By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The 9th day of July is a day that Ijebu priests, religious and laity both home and abroad will live never to forget. This is because the late Diocesan Chancellor was buried on this fateful day having done the Christian Wake at Cathedral the previous day.

Since the news of the demise of the late Chancellor, the entire Diocese has been thrown into shocks of indescribable magnitude and such made the day a day of mourning for some but hopeful for most because he has gone to resurrect with Christ.

The Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina presided at the Holy Mass held at Christ the King Catholic College Odolewu Ijebu by 10:00am. The Mass which was live streamed on I-Partner Facebook page was also attended by the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred-Martin Adewale, the Metropilitan of Lagos Province; Most Rev. John Oyejola, the Bishop of Osogbo Diocese; Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, the Bishop of Oyo Diocese; Most Rev. Paul Olamore, the Bishop of Ilorin Diocese; Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, the Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese. Other Bishops were represented and few priests from the region.

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The homilist Very Rev. Fr. Michael Akintolu, said of the Monsignor, “He has contributed his quota to the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu Ode, he has gone indeed and gone for good… to meet his master”

The Chairman of the Presbyteral Council of Ijebu Ode Diocese, Fr. Albert Igbodipe welcomed and appreciated all who were present. The Bishop of the Diocese thanked all the priests, religious and laity within and outside the Diocese. He thanked the State Government representatives and the Chairman and Secretary of Ijebu North East Local Government. He also consoled the biological family of Msgr. Valentine Awoyemi.

The Archbishop of Lagos in his remark said we should see beyond the darkness of the grave to the light of resurrection.

The final Commendation was taken by Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo while the Interment was done by Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo at St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral, Ijebu Ode.
Life indeed is a gift from God and what we make of it remains our gift to God. Msgr. Valentine Awoyemi has given his life to God and to the Diocese and we all have lessons to learn.