Family Gives Pa Joshua Olayiwola Bolaji Befitting Burial in Oyo

By Ruth Akpan

The three-day funeral rites for Pa Joshua Olayiwola Bolaji brought together family, friends, associates, church members and distinguished personalities in a moving celebration of a life marked by faith, family values, generosity and service to humanity. Across a succession of solemn religious ceremonies, emotional tributes and convivial gatherings, mourners came together not only to bid farewell to a beloved patriarch, but also to celebrate the enduring values and memories he left behind.

From the Christian wake at Immanuel Baptist Church to the funeral service at Ogo Oluwa Baptist Church, Otu, and the concluding thanksgiving and grand reception in Oyo, the ceremonies offered different expressions of grief, gratitude and remembrance. Beneath the sadness of losing a cherished father and family patriarch was a profound appreciation for the years he spent nurturing his family, supporting others and contributing meaningfully to his community.

For the Bolaji family, therefore, the funeral was more than a final goodbye. It was a personal tribute to a man whose influence was felt within his home, his church and beyond. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the principles he held dear and to begin the process of transforming his values into a legacy that future generations can inherit.

The opening chapter of the funeral rites unfolded at Immanuel Baptist Church, where family members, friends and members of the congregation gathered for a Christian wake. Bible readings, hymns, prayers, a short exhortation and tributes created an atmosphere of solemn reflection as mourners remembered the deceased and sought comfort in their faith.

The following morning, the emotion intensified as Pa Bolaji was laid in state from 9 a.m., giving mourners the opportunity to pay their final respects. Relatives, friends and associates filed past quietly, some offering prayers, others lingering momentarily with memories of the man they had known and loved.

His remains were later conveyed in a dignified motorcade to Ogo Oluwa Baptist Church, Otu, for the funeral service, where the final ecclesiastical rites would unfold.

The spacious sanctuary of Ogo Oluwa Baptist Church soon filled with mourners who had come to stand with the family and honour the memory of the departed patriarch. The service was led by the Presiding Pastor, Rev. S. O. Omidara, alongside other ministers of God, who guided the congregation through a carefully structured sequence of worship, Scripture readings, prayers, hymns and ministrations.

The sermon was delivered by Most Rev. Dr. Femi Oyedokun, who used the occasion to remind the congregation of the inevitability of death and the importance of making one’s earthly existence meaningful.

He described life as a divine gift and urged those present to live with a consciousness of their ultimate accountability to God. According to him, no individual can escape death, regardless of social standing, age, educational attainment or material accomplishment.

“Death is a common destiny. It has no respect for status, age or educational background. It comes unexpectedly. Pa Joshua lived well and left a legacy. I urge you all to commit your lives to God and touch the lives of others positively,” he said.

Afterwards, one after another, his children—Mr. Muyiwa Bolaji, Mr. Tayo Bolaji, Mrs. Tinuke Eniitan, née Bolaji, Mr. Leke Bolaji, Mr. Babajide Bolaji and Mrs. Oluwatobiloba Bolaji—rose to pay tribute to their father.

Their words revealed a man who was deeply invested in his family and who considered fatherhood not merely a title, but a lifelong responsibility.

They described him as caring, loving, selfless and compassionate, recalling the countless ways in which he provided guidance and support to his children and those around him.

For them, Pa Bolaji was the dependable family patriarch, a man whose counsel carried weight and whose presence brought reassurance. He was also a unifying force who understood the importance of keeping family relationships strong and ensuring that disagreements did not become permanent divisions.

His children remembered him as a rallying point not only for the family, but also for the church and the wider community. He was a man who readily identified with the concerns of others and was willing to place humanity above personal convenience.

Education was another area that featured prominently in the children’s recollections. They revealed that their father had a deep passion for education and was particularly concerned about giving people opportunities to improve their lives. Through educational assistance and encouragement, he supported several individuals and helped create pathways for people who might otherwise have struggled to fulfil their potential.

Determined that his contribution to education should not end with his passing, the children announced their intention to establish an educational trust fund in his honour. The initiative, they explained, would be aimed at supporting needy and less privileged members of society, particularly those whose educational aspirations may be threatened by financial constraints.

Following the tributes, the bereaved family was invited forward for prayers as ministers and members of the congregation sought divine comfort and strength for them.

The church service was concluded with closing hymns, after which Pa Bolaji’s remains were taken for interment. The burial was conducted privately, allowing the immediate family to have a final, intimate moment of farewell as they committed their beloved father and patriarch to the earth.

Following the funeral service, guests proceeded to the Baptist Primary School field, Otu, for a reception hosted by the bereaved family.

The Bolaji family spared no effort in ensuring that guests were comfortably received. An array of sumptuous dishes and refreshing drinks was provided, allowing the gathering to unfold in an atmosphere of generous hospitality.

The funeral programme continued with a thanksgiving service at Immanuel Baptist Church, Oyo.

The sermon was delivered by Dr. Dele Kolade, who encouraged the congregation to embrace gratitude, faith and purposeful living.

At the conclusion of the service, Jide Bolaji delivered the vote of thanks, expressing the family’s appreciation to the clergy, church members, relatives, friends, associates and well-wishers who had supported them throughout the funeral rites.

The final social engagement took place at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, where a grand reception was organised to formally bring the funeral ceremonies to a close.

The hospitality was equally impressive as guests were treated to an array of sumptuous delicacies and exotic drinks, while SB Live supplied the musical entertainment, adding rhythm and vibrancy to the grand finale.

The gathering attracted an impressive array of prominent personalities from different walks of life. Traditional rulers, political leaders, public officials, professionals, businessmen, media personalities, friends and associates of the Bolaji family converged to honour the memory of the late patriarch.

Among the distinguished personalities who graced the funeral activities were HRM Oba Owolabi Abiodun Oyerinde and Olori Morolake Ajenike, the Onibise of Otu Land (Oyekunleyin I); Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Alhaja Tawa Alli; Alhaja Funmi Alli; Hon. Oye Ojo, Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority; Mr. Dupe Ashama, Publisher of Focus Magazine; Olori Funmilayo Alli Balogun; Mr. Dapo Amao; Mr. Tajudeen Adeogun; Senator Hosea Agboola; Hon. Lamiju Alao-Akala, Member of the House of Representatives; Ms. Olamide Alao-Akala; Hon. Abiola Olowookere; Mr. Soji Akano; Mr. and Mrs. Dokun Alagbe; Dr. and Mrs. Kunle Ogunmola; Engr. A. K. Amodu; Hon. and Mrs. Yinka Taiwo; Oloye Abiola Iyiola; Hon. Abiodun Adedoja (Ekolo); Hon. Sola Adeleke; Mogaji and Mrs. I. Ishola; the Right Hon. Alarape; Ms. Sade Aroloye; Mr. and Mrs. Tunji Oloyede; Ms. Kehinde Igbinyemi; Mr. Yemi Olajuyigbe; Balẹ Toyin; Justice Sola Adetujoye; Mr. Doyin Iyiola; Mr. and Mrs. Lanre Popoola; Dr. Tayo Adiatu; Bovi Ugboma; Dr. Yinka Olasoko; Mr. David Olurin; Mr. Olaleye Adeyinka; Mr. Debo Adeyemi; Arch. Bode Gbolade; Mr. Bode Jinadu; Mr. Kehinde Daodu, Esq.; Mr. Tale Akindele; Dolapo Akinwale; Mohammed Alao; Mrs. Nike Oyetunde; Mr. Yele Akinrinade; Hon. Kunle Oloyede; Barr. Niyi Oloyede; Prince Debo Olufeko; Hon. and Alhaja Wale Adebayo; Chief Akin Abidoye; Mr. Tunji Ayoola; Mrs. Nike Oladeji; and Mr. Koyejo Ìdòwú.