Tinubu, Akume, others mourn Bishop Adegbite’s father, eulogies ‘Man of integrity’ -

President Bola Tinubu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, paid their last respects to the late father of Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, at his burial ceremony in Fiditi, Oyo State.

The late patriarch, Chief Moses Adediran Adegbite, was described as a man of resilience, discipline, and contentment, who lived a life of impact and integrity.

Tinubu, represented by Minister of Power, Senator Adebayo Adelabu, conveyed his condolences to the Adegbite family and the people of Fiditi, highlighting the late patriarch’s legacy of faith, integrity, and moral uprightness.

Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony included Archbishop John Osa-Oni, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and several federal ministers and top government officials.

It was a season of joy, solemn reflection, and heartfelt celebration of a life well lived, 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 on peacefully on November 1, 2025, in his hometown of Fiditi, was laid to rest amid prayers, tributes, and thanksgiving for his enduring legacy. The burial service, held at Fiditi Grammar School, followed a well-attended wake-keep at his residence on Thursday, transforming the quiet agrarian town into a centre of national attention.

A Gathering of Faith, Power, and Legacy

The ceremony drew an impressive assembly of dignitaries from government, the church, and civil society. Among those present 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.

Also in attendance were the Lagos State Governor, represented by the Special Adviser on Christian Matters, Rev. Bukola Adeleke the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), 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 many others.

Traditional rulers, senior clergy across denominations, and community leaders also turned out in large numbers, underscoring the respect Pa Adegbite commanded across religious, social, and institutional divides.

A Patriarch of Rare Distinction

Notable among the children of the late patriarch is Bishop (Prof.) Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), 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 in the making a rare legacy that resonated deeply throughout the service.

Born into modest circumstances, Pa Adegbite began his career as a pupil teacher before joining the Oyo State Fire Service, where he served diligently. After retirement, he ventured into private practice, remaining active and impactful within his community. He was widely known as a disciplinarian, philanthropist, community builder, and a man of deep Christian conviction.

Federal Government’s Tribute

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Power, Senator Adelabu, conveyed the President’s condolences to the Adegbite family and the people of Fiditi. He described the late Pa Adegbite as a man who “came, saw and conquered,” stressing that his fulfilled life was a reminder that every individual has a divine role to play.

“l sent sends my heartfelt condolences and prayers that Almighty God grants the family the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss,” Adelabu said. “Baba lived a life worth emulating—by his children, his community, and the nation at large.”

He urged Nigerians to study the lives of their forebears, emulate their virtues, learn from their shortcomings, and build a future anchored on integrity, hard work, and faith in God.

Condolence messages poured in from across Nigeria, 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 whose influence transcended his immediate family.

A Legacy That Lives On

Continuing his homily, His Eminence, Prelate Oliver Ali Aba, reminded the congregation that the fleeting nature of life should awaken a deeper sense of purpose and spiritual readiness. Quoting James 4:14, he noted that life is “like a vapour that appears for a little while and then vanishes,” stressing that no amount of age, wealth, or earthly accomplishment can prolong one’s time on earth.

He emphasized that possessions, titles, and material success do not define the true value of life, recalling the words of Jesus that “life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” According to him, the brevity of life is a constant call for believers to live prepared for the return of Christ.

Describing the late Pa Adegbite as a man who lived with intention, the Prelate said, “The legend is gone, but the legacy remains with us.”

He portrayed the deceased as a democrat, a trustworthy and enthusiastic man who invested deeply in his family and set standards worthy of emulation. He challenged Nigerians to ensure that their lives leave positive memories behind and urged citizens to unite, pray, and work together for national progress.

“This nation is our own; we have no other place we can truly call home,” he said, adding that this is a time for sober reflection, prayer, and collective responsibility.

He called on Nigerians to support the current government with faith and hope for a better Nigeria.

In his remarks, Archbishop John Osa-Oni expressed delight at the large gathering of ministers of God from across the country and beyond, describing it as a fitting tribute to a life of impact. He encouraged Nigerians, particularly church leaders and professionals, to remember their roots and give back meaningfully to their communities.

Archbishop Osa-Oni commended Pa Adegbite’s enduring legacy and charged his children to remain united, stressing that harmony within the family would be the greatest honour to their late father.

Speaking to journalists at the burial ground, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, one of the sons of the deceased, described his father as a man of uncommon doggedness, strong will, and contentment.

“I will always remember him for his resilience and discipline,” he said. “He produced two bishops—my brother, Bishop Solomon Adegbite Abayomi, and myself—and he taught us the power of contentment.”

Adegbite recalled how his father rode a Suzuki motorcycle for over 20 years between Fiditi and Ibadan, boldly inscribing the word ‘Imperial’ on it. “We often feared we might lose him to a road accident decades ago, but God preserved his life. Even when his children later provided cars for him, the lesson remained—contentment truly pays.”

He added that Pa Adegbite was deeply loved in his community for his compassion, generosity, and peaceful disposition. Above all, the family thanked God that he gave his life fully to Christ before his transition, made restitution where necessary, and consistently urged his children to live in peace and unity.

Though a disciplinarian, Bishop Adegbite noted, his father was kind-hearted and God-fearing. In his honour, the family has embarked on several legacy projects, including the construction of an Adult School for the Methodist Primary School he attended, a Headmistress’ Office, and the Bishop’s Court for the Third Methodist Church Circuit which has already been completed and handed over.

“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.”

As the final rites concluded, hymns filled the air and prayers were offered, many attendees agreed that Pa Moses Adediran Adegbite’s life was not only celebrated but also carefully documented in the hearts of those he touched—leaving Fiditi with a renewed sense of faith, unity, and responsibility to uphold the legacy he left behind.