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Jonathan, whose presidential helicopter flew into Ibonwon town in Eredo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State around 8:35a.m., did not arrive at the church venue where the mass was held until around 11:15am in company with the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu Mu’azu; Minister
of Works, Mike Onomonelem and other PDP chieftains.
Chief Obasanjo had arrived at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ibonwon about 10:35a.m. along with Senator Andy Uba, who both waited for the arrival of the Mr. President for the programme to commence.
However, the service started immediately the president arrived the church and took his seat.
After delivering his speech at the service, Jonathan told the congregation that he was leaving for Ghana and Obasanjo thereafter accompanied him to his car.
The two were however left alone to have a private discussion for some minutes before Jonathan left with his convoy to the helipad to board the presidential helicopter.
A source close to Obasanjo hinted that the former president used the brief discussion to drop an important piece of information to the president with a piece of advice on the state of the nation’s security.
Jonathan, Obasanjo, others bid Otedola farewell
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan on Friday described the former governor of Lagos State, late Michael Otedola, as a man who lived a life worthy of emulation, as his body was laid to the mother earth on Friday.
During a church service at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ibonwon, Epe, Eredo Local Council Development Area of Lagos, Jonathan extolled the deceased, saying that though he served barely two years in office, he impacted positively on the people of Lagos.
According to him, “late Otedola has left his mark in the sound of time. His legacy is worthy of emulation by all politicians and Nigerians generally.”
President Jonathan urged politicians to have the people at heart while occupying public office, stressing that when they leave, the people they serve will judge them accordingly.
He also urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the peace and unity of the country, acknowledging that their prayers have taken Nigeria thus far.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described late Otedola as a worthy leader who lived a good life.
While delivering his sermon, Rev. Philips Aniagwu admonished the congregation to live a life to replicate that of Jesus Christ. He said everyone must some day depart this sinful world and only God knows the appointed time.
He opined that one must be careful when here on earth, so as not to be cut unawares by death.
He advised guests to reflect on their lifestyles to influence others positively with the goal of making heaven.
“Otedola’s works while alive spoke for him. I am not here to sing his praises or to preach the best sermon,” he said.
Rev. Aniagwu urged Nigerians to continue to live as brothers and sisters.
One of the eminent Nigerians who extolled the virtues of late Otedola was Mr Segun Awolowo.
Other dignitaries in attendance were Governor Babatunde Fashola, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Cardinal Emeritus Olubunmi Okogie, Former Governor Peter Obi, Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, and many others.
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