•Unease as rumour of his death spreads
It was the perfect end of a career that lasted 82 years in the Lord’s Vineyard. The curtain was drawn last Sunday, on the life of 114-year-old Pa Akinbode Sadela, founder of the Gospel Apostolic Church, Gbagada, Lagos.
Pa Sadela was due to begin a three-day revival yesterday at his church located on Ayodele Okeowo Street, Gbagada. The revival was to kick-start the activities marking the celebration of his 82nd year on the pulpit. He, however, could not witness it.
The death of the oldest preacher in the world was kept a tight secret by his immediate family and close aides.
When our correspondent visited the church, security men had strict orders to turn back journalists as no one could confirm the news of his death.
Our correspondent joined in the revival service, but there were no announcements regarding Pa Sadela’s death.
Songs of praise and special prayers were held for him and his ministry while reference to his death was cleverly avoided. References to him were neither made in the past nor present tense, while speakers were tactical in their deliveries.
By 6:30pm, the church was filled up as the invited guests had filled up all available space on the altar. But the centre seat usually reserved for Pa Sadela was empty.
Outside by the eastern gate to the church, some members were busy setting up a condolence table with a picture of the late preacher. However, as this was attracting the attention of many worshippers, the register table was taken down.
“The church is keeping sealed lips over Baba’s death. We are not ready to announce now until certain things are done,” an aide who claimed to have been with Sadela since 1984 told The Nation.
But some members who bluntly refused to be identified said the death of Pa Sadela would hit the members hard. “He was an old man we didn’t want to let go. He was a bridge builder, a channel across generations. As old as he was, he was in firm control of the administration of the church. Many lives would stand still because of his death,” he said.
Our correspondent witnessed the emotional outburst of an interpreter who just ministered in the service as she was taken outside and the news of the death was broken to her.
Inside the church, save for its leadership, every face bore the grief. But it was noticed that many of the elders tried to contain their emotions, but the elders’ mien was cold.
“We cannot talk to the media now. We have a lot of people that we must inform first. We don’t want them to start reading of Baba’s death on the pages of the paper,” a church official told The Nation, adding: “Baba was not a politician, we have to be careful. There are protocols to follow. Tonight after service, we will inform the church and then decide when to call the media.”
When asked if this was the wish of the late preacher, the church elder said: “Yes, this is how Baba wanted it. We must follow the protocol.”
“I know you are a journalist. We have made it clear you are not wanted for now. We don’t want you writing false stories. I am trained to fish out people like you; others have come but we sent them back. You came in because of the service,” the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the church told this reporter.
A neighbour said: “I don’t know what is happening; we notice a lot of activities in the house. Baba’s wife shop was opened this morning then they hurriedly closed it. Or did you hear anything?”
By 7pm, the service was far from over. Prayers were said to high heavens. Outside the church, some young members were busy playing. Many of them who were born in the church had lived with Sadela all their lives. They were oblivious of the impending sad news of their mentor.
