Abiodun eulogises Otegbola as former Senator is laid to rest

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, described Senator Ayodeji Otegbola, as a distinguished politician and a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated his life to public service and the development of Ogun State and the nation.

Abiodun made the remarks at the funeral service of the late Senator Otegbola, held at the African Church St. Paul’s Cathedral, Lagos East Diocese, Ilupeju, Lagos State.

He said the deceased made impactful contributions to the development of the country as a Senator and as a former chairman of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

He stated, “He was a man of impeccable character, a distinguished politician, and a patriotic Nigerian who dedicated his life to public service and the development of our dear state and nation at large. His contributions as a Senator in the Third Republic and as a former Chairman of the Federal Housing Authority were marked by diligence and unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.”

The governor also noted that as a trailblazer in the field of Estate Surveying and Valuation, the late Otegbola played a significant role in shaping the real estate sector of the nation’s economy by mentoring young professionals and leaving a lasting impact on the industry’s landscape.

While emphasizing that Pa Otegbola’s life was a testimony to hard work, service, and sacrifice, the governor said the deceased’s life of impact was felt in his community, church, state, and the nation as a whole.

He called on the people to re-examine their lives and engage in activities that would make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, in his remarks, described the deceased as one of the eminent sons of Nigeria who did his best towards the reconstruction of the nation’s political system, which led to the consolidation of democratic institutions in the country.

Otegbola, Obasanjo noted, left a positive and remarkable mark in every facet of life he ventured into, which attracted honors in the nation, the church, the business community, traditional institutions, as well as professional and social organizations, adding that his record would remain a challenge for generations to emulate.

In his sermon, Primate Julius Abbe, described the deceased as a lover of God and humanity through his services, noting that as a Senator of the Federal Republic, he contributed to the socio-economic and political development of the nation.

According to the cleric, Pa Otegbola was a compassionate man who dedicated his life to serve his people and the church, hence the titles of Asiwaju of Aworiland and Baba Ijo of St Paul’s Cathedral, Ilupeju, bestowed on him by his community and the church.

He urged the people to live a life of service to God and humanity so as to be remembered, adding that positions and influence amount to nothing if not used to uplift the people and build bridges of trust and friendship across different divides.

Pa Ayodeji Otegbola died on the 17th of February, 2025, at the age of 91 years.