IT was a night of tearful tributes as friends spoke glowingly of the late Olujimi Jolaoso, Nigeria’s one-time ambassador to the old West Germany, Liberia, United States and Sierra Leone.
Jolaoso, a consul general in New York and deputy high commissioner in London, died on September 25. He was 91.
A commendation service was held yesterday at Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Sabo, Yaba, where the late ambassador worshipped.
A pioneer of the Foreign Service, Tayo Ogunsulire, described his friend of 60 years as an embodiment of excellence, honour and elegance.
“‘Gwana Mukata’, as we fondly called him, means a great man with good character. He worked with such distinction and wherever he worked, he left a mark of distinction and dignity.
“We, the Association of Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, where Jolaoso served as our immediate past president, have lost a great man, but at 91, no one should say he died prematurely.”
Ogunsulire expressed satisfaction that the late Jolaoso’s children inherited good character and comportment from their father.
To Akporode Clark, part of his heart died with his friend and former colleague in the Western Civil Service.
Others like Bayo Adenubi, a neighbour, said Jolaoso should not be talked about in past tense as he was an active member of their Alaka Estate in Surulere and a member of its Board of Trustees.
In a brief sermon, Rev Gboyega Oyekanmi extolled the virtues of the late diplomat, who taught his father at Igbobi College.
“He had this quiet humorous way of relating facts to you. I also saw in him the values we miss these days: meticulous in all facets.”
Sir David Oderinde said Jolaoso died at a ripe age but it still seemed too early.
On behalf of the Jolaoso clan, Mrs Dayo Jolaoso lamented the death of the ‘last of the tigers’, the last of his siblings.
She was glad that she was there from the day of his wedding to Marcellina till date.
Presiding over the service, Bishop, Lagos Mainland Diocese of the Methodist Church, Rev Issac Olawuyi, described the late diplomat as a quiet worshipper, who stood faithful till the end.
He urged all to take repose that their late patriarch is in the bosom of God.
Also present were Gen Ike Nwachukwu (rtd); Amb Oladapo Fafowora; Chief Segun Osunkeye; Mrs Francesca Emmanuel; Sir Steve Omojafor; Prof Kofi Duncan; Sen Biyi Durojaiye and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo.
A funeral service holds today at James’ Church, Ilugun in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.