Sanwo-Olu, Aiyedatiwa, Others Bid Ex-Commissioner, Akindele-Odunmbaku Farewell 

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ondo State counterpart, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde and other dignitaries on Friday bid former Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, late Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku farewell.

They joined family members, political leaders, clergies and well-wishers to celebrate the late Odunmbaku’s life of service and dedication to humanity during a funeral service held at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja in Lagos.

Speaking during the service, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to draw valuable lessons from the life and legacy of late Odunmbaku, saying funerals should serve as moments of reflection for the living rather than occasions of mourning alone.

The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the children and the entire Odunmbaku family, particularly the deceased husband, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, who is a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Lagos State.

He urged them to find comfort in the overwhelming show of love and support demonstrated by the large turnout of sympathisers who came to pay their last respects.

While noting that the loss of a loved one is always painful, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Christians should celebrate those who have lived fulfilled lives in Christ.

“We can say that our Mother in Israel has gone to be with the Lord, but we do not mourn those who have gone before us; we celebrate their lives. Though painful, we thank God that she lived a good life, served well and left behind a worthy legacy. Her children, spouse and family may be mourning, but they are also giving thanks to Almighty God for a life well spent,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the testimonies shared about the late Akindele Odunmbaku reflected the remarkable impact she made on countless lives, leaving an enduring legacy that would not be forgotten.

He stressed that funeral ceremonies should inspire self-examination among the living. “The condolence is really not for the corpse before us but for those of us who are alive. We must ask ourselves: what lessons are we taking home? What impact have we made? How have we used our positions, contacts and the blessings God has given us to uplift others? The preaching is for the living,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to strive to become better citizens, better spouses and more faithful servants of God, adding that the greatest tribute to the deceased would be to emulate her virtues of service, compassion and generosity.

The Governor prayed for God’s strength, long life and good health for members of the bereaved family.

Also speaking, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, paid glowing tribute to the late Odunmbaku, describing her as a devoted servant of God who lived an impactful life.

Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa sympathised with the family, particularly Cardinal James Odunmbaku, encouraging them to find comfort in the Holy Scriptures.

“Life is a journey that begins at birth and ends in death. Everyone desires heaven, but no one wants to die. It is therefore natural to grieve when we lose a loved one. However, the Bible reminds us that precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described the deceased as a committed public servant who made significant contributions during her tenure as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State, noting that she championed programmes that advanced women’s economic empowerment and political participation, leaving behind a legacy of purposeful service.

He prayed that God would grant the entire Odunmbaku family the strength and grace to bear the irreparable loss.