By Seyifunmi Odunuga
All roads that led to Igede-Ekiti in Ekiti State were jam packed last weekend as the political icon and former Chief of Staff during the administration of late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Dr. Saka Adegbite Balogun, buried his father-in-law, Pa. Joshua Dada Obe, who slept in the lord on 7th of August, 2021 at the age of 107 years.
The final burial ceremony started on Friday, 5th of February, 2022 at late Pa Obe’s residence in Odogede in Igede Ekiti with Christian wake keep at 5pm Coordinated by the officiating ministers of CAC, Oke Igbala in the town
The opening prayer was said by Pastor Ojomu followed by praise worship by the CAC Oke Igbala Choir.
The bible verses were read by Mr. Adeosun, Mr. Ilesanmi, Mrs. Adelabu and Mrs. Ajayi respectively.
The tributes of late Baba were read by relatives, friends and families. In an interview conducted by Apreel 1 Events TV, Pastor Ojomu, Pastor Oluwaniyi, Dr. Saka Balogun and the daughter of the deceased, who is also the wife to Dr. Balogun, Mrs Abiodun Racheal Saka-Balogun described Pa Dada Obe as a man of Integrity, peace loving person and easy going man.
Pastor Adeojo who delivered the sermon at the event, charged the people to move closer to God as we are moving closer to the end of the world. The closing prayer was then said by Pastor Jacob Oluwaniyi
The following day, Saturday, 6th of February, 2022, the home journey for Pa Joshua Dada Obe (aka Baba Jejere) started with a home service at his residence, in attendance were the children, relatives and friends of the deceased. During the service,the preacher admonished the children to stay united.
With grieve and sorrowfully faces, the children then committed the remains of their father to the earth, performing the final rites of dust to dust and bidding him farewell.
There after, the train of the celebration of life for Pa Dada, moved to C.A.C Oke-Igbala, Igede-Ekiti for the thanksgiving and outing service. One of the deceased’s daughter, Mrs Biodun Racheal Saka-Balogun read the biography of her late father
The vote of thanks was said by Dr. Saka Balogun, who appreciated everyone present and prayed for journey mercy to their various destinations.
The reception was held at Irepodun/Ifelodun local government secretariat while those in attendance include the heavy and mighty in politics such as Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Chief of Staff, Oyo State, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, Oyo State Deputy Chief of Staff, Gbonjubola, Former Deputy Chief of Staff, Rasaq Gbadegesin, Former Oyo State First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja, PDP Southwest Women leader, Alhaja Bose Adedibu, cream de la cream of the society and a host of others.
Ripples Catering Services catered for the guests at the event with delicious food. Wole Glory aka Mr. Packaging supplied music to make people dance away their sorrows with his Juju music while the event was compered by Esan Olugbenga popularly known As Ojuoluwa Presenter.
The event was covered and packaged by Apreel 1 Events Management and TV.
