By Richard Thomas
Gospel music minister, pastor and author, Apostle Omolabake Folashade Ishola, popularly known as Apostle Labaster Praise, has expressed deep appreciation for her relationship with veteran gospel music icon, Evangelist Dr Funmi Aragbaiye, describing her as a loving mother, mentor and source of inspiration.
Apostle Labaster Praise, who is the General Overseer of His Presence Royal Family Ministries, Adebiyi Laanisa, Odo-Ona Kekere, Ijebu-Ode Road, Ibadan, stated this in an interview with Oodua News Newspaper.
She said her relationship with Aragbaiye, which began about 15 years ago, has positively influenced her personal life, ministry and career.
According to her, their relationship started in 2015 when they met at the 40th birthday celebration of Evangelist Bukola Akinade, popularly known as Senwele Jesu, where she ministered in songs.
She recalled that her ministration attracted Aragbaiye, who subsequently approached her and expressed her desire to have her as a daughter.
“Mama Funmi Aragbaiye said, ‘I like your songs, and I would like you to be my daughter.’ I appreciated the gesture,” she said.
Apostle Labaster Praise explained that although she did not immediately take the proposal further, they met again during the 70th birthday celebration of King Sunny Ade in Ondo State, where she also ministered in songs.
She said Aragbaiye repeated her request that she become her daughter, adding that the encounter eventually strengthened the bond between them.
“From that point, the mother-and-daughter spirit ignited in me with a kind of passion. Since then, she has been my mother and the relationship has been going on smoothly and steadily to the glory of God Almighty. The relationship has been very cordial,” she stated.
Speaking about Aragbaiye’s personality, Apostle Labaster Praise described her as a principled, kind, compassionate, loving and straightforward woman.
She also praised her creativity, intelligence, humility, hard work and character, saying Aragbaiye possesses vast experience which she has continued to share and mentor younger people.
“I have no regrets whatsoever since I adopted her as my mother. She is lovely to be with. She is a woman of huge experience in life. The moment you sit by her side, she will tutor you, mentor you and encourage you with her experience. Indeed, I am so proud to be her daughter,” she said.
The gospel minister explained that she initially took time to study Aragbaiye’s personality and principles in order to understand how best to relate with her.
According to her, Aragbaiye’s commitment to discipline and high standards has significantly influenced her own life and ministry.
“Mama Funmi Aragbaiye is my mother and mentor. Meeting her has been a huge blessing to my life and career. She is an inspired gospel music minister who has everything it takes to mentor the younger generation, and I really appreciate this in her,” she said.
Apostle Labaster Praise further disclosed that she regularly seeks Aragbaiye’s counsel on important personal and ministerial matters, noting that such guidance has contributed to her achievements.
“And if I want to embark on anything, I go to her for counsel and advice, and this has given me so much success and achievement. Mama Funmi Aragbaiye is a selfless woman and mother with passion and a heart of gold,” she said.
She recalled that when she celebrated 20 years in ministry in 2019, Aragbaiye travelled from the United Kingdom to honour the occasion.
According to her, the veteran gospel minister has also remained supportive of many other people who approach her for assistance, mentorship and guidance.
Apostle Labaster Praise also spoke about her 50th birthday celebration in August, saying Aragbaiye was present and contributed greatly to the success of the occasion.
“When I celebrated my 50th birthday in August, my mother, Mama Funmi Aragbaiye, came to celebrate with me and did very well. Her presence added colour to the occasion, and it was great. I see her as a mother with a good heart,” she said.
She added that she had learnt several valuable lessons from Aragbaiye, including personal discipline, neatness, maintaining healthy relationships and surrounding oneself with good people.
“I have learnt a lot of things from her which are very useful to me today. She is a very neat person, and I learnt that from her too. I also learnt how to keep good relationships with people from her because she keeps good people and is surrounded by good people even in different parts of the world,” she stated.
Apostle Labaster Praise concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings, good health and fulfilment of Aragbaiye’s heart desires.
“I pray that God Almighty will bless her with more good life and grant her heart desires, in Jesus’ mighty name,” she prayed.
