People from various walks of life are encouraged to be mindful of their character and strive to leave a lasting legacy.
This call to action was delivered by Reverend Biyi Alabi during the funeral service for the late Barrister Kunle Ishola, former Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development, in Ibadan on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
The burial service at New Covenant Church, Onireke, Ibadan, marked the culmination of a week-long series of events celebrating the life of the esteemed legal icon, who served under the late Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
In his sermon, Reverend Alabi implored attendees, including friends, family, and well-wishers, to live a life worth remembering. Citing Ecclesiastes 7:1, he emphasized the importance of a good name, character, and deeds. “A good name is better than riches,” he said, urging that one’s character should reflect virtues such as integrity and moral uprightness.
Reverend Alabi reinforced his message by quoting the renowned American evangelist Billy Graham: “If you lose your calling and anointing, you have not lost anything, but if you lose your character, you have lost all.”
He encouraged the congregation to perform good works that would speak for them after their passing, noting that the late Barrister Kunle Ishola had lived a life of service and made a significant impact on many lives.
“Those who live for others live forever,” Reverend Alabi remarked, highlighting the enduring influence of positive actions. He advised the attendees to prioritize impacting others positively, as this influence is immortal.
The Reverend also urged everyone to seek spiritual salvation, stressing the importance of a relationship with the Creator over worldly luxuries. He affirmed that Kunle Ishola was with Jesus because he had given his life to Christ, emphasizing that salvation is paramount.
The service was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Otunba Major Oyin Adedeji (rtd.); Oyo State Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Hon. Emmanuel Olusegun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. William Akin-Funmilayo; Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Barrister Michael Lana; 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; Chief (Mrs.) Saka Balogun; Former Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Mukaila Aborode; Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, who led the NBA Executives, and Mrs. Folasade Aladeniyi, who led the NBA Lady Lawyers, Oyo State chapter, among several other notable attendees.