Relatives and friends of Late Chief Mrs Agnes Olajumoke Otesile (Nee Sodeinde) showered her with wonderful encomiums and glowing tributes as she was laid to rest in Lagos on Friday 22nd September 2017.
Late Chief Mrs Agnes Olajumoke Otesile ‘s burial rite started with service of song at St John Anglican Church Iju Ishaga , with relatives, friends , church members , Vicars ,Reverends across Anglican Dioceses in Nigeria and others dignitaries from all works of life present to bid her final farewell.
Revd Arowolo, the Vicar in charge of St John Anglican Church, Iju, Ishaga, Lagos while giving the sermon at the service of song said ‘ what caught my attention about Late Chief Mrs Otesile was her passion for Christ.’
‘’She was a woman who love to serve God and also put her trust in God, she gave to see that the proclamation of the Gospel gets to the end of the earth ‘’
Explaining further, the officiating minister said the sermon is meant for the living in order to examine our lives. As believers, we should not be distracted by worldly things but rather, prepare for eternity.
‘’We can only work out our salvation while we are still living especially in our youthful age.’’ Revd Arowolo said.
Citing the story of the ten virgins in the Bible, he urged all Christians to be like the five wise virgins for us not to be caught unaware in our race for Eternity.
Rt. Revd. Nathaniel Oladeji Ogundipe, Bishop of Ifo Diocese , Home Diocese of Late Chief Mrs Agnes Olajumoke Otesile during his sermon at the funeral service held at All Saints’ Church ,Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos, described the deceased as an ‘’Icon of a True Mother’’
Whom he met long time ago when he was a Vicar at St Johns Anglican Church in the old Egba Diocese, Mama was a lover of peace and the Church, a devout Christian who promoted the proclamation of the Gospel by giving all she had to the service of God.
Bishop of Ifo Diocese, prayed God to uphold her children and husband to run the race of Eternity till the end .
Chief Isaac Otesile who felt heartbroken by the loss of his wife said “I have lost a wife I will never forget as long as I live, a darling, I loved her and she loved me too but God has taken her away’’.
Mrs Oyinkansola Folasade Ajoke Akinfenwa , first daughter of the deceased in an interview with CEOAfrica, described her mother as an irreplaceable mother, a rare gem and her roomie.
‘’My mum is a courageous woman of substance who served the Lord faithfully and also brought us up in the way of the Lord.’’ She said
She prayed for journey mercies and good health on all who have come to commiserate with them during the burial of their mother.
Yinka Akinola the second daughter of the deceased who said though she did not grow up with her mother but got close to her when she was 18 years, described her as a ‘’Mother in a Million, Outstanding and Courageous Woman with the Fear of God, a Woman who is like a Man, an organiser. My mother is a Woman who you meet and never forget in a hurry, her presence speaks volume because of her Personality. You will never know the value of what you have until you lose it. My solace is that we will meet to part no more at the bosom of Christ’’. She said.
Mrs Oluwakemi Agunloye, the third daughter of Late Chief Mrs Otesile said her mum is a woman with a large heart who is passionate about the things of God, a socialite and all encompassing.
‘’My mum’s life is worthy of emulation, she served God with all her heart and being and she is a lover of all. Though even in difficult situations, she lived a fulfilled life. ‘’
Mrs Oluwakemi thanked all those who came to commiserate with them and prayed for long and fulfilled life and that God will grant them journey mercies as they go back to their various destinations.
Mrs Banke Ogunbayo , last daughter of the deceased said her mother is a remarkable mum who impacted her life tremendously, she never allowed me to lack especially in the area of education among my peers. She sacrificed all she had to make sure my siblings and I were comfortable; I always long for her jollof rice as a student way back when I was in boarding house.
She thought us the importance of family and made the unity of our extended and immediate family a priority.
‘’I am consoled by the word of God which says that when a loved one dies in Christ, we should not mourn or sorrow because there is a life after death,’’ she said.
She urged those who are yet to embrace Christ to do so because life is ephemeral. What is more important is that we live a fulfilled life so that we all will meet in heaven.
Mrs Folake Bajomo also a daughter to the deceased, described her mother as a caring and loving mum who can go to any length to make sure her children and all who come across her way are comfortable
Mr Lanre Akinfenwa, a son- in-law to Late Chief Mrs Otesile in his opinion said Mama has done her bit as a lover of Christ; she was a devout Christian whose good deeds speak volume even after her death. He encouraged all present to examine their lives and embrace Christ as their personal Lord and saviour.
He also advised the children to live in unity and let love reflect in their daily living.
Mr Mike, another son- in-law to Late Chief Mrs Otesile said ‘‘I met Iya’laje as she is fondly called when I had no mother and immediately she filled that vacuum in my life.’’
‘’Iya’laje is a wonderful mother, so caring and supportive, unfortunately she had to go now but has left a legacy that no one will be able to beat.
She has really impacted so much on us all and the manner at which she coordinated her children was awesome,’’ he said
He encouraged the husband and children she left behind to know that God still remains God; he will always be there for them to give them the succour they need to bear the irreparable loss.
Mr Ogunbayo, a son- in-law said that Mama’s passion for Christ is outstanding and her constant emphasis on praying together as a family endeared her to me. She is a true woman of God.
Words are not enough to describe Mama Lady Ibiyomi Adesoye, a sister- in-law said. ‘She was a good Christian who knew God and served God, a woman with a large heart, a giver, kind hearted, her home was a home for all regardless of your last name. She was so hospitable, a hard working woman, an entrepreneur whose family business ‘’Top Commercial Agency’’ is a house hold name both in Ogun State and Lagos. ‘’ She really served God fervently; all I wish her is peace as she has joined her ancestors.
Late Mrs Otesile survived by her husband, Chief Isaac Otesile, her children and grandchildren, was born on 24th May, 1944 at Wasimi, Ewekoro Local Government in Ogun State to Pa Lawrence and Madam Abigail Sodeinde. She had her primary school education at Wasimi Station. Her Secondary Education was done at Anglican Girls’ School, Ibereko before proceeding for Secretarial Studies in Lagos.
The late matriarch worked with the United Trading Company (UTC) and Toki Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Lagos before establishing a successful business enterprise with her husband.
Mrs Otesile was a devout Christian who was actively involved in the service of God at the All Saints’ Anglican Church. She was a member of the Busy Bee Society of the Church, a member of Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild, a member of Gbogaji Ayomide Prayer Band, a Matron of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade of the church as well as a matron to other Christian Societies.
Death they say is a call everyone must answer, Late Chief Mrs Agnes Olajumoke Otesile came, saw and indeed she conquered.
