Director, Caleb Group of Schools and Visitor to Caleb University, Dr Ola Adebogun, has described Mother Celestial Olasinmi Odunmbaku, the late wife of Cardinal James Odunmbaku, as an exceptional woman whose life embodied faith, humility, compassion and selfless service to God and humanity.
Adebogun, who made these remarks during a condolence visit to Cardinal Odunmbaku at his Ogba, Lagos home on the passing of his wife, Mother Celestial Olasinmi, expressed deep sorrow for the loss.
He counselled Cardinal Odunmbaku to take comfort in the exemplary life her late spouse lived. He prayed that God give him and the loved ones she left behind the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant her gentle soul eternal rest.
“The passing of a beloved spouse leaves a vacuum that words can scarcely fill, yet the family should be comforted by the exemplary life the late Mother Celestial Olasinmi Odunmbaku lived,” said Dr Adebogun.
The renowned Educationist stressed that the late Mother Celestial Odunmbaku’s enduring legacy of kindness, humility and unwavering devotion to God will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her.
Dr Adebogun noted that the late Mrs Odumbaku’s wisdom and dedication will be greatly missed, adding that she was a beacon of hope and an admirable pillar of support whose steadfast encouragement significantly complemented her husband’s illustrious public service career.
He, however, thanked the Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) for standing with Cardinal Odunmbaku and sharing in his grief during this trying period.
Responding to Dr Adebogun’s words of comfort presented on his behalf by Professor Olalekan Asikhia, the Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University, an emotionally composed Cardinal Odunmbaku expressed his appreciation to Dr Adebogun and the management of Caleb University for standing with him and his family during their moment of grief, stressing that Caleb Group of Schools had demonstrated that enduring relationships are built on empathy, compassion and steadfast support.
“As a Christian who has wholly surrendered his life to our Lord Jesus Christ, I grieve the passing of my beloved wife, but I am greatly comforted by the assurance that she lived a fulfilled life of worship, service and total devotion to God, and I have no doubt that she now rests peacefully in the bosom of her Creator,” said Cardinal Odunmbaku.
On the delegation that represented Dr Adebogun at the Odunmbaku home were Professor Sunday Adewale, Deputy Vice – Chancellor (Academics), Caleb University, Professor Adesola Ajayi, Deputy Vice – Chancellor (Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration), Mr Mayokun Olumeri (Registrar), and Mr Adesina Abubakre (Bursar).