People across different spheres of life have been charged to always be conscious of their character so as to leave a good name and good legacy when they exit this world.
This charge was made by Reverend Biyi Alabi in his sermon at the funeral service for the late Barrister Kunle Ishola, the former Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, held in Ibadan on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
The burial service which was the grand-finale of a week-long burial programme to celebrate the life and time of the legal icon who served under the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala took place at New Covenant Church, Onireke, Ibadan.
Speaking during the sermon, Reverend Alabi urged friends, family and well wishers present to live well in order to be remembered for good after they are called home by their Creator.
Quoting from Ecclesiastes 7:1 he stated that there are three important virtues to be held in highest esteem which include Your NAME, Your CHARACTER and Your WORKS.
Explaining further, he said a good name is better than riches and one’s character should mirror the fruits of the spirit, good image and uprightness, among others.
Buttressing his point on good character, Reverend Alabi quoted Billy Graham, a foremost American Evangelist who said “if you lose your calling and anointing, you have not lost anything, but if you lose your character, you have lost all.”
Reverend Alabi further admonished the congregants to ensure that they leave good works which will continue to speak for them after they must have gone, adding, “our good works will ensure that even when we die, we will not be forgotten.”
He noted that the deceased Barrister Kunle Ishola lived a life of service and ensured that he made an indelible impact on the people and humanity at large.
“Those who live for others live forever. It is people you have impacted that will keep telling your story. Kunle Ishola Esq lived for others and that is why we are telling his story today. See the love people have come to show despite the threat of protests which would have hampered their free movement.”
The Preacher advised those present to do all they can to make sure that they have a positive influence on those around them because influence cannot die and our influences are based on the impact we have made in the lives of the people who have come in contact with us.
Reverend Alabi urged those present to forget about the luxuries and allure of this world and trace their ways back to their creator because there is eternity after life and if you are not there, it is eternal damnation.” Nobody can escape eternity.”
“Kunle Ishola is with Jesus because he gave his life to Jesus. Salvation is more important than ministry or your service to humanity, So retrace your steps back to God and surrender your life to him.”
Dignitaries present at the burial service include: Otunba Major Oyin Adedeji (rtd.); Oyo state Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Hon. Emmanuel Olusegun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Lands and Housing Oyo State, Hon.William Akin-Funmilayo;Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State; Barrister Micheal Lana.
Others are; Former Oyo state Chief Judge, Chief (Mrs.) Bolajoko Adeniji;Former First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala; Bishop of Methodist Church, Nigeria, Ogbomoso Diocese and Former Chairman, Oyo State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board; Bishop Ayo Moradeyo;Iba Oluyole and the Aare Musulumi of Ibadanland, Alhaji Nureni Akanbi; wife of the former Chief of Staff, Chief (Mrs.) Saka Balogun.
Also in attendance are the former Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Mukaila Aborode; the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal led the NBA Executives to the burial events.
Mrs. Folasade Aladeniyi led the NBA Lady Lawyers, Oyo State chapter to the funeral program, amongst several other dignitaries present.
