Jacob Akindele (15 June 1948 – 06 Oct. 2024)

By Femi Kusa/

If I am not mistaken, Chief Adeyemi Olusola Lawson may be the first person Jacob Akindele would like to see when his spiritual eyes open in the luminous gardens of the ethereal Spheres of Creation on his journey home to Paradise.

Despite the understanding that about 90 percent or more of the people we relate with on earth may never meet again after they leave their physical bodies, I feel a strong connection between these two souls. My thoughts drift towards these “luminous gardens,” wondering if I can definitively say that such a reunion will take place. But I am reminded of three conditions that might confer such a privilege: the presence of true love between them, the existence of a deep friendship that continues even after death, and a shared pursuit of a higher purpose in life.

To digress briefly, many husbands and wives, siblings, and even parents and children may never meet again after this life unless these conditions are met. Whether someone is welcomed into the ethereal realm by a loved one depends on the works of their thoughts, words, and deeds on earth.

Equally, it is governed by the immutable laws of Creation, which ensure the justice of the Almighty Creator. I often wish my own departed friends the same journey mercies I now wish for Jacob Akindele: to be greeted by Chief Adeyemi Lawson in the luminous gardens, where joy and service abound.

For readers unfamiliar with terms like “the luminous gardens of the ethereal Spheres,” I am essentially wishing Jacob a peaceful journey to Paradise. These luminous gardens are said to exist between the earthly realm and our true home in Paradise. As a dedicated follower of The Grail Message, Jacob believed that the soul does not wait in the grave for a Judgment Day. Rather, like Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus at His Transfiguration, he believed that the soul could immediately awaken to a joyful existence in the service of its Creator.

Jacob Akindele knew that the journey from earth to Paradise could be as long or as short as the life one had lived, and that this physical world is merely the densest region of existence.

Above this dense realm lie the Astral World, Medium Cross Matter, and Fine Cross Matter—spheres that defy earthly concepts of time and space. In each sphere, people of like nature live together, and souls are sorted into habitations based on their deeds, good or bad. The path to purification can be long, often requiring multiple lifetimes to cleanse the spirit.

The “luminous garden” is a critical stop for souls making their journey to or from Paradise, where Beings of Creation manage the natural forces we see in our world, such as fire, water, and air. Beyond this region lies our ultimate destination: Paradise.

On October 10, 2024, Jacob Akindele’s earthly remains were interred in the Garden of Remembrance at Grailland, Iju Hills. There, surrounded by love, we bid him farewell, trusting that he would swiftly pass through the spheres, guided by his spiritual mentor, Chief Adeyemi Lawson.

Kings College Years
Jacob Akindele’s relationship with Chief Adeyemi Lawson began during his time at Kings College, Lagos. He was part of a group of young boys thirsty for knowledge, including classmates like Sam Peters, Seyi Dosekun, and Kolapo Lawson, son of Chief Lawson. Their longing for understanding brought them to the feet of Chief Lawson, who introduced them to The Grail Message, a teaching that would shape their spiritual journeys.

Chief Lawson’s own encounter with The Grail Message was far from accidental. While attending a church conference in London in 1966, he wandered into Forbes Bookshop and discovered a book titled *In the Light of Truth: The Grail Message* by Abd-ru-shin. This serendipitous encounter would lead him to order 100 copies of the book, distributing them to friends and family, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Awolowo later confirmed to me that he had received the book, a gift that deepened his understanding of existence beyond earthly life.

Early Cross Bearers
Jacob Akindele, Kolapo Lawson, and their peers were among Nigeria’s first Cross Bearers, adherents of The Grail Message. These young men, along with others like Abayomi Aiyesimoju and Sola Faboya, spent their Sundays learning from Chief Lawson. Their dedication to this spiritual path was not always easy—Aiyesimoju’s father, for instance, withheld support for his son’s medical education due to his involvement with the Grail Movement. But the bond between these early Cross Bearers was strong, and they continued their spiritual work together long after leaving school.

In the late 1990s, I noticed a shift in Jacob’s demeanor—he became more introspective, focusing on inner refinement and spiritual growth. His lecture series on Love, where he taught that we are all sparks of God’s love, resonated deeply with those who knew him. He believed that love was not restricted to family, but extended to all of Creation, including animals, nature, and even the work we do in life.

A Lasting Legacy 
As I reflect on the life of Jacob Akindele, I am reminded of the Yoruba saying, “Omi ni enia”—humans are like water, flowing and connecting in ways we may not fully understand. His story, like many of our own, is one of interconnection, spiritual refinement, and the pursuit of higher truths. Jacob’s journey, marked by his dedication to The Grail Message, touched many lives, including mine. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, humility, and service will continue to inspire.

As I conclude, I recall a story Jacob once shared about Chief Adeyemi Lawson. They were sitting together at Grailland when a woman and her son passed by. The boy greeted Chief Lawson, who gave him some money. A few moments later, the boy’s mother asked him for the money, but he refused to hand it over. Chief Lawson then turned to Jacob and asked, “Who owns the money, the mother or the son?” Jacob’s answer, though thoughtful, was incorrect, illustrating a deeper lesson about the nature of giving and responsibility.

Jacob Akindele’s life was full of such moments—lessons in love, humility, and the greater purpose of our existence. May his soul find peace in the luminous gardens of Paradise, as we remember him with fondness and gratitude.

FEMI KUSA was at various times Editor; Director of Publication/ Editor-in-Chief of THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER; Editorial Director/ Editor-in-Chief of THE COMET NEWSPAPER. Currently, he keeps a Thursday Column on Alternative Medicine in the NATION NEWSPAPER.

Some of his health columns may be found on www.olufemikusa.com and in MIDIUM a digital platform for writers. He is active also on Facebook @ John OLUFEMI KUSA.

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