BIG STORY
Justice Gbolagunte Planned His Own Funeral — Rev. Oyedemi [PHOTOS]
The Pastor of New Reservation Area Baptist Church, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, Rev. Kayode Oyedemi, on Friday disclosed that late Justice Adegboye Ayinla Gbolagunte of the Oyo State Judiciary knew he would die and so had planned his funeral by choosing the cemetery his remains would be buried, and had paid for his vault.
He revealed this during his sermon at the funeral service for the Eruwa, Oyo State born jurist, who died June 24, 2024.
The 64-year-old son of a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mokolade Gbolagunte, was survived by his wife: Wuraola Ayoola, and three children: Oladiran, a Digital Technologist with specialisation in Network Communications; Oladoyin, a lawyer; and Oladotun, also a lawyer.
Quoting from the Book of II Kings 13 and 20; Hebrew 11; as well as II Samuel 12, Dr. Oyedemi, who said that he had never seen anybody prepare his own funeral as deeply as Justice Gbolagunte did, noted: “It is not unusual for saints to die of sickness from attack.
“If prayers can stop death, Justice Gbolagunte would not have died because upon revelation that he would die of the sickness, we were praying, but when the sickness of the beloved is unto death, no amount of prayers can heal the sickness, no matter how perfect one could be in faith.
“The sickness of Lazarus was not unto death, but that of Elisha was unto death.
“God knows why he has called Justice Gbolagunte home at this time.
“While we were praying and believing that God would spare his life, he had accepted his faith himself.
“I remember his last admission to the hospital about two or three days to his death.
“Then I asked if he was still holding unto God in faith and he said yes.
“Since last year, he had told me that his funeral is to be held in Ibadan here.
“He had told me the cemetery.
“I have been hearing about it, but I have not seen anybody who planned his funeral so deep as Justice Gbolagunte did.
“All the arrangements you see, he had chosen and contacted people you see carrying them out.
“He had contacted everybody.
“When he paid for the vault, he told me, and he connected me with the person that was in charge of that.
“That is to tell you that he was convinced that God said that his time had come.
“And that is one of the greatest ways to die.
“For you to know when you are going to die helps you to get settled, not just with God, but with every other thing.
“He had that privilege.
“God told Hezekiah that he would not recover, but he would die.
“God said: ‘Set your house in order for you shall die.’
“It is one of the greatest ways to die.
“People like that will never miss heaven.
“That is the assurance that Hon. Justice Adegboye Gbolagunte has gone to be with Christ.”
Addressing the children left behind by the late jurist, Rev. Oyedemi said: “You have a mother with strong faith and a prayerful one.
“You have a father with a high level of integrity, who was not corrupt.
“You must hold aloft the two qualities of your parents.
“If we have many of Justice Gbolagunte in Nigeria, the country would be better.
“He stood for integrity.
“Public service holders should ruminate on this.
“His colleagues should search themselves how they are dispensing justice.
“Bad leadership persists when there is bad followership.
“In Nigeria, we combine the two.
“Are our leaders of today not followers of the past?
“How much has their past criticisms helped our Nation now?
“Let us ruminate on this.”
In attendance at the funeral service were dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; many Judges, serving and retired; Senior Advocates of Nigeria; Nigerian Bar Association executives and members; old secondary school mates of the deceased from Birch Freeman High School, Surulere, Lagos; Baale of Aborerin in Eruwa, High Chief Olaide Ojedapo; friends and relatives of the Gbolagunte family.
It will be recalled that a Special Valedictory Court Session was held in honour of Justice Gbolagunte on July 22, 2024 at the Oyo state High Court in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during the weeklong celebration of his exit.
On July 23, 2024 at New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos, a Commendation Service took place for the deceased, while on July 25, there was a Service of Songs at Jogor Centre in Ibadan.
BIG STORY
As WAFCON Kicks Off Today, The Falcons Of Nigeria Will Win Their 10th Title — By Seun Oloketuyi
The energy in Morocco is electric. From the bustling streets of Rabat to the buzzing stadium corridors in Casablanca, a continental celebration of football has begun. The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, delayed until 2025, kicks off today — and as the anthem rings out to open the tournament, one team walks into the spotlight with more than just ambition. The Super Falcons of Nigeria are here to reclaim what they’ve long considered theirs: the WAFCON crown.
Nine-time champions, decorated with decades of dominance, Nigeria’s women’s team has been the pride of African football. But this time, there’s something different. It’s not just about titles or rankings. It’s about redemption. Two years ago, the Falcons fell short, narrowly edged out of the final by host nation Morocco and forced to watch South Africa take the throne. That sting hasn’t faded — it’s fuel.
The players know what’s at stake. Asisat Oshoala, now playing for Bay FC in the U.S. after an illustrious run with Barcelona, returns with fire in her eyes and form in her boots. Alongside her, a younger generation is rising — bold, unshaken, hungry. In training, the tempo has been sharp. In their voices, confidence. In their hearts, belief,She is expected to inspire the younger generation lead by the team Captain Rasheedat and the new blood of Alozie,Ashley,Esther and Toni Payne plus Ayinde a lot is expected.
Now led by new head coach Justine Madugu, following the departure of Randy Waldrum, the Falcons are embracing a refreshed style of play — blending tactical discipline with expressive, fearless attacking football. Madugu has not only brought structure but also instilled belief, trust, and a renewed fighting spirit,Many including me are still stunned Monday Gift is not in this team but yet we are behind them.
The road won’t be easy. Morocco is loud and proud on home soil. South Africa still glows from their 2022 triumph. Zambia arrives with momentum. But even in the shadows of rising stars, Nigeria still stands tallest. When the Super Falcons walk out tomorrow against Tunisia for their opening match, they’ll carry more than just jerseys on their backs. They’ll carry history. Legacy. And expectation.
This is a team that has shaped the narrative of African women’s football for decades. Their dominance isn’t luck. It’s culture. Discipline. Passion. Every touch of the ball, every sprint, every tackle will be driven by the memory of past glories — and the desire to write a new chapter.
As the tournament kicks off today, the message from Nigeria is clear: the Falcons are flying again. Not with arrogance, but with assurance. And by the time the final whistle blows in Rabat on July 26, they believe they’ll be right where they belong — lifting the trophy for a record 10th time.
Africa is watching. Nigeria is ready.
I Totally believe Falcons will come home with the 10th Wafcon
- Seun Oloketuyi the producer of Flying with the Falcons
For many Nigerians, the dream of owning a home often feels out of reach, clouded by financial limitations, uncertainty, and broken promises. But for Engr. & Mrs. Taiwo Ademola, that dream has become a beautiful reality, made possible by Adron Homes.
Speaking proudly from the comfort of his newly completed home in one of Adron’s thriving estates in Shimawa, Ogun State, Engr. Ademola shared his joy and fulfillment at finally becoming a landlord.
“When I thought about owning a home, it felt like a far-off dream,” he recalled. “But Adron Homes changed everything. Their flexible installment plan gave me the confidence to start. Today, I stand here as a proud homeowner. For anyone still doubting, Adron Homes is real, and they are here to stay.”
The Ademolas’ new home, now dedicated and celebrated, is a symbol of stability, dignity, and the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Their success story is a powerful reminder of Adron Homes’ mission to make quality, affordable housing accessible to every hardworking Nigerian, regardless of financial background.
In his congratulatory message to the family, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, expressed his delight at yet another fulfilled homeowner.
“At Adron Homes, our vision has always been to make home ownership possible for every Nigerian, and I am glad we are living up to this vision” he stated. “Every key we hand over is a step towards fulfilling that vision”.
He welcomed them into the family, describing this feat as the foundation of new beginnings and joyful memories.
Adron Homes has become synonymous with reliability, integrity, and innovation in Nigeria’s real estate sector. With flourishing estates across Shimawa, Lagos, Abuja, Nasarawa, Epe, Badagry, and beyond, the company continues to redefine affordable luxury and accessible home ownership nationwide.
As more Nigerians like the Ademolas proudly unlock the doors to their dream homes, one truth remains undeniable, with Adron Homes, dreams are not just imagined; they are built, one family, one house, one community at a time.
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