One year after the death of former Ondo State governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, his family, friends and associates have gathered to remember his life, legacy and the people he touched.

The gathering took place on Sunday during a one-year remembrance and thanksgiving service held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus Embassy, Lekki, Lagos.

Speaking at the service, Akingboye’s widow, Christiana, described the past year as painful and challenging but said the family remained grateful to God for sustaining them.

“It wasn’t easy; it was painful. But I remember that my father is a mighty man in war, and he arose. He fought a good fight of faith, and there was victory on our side,” she said.

Christiana expressed appreciation to family members, friends and the church for standing by them throughout the difficult period.

She said the church remained constant in its support, providing prayers, visits, food and other assistance whenever the family needed it.

“The church was there for us. They never left me,” she said.

She also recalled the legal challenges that followed her husband’s death, saying she chose to rely on her Christian faith despite suggestions from relatives and friends to explore other options.

“I have an advocate in Christ Jesus. And only Jesus. I’m standing on the rock that never fails,” she said.

According to her, the eventual emergence of the truth was a major victory for the family.

“The enemy thought it was over, but it took Jesus a minute to turn things around. The truth came out, and here we are today, testifying to God’s goodness,” she said.

Beyond the challenges of the past year, Christiana said what she missed most about her husband were the little moments they shared, particularly his affectionate calls.

“I miss him calling me sweetheart. ‘Sweetheart, where are you? Sweetheart, come and eat. Sweetheart, I love you.’ And that’s what I miss most,” she said.

Also speaking, one of Akingboye’s sons, Michael, said the thanksgiving service provided an opportunity for the family to reflect on his father’s kindness and the positive influence he had on those around him.

Describing his father as humble and accommodating, Michael said Akingboye related freely with people regardless of their social status.

“My father was such a humble man. He could eat with anybody, he could sleep with anybody. He could relate with the average human,” he said.

Michael said the past year had been difficult for him and his siblings but expressed gratitude to God for seeing the family through the period.

“It hasn’t been easy for me and my family, for me and my siblings, but we’re here today, on the 6th of September, and we’re rejoicing,” he said.

He said he would particularly miss his father’s “jolly, joyful energy”, adding that the family remained committed to preserving his memory and upholding the values he lived by.