Sanwo-Olu calls for self-reflection at ex-Ondo commissioner’s funeral

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday urged Nigerians to reflect on the impact of their lives and strive to leave lasting legacies as he joined Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, family members and other dignitaries to bid farewell to former Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku.

The funeral service, held at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja, was attended by the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Lagos State Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde; clerics, political associates and well-wishers.

Speaking during the service, Sanwo-Olu described funerals as opportunities for self-examination rather than occasions for mourning alone, urging people to evaluate how they have used their lives and positions to serve others.

“The condolence is really not for the corpse before us but for those of us who are alive. We must ask ourselves: what lessons are we taking home? What impact have we made? How have we used our positions, contacts and the blessings God has given us to uplift others? The preaching is for the living,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu sympathised with the deceased’s husband, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and APC chieftain, as well as their children and the entire family, urging them to draw strength from the overwhelming support shown by sympathisers.

He said the testimonies about the late former commissioner reflected a life devoted to service, compassion and humanity, adding that the greatest tribute Nigerians could pay her was to emulate her virtues and commitment to uplifting others.

Also speaking, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the deceased as a devoted Christian and committed public servant whose contributions to the development of women in Ondo State would remain enduring.

He noted that she championed programmes that promoted women’s economic empowerment and political participation during her tenure and prayed for God to grant the Odunmbaku family the strength to bear the loss.