town, Otu in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state.
Recall that Omodewu, a former Commissioner for Lands during the Senator Abiola Ajimobi administration , died recently in the United States of America during a brief illness.
In his sermon at the funeral service, held at the First Baptist Church in Otu, Rev’d (Dr.) John Oyelade of the Fountain of Peace Baptist Church in Oyo, lamented that the current economic conditions in Nigeria have forced many citizens to live like “walking corpses.”
According to Rev’d Oyelade, the widespread hardship and suffering faced by many Nigerians have stripped them of their vitality and hope.
He emphasised the need for urgent action and reform to alleviate the burdens that weigh heavily on the populace.
In his sermon titled “When Death Occurs,” Rev’d Oyelade reflected on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
He urged those in positions of power to treat their constituents with kindness and empathy, reminding them that life is fleeting.
“Omodewu’s death should serve as a lesson and an eye-opener for everyone,” he said.
He further added, “We must know that death is a reminder of a day of reforming; it gives us the opportunity for repentance.”
Rev’d Oyelade described Omodewu as a kind-hearted individual who made significant contributions to the community and touched many lives during his lifetime.
His legacy, the cleric noted, should inspire others to live meaningfully and support one another, particularly in these challenging times.
He concluded with a call for unity among Nigerians, as they navigate the economic difficulties that have led to despair among many citizens.
Meanwhile, dignitaries who paid their last respect to Omodewu, were the National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Ganduje; the three Senators representing Oyo, Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), and Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South).
Other notable figures in attendance included former Nigeria Communication Commission Chairman, Adeolu Akande; former Oyo Deputy Governors, Rauf Olaniyan and Moses Adeyemo; APC Deputy National Chairman (South-West zone), Isaac Kekemenke; Aderemi Oseni; Secretary of APC in Oyo State, Tajudeen Olanite; former state Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Abass Aleshinloye and party spokesperson, Olawale Sadare, among many others.
Ganduje, represented by the APC Deputy National Chairman, Isaac Kekemenke, expressed the party’s sorrow over Omodewu’s passing.
He extended condolences to the bereaved family and urged them to find solace in Omodewu’s legacy.
“APC at the national level will ensure that Oyo APC remains united to achieve its aims and objectives,” Ganduje stated.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli praised Omodewu as a dedicated party member who tirelessly worked to rebuild the APC in Oyo State.
He emphasised that Omodewu was an astute administrator and that the party would profoundly miss his contributions.
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari echoed these sentiments, calling Omodewu’s death a significant loss for the party.
“He left a legacy that will never fade,” Buhari remarked, highlighting Omodewu’s successful efforts in winning three Senate seats and nine House of Representatives seats for the APC, despite the challenges posed by a sitting governor from the opposition party.
Ends
