By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Palpable emotion and deep reflection filled the hall of the United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA), Chapel headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday.
Members of the Koleoso family, congregants, and hundreds of sympathisers, with heavy hearts, gathered to bid final farewell and honour the life, time, and legacy of Mrs. Kehinde Adeline Koleoso(nee Williams) who passed away peacefully, aged 71, for her positive impact on the church, its members, her family and humanity in general.
The atmosphere was charged with heartfelt tributes and solemn reverence during the befitting funeral ceremony for the beloved matriarch.
The emotional intensity of the solemn gathering deepened when Elder Ayo Koleoso, husband of the late Mrs. Kehinde Adeline Koleoso, rose to address the congregation. Standing before the casket that held the remains of his beloved wife,, Elder Koleoso,his eyes heavy with grief,recounted the heartbreaking events that led to her sudden passing..
“The death of my wife remains the most shocking event of my life,” he began, his voice trembling with sorrow.
“She has never complained of any sickness for the 48 years that we were together as a couple.But on medical advice to check her weight, she had gone out for a simple physical exercise in the morning.When she returned, she asked our granddaughter to warm water for her bath. In what felt like the blink of an eye, she was gone. A doctor was called in to examine her and the reality hit us hard.,”Daddy Koleoso said .
With visible pain, wiping tears,he concluded, “I have no choice but to submit ,totally, to the will of God and leave the future in His hands.”
Delivering a heartfelt exhortation at the service, Pastor J.O. Ajewole urged the congregation not to mourn like those without hope, reminding them that the departed like Mrs Koleoso who died in the Lord are now at peace,free from the troubles, pain, and uncertainties of this world.
Using the life and passing of Mrs. Kehinde Koleoso as a spiritual lesson, he said, “She has gone to rest. She has been spared the hardship and moral decay that plague our society today.”
Pastor Ajewole went on to challenge the living to reflect on their own relationship with God. He called on everyone present to surrender their lives to Christ, emphasizing that only those who live in the Lord can truly die in the Lord.
“It is those who walk with the Lord in life,” he said quietly, “that will find rest in Him in death.”
In his words of exortation,,Pst..J.O Ajewole challenged the gathering to always reflect on where they would spend eternity after death,urging them to be born again and reconcile with God, reminding them that no one knows when death will come knocking at their door.
During the prayer session, the National President of UMCA, Rev.Gbenga Odebiri, prayed that God would remain the steadfast pillar of support for the family of the deceased in the days and years ahead.
The son of the deceased,Seun, acknowledged the presence of numerous people that graced his mother’s funeral and prayed for their safety, good health and longevity.
After the funeral service, where the remains of Mrs. Koleoso were taken for interment, the long face ,pensive gathering bid goodbye to the women they much loved and would loved she stayed with the for years,and moved to the reception venue at Kay Galaxy & Event Ventures, Lokoja.
There, guests were treated to a sumptuous supper,soft drinks,wine and soul-stirring musical renditions, echoing the solemn atmosphere of the funeral service.
Fourteen Christian clerics, led by Rev. Dr. Gbenga Odebiri, President of UMCA, graced the occasion.
Born in Lokoja, Kogi State in 1954, Mrs. Koleoso was an alumnus of the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. A dedicated educationist, she rose through the ranks to become a Special Director of Education and later served as Secretary of the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) before retiring in 2012.Mrs.Koleiso served as music director,UMCA for 30 years among other very rewarding positions she held during journey through this life.
Late Mrs Koleoso’s other extra curricular activities/community service include;treasurer,UMCA,1991 till 2025, Chaplain Brigadier, Chaplain Corps of Nigeria,2008 till 2025,Star Mission Partner, Diocese of Lokoja Anglican Communion,2009 and Director, Chaplain Women Association (CHAPWA) 2011 to 2021.
She is survived by her husband, a son, and other relatives.
Mrs. Kehinde Koleoso may have departed this world quietly, but the ripples of her life continue to speak.
As guests treated themselves to a delicious African dish in abundance,, they reflect on the story of Mrs koleoso and were reminded that the truly, righteous leave behind not just memories,but a message.That grace, when lived, sincerely, becomes immortal.
May the Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest and her family,,the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
In all, the bereaved family says it does not take for granted the love and support shown during this difficult time.
“Your prayers,presence,words of comfort,acts of kindness and generous support have enlightened our burden and warned our hearts.Whether near or far, your love has been a steady balm as we journey through grief and gratitude,” the Koleoso family shows appreciation.
Ahmed is the publisher of the The Reporters.
