Weep not for Oyekpen, weep for yourselves, Ndukuba enjoins Christians

Everybody has a date of departure from this earth, but no one knows his/her particular date. The owner of a farm could enter his farm anytime and take any fruit of his choice and no one will question him. These were the words of the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba at the funeral service held for the late Bishop Jolly Oyekpen at his home Church, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Iruekpen, Edo State.

In his sermon titled: “Your Brother Will Rise Again,” whose text was taken from John 11:23, Ndukuba recalled the exemplary life of the deceased, saying he was truthful, open-minded and never complained or asked for translation to any greener diocese.

The primate advised Oyekpen’s wife, Victoria, children and those present that the deceased has gone to glory, a sure better place than the earth.

According to Ndukuba: “Bishop Oyekpen will rise again. No one should weep for him, but we should all weep for ourselves and our sins.” He urged those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour to do so to avoid spending eternity in hell.

Meanwhile, a service of songs was conducted in the honour of the late Bishop at Akoko Edo on September 21, 2022, as well as a commendation service at the Cathedral on September 22, 2022. The deceased was buried in the church compound.

In attendance were Archbishop of Bendel/Bishop of Ughelli, Most Rev. (Dr.) Cyril Odutemu; Bishop of Kebbi, Most Rev. Edmond Akanya; Archbishop of Kwara, Most Rev. Amoo; host Bishop of Esan Diocese, Rt. Rev. Gabriel Elabor; EFAC National Chairman, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor; Bishops of Bendel Dioceses, and other Bishops from across the dioceses in the Anglican Church of Nigeria, as well as members of other denominations including the clergy and their wives, men and women, Anglican Youth Fellowship leaders and members from across the country.