AWO PATRONAL SERVICE: “There is a greater Honour in the Day of Death” – Archbishop Fape

Advertisement

BEIGN SERMON DELIVERED BY ARCHBISHIOP MICHAEL FAPE AT 37TH MEMORIAL AND PATRONAL SERVICE A CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO CHURCH IKENNE  ON THURSDAY, 9TH MAY,  AWOLOWO.

Text: “A good name is better than precious ointment,

And the day of death than the day of one’s birth; the end of a thing is better than its beginning” (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬, ‭8‬). Introduction: Welcome all and recognise a few Dignitaries: Today we are here gathered to remember the life and times of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, SAN, who was was called home on May 9th 1987, and whose 37th Memorial and Patronal Service ofnthe Church name aft him we celebrate today. As I have mentioned many times in the past, again I am re-echoing here today that, though Papa had been called home some 37 years ago, still, Chief Obafemi Awolowo continues to be a recurrent decimal in the polity of our nation from many angles politically, socially, economically, infrastructurally, and even religiously. Till Jesus Christ comes, from one generation to another, Papa’s name will continue to ring bell. The author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon knew the importance of ending well. As a King, he started very well as shown in 1 Kings 3:4-14; 9:1-5, but he ended badly as recorded in 1 Kings 11:1-11. For him, he saw life as a race. The point of birth was the beginning of the race, and death was the end of the race. Not much importance is attached to the date of birth, except that it is the beginning of a journey on earth. The events in between the day of birth and death would suggest whether or not such a life on earth is worth celebrating at any particular point in time, especially after death.Therefore, if at death, there are remarkable achievements in the life of an individual, there will be reasons for remembrance and celebrations from one generation to another just as we are doing today for Chief Obafemi Awolowo. But on the other hand, if an individual had lived a wasted life on earth, an oppressive, selfish and tyrannical life, at death, there will be lessons to learn to avoid walking in the path of such people. Thus, in either of the two instances, the day of death is better that the day of birth, and the end of a thing is better than the beginning.Today, 37 years after the death of Papa, the name Chief Obafemi Awolowo is being remembered for good. I am not too sure whether a single day will pass by in Nigeria or in the diaspora when Chief Awolowo’s name would not be mentioned. Even those who hated him passionately while alive have now seen that Chief Awolowo was not their problem, but their greed, and selfishness had pushed them to their point of regrets today. Yes, at his death at age 78 years, Chief Awolowo’s philosophy placed him in a class of the progressives who are advocates of truth, justice, fairness and equity the hallmarks of an egalitarian society, where quality education, affordable health care services, decent and affordable accommodation are not privileges, but the rights of a common man. O’dua Investment Limited which is the wharehouse of the legacies of Chief Obafemi Awolowo speaks of a man whose end was better than the beginning. Though the death of Chief Obafemi Awolowo 37 years ago was sudden and unexpected, but then the same shows the man whose day of death was greater and better than his day of birth, simply because, as in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “[He had] fought the good fight, [he had] finished the race, [he had] kept the faith. Finally, [he had taken up his own] crown of righteousness.”‭‭The footprints of Chief Obafemi Awolowo is on the sand of time for whoever cares to see, be it in politics, industry, agriculture, housing, sports, education, media, and human capacity building. Papa was always looking for what he could do to add value to his community. Little wonder, the name Awolowo continues to be a reference point on the lips of our present day politicians during their electioneering campaigns, even though their actions and lifestyle are a complete contradiction of their promises after being elected into various political offices.Beloved, we are grateful to God for the gift of Chief Obafemi Awolowo to our country. Though he didn’t get the privilege of ruling the whole nation, yet in life, he set the standard required for godly and righteous rule, which after death, politicians of successive governments at the national, state and local governments levels are still struggling to meet.There are no coincidences in the events of today. Today is the Ascension Day, the receiving of Jesus Christ into heaven having being on earth for 40 days after his resurrection (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11). Ascension marks the end of Christ’s earthly ministry and the beginning of his heavenly ministry of continuous intercession for the Church of God, His Body on earth. Every year when we celebrate the Ascension Day, it also reminds us the certainty of the Second Coming of Christ as recorded in Acts 1:10-11, “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” So prepare to meet your God one day. We don’t know when He will return. It may be in your life time, or you may have been called home when He returns, as in the case of Papa Awolowo who had been called home 37 years ago. But certainly, you will meet him one day, either as your Saviour or your Judge.Conclusion: Certainly, Papa Awolowo has died, but he continues to speak, and as a nation, family, and especially members of Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Anglican Church (OAMAC), Ikenne, we are thanking God today for his impactful life. How will your own end be? What will people say at your death? You have the opportunity now to amend your ways. Hence, the Scripture says in Isaiah 55:6-7, “Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; nd to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”Regardless of your sin, God’s mercy will avail for you. Only remember what the Scripture says in Proverbs 28:13, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”