Most Reverend Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, has sent a personal letter of condolence to Prince Cletus Ilobanafor following the death of his father, Late Ogbuefi Clement Nwagbogu Ilobanafor.

In the letter, dated December 5, 2025 and addressed to “Dear Cletus,” Bishop Badejo wrote: “I write to you to commiserate with you on the passing into eternal glory of your dear father OGBUEFI CLEMENT NWAGBOGU ILOBANAFOR (Esesuo Agbara) at the good age of 93.”

The bishop went on to balance sorrow with thanksgiving, saying: “While condoling with you on the passing away of the great man I also rejoice with you that Papa was so blessed with such a good age and that he died as a Christian. Nothing can be more fulfilling than to die under the banner of Jesus Christ’s promise of the resurrection. May he raise your dear dad up on the resurrection morning. Amen.”

Reflecting on the late patriarch’s character, Bishop Badejo added: “Even though I never met your dad, I cannot but conclude that he was a man of faith, love and service, having known you for a number of years. After all the Bible did say that they shall be known by their fruits (Matt 7:17-18). Please keep the flag of faith and service flying as a true chip of the old block.”

Concluding his message, the bishop prayed for God’s favour on the family and the funeral rites: “May God prosper papa’s legacy and through the intercession of Mary Mother of Jesus, may the funeral ceremonies be favoured from above. Amen, Amen.”

The bishop’s message joins a growing number of tributes from religious, professional and community leaders mourning the passing of the 93-year-old elder and celebrating a life described as one of faith, service and steadfastness.