Isara-Remo, an ancient town in Ogun State, on Thursday, stood still, as the remains of the late legal luminary and political icon, Sir. Olaniwun Ajayi, was committed to mother earth.
The Order of Service of Death and Resurrection in his honour held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Isara-Remo, was attended by eminent Nigerians from all walks of life.
Those in attendance at the service which lasted two hours were the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Ambassador of South Africa to Nigeria, Mr. Mokgethi Monaisa and wife, the governors of Ogun, Lagos and Ondo States, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Funso, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Olusegun Mimiko and wife of the governor of Oyo state, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi respectively.
Others were the President of Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, the co-chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Pastor Tunde Bakare and his wife, the Leader of Afenifere, Pa. Reuben Fasonranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and the wife of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola.
Former governors of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Chief Gbenga Daniel, the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former governors of Ekiti State, Engr. Segun Oni and Chief Niyi Adebayo.
Also in attendance were Senators Adegbenga Kaka, Olabiyi Durojaiye General Alani Akinrinade (rted), Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN), Mr. Segun Awolowo, Mr. Supo Shonibare, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, the deputy governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga and the Speaker of the State House of, Honourable Suraj Adekunbi, former Vice -Chancellor, Babcock University, Professor Kayode Makinde, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo and Mr. Fola Adeola, among others.
The Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang, in his sermon at the burial programme, reaffirmed that all mortals, irrespective of who or what they are, would taste death at the appointed time.
Mbang, who was the former President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said that the late Olaniwun Ajayi, had all the trappings of wealth and power, but remained humble till he breathed his last.
The cleric added that the deceased was an honest and generous man to a fault, saying that he (Ajayi) used all that he was blessed with to the service of the people.
“We should all note it that anything done in this life, outside God is meaningless. In this world, no matter who you are, we are all the same before God, and we shall all died.
“No one has power over death. Today, we were all here to honour Sir Olaniwun Ajayi. He had all the chance to power and wealth but he remained humbled till he breathed his last.
“He was a family man to the core who trained his children well. He was truthful to a fault. He made God the centre of his life. “
In his goodwill message, the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr.Samuel Uche, described the deceased as remarkable Christian and exemplary nationalist.
The message read on his behalf by the Secretary, Conference of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Reverend Mike Akinwale, Uche further said that Pa. Ajayi excelled where others failed.
The message read, “Papa was a man of unshakable faith in God. A man with a big heart for the expansion of God’s kingdom on earth.”
In his remarks, the VP, said that the deceased sacrificed his life for the progress of Nigeria.
He said, “I have known him all my life. He was a generous man. He lived so well. He was a member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) that fought the Abacha tyranny.
“Life is not about how long you live, but how well you lived is important because Papa lived long for him to achieve all that he was able to achieve. “
and then