OBJ IN IKENNE, ASKS GOD TO STOP DEATH IN AWO FAMILY

FORMER president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday paid a condolence visit to the Yeye Oodua, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo in Ikenne, Ogun State, over the death of the publisher of Tribune titles, Chief Oluwole Awolowo.

Obasanjo, clad in white guine brocade, arrived the Ikenne home of the Awolowos around 8.51 a.m and was received by Mama HID Awolowo and Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran and Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu.

The former president, who was accompanied by Dr Femi Majekodunmi and Otunba Oyewole Fashawe, held HID’s hands, with both looking directly into each other’s eyes for several seconds before he (Obasanjo) removed his cap and prayed for her and the entire Awolowo family.

Obasanjo, on his knees during the prayer said in Yoruba language “God we thank you because you know us more than we do. You know the beginning and the end of everything. Father, we thank you for the life of Mama and that of the departed soul. There is nothing you can do that we can question you because you’re the all in all. But because we’re mortal and blood runs in our veins we ask why? what is this? how did this happen? what is this? Lord comfort Mama, give her sound health for the rest of our life.

“We commit the children, grandchildren and the great grandchildren unto your care, be with them, protect them and enable Mama to still witness good things in their lives. We also pray that you will be with Mama and through your grace she will never experience the death of any of her children again. Let such things never befall this household again.

“Once again we pray that this house will not be uninhabitable, for everything that Papa and Mama had laboured for, we pray that they become imperishable, and grant Mama sound energy and health as you continue to be with the whole family in the name of Jesus.”

After the prayer, Mama HID told Chief Obasanjo that she has a word for him and then Obasanjo personally offered to wheel Mama back to her inner sitting room, where both talked before he signed the condolence register at the Efunyela Hall.

In the register, he wrote “may his gentle soul rest in peace.” In their different messages; Fashawe said “rest in peace, Wole,” while Majekodunmi has this to say of his friend of many years.

“I mourn a long-time loving friend. May your soul rest in peace.”

Later, the wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun in her message prayed God to comfort Mama HID Awolowo. She said “We can’t question God or His ways, God’ll fill the vacuum.”

Responding on behalf of the children, Mrs Yejide Badmus thanked Mrs Amosun while appreciated her concern and the visit.

Also, the representatives of Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Anglican Church, Ikenne, Remo, led by Reverend Canon Adeosun Rotimi Akinola, in a brief sermon laden with hymns prayed for the family.

Furthermore, Bishop Michael Olusina Fape also leading members of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne, led a brief service for the family. He prayed for Mama, children and the grandchildren.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) and Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) of Our Saviour’s Church, Ikenne, presented a condolence letter to the Awolowo family.

Responding, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu thanked the church for the support and responses. She prayed God to continue to keep watch over the family.

Dignitaries that came on condolence visit on Sunday included Mrs Anike Jobi-Fele, Princess Olabisi Sangodoyin, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Dr Ebun Sonaiya; former chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola and 2011 gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, Mr Gboyega Isiaka.

Others were; the representative of the Muslim Community in Ikenne, Noibi Adeen of Ikenne Central Mosque, representatives of the Hausa Community; honourable member representing Ikenne State constituency in Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Olusola Sonuga; His Royal Highness, Oba Funso Omo-Ogunkoya of Isonyin-Ijebu and his Olori, Remi Omo-Ogunkoya and Alhaja Sakirat Awolowo.

Source: Tribune