Less than 24 hours after his body arrived home, the remains of one of the six doctors from Ekiti State who died in an accident on Sunday, Richard Olatunde Aladesanmi, were buried in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
Aladesanmi was a Consultant Surgeon Grade 1 at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI). He was 54.
Before his remains were committed to mother earth yesterday, a funeral service was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Fountain Cathedral, Secretariat Road.
The atmosphere was sombre and mournful as colleagues, family members, relations and the public betrayed emotion.
Governor Ayo Fayose led senior government officials to the service. Family members and friends of the deceased testified to his good deeds.
Fayose, who was represented by Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola, urged the family to remain firm in God.
He said: “He has fulfilled his God-given mission through helping the needy and the less privileged. We should emulate his good deeds to keep his memories alive.
“God allows certain things to happen because he knows the end from the beginning. The enemy has not succeeded.”
The governor also urged the widow, Bola, to take solace that God will fill the vacuum created by the demise of her husband.
Pastor Steven Omotayo of Ekiti Province 1, in his sermon, described death as an inevitable phenomenon which would come at its time.
Apparently referring to controversies at the deceased’s workplace, Omotayo cautioned people against making unfounded remarks.
He said: “Death is an unavoidable event for every human. When we die we leave behind all we have and take with us all we are.
“We should think about what will follow us after death. When sudden things happen to you, watch your mouth.”
Daughter of the deceased, Jesutomi said: “My sweet dad, I love you so much. I know you are dead but I believe you are still with me.
“Please, just appear to me in a dream and make me brilliant and tell me you love me. I will always make you proud dad. Rest in peace.”
Another daughter, Jesutomisin, said: “Daddy, it was too soon to leave me. Continue to rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
A senior doctor, who spoke on behalf of the local NMA, Dr. Joshua Oguntoye, said the deceased made a positive impact in the profession and on humanity.
Oguntoye said: “I am convinced that he lived a fulfilled life spiritually and physically. I urge the siblings and family members to take solace in the Lord.”
The President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Kayode Obembe, said Aladesanmi impacted positively on people.
He was represented by the Ogun State NMA Chairman, Dr. Adenike Odewabi, who is also the Southwest Coordinator.
Obembe said: “Even though his life is short, it was impactful. We will defend the dream he lived for. We shall live with his principles and ideals. His memory will continue in our minds. He lived a worthy life.”
The funeral train moved to Aladesanmi’s residence at Araromi Quarters, off Adebayo Road, where the interment took place.