The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Friday led tributes at the funeral service of the late Engineer David Sotinrin, father of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ayo Sotinrin.

The funeral service, held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Abeokuta, Ogun State, attracted dignitaries, family members, and associates who gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased.

Engineer Sotinrin, who died at the age of 85, was described by his son as a man of exceptional intellect, discipline, and deep commitment to family values.

In an emotional tribute, the BOA MD said his late father was “an exceptional man who lived a life worthy of remembrance,” noting his outstanding career as an engineer and his strong intellectual capacity.

He described him as “very astute as an engineer” and “extremely well endowed in terms of intellectual prowess,” stressing that his professional achievements were widely recognised.

Beyond his career, Sotinrin said the late engineer’s most enduring legacy was his devotion to family, describing him as a man who united everyone around him and ensured strong familial bonds.

“He was a family man. He loved us dearly. He loved my mother dearly as well and the entire family of Sotinrin.

“He embraced everybody from my extended family. He brought everyone together, made sure we all had that bond,” he said.

He added that the family was grateful that the late engineer lived a fulfilled life until the age of 85 before “he received the call of the Lord.”

Sotinrin also reflected on his upbringing, noting that his father placed strong emphasis on education and personal development.

“He put education first in everything we did and made sure we went to the best schools and best universities,” he said, adding that he remained deeply indebted to his father’s guidance.

He further said he would continue to emulate his father’s values of kindness, love for people and devotion to God.

“For me, I am emulating the very good life I have spent, his kindness, his love for people, love for God most especially. And I thank God that he was my father. He is gone, but his memories live on and he will be remembered for a very long time,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, in his remarks, said the late Engineer Sotinrin lived a fulfilled life marked by impact, faith and devotion to family, noting that his 85 years reflected divine grace.

He said tributes from the deceased’s wife, Mrs Falake Shotiri, portrayed him as a loving husband and dedicated family man whose life was anchored on peace and humility.

Aiyedatiwa added that these virtues were also reflected in his son, Ayo Sotinrin, whom he described as resilient and grounded in faith.

He urged the family to honour the deceased’s legacy by celebrating his life rather than focusing on grief, stressing the importance of reflecting on the impact of one’s existence.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, also paid tribute, describing the late engineer as a man who lived an exemplary and impactful life.

He urged the family to uphold the values of selflessness and service which the deceased represented, noting that such legacy should guide future generations.

Abiodun further reminded mourners of the inevitability of death and the need to live purposeful lives.

In his sermon, the Vicar of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Egba Diocese, Venerable S.K. Oyewale, said life is transient and no one has a permanent place on earth.

He noted that the late engineer’s life reflected positive impact on many people, adding that human achievements are divine gifts meant for service to humanity.

At the reception, legendary musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey gave sonorous rendition for the guests.

Dignitaries present included members of the Bank of Agriculture board and senior management staff.