By Jimoh Sulyman
Tears flow uncontrollably Friday as the late National Pilot newspaper staff, Gabriel Ayodele Adetunji popularly known as Ayobrown was finally laid to rest at his Airport area residence in Ilorin.
Kith and kin gathered to witness the funeral of the late Ayobrown who suddenly exited the world at his residence in the early hours of Monday after complaining of body discomfort.
Those present include family, friends, neighbours, fellow Church members and colleagues at his workplace, National Pilot newspaper.
The funeral procession was led by Evang. Ajayi Anuoluwapo alongside other clergymen, the Shepherd in charge of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Ibuje Eran, Evang. Adegbaro Femi and one of the siblings of the departed, Evangelist Shola Adetunji.
In his sermon, Anuoluwapo urged the people present to see life as vanity and they should know that death is inevitable and it is the final end of all mankind.
“Evangelist Ayo is gone, we all should take a lesson from this because we all share the same fate, for death is inevitable, this life is a journey and death is the final end for all mankind.” says the cleric.
He also prayed for the sustenance of the bereaved family, especially the Widow and the three children who have just lost the breadwinner of their family.
In his tribute, the Managing Director and editor-in-chief of National Pilot newspaper, Alhaji Billy Adedamola, represented by the Head of IT of the medium, Mr Olatunde Rufai, described late Adetunji as a hardworking and dedicated staff of the establishment.
Adedamola however prayed to God to grant him eternal rest and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Other members of staff of National Pilot newspaper that were present at the funeral Service are Hajia Abdulsalam Motunrayo, the medium’s Accountant; Ahmed Ajikobi, Abdulfatai Ahmed, Oladimeji Ajibade among others.
Others present include the former staff of National pilot led by former editors, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrauf, Christy Doyin and Mrs. Adejoke Adeniyi-Jackson.
Also present include, the former Production Head, Mallam Kasali Olawale; Public Relations Officer, Kwara State Polytechnic, Alhaji Yunus Abdulkadir, former Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mallam Abiodun Abdulkareem, former Account Officer, Mallam Jamiu Yusuf and former Maintenance Officer, Paul Joshua.
Until his death at the age of 46years, Adetunji was the Senior System Analyst in the organization and columnist, and will be fondly remembered for his weekly opinion column, “Liberal Mind”.
Ayobrown is survived by his wife, Oluwatosin, his three children, Seyi, Tope and Darasimi Adetunji, his siblings, Evangelist Tope Adetunji, Evangelist Shola Adetunji and Evangelist Michael Adetunji, all of whom were present at the interment.
