Remains of the late Chief Jide Adebayo, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), were on Saturday evening committed to mother earth at his residence in Omu-Aran, Kwara.
Adebayo’s body was lowered into the grave at about 5.00 p.m after a short service.
The funeral service had earlier been conducted at the 2nd ECWA Agamo, Omu-Aran, attended by his friends, family members and scores of sympathisers from the community.
His wife, Mrs Alice Adebayo, son, Dr Dotun Adebayo and sister Hajia Kehinde Salaudeen, were at the graveside to perform the dust-to-dust rites.
In his short graveside message, Rev. S. O Asonibare of the 2nd ECWA Agamo, Omu-Aran, where Adebayo was the Life Patron of the Church’s Choir, said the deceased lived life to impact, not only his family, but the work of God.
“For this, many people have one reason or the other to associate with him,” the cleric said.
He prayed for repose of the soul of the deceased and that God should grant his family and Omu-Aran community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In her condolence, Olori Omowumi Ibitoye, Wife of the late Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, described Adebayo’s death as a great loss.
Ibitoye said: “We will surely miss your humility, kindness and advises.
“We prayed that God will grant your soul eternal rest.”
Also, Prof. Lawal Adedoyin, a Professor of Economy, Bowen University, Iwo in Osun, described Adebayo as a blessing to humanity.
“You came, you saw, you conquered. No doubt, you are a blessing to humanity, Rest on Chief Jide Adebayo,” Adedoyin said.
Speaking, Prof. Ademola Popoola, a long time friend of the late Adebayo, in his tributes, described the deceased as “an embodiment of humility and peace.
“God gave you to our community as a gift, but we wish that this gift stayed with us longer. Continue to rest in peace,” Popoola said. (NAN)