L-R: Mrs. Modupe Okupevi; Prof. Motunrayo Olumakaiye; Rt. Rev’d Ifedola Gabriel Okupevi, Bishop Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye Ralph A. Akinfeleye, Chairman-Mass Communication Department, University of Lagos.
By Odinaka Uruakpa
Members of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Lagos Diocese, were on Monday urged to continue to uphold the good works of Most Rev’d Humphrey Bamishebi Olumakaiye, the former Diocesan and Archbishop, Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, just as they were tasked to elevate the diocese, both spiritually and physically.
The charge was given by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, at the first year remembrance service of Archbishop Olumakaiye, held Monday, at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu said he could not but continue to give thanks to God for preserving the loved ones the Archbishop left behind, particularly the body of Christ, adding that he appreciated God for His goodness, faithfulness and protection over the family and Church.
He said Olumakaiye would be remembered for his commitment, dedication and service to God and humanity, as he had left an indelible mark in the life of many, both within and outside the church.
Said he: “Archbishop Olumakaiye was not only spiritually endowed, but also a tireless advocate for education, heathcare and community development. His unwavering support for those in need was invaluable as the former late Diocesan Bishop and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Anglican Communion. His contributions to the growth and development of the Communion and our state cannot be quantified.
“As we remember late Archbishop Olumakaiye today, let us ponder on the principles and the values that he upheld, and continue to work together to honour his memory”.
He urged the people to be fervent, committed and dedicated in their service to God and humanity, so that when they are gone, there would be good testimonies about them and their work with Christ.
He prayed that God almighty would continue to uphold the Church of God, the deceased’s loved ones, particularly the wife and son he left behind.
He requested for the people’s prayers as they worked together with the government to build a more compassionate society.
The governor said that there was no doubt that his administration and the good people of Lagos State would forever remember Archbishop Olumakaiye for his immense contributions to the state.
Said he: “On behalf of my family and entire Lagos Community, I rejoice with the Church, family and well-wishers on this first year memorial service for late Archbishop Olumakaiye. May his soul keep resting in the bossom of the Lord”.
Speaking on the occasion, the Rt. Rev’d Ifedola Senasu Gabriel, Diocesan Bishop, Lagos Diocese said the late Archbishop Olumakaiye was a prolific writer, mentor as well as a good boss and leader, adding that he (Olumakaiye) was an evangelist and fearless preacher.
He said the late Archbishop paid stipends and salaries as at when due, even during the time of COVID when it was impossible for many companies to pay staff.
Stated he: “Baba paid us. And not only that, all our allowances he paid even during the COVID. His good work will continue to follow him in the name of Jesus.
“The late Bishop was the Bishop of Lagos, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province, and we pray that his gentle soul by the mercy of God will rest in perfect peace.
Okupevi thanked God for the life of Prof. Motunrayo Olumakaiye, widow of the late Archbishop and Richard their son, adding that he rejoiced in the Lord because Prof. Motunrayo’s Christian background, the Christianity and Christ in her did not go down.
Remarked he: “We believe that the good Lord who you are serving without looking back, without blinking your eyes will continue to stay by you, uphold you, strengthen you, guide and guard you”.
He prayed that God would continue to be with Mama Abigail, the late Archbishop’s mother and uphold her and the rest of his family members.
Delivering the sermon on the occasion, Rt. Rev. Akin Atere, Bishop, Diocese of Awori, said when he studied the legacies Jesus Christ left for the unity people, and compared them to that of Archbishop Olumakaiye, he could see some similarities as he described the late Archbishop as an Icon of faith.
He said the people remembered Olumakaiye every day and blessed his memory and legacies, addeding that his memory had been a blessing to the Diocese of Lagos.
Atere said the Archbishop lived a holy life, loved teaching, was full of love and compassion for all people, pointing out that Olumakaiye was full of humility, selfless in generosity, had a forgiving heart and lived a life of prayer and service.
He further said the late Archbishop had a personal relationship with God, adding that he was obedient, dedicated and lived a life of sacrifice and acted according to the word of God as he was a fisher of men.
