By Asaye Bankole
The Anglican Diocese of Akure, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has held a commendation service in honour of the late Chief Joseph Alabi Oyesusi, who died at the age of 83, with the church commending his devotion to God, commitment to humanity and support for church development.
The service was held today at St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Aule Road, Akure, Ondo State, and was attended by the deceased’s children, family members, friends and well-wishers from different parts of Nigeria and abroad.
Among those present was one of his children, Mr Olaseeni Oyesusi, President of the Association of Independent Newspaper Proprietors of Nigeria (AINPN), who represented the family in delivering remarks and a vote of thanks.
Delivering the sermon, the Vicar of St. Anne’s Anglican Church, Aule Road, Reverend Canon Stephen Oyewole, reflected on the transient nature of human life, noting that everyone would eventually return to God, regardless of their earthly possessions or accomplishments.
He stressed that death reminds humanity of the vanity of worldly possessions, adding that no one takes material wealth along when life comes to an end.
The cleric commended the late Chief Oyesusi for living a life devoted to God and dedicated to the service of humanity.
He described the deceased as a man who feared God, remained conscious of his faith and demonstrated unwavering support for the church.
According to him, the late community leader consistently contributed to the work of God and showed particular commitment to church development, including the ongoing building project at St. Anne’s Anglican Church.
Reverend Oyewole urged Christians and other members of the congregation to learn from the deceased’s life by embracing selfless service and making meaningful contributions to the lives of others.
He cautioned against selfishness, emphasising that life on earth is temporary and that individuals should use the time available to them to make positive impacts on their families, communities and society.
The vicar also charged the children of the deceased to remain united and preserve their father’s legacy of faith, generosity and service to humanity.
He further encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in Christ, avoid sin and overcome the obstacles that could prevent them from living fruitful and purposeful lives.
The service also featured thanksgiving by the children and other family members in appreciation of the good legacy their father left behind.
Special prayers were subsequently offered for the children of the deceased, seeking God’s guidance, protection and strength as they continue to uphold the values he instilled in them.
In his remarks and vote of thanks on behalf of the family, Mr Olaseeni Oyesusi expressed gratitude to relatives, friends and well-wishers who attended the service to honour his late father.
He also appreciated the Anglican Church for its close relationship with the deceased, noting that the church had maintained a strong bond with him during his lifetime.
Oyesusi used the occasion to encourage people to strengthen their relationship with God and recognise the importance of using their time on earth to serve others.
He observed that there would come a time when people might no longer have the strength to carry out their daily activities, urging them to make the most of their productive years by helping others and contributing positively to society.
He emphasised that the true value of life lies not merely in material achievements but also in the positive influence individuals have on others and the legacies they leave behind.
The commendation service formed part of activities celebrating the life and times of the late Chief Joseph Alabi Oyesusi, whose burial ceremonies are scheduled to continue in Imoru town, Ondo State.
The wake-keep is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, while the burial ceremony will take place on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The event is expected to attract prominent personalities, community leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers from across Nigeria and abroad, who will gather to pay their final respects to the deceased.
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