Eulogies as final home journey of late Pa Olayinka Oyewale begins (PHOTOS)

Eulogies as final home journey of late Pa Olayinka Oyewale begins (PHOTOS)

Abdulrasak BELLO

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Family, friends and church members gathered Friday evening at First Baptist Church, Okelerin, Ogbomoso, to celebrate Pa Abraham Olayinka Oyewale, of Osi-Agoro Compound, Okelerin, who passed away March 10, 2026, at the age of 85.

The final home journey began with a service of songs attended by many people who came to pay their last respect to a man who left a remarkable legacy.

Pa Emmanuel Oladokun Oyelade, who disclosed they were together for nothing less than 71 years until his death described him as a man who served God wholeheartedly. Pa Oyelade of Olugbon Compound, Okelerin, added the deceased was devoted to every assignment he was saddled with in the church, in which he disclosed the late Pa Oyewale posted incredible performances that on several occasions his tenure was extended in various committees.

In his testimony, Mr. Paul Akinwumi Akanbi revealed that if not for late Pa Oyewale he would not have followed the path of education, which he said transformed his life. According to him, “My father who was a friend of late Baba Oyewale, had resolved I would be put in a welder workshop at Ilorin to learn the art.

“But that morning when he was to take me to Ilorin, Baba Oyewale came visiting and he was informed by my father that he was about to embark on a trip to Ilorin. But Pa Oyewale disagreed and that is how he put me on his vespa and took me to Ebenezer Baptist Primary School to enroll me. He put me under the care of his friend Dn. Adewole (a teacher in the school), telling him not to treat me kid glove. That is how he changed my path in life.”

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For Comrade Francis Ogunlowo, who worked with the deceased at Ogbomoso Grammar School as a junior staffer, “Baba Oyewale was very hardworking and brilliant as a Geography teacher. He had what it takes to be a professor but he was not opportune. Aside, when you talk of quality control, Baba Oyewale ranked grade one, and he was a disciplinarian who ensured teachers attend to students. In fact, he sanitized Ogbomoso Grammar School (though a vice principal) during the time.”

Also, Mr. Bayo Odekunbi, chairman of a club Baba Oyewale was a co-founder – Club 10, said the deceased was a strong pillar of the club, trustworthy with club’s fund. “He was greatly valued in the club.”

In his exhortation, Pastor Sijuade Adeeyo emphasized that “Today is a gift that individuals should do well to take care of.” With text from James 4: 13 – 14, he charged the congregation to prepare for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, positing, “We are like mere smoke, drizzle and vapour. We should endeavour to live a holly life. Let’s pray to God to renew our life and make us worthy of God’s Kingdom.”

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Songs, Bible reading, thanksgiving featured in the solemn programme just as special prayer was said for the deceased family.

Saturday, the funeral service will hold at the same venue following which the interment will come up at his residence and guests hosted at an event centre.

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