In a heartfelt gathering, close friends and family members of the late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, the esteemed Founder of the Fountain of Life Church (FOLC) in Lagos, came together on Saturday to both celebrate his life and bid a final farewell as he was laid to rest.
The solemnity of the occasion was beautifully accentuated by the church choir’s poignant renditions, providing attendees with a moving backdrop as they shared their testimonials about the remarkable deeds of this revered pastor.
During his sermon, Bishop David Abioye of the Living Faith Church in Lagos delivered a powerful message. He encouraged everyone to draw nearer to God, following in the footsteps of Odukoya, who had exemplified a life dedicated to Christ. Abioye portrayed the late preacher as a man of unwavering character, whose practical embodiment of the teachings of Christ had led countless souls into the embrace of God’s kingdom, essentially depopulating the realms of damnation.
Abioye emphasized the importance of developing a personal connection with God, a path exemplified by Odukoya. Such a connection, he believed, could guide individuals away from sinful lifestyles that distance them from God. In the heavenly race, Abioye affirmed that Odukoya had started and finished with excellence.
“The multitudes gathered here today pay their final respects to the departed because he profoundly touched their lives,” Abioye proclaimed. “We commemorate and grieve the departure of this Divine General, whose life and unwavering reputation stand as a testament to a man blessed by God, who in turn blessed humanity.”
He urged people to turn to God, emphasizing that anyone devoid of salvation was, in his view, a “living fool” destined for eternal condemnation.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Yewande Jacob, a devoted member of the church, shared that the congregation believed their pastor had ascended to heaven. Consequently, instead of mourning, they celebrated his life. Jacob described the late preacher as a mentor, teacher, and counselor, particularly noting his guidance on maintaining Christian values while navigating relationships. As a philanthropist, Pastor Odukoya extended his support to numerous families, both within and beyond the church, providing scholarships to many underprivileged students.
Jacob assured that despite his passing, the Lord of hosts, whom he fervently served, would continue to guide the church with a renewed anointing.
Also addressing the assembly, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, the son of the late Odukoya, reflected on his father’s extraordinary approach to life. He noted that his father meticulously planned as if he would live indefinitely but lived with a sense of urgency, as if tomorrow might never come. Jimmy characterized his father as a role model who maximized his time on Earth to leave an enduring legacy. His father’s selfless dedication to others and investment in people’s lives ensured that his impact would forever remain etched in the hearts of those he touched.
In closing, the younger Odukoya expressed heartfelt gratitude to the faithful for their unwavering support and urged everyone to strive for eternity, the realm his father had now entered.
The late Pastor Odukoya was laid to rest in a private cemetery in Lagos. He passed away on August 7 in the United States of America at the age of 67.
