Segun Atanda/
People say a prophet has no honour in his own country.
But the late Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Sir Francis Mobolaji Odesanya proved to be an exception to the rule last night, as sympathizers from his constituency and all over Nigeria gathered at the Shell Hall of Muson Centre, Onikan, in Lagos, to pay tribute at a service of songs.
It was a day of honour for the late CP, as friends, family members and associates shared fond memories of the man they called Bobo.
Their tributes revealed more about Odesanya’s spiritual and temporal existence.
It also revealed how Odesanya went through a rigorous spiritual exercise to become a Knight of St. John International in Rivers State.
Several members of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) in Rivers State covered a journey of over 662 kilometres from Port Harcourt to Muson Centre in Lagos to tell the world how much Odesanya loved and served God.
“He was like St Francis of Assisi, of the mendicant Order of Friars,” said Brig. Gen. George Ikioumoton, the Grand President of the KSJI, who led a delegation of the body to the event.
Brig. Gen. Ikioumoton also described Odesanya as a true soldier of Christ, who distinguished himself in many ways and ran an open house for brothers and sisters of KSJI.
Souls were lifted with several seraphic songs rendered by choristers coordinated by Demola Olota, who also did a moving solo of Frank Sinatra’s song – ‘My Way’.
Led by Rev. Father Steven Ogbe Opi, the service was attended by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Kayode Aderanti, retired AIG Tunji Alapini, and many state commissioners of police, including Fatai Owoseni (Lagos), Leye Oyebade (Abia), Titus Larmode (Ebonyi), the Deputy Force Secretary in Abuja, CP Dave Akinremi, as well as Kenneth Ebrimson and Akpoebi Agberebi from the Force Headquarters.
While paying tribute to his buddy of over 35 years, CP Oyebade described Odesanya as a man who could give his eyes to help somebody.
“Bobo was wonderful. He was a friend in need. He was so religious that he would never be late to church. I rest my case because I know his passion for God.”
Odesanya’s sister, Mary Oluwatoyin Kolapo, described him as a compassionate gentleman.
“He was a fine dresser. That’s why we called him Omolaso,” she said.
There were several readings by leading members of KSJI and prayers for Odesanya’s wife, Juliet, his son, Kola, and his daughter – Ayomide, who were speechless at the solemn ceremony.
Other officers at the event included former RRS Commander, ACP Hakeem Odumosu, ACP Monday Agbonika and ACP Frank Mba.
The passage rites of Odesanya continues today with a Christian Wake at YCC Car Park, St. Dominic Catholic Church, 356, Herbert Macaulay Road, Yaba, in Lagos.
The Lying-in-State starts at 7.30am on Friday, at YCC Hall, St. Dominic Catholic Church, followed by Requiem Mass by 10am, before the body commences the journey to the final resting place at Vaults & Gardens, Ikoyi, in Lagos.
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