Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE Parish Priest of St Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Popo-Osogbo, Osun State, Rev. Fr. Femi Komolafe, has urged Nigerians, particularly political leaders, to focus on eternity and shun societal vices, warning that excessive attachment to earthly possessions often undermines the welfare of others.
Komolafe gave the charge during the funeral Mass for Mrs Felicia Adetola Idowu, mother of Comrade Sylvester Bankole Idowu, a Warri-based correspondent of THISDAY Newspapers, who was laid to rest in Osun State on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The cleric said a constant consciousness of humanity’s eventual return to God would encourage people to live responsibly, exercise restraint and prioritise the common good over personal enrichment.
He noted that if people, especially those in positions of authority, focused more on their ultimate destination after death, society would witness fewer vices and less abuse of power.
According to him, leaders would be less inclined to appropriate resources meant to improve people’s lives if they remained mindful that earthly positions, wealth and influence were temporary.
”Our homeland is in heaven and no matter how powerful you think you are, you are created out of dust and dust you shall return,” the priest said.
Komolafe also recalled that the deceased’s children had approached him to make arrangements for a burial site even before their mother died, describing the development as an indication that the family had begun preparing for her eventual departure.
He said he had visited the elderly woman to pray for her, believing that her death might be imminent, but she lived for several more days.
The priest used the experience to remind the congregation that, despite human preparations and expectations, the timing of death remained in God’s hands.
He urged the faithful to reflect on the uncertainty of life, live in accordance with their Christian beliefs and prepare for eternity through good conduct and service to humanity.
The funeral brought together relatives, friends, professional colleagues, associates and well-wishers to honour the late Mrs Idowu, whose life was remembered for her sacrifices, motherly affection and commitment to raising her children.
Notable among dignitaries at the burial was veteran journalist and agripreneur, Asiwaju Sola Adebayo, as well as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Eyo Aniete, who’s the commander of the Police Mobile Training College, Ila-Oragun, among others.
Members and colleagues of Sylvester Idowu, who’s the THISDAY Correspondent in Warri, from the Warri Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), were also fully represented at the event.
The deceased’s children were visibly emotional during the ceremony as they bade farewell to the woman who had remained their source of love, care, protection and guidance for 44 years.
For Sylvester Idowu, the loss was particularly painful, given the central role his mother played in his life following the death of his father, Pa James Adebayo Idowu.
Speaking during an interview, the journalist described the burial as a celebration of life, recalling how his mother assumed responsibility for raising him and his siblings after their father died at the age of 42.
He said his mother’s commitment to the family made her an indispensable source of comfort and support, particularly whenever he encountered personal challenges.
”That motherly love, whenever I have issues, she is the first person I run to. It is a celebration of life because my father died at 44,” he said.
Idowu explained that he would particularly miss his mother’s affection, guidance, prayers and emotional support, adding that her death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
He urged his siblings and other members of the Idowu family to remain united, live responsibly and uphold the values their mother instilled in them.
The journalist also reminded the family of the inevitability of death and the need to live exemplary lives in honour of their mother’s memory.
In his tribute titled A Tribute to My Mother — Felicia Adetola Idowu, contained in the burial programme, Sylvester Bankole Idowu further described the deceased as a mentor, guide, protector and an enduring source of strength.
He said her influence would continue to shape the lives of her children long after her physical departure.
”Your life was a testimony of hard work, integrity, compassion and selfless service. You gave your best to us, your children, and to everyone privileged to know you,” he wrote.
Reflecting on her sacrifices, Idowu said his mother’s impact could never be erased by death, noting that the values she imparted would continue to guide him and his siblings.
He expressed gratitude to God for blessing the family with a mother whose love and dedication left a lasting impression on her children and others who encountered her.
”Thank you for your sacrifice, every prayer, every word of encouragement and every act of love for us, your children. I will forever be grateful to God for blessing me and my siblings with a mother like you,” he said.
He concluded the tribute by expressing confidence that her legacy would endure through her children and everyone whose life she touched.
”Sleep on, Maami. Your work on earth is done, but your legacy lives on through your children and all those whose lives you have touched. You will always be remembered, deeply loved and forever missed,” he added.
The funeral Mass was celebrated at St Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Popo-Osogbo, under the Osogbo Catholic Diocese, headed by Bishop John Akin Oyejola.
The service also featured the remembrance of the deceased’s husband, Pa James Adebayo Idowu, who died at the age of 42.
Following the funeral activities, the family hosted guests to a sumptuous reception attended by relatives, friends, professional colleagues and other sympathisers, providing an opportunity to celebrate the life and times of the deceased.
Mrs Idowu, who died on August 4, 2026, at 85, was interred in the church cemetery located in the premises of the cathedral.
Her death marked the end of a life remembered by her children for maternal devotion, resilience and the sacrifices she made to raise her family following the early death of her husband.
For the Idowu family, the burial was both a painful farewell and an opportunity to reflect on the enduring lessons of their mother’s life: love, responsibility, perseverance and the importance of leaving behind a worthy legacy.
