More tributes keep pouring in for the Bishop of Diocese on the Coast, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion , Okitipupa Local Government area of Ondo State , Rt Revd Joshua Ebunoluwa Ogunele who died on Thursday.
The Bishop was said to have died in Akure, the Ondo State capital, after battling with an undisclosed illness.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ondo State chapter, has described the death of Bishop Ogunele as painful.
The CAN chairman in Ondo State ,Revd John Ayo Oladapo said the entire Christian community would miss his exemplary role.
His words : ” Bishop Ogunele was a leader, mentor and father to us in the Christian race. He lived an exemplary life.
“He is so dedicated to work of God and I want to tell you the entire Christian community will miss him dearly.”
A source close to the family confirmed his death saying: “Unfortunately, we lost our beloved Bishop Ogunele today. He will be missed in the Diocese,in the community and indeed the church of Nigeria,” the source who pleaded anonymity said.
Bishop Ogunele, who was consecrated as Lord Bishop of the diocese in June 2002 was born in 1950 in Ilutitun, Okitipupa LGA of the state.
The Bishop, a former vice principal of Unity Secondary School, Ode-Aye (USSOA) is survived by wife, Felicia Ogunele and six children.
Also, Chief Mrs Folarin Omoge Wright who was his student in USSOA, expressed sadness over his demise.
“It is so saddening to hear the news of his death at this hour. He was one of those who straightened my path in my secondary school days.
“Strict and well disciplined. We,the USSOA will greatly miss Him.
“He is a father to us all but he was retired before we felt the fatherly roles of his.
“May his kind hearted soul rest in perfect peace. Rest on great soldier of Christ Jesus,” she said.
