The minister-in-charge of All Saints Church, Jericho in Ibadan, Funso Jolayemi, has bemoaned the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, describing his demise as painful and a big loss to the church.

Mr Jolayemi is the minister-in-charge of the church where the late Akeredolu worshipped during his lifetime.

Speaking on Tuesday in Ibadan, the cleric said that he received the news of the former governor’s death with mixed feelings, adding that his death was too painful because the church had lost a strong pillar.

“We accepted his death with mixed feelings. We never wanted him to go, yet we never wanted him to remain in that terrible condition of sickness. We reluctantly agreed with God that he had gone to rest,” said Mr Jolayemi.

The cleric described Mr Akeredolu as a good and godly man, adding that he was very committed to things of God.

“He was a member of the choir, the harvest planning committee, memorial parks and garden and also, a newly-elected trustee of our church. He doesn’t play with All Saints Church. It was the church of his pride. He cared for everyone,” the priest stated.

Mr Jolayemi added, “He was a philanthropist par excellence and a singer who was not ashamed to confess God Almighty openly. He loved God, and he identified with God’s people, both church members and ministers. 

“He would always make people around him laugh, and he was ready to close his eyes and say ‘amen’ when it was time for prayer. We can boldly say that he had gone to rest. May his good soul rest in perfect peace.”

Mr Akeredolu died in the early hours of December 27, 2023, at a German hospital where he was receiving treatment for a protracted illness. 

(NAN)