It was a season of joy, solemn reflection, and heartfelt thanksgiving as friends, family members, church leaders, and government officials from across Nigeria gathered in Fiditi, Oyo State, for the burial ceremony of Pa Moses Adediran Adegbite.
Pa Adegbite, who passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, in his hometown of Fiditi, was laid to rest amid prayers, tributes, and gratitude for a life widely described as impactful and exemplary.
The burial service, held at Fiditi Grammar School, followed a well-attended wake-keep at his residence on Thursday, drawing national attention to the agrarian community.
The ceremony attracted an array of dignitaries from government, the church, and civil society. Among them were the Minister of Power, Senator Adebayo Adelabu, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who led a federal delegation on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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Also present were representatives of the Lagos State Government, including the Special Adviser on Christian Matters, Rev. Bukola Adeleke; the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Prelate Oliver Ali Aba; the Presiding Archbishop of Vineyard Christian Ministry, Archbishop John Osa-Oni; the Iya Aladura General Worldwide, Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye; the Presiding Bishop of World Evangelism Bible Church, Bishop Samson Ayorinde; and former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, among others.
Traditional rulers, senior clergy across denominations, and community leaders also attended in large numbers, reflecting the deep respect Pa Adegbite commanded across religious, social, and institutional lines.
Notable among the children of the late patriarch is Bishop (Prof.) Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, and Chaplain to the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.
Pa Adegbite’s life was described as historic within the Methodist Church in Nigeria, having raised two bishops, with a third reportedly in the making, a rare legacy that resonated throughout the service.
Born into modest circumstances, Pa Adegbite began his working life as a pupil teacher before joining the Oyo State Fire Service, where he served with dedication. After retirement, he ventured into private practice and remained actively engaged in community development.
He was widely regarded as a disciplinarian, philanthropist, community builder, and a man of deep Christian faith.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Senator Adelabu conveyed the President’s condolences to the Adegbite family and the people of Fiditi, describing the late patriarch as a man who “came, saw, and conquered.”
He said Pa Adegbite’s life was a reminder that every individual has a divine purpose, adding that his legacy was worthy of emulation by his family, community, and the nation.
Condolence messages were received from across the country, including letters from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and several federal ministers and top government officials. All described Pa Adegbite as a man of faith, integrity, and service.
In his homily, Prelate Oliver Ali Aba reminded the congregation of the fleeting nature of life, urging believers to live with purpose and spiritual preparedness. He noted that material possessions and titles do not define the true value of life, stressing the need for faith, service, and readiness for eternity.
Describing Pa Adegbite as a man who lived intentionally, the Prelate said his legacy would endure through the values he instilled in his family and community. He called on Nigerians to embrace unity, prayer, and collective responsibility in building the nation.
Archbishop John Osa-Oni, in his remarks, described the large turnout of ministers of God as a fitting tribute to a life of impact. He urged church leaders and professionals to remember their roots and give back meaningfully to their communities, while encouraging the Adegbite family to remain united.
Speaking to journalists, Bishop Stephen Adegbite described his father as a man of resilience, discipline, and contentment. He recalled how Pa Adegbite rode a motorcycle for decades between Fiditi and Ibadan, teaching his children enduring lessons about simplicity and gratitude.
He added that the late patriarch was deeply loved for his generosity, peaceful disposition, and devotion to Christ.
In his honour, the family has embarked on several legacy projects, including the construction of an adult school, a headmistress’ office, and the Bishop’s Court for the Third Methodist Church Circuit, which has been completed and handed over.
The burial ceremony concluded with prayers and thanksgiving, celebrating a life that many described as fulfilled, impactful, and worthy of remembrance.
“The court will be known as the Moses Adegbite Memorial Methodist Court, Fiditi” he announced, pledging continued support for the diocese, archdiocese, and conference, “as the Lord lives.”
Also speaking, Bishop Bamidele Ibikunle, a childhood friend of Bishop Adegbite, described Pa Adegbite as a jovial, hardworking man who loved children beyond his biological family. “He taught us diligence and often reminded us that whatever a man sows, he will surely reap,” he said.
A granddaughter, Omowonuola Adedoyin, gave an emotional tribute, recalling her grandfather as a loving companion who cherished his grandchildren deeply. “He served us with love and kindness,” she said. “He even kept my childhood photograph in his room and constantly reminded us to be kind-hearted.”
