For family members, friends and associates of the late Pa Samuel Otakomaiya, who was laid to rest on Friday, their fond memories of him would linger still.
From the somber, solemn atmosphere at the Grace and Glory Prayer Ministry, Gwagada, where the service of songs held in the early hours of the day to the relaxed ambience and cozy reception venue at Detutu’s Event Centre at Ogudu, Lagos, the outpouring of well-wishes, hail of tributes were testaments to the love and affection for the late sage.
Pa Otakomaiya who passed at 85, was survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, who spoke of him in affectionate terms and superlative adjectives.
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Hints that the funeral reception meant to be a soiree soon transformed into a shindig typical of the now famous Owambe party with guests decked in gorgeous outfits from traditional Aso-Oke, and other nondescript fabrics which were not just a great spectacle to behold but added glam and glitz to the occasion.
Giving insights on the personae of Pa Otakomaiya, his son, Adedotun, a lawyer and political bigwig of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in Kosofe axis of Lagos and its environs, recounted that he was a devoted family man and community mobiliser.
“We celebrate our father because he lived a very fulfilled life. He was a man who served God with his heart and mind,” he said, adding that his father was a man loved by many and a man who helped people and helped his community, especially. “His legacy will continue to live on even after his death.”
Several dignitaries and well-wishers, including members of Kosofe Local Government Area, constituency, pastors and flocks of the Celestial Church of Christ, were all in tow, also paid glowing tributes to the man they described as a staunch community leader, who lived for others.