Sanwo-Olu Urges Nigerians to Reflect on Life at Late Olasinmi Odunmbaku's Funeral

Sanwo-Olu Urges Nigerians to Reflect on Life at Late Olasinmi Odunmbaku’s Funeral
Sanwo-Olu encouraged the family to draw strength from the overwhelming support shown by the large number of sympathisers who attended the service
Urged Nigerians to examine how they use their positions, opportunities and blessings to positively influence others

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Lagos State Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, and other prominent dignitaries on Friday paid their final respects to former Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the funeral service, held at the Chapel of Christ The Light in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together family members, political leaders, religious figures and well-wishers who celebrated her life of service, compassion and dedication to humanity.

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Speaking during the service, Governor Sanwo-Olu said funeral ceremonies should be more than occasions of mourning, urging Nigerians to use such moments to reflect on their own lives and the impact they make on others.

Sanwo-Olu Urges Nigerians to Reflect on Life at Late Olasinmi Odunmbaku's Funeral — Sanwo-Olu Urges Nigerians to Reflect on Life at Late Olasinmi Odunmbaku’s Funeral

He expressed condolences to the children and family of the deceased, particularly her husband, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu encouraged the family to draw strength from the overwhelming support shown by the large number of sympathisers who attended the service.

While acknowledging the pain of losing a loved one, the governor said Christians should celebrate those who lived fulfilled lives in Christ.

“We can say that our Mother in Israel has gone to be with the Lord, but we do not mourn those who have gone before us; we celebrate their lives. Though painful, we thank God that she lived a good life, served well and left behind a worthy legacy,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the numerous testimonies shared during the service reflected the remarkable impact the late Odunmbaku made in the lives of many people.

He urged Nigerians to examine how they use their positions, opportunities and blessings to positively influence others.

“The condolence is really not for the corpse before us but for those of us who are alive. We must ask ourselves what lessons we are taking home, what impact we have made, and how we have used what God has given us to uplift others. The preaching is for the living,” he added.

The governor further encouraged Nigerians to become better citizens, better spouses and more committed servants of God, stressing that the greatest honour they could pay the deceased was to emulate her virtues of generosity, compassion and selfless service.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also paid tribute to the late former commissioner, describing her as a devoted Christian and accomplished public servant whose contributions to Ondo State would be remembered.

On behalf of the government and people of Ondo State, he sympathised with the Odunmbaku family and urged them to find comfort in the scriptures.

“Life is a journey that begins at birth and ends in death. Everyone desires heaven, but no one wants to die. It is natural to grieve when we lose a loved one. However, the Bible reminds us that precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa praised the late Odunmbaku for her service as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, noting that she championed programmes that promoted women’s economic empowerment and political participation across Ondo State.