ADERINOKUN BURIED AMIDST TEARS IN LAGOS
Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) were among dignitaries that graced the funeral service for the deceased Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Mr. Tayo Aderinokun, at Ikoyi Baptist Church, Lagos, on Friday.
Former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former governor of Cross River State, Dr. Donald Duke; wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola; former Director General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Dr. Ndudi Okereke-Onyiuke; an advertising guru, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, and Senator Olurunminbe Mamora were also in attendance.
The roll call also included managing directors and chief executive officers of the First Bank, Skye Bank, Intercontinental Bank, Spring Bank and Finbank, among others.
Acting Managing Director of GTB, Mr. Segun Agbaje, also led scores of the bank's staffers to the service, which commenced at 10 a.m. They joined wife of the deceased, Funlola, her children and other family members to pay last respect to the departed banking icon.
With the processional hymn, 'My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness…' the service commenced.
In his message, Reverend Abayomi Lawal, of Ikoyi Baptist Church, reminded the congregants that death was inevitable for every human being, adding that individuals should endeavour to make positive impacts on people and leave the society better than they met it.
He stated that Tayo Aderinokun touched many lives meaningfully and should be emulated by all and sundry. He, however, charged the congregation that they should not be found wanting in helping the poor and underprivileged in the society.
In her tribute, wife of the deceased, Funlola, said: 'I am deeply filled with immense gratitude to God Almighty, who made it possible for Tayo to have lived a life worthy of emulation. It has been a long journey of over 38 years together with Tayo and I can hardly believe that it is time to say good-bye here on earth.
'I am, however, consoled in my belief that Tayo has gone to rest in the bosom of our Lord and has fulfilled the desire of every Christian, to one day meet with our Lord Jesus Christ, even as Tayo had to pay the inevitable ultimate price to achieve this.
'I am also comforted in my hope and prayers that Tayo and I will one day meet again to part no more, at the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.'
Children of the deceased, Babatunde, Modeoluwa and Ireoluwa, also extolled the virtues of their father. According to them, 'we thank God for your life. We thank God that He granted you success in your life that some never get to see in a lifetime. We appreciate everything that you were - kind, intelligent and understanding, among many other things.
We keep telling people that you are the coolest dad a guy could have, and we mean it very sincerely.
'We also thank God that we are able to have such a good role model for a father. We admire very much the fact that you were able to achieve so much and still maintain your integrity and humility.
'We pray that we are able to live up to the high standard you have set. We would like you to know that we love you very dearly. We cherish your strengths and accept your flaws because we know that you constantly strived to be the best human being you could possibly be.
'Although, your parting was much too soon, we take solace in the fact that you are in a better place now. Rest well, father, we will miss you forever.'
A popular gospel artiste, Lara George, provided solos after the message, with two of her popular numbers; To God Be The Glory and Ijoba Orun. The Gideon's International also made bible presentation during the service.
The remains of Tayo Aderinokun were committed to mother earth later at the Vaults and Gardens, FRCN Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, after the service. The funeral was capped with a grand reception and entertainment of guests at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.