Ooni, Akeredolu, others celebrate Daramola at 80

THE Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Old Students of Ibadan Grammar school, Loyola College, Ilesa Grammar School, Laimore of Abuja, Obad Umar Balogun Sarumi and many others on Monday converged to celebrate their former principal, Ven Godwin Bamidele Daramola as he celebrated his 80th birthday.

The birthday Holy Communion and Thanksgiving Service, held at the All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan, under the coordination of the Bishop of Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Most Revd Joseph Akinfenwa and other clergymen was a celebration of the impact of the retired man of God.

Revd Akinfenwa described Venerable Daramola as a distinguished educationist and clergyman whose writings and sermons remain a reference point to scholars and clergymen, adding that 10 years after his retirement as a mister in the vineyard, his life remains a fulfilment of the scripture as enunciated in Psalm 92.

“Venerable Daramola’s life is a fulfilment of Psalm 92:12-15, he is flourishing like someone planted in the house of the lord and has continued to flourish in the courts of God and is giving forth fruit in his old age,” Bishop Akinfenwa stated.

According to him, while celebrating God in the life of the octogenarian, there is a need to ponder on what kind of nurture that each individual present at the service is giving the seed of God in their lives, noting that the life of Venerable Daramola exhibits the fact that he has consistently nurtured the seeds deposited in him by God as he continues to inspire many in the things of God.

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The Ooni of Ife was represented at the event by his sister, Ambassador Morounranti Asabi Oyewusi while Governor Akeredolu was represented by the Attorney General of Ondo State, Adekola Olawoye.

Old students of Ibadan Grammar School and students of the school, old students of Loyola College and old students of Ilesa grammar school all had special rendition of their school song in honour of Venerable Daramola who couldn’t hold himself when the anthem he composed for Ilesa Grammar School was being rendered as he joined the old students to sing the anthem.

Speaking on the life of the celebrant, his former students described him as a disciplined man that always ensured he is just in his dealings and is always concerned about the welfare of individual students.

Oba Sarumi stated that he came to celebrate his former principal because he is a pious man who had over the years held firm in his belief and continues to impact thousands of life