Aale, Lamiju, Sanjay, Ejide present as Pa Olayinka Oyewale buried, Aworinde preaches on eternity (PHOTOS)

Aale, Lamiju, Sanjay, Ejide present as Pa Olayinka Oyewale buried, Aworinde preaches on eternity (PHOTOS)

Abdulrasak BELLO

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The late Pa Abraham Olayinka Oyewale went to his earthly resting place amid pomp and pageantry Saturday with several dignitaries from across the globe witnessing the event during the church service held at First Baptist Church Okelerin Ogbomoso and at the reception venue, along Iresaapa road.

The children, relatives, friends and others ensured the retired vice principal was given a befitting burial ceremony.

In his sermon, titled, “Where will you spend your eternity?” Rev’d Dr. John Aworinde, who retired from the church, stressed the imperative of repentance and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour emphasizing this is the only prerequisite to spending eternity with God.

Rev’d Aworinde noted the question of where to spend eternity is a great one that cannot be ignored and which must be prioritized, submitting everyone will experience eternity.

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He added, “But where to spend eternity will be different experiences for everyone; some will be condemned while some will be in a place of joy. The important thing to note is that there is no opportunity to change it, and you choose it here on earth. It is like a coin with two sides, a horrible and a pleasant side.”

Aworinde, current pastor of Dominion Baptist Church, Aroje, Ogbomoso, described hell as a “place of unending punishment, eternity of unquenchable fire, eternity of unanswered prayer, eternity of constant maggot attack. Yet, the place will be a place of full consciousness. But that horrible place is not meant for you but for the devil and its angels. Only those who chose to follow Satan on earth will end up there.”

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Contrarily, the Man of God portrayed heaven as “eternity of endless happiness, of peace of mind, of no cry, no death, no bereavement, of prosperity, of good health, not under any Adamic curse, eternity of perfect glory. Those who will not be there are those who flagrantly refuse the gospel of Jesus Christ. You must repent and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. You must realize eternity is a gift which means you don’t work for it, it is either you receive it or reject it. Do not reject this offer of eternity.”

Guests were later entertained with sumptuous meals and exotic drinks, with De Remite on the bandstand enthralling with his blend of music.

Among the dignitaries at the events are Aale of Okelerin Oba Samuel Babatunde Amao and his wife, Olori Ojuolape; Oba Ogundipe, Alara of Fapote; Hon Olamiju Alao-Akala, representing Ogbomoso federal constituency at the House of Representatives; Hon Sanjo Adedoyin, representing Ogbomoso South state constituency in the Oyo state House of Assembly; Alhaji Monsur Ejide, Mr. Akintayo Magbagbeola, an oil tycoon etc.

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The late Pa A.O. Oyewale

Biography of Pa Abraham Olayinka Oyewale (as contained in the programme bulletin)

Pa Abraham Olayinka Oyewale was born on 18 December 1940 in Jos, Plateau State, into the family of the late Pa Solomon Ajayi Oyewale of Osi Agoro Compound, Okelerin, Ogbomoso, and the late Mama Oyinlola Amoke Oyewale (née Ogunjumo) of Balogun Compound, Aguodo, Ogbomoso. He was the second child of his parents.

In 1948, he relocated to Ogbomoso, where he lived with his uncle, the late Chief Nathaniel Adibi. His uncle’s guidance, mentorship, and support played a significant role in shaping his formative years and educational journey.

Pa Oyewale began his formal education at Okelerin Baptist Day School, Ogbomoso, where he studied from 1948 to 1955. He subsequently attended Baptist Secondary Modern School, Ahoyaya, Ogbomoso, from 1956 to 1958. During his years at the Modern School, he distinguished himself through his exceptional intelligence and outstanding football skills, earning the admiration and respect of his classmates.

Driven by an unwavering passion for learning and self-improvement, Pa Oyewale continued his education at the Local Authority Teachers’ College, Ogbomoso, from 1961 to 1962. He later attended the Province Grade II Teachers’ College, Osogbo, from 1965 to 1966, further equipping himself for a rewarding career in education.

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His thirst for knowledge and commitment to academic excellence remained undiminished. In 1979, he gained admission to the prestigious University of Ibadan to study Education. In 1982, he graduated with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree in Education Management/Geography, earning a Second Class Upper Division. This remarkable academic achievement was a testament to his determination, perseverance, intellectual ability, and lifelong commitment to education.

A Distinguished Career in Education

Pa Abraham Olayinka Oyewale began his teaching career as a Class Teacher in February 1959. He served faithfully in this capacity until September 1975. Through his diligence, competence, discipline, and exemplary leadership, he was appointed Headmaster in September 1975, a position he held until October 1979.

Following the completion of his university education, he was appointed Tutor and Head of the Social Sciences Department at Ogbomoso Grammar School, Ogbomoso, in August 1982. He served diligently in this capacity until August 1990. In September 1990, he was appointed Vice Principal of Ogbomoso Grammar School, Ogbomoso, a position he held until his retirement from active service in December 1993.

Throughout his distinguished career, Pa Oyewale established himself as an accomplished educationist, exceptional teacher, dedicated administrator, and disciplined leader. His passion for nurturing young minds earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues, students, and the wider educational community.

Even after his retirement from active service, his passion for education remained unwavering. He continued to encourage young people to pursue learning and academic excellence and took great delight in celebrating educational achievements wherever he encountered them.

Community Service and Social Engagement

Beyond his professional career, Pa Oyewale was actively involved in community development and social engagements. He was a valued member of the Ogbomoso Development Association, Ogbomoso; Club Ten, Ogbomoso; and Friendship Club, Ogbomoso. Through these associations, he maintained cordial relationships with others and contributed meaningfully to their growth, development, and success.

He was a man who valued friendship, community, unity, and peaceful coexistence. His willingness to contribute his time, knowledge, and resources to the advancement of others made him a respected member of the various groups and communities to which he belonged.

A Devoted Christian and Church Leader

Above all, Pa Oyewale was a devoted and committed Christian who faithfully served God throughout his lifetime. He was an active member of First Baptist Church, Okelerin, Ogbomoso, where he served God and the church in various capacities.

For many years, he served diligently as the Church Secretary and Church Treasurer. He also served as Secretary of the Ten-Man Committee responsible for documenting and writing the history of First Baptist Church, Okelerin. This important responsibility was undertaken faithfully for more than ten years.

His exceptional commitment, efficiency, diligence, and meticulous attention to detail earned him the admiration of the chairman of the committee, Chief Ayo Adelowo, who described him as a diligent, quick-thinking, hardworking, and highly efficient secretary.

Pa Oyewale was also an active and committed member of the Men’s Missionary Union (MMU) and the Young Men’s Christian Fellowship (YMCF), where he continued to contribute his time and service until his passing.

A Man of Character and Integrity

Fondly known as “Baba Ibeji,” Pa Abraham Olayinka Oyewale was a man of strong convictions and admirable character. He was blunt but sincere, disciplined, God-fearing, generous, kind-hearted, and jovial. He was also uncompromising when it came to matters of truth, honesty, and integrity.

He had an enduring love for education and was deeply passionate about the academic and personal development of others. His support for education extended beyond his biological children to numerous individuals whom he mentored, encouraged, guided, and assisted in achieving their educational aspirations.

Pa Oyewale firmly believed that education was one of life’s greatest investments. He therefore encouraged many people to pursue academic excellence and was always willing to offer advice, encouragement, and support to those seeking to improve themselves through education.

His influence extended far beyond the classroom. To many, he was not merely a teacher but also a mentor, counsellor, motivator, and father figure. The number of lives he positively influenced through his words, actions, generosity, and commitment to education remains a significant part of his enduring legacy.

Mama Abigail Olabimoe Oyewale

Family Life

On the family front, Pa Abraham Olayinka Oyewale married Mrs Abigail Olabimpe Oyewale of Ooye’s Compound, Ara, Osun State, in Kano in 1971. Their marriage was blessed with many children.

Together, they built a loving home founded on Christian values, discipline, hard work, integrity, mutual respect, and the fear of God. As a husband and father, Pa Oyewale remained committed to the welfare, upbringing, education, and future of his family. He devoted himself to ensuring that his children were properly guided and equipped for life.

He also extended his fatherly love and support to many beyond his immediate household, earning the affection and respect of those who regarded him as a father, mentor, and source of encouragement.

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A Legacy of Service and Impact

The life of Pa Abraham Olayinka Oyewale was a life of service, sacrifice, faith, discipline, and unwavering commitment to God, family, education, and humanity.

He was a dependable pillar of the Osi Agoro family and played a meaningful role in fostering unity, strengthening family bonds, and promoting peaceful relationships among family members. His life reflected a deep sense of responsibility to his family, church, community, and society.

As an educator, administrator, mentor, church leader, family man, and community builder, Pa Oyewale left behind a legacy that will continue to speak for him. His love for education, commitment to Christian service, uncompromising integrity, generosity, and concern for the advancement of others remain enduring testimonies of a life well lived.

Although he has departed this earthly life, the values he upheld and the countless lives he touched will continue to live on through the people he inspired, taught, mentored, encouraged, and supported.

Pa Abraham Olayinka Oyewale lived a life of purpose. He served faithfully, loved generously, gave selflessly, and left an indelible mark on the lives of many.

May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.

PHOTOS

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