A Tribute to a Father, Leader, and Family Pillar Chief Titus Oluwole Oshinowo:

Spread the love

By Sesan Rufus Awobiye

On Friday, February 9th, 2024, the town of Irewon Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria, was filled with both sorrow and celebration as the final funeral service of Chief Titus Oluwole Oshinowo, affectionately known as Baba Ijo of St. Paul Anglican Church, Irewon Ijebu Ode,

took place. Chief Oshinowo, aged 83, was laid to rest in a ceremony that drew family, friends, church members, and well-wishers from far and wide, to honor his life, legacy, and contributions to his family, community, and the church.

Chief Oluwole Oshinowo was the beloved uncle of Supt. Apostolic Mother Abosede Omotoke Osinowo, a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and businesswoman.

Known for her successful ventures in the oil and gas industry, Abosede Osinowo’s business achievements have earned her a place as one of Nigeria’s most respected entrepreneurs. She has played an influential role in the local economy,

particularly through her filling stations, providing jobs and contributing to the distribution of petroleum products in the region. In addition to her business acumen, she is admired for her faith, leadership, and commitment to community development.

Supt. Apostle Mother Abosede Omotoke Osinowo’s story underscores the combination of faith, business acumen, and dedication to family and community, making her a well-rounded and influential figure in both the business world and religious circles.

Supt. Apostle Mother Abosede Omotoke Oshinowo hails from Ogun State, Nigeria, and her accomplishments reflect her drive and commitment to the development of the Nigerian economy, especially within the oil and gas sector, which is a critical industry for the country’s economy.

Osinowo’s business activities in the oil and gas sector have contributed to the local economy, especially in her home state of Ogun. Owning and operating filling stations, she plays a vital role in the distribution of petroleum products and provides employment to many individuals within the sector.

Beyond her involvement in the filling station business, she is recognized for her leadership and impact in the oil and gas industry, where she has been able to navigate the competitive landscape and establish herself as a successful entrepreneur. As a woman in a male-dominated sector, Oshinowo’s success is also a testament to her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

While there may not be detailed public records on her personal life, her work within the oil and gas sector and her business ventures have positioned her as an influential figure in Nigeria’s energy and business landscapes.

A Family’s Final Tribute to a Great Man

Chief Oluwole Oshinowo’s funeral service began with a solemn church service at St. Paul Anglican Church, where the congregation gathered to honor his memory. The church service was both a spiritual reflection of the late chief’s life and a celebration of his legacy. Family members, including Supt. Abosede Osinowo, as well as other relatives and friends, were present to give their final respects to the patriarch of the family.

The pastor, during the church service, took a moment to acknowledge Supt. Apostle Mother Abosede Omotoke Osinowo’s generous contributions. It was announced that she had donated a generator and one million naira towards the funeral and thanksgiving service. In recognition of her generosity, the pastor led the congregation in prayers, blessing her for her support. The outpouring of gratitude reflected the high regard with which Abosede Osinowo is held by her family and community.

A Thanksgiving of Celebration

After the church service, the congregation moved to the outdoor area for a thanksgiving procession. Led by the ushering team, the crowd joyfully danced from the church pews to the outdoor grounds, celebrating the life of Chief Oluwole Oshinowo in a vibrant display of gratitude and remembrance. The atmosphere was filled with lively music and prayers, with attendees reflecting on the influence Chief Oshinowo had on their lives.

The thanksgiving ceremony was an emotional yet joyous occasion. The pastor took time to pray for the children and grandchildren of the deceased, asking for divine blessings, strength, and comfort as they carried on his legacy. Special prayers were also offered for the extended family and close friends who had gathered from various parts of Nigeria to bid farewell to the late patriarch.

A Heartfelt Vote of Thanks

Following the prayers, Engineer Segun Osinowo, one of Chief Oshinowo’s children, was called to the podium to offer a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of the family. Engineer Segun began his speech by first appreciating the pastor of St. Paul Anglican Church, emphasizing the pastor’s immense support throughout the entire funeral process. He expressed deep gratitude for the pastor’s active involvement, particularly for the visit to Lagos shortly after Chief Oshinowo’s passing to check on the family.

Engineer Segun also extended thanks to various church leaders, including Venerable T.O.S. Ayodele, Venerable Omotoye Owoyele, Venerable Tampere, and Venerable Akinfoluke acknowledging their support during the difficult time. His speech also expressed gratitude to the various groups that had come together to honor his late father. Among those mentioned were the Fountain of Life International, ACF from St. Paul, and ACP from St. Paul.

In a warm and touching gesture, Engineer Segun also greeted family members and well-wishers present, specifically recognizing Supt. Abosede Osinowo and other family members, including Aunt Tolani, Aunt Abisoye Osinowo, Baba Ewuja, and the many friends and in-laws who had traveled to be part of the ceremony. He also made a special mention of Egbe Baba, which is Christ Morning Star, a vital part of the community’s support network.

A particularly moving part of his speech was the acknowledgment of his father’s commitment to witnessing the wedding of his last-born child, which took place just days before his passing. Despite his health challenges, Chief Oshinowo made sure to attend the wedding ceremony, ensuring that he witnessed the significant milestone of his family before his death.

A Moving Farewell

After the speech, the choir of St. Paul Anglican Church led the congregation in hymns, their voices resonating through the church as they sang with grace and reverence. The trumpeters played lively music outside, and the undertakers, moving in synchrony to the rhythm of the music, carefully carried the coffin of Chief Oluwole Oshinowo. As they danced to the music, a sense of unity and celebration filled the air.

Outside, the children of the deceased, dressed in coordinated uniform fabric outfits, marched in a dignified procession. After the final procession, the undertakers gently lowered the coffin into the burial pit, which had been prepared for the deceased. The pastors led prayers and recited hymns over the casket, offering their final blessings before it was placed in the earth.

As the coffin was lowered, the congregation remained in prayer, reflecting on the life of Chief Oluwole Oshinowo, a man who had made significant contributions to his family, his church, and his community. His final resting place in Irewon Ijebu Ode was marked with love, respect, and a deep sense of gratitude for the life he had lived.

A Lasting Legacy

The funeral service of Chief Titus Oluwole Oshinowo was not only a farewell to a man who had touched the lives of many but also a testament to his legacy of faith, family, and community. As Supt. Abosede Osinowo and other family members continue to carry forward his teachings and values, Chief Oshinowo’s influence will undoubtedly remain a guiding force for future generations.

The event was a poignant reminder of the importance of family, faith, and the deep bonds that unite people even in the face of loss. As the Osinowo family bid farewell to their patriarch, they did so with a sense of peace, knowing that his legacy would live on in their hearts and actions.