…As Rev. Ayinde charges christians on good deeds, fear of God
- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
Longevity, be that as it may, is interrupted by death as a debt that must be paid by all.
Tears rolled down the cheeks of many as Deacon Samuel Ajani Labade, a patriarch whose many described “an angel in human’s skin” joined the saints. Not because he was not old enough to die or because he did not accomplish his mission on earth, but because many felt that they would miss his fatherly advice and care he usually gave all that came his way.
The gaily looking father, grandfather and great-grandfather was a rare gem worthy of emulations that would not be short-lived. The undoubted personality, whose patriarch attributes knew no bounds would be greatly missed not only by his kinsmen, but by all that even came across him directly or indirectly through his offering.
TopNews was on ground to report about this enigma man of honour and embodiment of humility personified, have a nice reading…
At an outing and thanksgiving service held last Saturday for the late Deacon Samuel Ajani Labade at the Masifa Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, Oyo State where the crème la crème of Nigeria’s elite gathered to paid the last respect to the departed.
The late Labade, a retired DSS officer died on 11th March, 2025. He was 84 years.
His final journey to a glorious home begins on Tuesday, June 10 in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital where he lived for many decades before he bid the world farewell. The ceremony witnessed different personalities from all nooks and crannies of Ekiti and outside with a unique commendation service organized by friends of late Ajani Labade in partnership with the leadership of First Baptist Church, Miracle Cathedral, Okeyinmin, Ado-Ekiti.
His children, family, in-laws also accorded him befitting burial in Ogbomoso, Oyo State where his remains were interred on June 14.
At the event on last Saturday in Ogbomoso, the children extolled their father’s virtues, gathered many of their friends and associates to celebrate the life of a man they described as a disciplinarian, but loved and factual during his life time.
The compact church comprised many top staff of the Department of State Security Services both serving and retired, leaders and members of Baptist denomination in Nigeria including representatives of Men Missionary Union (MMU) from across the country, landlord association in Ekiti State, friends and families.
Delivering his sermon at the funeral service, the former Conference President of Ekiti Baptist Conference and lead Pastor of First Baptist Church, Ado-Ekiti, Rev. Dr. Kayode Ayinde who admonished the congregation to accept Jesus as their Lord and savior, noting that there is nothing we brought to this world and that nothing to take out when it’s time to say goodbye.
The cleric who commiserated with the widow, children and the entire Labade’s family left behind over the demise of their beloved father.
Ayinde charged the congregation to give their best they can as tomorrow may be too late. He advised people on good deeds and fear of God, hinted that the good work of the deceased would live after him for everlasting reward.
He also prayed for the family and charged all the children to emulate the good work of the departed.
According to the cleric, death is a mystery of God, nobody knows when, where and how he’s going to die, people will continue to remember good or otherwise work done while on earth.
Rev. Ayinde described late Ajani Labade as a God-fearing, dedicated and committed human being whose death shall continue to linger in the minds of everyone.
After the interment where the body of the deceased was laid to rest, a superlative reception was held at Henieah Event Centre, Oke-Aanu, Ogbomoso where guests and other attendees were entertained to stupor.
In a tribute, the widow, Mrs Comfort Yetunde, recalled how they began their journey in many decades ago, chronicling their ups and downs.
First son of the deceased, Engr. Ayobami Labade, said as a child he grew up to realised that his dad way of life was loved and simple but a disciplinarian and that was his way of ensuring that his children did not go astray.
One of the closest in-laws to the deceased, Deacon Toba Ologunleko, said though late Labade’s body was full of activity and strength, his soul was gentle, endearing him to many.
TopNews observed that the life and death of Deacon Samuel Ajani from Labade and Awolowo’s dynasty, could simply be likened to that of an angel who came to deliver a message as sent by the omnipotent and omnipresent God!
Going by all the attributes and testimonies during his lifetime and after passage, one could easily convince that he was an angel in human’s skin.
May his soul rest in peace!
