The remains of the Ibadan based business mogul Chief Dr. Isaac Ojo Akinmokun has been committed to mother earth. The burial took place in his home town, Ikeji Ile, Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Council of Osun State on Tuesday 21st July 2020.
The burial, witnessed by few participants was held in his compound, and his home Church Chapel of Beatitudes, of the Anglican Church, at Oke Ira area of Ikeji Ile Ijesa.
Due to the state of the global coronavirus pandemic, control of people’s concentration and movement, and the request of the deceased not to be kept in mortuary, few people including close family members and officiating ministers were at the funeral service which has been preceded with a Christian wake on Monday, 20th July, 2020.
In his special message at the occasion, the Bishop of Ijesa North East Anglican Diocese Bishop J. A. F. Olusola represented by Ven. Oloye acknowledged all the good works of the departed industrialist both to the Church, the community, Ijesaland, Ibadan and Nigeria and the world at large.
According to the cleric, Chief Akinmokun had lived to accomplish his purpose on earth, and what was important was for others to emulate him.
He admonished, “Death is inevitable to all mankind. Chief Akinmokun has fulfilled his purpose on earth and we believe the crown of righteousness will be placed on him. He was a man of faith, very liberal and humble; he was a strict disciplinarian, very kind and generous to the things of God and to the people. We need people like him. Nigeria needs people like him. We need people like him in Nigeria where politicians are domineering over the people.
“Baba has listening ears, he was the Chairman of the committee for the building of the Bishop’s Court in Oke Ooye Ilesa. A good believer, he championed the payment of tithes in our diocese even before payment of tithes became a public issue.”
The preacher reminded the modest gathering that human beings are like footballers in the field of play.
“We are in a stage, one day we shall leave whether we like it or not. But as the sages are leaving who will they hand over to?” The preacher therefore called on the children and the family to continue with Chief Akinmokun’s good deeds.
“I believe Baba has handed over to the children and all that live after him. God has made them to live and succeed their father in a time like this. It is therefore their time to arise and continue with the good work of Baba, and help Ikeji Ile.”
Continuing, he added, “Someone said when Baba was alive that they always ran to him for any issue, now that the Baba is no more there who do we run to? The children of God would look up to Jesus Christ.”
To the members of Ikeji Ile community, the man of God said the time had also come to move Ikeji Ile forward as he prayed to God to send another divine helper noting that the deceased had served his generation in the will of God.
Represented in the funeral service were members and leaders from the late Chief’s Church, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Yemetu, Ibadan North Diocese, Ibadan, clerics from Ijesa North East Anglican Diocese, Venerable Adeoye of St. Archdeaconry, Ikeji Ile, family members, his widow Chief Mrs. Patience Akinmokun, his cousin Dr. Akin. Akinmokun and representatives of the traditional institutions in the community, the Olura of Ira and Akeji of Ikeji Ile.
It was expected that after the lockdown a befitting outing service and grand reception would be organised in his honour, as the current global situation did not allow all interested people to be part of the service to give the man of his people his well deserved last respect.
The service was relayed online for interested watchers to have a glimpse of the service from Ikeji Ile to all parts of the world.
Chief Akinmokun in his life time was a great industrialist, a passionate lover of his people, a real human developer and an inspiration to many people who came across him.
In his days Chief Akinmokun had his hands and investments in several first class blue chip ventures. He established Paramount Bookshop, he was the Chairman and Chief Executive of Isolak Motors, Isoglass Nigeria Limited, he was one of the founding directors of International Breweries Limited, Ilesa and other business ventures. He also helped to empower several others privileged and less privileged members of the society.
Chief (Dr.) Akinmokun (OON) was a recipient of several traditional and honourary titles. He was the Bobagunwa of Ikeji Ile, Maiyegun of Ilesa, Agba Akin of Ibadanland. May his precious soul rest in perfect peace.
Feel free to drop your testimonies of your encounter with Chief Akinmokun and your tributes to his legacy.
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