By Asaye Bankole
Family members, friends, associates, Christian faithful and prominent personalities from across Nigeria and abroad gathered in Imoru, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30, 2026, to pay their last respects to late High Chief Joseph Oyesusi.
The deceased was honoured with a Christian wake-keeping ceremony on Thursday, October 29, followed by a church service and burial ceremony on Friday, October 30, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Imoru, and his residence in the community.
The ceremonies attracted a large gathering of sympathisers, including members of the Association of Independent Newspaper Proprietors of Nigeria (AINPN), family members, friends, church members and other distinguished guests who came to celebrate the life and times of the late community leader.
The wake-keeping ceremony, coordinated by St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Imoru, featured Bible readings, hymnal renditions and prayers, as participants reflected on the life, Christian commitment and contributions of the deceased.
During the ceremony, family members, friends, church members and well-wishers took turns to share testimonies about the late High Chief, describing him as a truthful, generous, accommodating and hospitable man who demonstrated genuine love for his family and humanity.
Speaking on behalf of the children, Mr Olaseeni Oyesusi described his late father as a straightforward man who always stood by the truth, irrespective of the circumstances.
He said the deceased was highly accommodating and hospitable, adding that he loved his family dearly and consistently demonstrated concern for the welfare and progress of his children.
Olaseeni further described his father as a committed prayer warrior who never stopped praying for his children, noting that his dedication to their spiritual and personal development remained one of the qualities they would continue to cherish.
Other speakers at the wake-keeping ceremony described the late High Chief as a lover of humanity, a generous individual and a unifying personality who maintained cordial relationships with people from different backgrounds.
They also acknowledged his commitment to Christianity, saying he was devoted to the work of God and demonstrated his faith through his lifestyle, relationships and service to the Church.
Delivering the sermon at the wake-keeping ceremony, the Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Imoru, Reverend Canon Timothy Adebayo Atteh, spoke on the topic, “A Prepared Place for Christians After Our Sojourn on Earth.”
The cleric described the deceased as a dedicated Christian who committed himself wholeheartedly to the service of God during his lifetime.
He noted that human existence was temporary and that everyone would eventually give an account of their actions, urging Christians to live responsibly and remain committed to God’s commandments.
Reverend Canon Atteh charged members of the congregation to prepare for eternity by living according to biblical principles, discovering their purpose and making the right decisions before it became too late.
At the funeral church service held on Friday, October 30, the cleric again urged Christians to live purposeful and meaningful lives while they had the opportunity.
Preaching on the topic, “Live Before You Die,” with a biblical reference from Hebrews Chapter 9, Verse 27, the Vicar stressed the importance of making positive contributions to society and living in ways that would leave lasting and meaningful impacts on others.
He reminded the congregation that death was inevitable and that every individual would eventually face divine judgment, irrespective of social status, position or achievements.
The cleric also encouraged the children of the deceased to remain united and sustain the good legacy of their father, particularly his commitment to God, honesty, generosity and love for humanity.
He urged them to preserve the family values established by their father and ensure that his exemplary lifestyle continued to serve as a source of inspiration to generations after him.
The church service was attended by members of the deceased’s family, friends, Christian faithful, members of the Association of Independent Newspaper Proprietors of Nigeria and other prominent personalities from different parts of the country and abroad.
As part of the service, the children, alongside invited guests, offered thanksgiving to God in appreciation of the life of their father and the positive contributions he made during his lifetime.
The thanksgiving provided an opportunity for the family and other participants to express gratitude to God for the years the deceased spent with them and the memories he left behind.
Following the church service, the remains of the late High Chief Joseph Oyesusi were laid to rest at his residence in Imoru.
Guests were subsequently entertained at the reception venue with assorted drinks and a variety of intercontinental dishes as family members, friends and associates gathered to celebrate the life of the deceased.
The reception also featured lively entertainment, with members of the Association of Non-affiliated Newspaper and Magazine Publishers adding colour to the occasion through their participation in the celebration.
The President of the association, Mr Olaseeni Oyesusi, alongside other members, thrilled guests with energetic dancing, creating memorable moments at the reception ground.
Speaking with the D Chronicle Media Crew after the ceremonies, the children of the deceased expressed their sadness over the loss of their father, describing him as a rare gem whose absence would be deeply felt.
They said they would particularly miss his love for truth, generosity, kindness, hospitality and commitment to bringing people together.
According to them, their father was a man who valued good relationships, supported others and demonstrated genuine concern for the well-being of people around him.
They added that his principles and exemplary lifestyle would continue to guide the family, expressing their determination to uphold the values he stood for throughout his lifetime.
The children also appreciated family members, friends, church leaders, members of ANNMP and other well-wishers who travelled from different locations to identify with them during the funeral ceremonies.
The two-day funeral activities in Imoru brought together people from different walks of life to honour the late High Chief Joseph Oyesusi, whose life was celebrated through testimonies highlighting his commitment to Christianity, family values, truthfulness, generosity and service to humanity.
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