President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to take time to study the lives of their forebears and draw useful lessons from them for the sake of posterity.
He made the call at the burial ceremony of Pa Moses Adediran Adegbite, father of Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter.
Bishop Adegbite also serves as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) and Chaplain to the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.
Pa Adegbite, who passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, in his hometown at Fiditi, Oyo State, was laid to rest amid prayers, tributes, and thanksgiving for his enduring legacy.
The burial service was held at Fiditi Grammar School on Friday, January 31, following a well-attended wake at his residence on Thursday, January 30.
Tinubu’s message
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Power, Senator Adebayo Adelabu, remarked that the late Pa Adegbite “came, saw, and conquered,” stressing that his fulfilled life serves as a reminder that every individual has a divine role to play. While commiserating with the family over the loss of their patriarch, 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. He then prayed that Almighty God would grant the family the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss.
In his message at the event, His Eminence, Prelate Oliver Ali Aba, reminded the congregation of the fleeting nature of life, urging them to reflect on a deeper sense of purpose. Quoting James 4:14, he noted that life is “like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes,” emphasizing that no amount of age, wealth, or earthly accomplishment can prolong one’s time on earth. He stressed that material things 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 the Prelate, the brevity of life is a constant call for believers to live prepared for the return of Christ. He described the late Pa Adegbite as a man who lived with intention, adding, “His legacy remains with us.” He portrayed the deceased as a democrat while challenging Nigerians to ensure their lives leave positive memories behind. “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 honor to their late father.
A Legacy That Lives On
Speaking to journalists at the burial ground, Bishop Adegbite 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.
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.”
The Life of Pa Adegbite
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.
Pa Adegbite’s life was described as historic within the Methodist Church Nigeria, having raised two bishops with a third in the making—a rare legacy that resonated deeply throughout the service. In his honor, 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,” Bishop Adegbite announced, pledging continued support for the diocese, archdiocese, and conference, “as the Lord lives.”
Attendance
Many prominent individuals—including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and several federal ministers—described Pa Adegbite as a man of faith, integrity, and service whose influence transcended his immediate family.
The ceremony drew an impressive assembly of dignitaries from government, the church, and civil society. Present at the event were the Minister of Power, Senator Adebayo Adelabu, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, who led the 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; and the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Prelate Oliver Ali Aba.
Other notable attendees included 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. 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.
