It was a sight to behold yesterday as friends, family, business associates, and top politicians in the state besieged the ever busied Adurosakin street, in Somolu local government area of Lagos with candle night procession in honour of late Otunba Adebowale Ogunade popularly known as “Big Debo” who died on 14th February 2021 at the age of 53 after a brief illness.
Otunba Adebowale was from Ogunade political dynasty whose father, Pa. Kehinde Ogunade was a former Federal councillor under Mushin East District who had in no small measure contributed to the political landscape as well as socio-economic development of Somolu in its entirety right from the second republic.
Speaking at the candle night procession, the Lagos state House of Assembly representing Somolu constituency I, Hon. Rotimi Olowo Emmanuel paid a glowing tribute to the deceased describing him as a great mentor who loves peace.
“Big Debo is my cousin whom I love so much. A political mentor of the highest order. He was born an angel and he did all he came to life to do like an angel touching lives.
“Big Debo symbolized hope for the hopeless, championed development and empowerment for the less privileged, and represented inspiration for the younger generation”. Hon. Olowo said.
The lawmaker, however, urged people especially the younger ones to emulate his virtues while taking solace in the fact “Big Debo” lived a fruitful life in the service of his creator and mankind and prayed to God to grant him Eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the huge loss.
The Executive Chairman of Somolu local government, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu “Dullar” who was also in attendance attested to the fact that “Big Debo” was a passionate personality loved by people around him while he offered a prayer to Almighty Allah to grant him Aljanah Fridaus.
Also, one of the deceased brothers, Niyi Ogunade a.k.a Adasi eulogized his late brother as he described him as a fatherly figure, friend, and coach who has contributed so much to his success.
“Bid Debo” as fondly called taught me how to play football and study hard because he’ll always tell me, I believe in you. As a young man, I played football together with Debo, Kunle, and others. I was always fighting referees and he’ll tell me to calm down and stop fighting referees but rather channel that energy into playing football so as to become a great player to be reckoned with”.
“I want to tell that after God, it’s Debo in my life when it comes to my success. He’ll always come to my house in England and tell me, I’m proud of you. So, he’s not just my brother, he was my friend, father, life coach, and backbone. There’s no doubt about the fact that I will miss him so much. Adieu, my brother! he echoed.
Meanwhile, the pastors who anchored the event observed the service with sermons from the holy book reminding those in attendance to always remember that human beings exist on earth as strangers and will one day return home. They further urged those who care to listen to emulate the late Otunba Adebowale Ogunade’s virtue even though he’s no more but lived an exemplary life full of positive lessons.
The event came to an end with a special prayer for the deceased and the family he left behind from the pastors with the candle night procession taking the center stage right from the event avenue, Adurosakin through Adebiyi street down to Petit Idaho, orthopedic/Morroco Road, and back to Adurosakin.
The family, through Demola Ogunade, the Head Security to the Somolu local government chairman in his closing remarks thanked friends, family, business associates, and politicians who stood by them for their unflinching support through the excruciating moment as he used the opportunity to preach peaceful coexistence among the politicians in the Somolu community.
Amongst the guests who graced the event include the No.1 citizen of the Somolu community, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu ‘Dullar’, his Vice, Hon. Bowale Sosimi, the Leader of the House, Hon. Yomi Oshunkoya, the Chief of Staff to the council Chairman, Hon. Dele Afolabi, the Secretary to the Local government, Hon. Taiwo Adesanya.
Others are immediate past Chairman of Somolu local government, Hon. Gbolahan Bagostowe, Somolu local government Executive Secretary, Hon. Engr. Biodun Orekoya, Chairperson of Somolu local government, Hon. Mrs. Omotanwa Salau, the LGA chairman, Hon. Deacon Femi Taiwo, former Somolu local government Sole Administrator, Hon. Williams Lawson, Somolu APC Apex leaders, the SSA to council Chairman on Market, former Somolu LG Leader of the House, Hon. (Rt.) Fehintola, Hon. Tajudeen Rasaq, Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Hon. Oseni Owolabi Ajimomuiya, Supervisory councillor on Agric and Sports, Hon. Wale Oseni and Supervisory councillor on Health, Hon. Olumide Akin
