Caroline Abosede Ademowo goes home amidst eulogie

THE remains of Mrs. Caroline Abosede Ademowo were finally laid to rest yesterday as family and friends paid their final tributes to the woman who was referred to as “elegant and graceful in her steps.”

According to one of the officiating Bishops, the departure of the octogenarian at 85 brought mixed feelings of sorrow and joy to the shining star, the Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Bishop of Lagos, the Most Revd. Ephraim Adebola Ademowo.

However, from every indication, the cleric dwelt on the second feeling of joy as the life of Caroline was a blessing to the world in every ramification.

No wonder, her departure did not just match the biblical injunction, “let me die the death of the righteous and let my end be like his,” but that her saying bye-bye to the world, was the beginning of another blissful eternity in line with another biblical verse: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints”.

People that had encounter with Caroline while she was alive, attributed to her those qualities that are synonymous with the life of a “virtuous woman” in the scriptures who tried as much as possible to register in the mind of those that crossed her path the importance of truthfulness, hard work, integrity and socialization.

The Christian wake held in her honour at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos truly marked the beginning of the “Celebration of a fulfilled life” as was printed on the pamphlet for the occasion.

The Master of Ceremony, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and the Bishop of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Revd. Adebayo Akinde, announced the presence of bishops at the event which was also attended by dignitaries.

The sermon for the wake was delivered by the Diocesan Bishop of Osun North East Diocese, the Rt. Revd. Humphrey Olumakaiye, who said that there was no cause for mourning as “mama,” who produced seeds that are blessings to our generation, truly lived a fulfilled life.

“In addition to her righteous life, we shall miss her elegant look and gracious steps. These no one could take away from her. She lived a radiant life and God blessed her with long life,” he said.

He asked the congregation to emulate the blessed and righteous life of Caroline because when a righteous person leaves the world, he goes home to be with the Lord.

“If as a result of your attachment to this world, you miss heaven, you will not miss hell,” he warned.

The Order of funeral Services, which took place at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, was attended by dignitaries including the former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) the Most Revd. Peter Jasper Akinola, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, the former head of Interim Government, Ernest Shonekan, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire and her husband, Mr. Abiodun Orelope-Adefulire, Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Governor elect, Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi among others while the Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh was represented by his wife, Mrs. Nkasiobi Okoh.

Archbishops and Bishops from Dioceses that cut across Nigeria were also in attendance.

Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire described ‘mama’ as a true Christian whose life remains a blessing to mankind while Amosun said from every indication, she left a foot-print of integrity on the sand of life.