By Folu Olamiti who attended the final rites of passage
In life, he did everything in style. And he scored spectacular goals on the field of life. Little wonder, when his sojourn on this terrestrial plane was over, and his earthly remains were to be committed to mother earth, even the heavens themselves blaze forth in glory.
So, it was on Friday, July 26, 2024 when Justice Adegboye Ayinla Gbolagunte, finally quit the stage of life. It was a roll call of who-is- who in Nigeria that converged to bid him bye. Both the high and mighty fought back tears and emotion as they celebrated the man who came, saw and conquered. They bowed as they paid their last respects.
It was a moving funeral service spiced with spirit-inspired messages in songs and the Word of God at the New Reservation Area Baptist Church in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, with the Pastor of the church, the Reverend Kayode Oyedemi reliving how the Hon. Justice Gbolagunte prepared for his own funeral.
Not many people had, and would have such opportunity, he remarked. While receiving treatment for the sickness that hailed him, months ago, he said, Justice Gbolagunte had the premonition that the Lord was preparing him for his eternity home.
According to Reverend Kayode Oyedemi, “Though fervent prayers led by his prayer-warrior wife were going on, appealing to God to give him more years as He did for Hezekiah, Justice Gbolagunte, a man of absolute integrity, knew his days were numbered for him to answer the heavenly call.”
Rev. Oyedemi disclosed that two days to eminent jurist’s passing to glory, he told him that he should be buried in Ibadan, and he made all necessary arrangements for his burial.
The Reverend reminded the congregation that all mortals “have date with death; when it will happened is what no one knows.” Then, he asked the congregation: “But how prepared are you?”
Justice Gbolagunte’s widow bore her pain and sorrow with philosophical calmness as people eulogised her husband, pouring encomiums. The children, family members, judges, friends and relations of the deceased were all present to bid the Justice Gbolagunte goodnight.
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