President Bola Tinubu yesterday extolled the virtues of late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, who died at 67, commending the revered clergyman for expanding the frontiers of charitable endeavour.

Odukoya, who was bereaved twice in space of weeks in 2021 from death of his wife from second marriage and twin sister, died on Monday in the United States of America.

In a condolence message to the family, friends and congregants of the Fountain of Life Church, over the passing of the Senior Pastor, President Tinubu also extended condolences to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and associates of the religious leader, whose teaching, outreach and good work expanded the frontiers of charitable endeavour with particular respect to the education and health sectors.

The President, in a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, noted the worthy contributions of Odukoya to the development of the country, supporting the weak and vulnerable while providing a platform for many to realize their dreams through the teaching of the word of faith.

Also, Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed sadness at the death of Odukoya. Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the death of the cleric is a great loss to the entire congregation, body of Christ, Lagos and Nigeria.

The church on its Facebook page had announced the death thus: “We are in total submission to You Lord!!! We thank the Lord for the gift of life of greater leader!!!”

When The Guardian visited the church to confirm the death, some of the security staff said they were unaware of his demise as many had hurriedly left the church immediately the news broke. Some church members who spoke in hushed tones said the pastor may have died due to loneliness.

An artisan who works around the church said Odukoya had suffered too many tragedies. “I was here when the first and second wife died. I was also here when his twin sister died and the wakekeep held at the church premises. He was an amiable man of God. We are sad about his death.

Recall that Odukoya’s first wife, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya died in 2005.

The Guardian tried to reach the church’s lawyer several times, but his number wasn’t going.