By Sanni Onogu, Abuja and Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

Condolences continued to pour in for the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Friday, over the death of his son, Pastor Oluwadamilare Adeboye.

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Deputy Senate President Ovie-Omo-Agege; Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi; his Bayelsa State counterpart Douye Diri and the Founder of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, were among prominent Nigerians who sent their condolences yesterday.

In a statement issued in Lagos, Asiwaju Tinubu expressed his “deepest condolences” with the clergyman as well as his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye as well as the Adeboye family and the entire RCCG community on the passing of their beloved son, husband, brother, father, uncle and pastor.

Tinubu recalled that the deceased pastor’s ministry helped to bring the word of God to many Nigerians across the country, adding that he lived a life of exemplary service to God and to his church.

“Pastor Dare will be remembered with the deepest affection and love not only by his family but also by the multitude of people whose lives he touched with his ministry,” the statement said, praying the Almighty God give abiding peace and comfort to the late pastor’s parents, wife, children and the whole RCCG family, so that they might have the strength to bear the loss.

Read Also; Dare Adeboye: What to know about ‘Pastor D’

“Let us honour Pastor Dare by committing ourselves to a life of compassion and togetherness that Pastor Dare believed in. May he rest in perfect peace in the Garden of Almighty God,” the statement added.

In his condolence message, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege urged Pastor Adeboye and his wife Foluke to stay strong in this difficult moment, noting that millions of Nigerians in homes across the country shared the pains of the Adeboye family.

Omo-Agege, who commended Pastor Adeboye’s “uncommon fortitude” in preaching to millions of Nigerians soon after the death of a dear son, said: “Without doubt, the passing of an accomplished youth leader and evangelist like Pastor Dare Adeboye is a huge loss – not only to the Adeboye family but to the RCCG (and) the body of Christ.

“Such pain is not only felt by millions across the federation but also those the preachings of the Adeboyes have impacted across the globe.

“As we pray to God to sustain the fortitude and grace of the Adeboyes over this irreparable loss, we shall always remember the passionate commitment and exemplary sacrifices of Pastor Dare Adeboye for God’s kingdom.

“As Christians with faith in God and convictions about being reunited on the Last Day, we shall mourn with thankfulness to God Almighty for the bold positive impact that Pastor Dare Adeboye made in the lives of others.”

On his part, Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, expressed deep shock and sadness over news of the death of Pastor Dare.

In a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, Governor Ugwuanyi “on behalf of the government and people of Enugu State” expressed his condolences to Pastor Adeboye, the Adeboye family and the RCCG worldwide.

The statement said Governor Ugwuanyi was “extremely proud of Pastor Dare, who despite his young age and known pedigree devoted his life to service in God’s vineyard”.

“His Excellency prays to God to grant Pastor Dare’s soul eternal rest and us all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” it added.

Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, also commiserated with Pastor Adeboye and his family over the death of his son.

Diri, who expressed shock over the news of the sudden demise of the 42-year-old son of the respected cleric, said the will of God is often difficult for man to comprehend.

The governor said he shared in the grief of the Adeboyes as the RCCG leader, known as Daddy GO, is like a father to him and a spiritual counsellor and guardian.

He said: “I received the news of the sudden passing of Pastor Dare Adeboye, son of our Christian leader and father, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, with great shock and sobriety.

“Over time, Daddy GO has become like a father to me, offering his wise counsel, prayers and spiritual guidance. So, I share in the grief of the family and their loved ones at this time.”

He urged the family to be consoled by the fact that Pastor Dare was a true ambassador of Jesus Christ, whose life reflected what he preached and taught.

He also said that there was consolation knowing that he had gone to a better place of rest in the bosom of the Lord where there is no pain or suffering.

Diri prayed God to grant the family the grace and strength to bear the painful loss.

Reacting to the death of Pastor Dare Adeboye, the Founder of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, in a statement jointly signed by him and his wife, Pastor Shade, urged Adeboye and the RCCG family to find comfort in the teachings of the scripture that “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

The statement added: “We received the news of the passing away of Pastor Dare Adeboye with great shock and disbelief. He was an embodiment of inexhaustible tenderness and of rare grace and charm.

“A great lover of Christ, our Lord and Saviour, may the Holy Spirit console and comfort you and the family. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers.”

Pastor Dare died in his sleep in Akwa Ibom, where he was based with his family.

Pastor Dare for burial Tuesday

The funeral arrangements for Pastor Dare Adeboye, son of the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, have been announced.

According to a statement signed by Leke Adeboye, the Personal Assistant to the General Overseer and younger brother of Dare, a special service will be held on Sunday, May 9 at the City of David Youth Church in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where the late Pastor Dare pastored.

The statement added that thanksgiving songs and tribute night will be held on Monday, May 10, between 4 pm and 6 pm at the RCCG House of Favour, Redemption Camp, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

A farewell service will take place on Tuesday, May 11, at the Youth Centre, RCCG Redemption Camp.

Dare, aged 42, died in his sleep in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, May 4, where he was based with his family.