The funeral programme for the Apostle Dr. Henry Abayomi Odeneye commenced in Lagos on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, with a commendation service of songs held at The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Abesan Area Headquarters Assembly, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos State.
Apostle Odeneye was a respected man of God and pioneer of preaching the gospel in Yoruba language in the United States of America. He transited on August 8 at age 73 after a brief sickness in the US.
Church leaders, family members, friends, associates and well-wishers gathered at the service to honour the memory of the late apostle and celebrate his contributions to Christianity and evangelism.
Pastor B. O. Isaiah who was one of the officiating pastors at the event said the service was put together to celebrate the life and legacy of Odeneye rather than mourn his departure.
According to him, Christians should rejoice because the deceased was not truly dead but had only fallen asleep, expressing the hope of resurrection at the end of the age.
Isaiah urged Christians to live for God, just as Odeneye did, through devotion to the gospel and the leading of the Holy Spirit, saying that those who remain faithful would meet him again in the bosom of Christ, where there would be no more separation.
He described the late Odeneye as a “true militant of Christ” on earth, a role model and custodian of God’s Word who strengthened the faith of God’s people.
Isaiah also remembered him as a prayer warrior who came to serve and as an example to the saints wherever he went.
His remarks added to the growing tributes to Odeneye, whose ministry was characterised by evangelism, prayer, teaching and a commitment to the Christian faith.
Earlier, in a short sermon entitled “Returning What You Borrowed,” the Abesan Area Superintendent, Pastor S. O. Adeosun, reminded the congregation that human beings owe their lives to God, who is the ultimate giver and owner of life.
Adeosun drew an analogy from the earthly economy, noting that an individual must be creditworthy before being trusted with a loan. He said the same principle applies to man’s relationship with God, who expects people to live lives worthy of the trust and blessings entrusted to them.
“Are you creditworthy? What you borrowed, you will return,” Adeosun said.
He explained that God lent man the breath of life at creation, stressing that no human being could escape the appointed times of birth and death.
The cleric described the late Odeneye as a great man of God who led a creditworthy life and urged the congregation to emulate his commitment to God and humanity.
He further called on all present to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour so they could be counted worthy of meeting God after completing their assignments on earth.
Odeneye was particularly remembered for his pioneering efforts in preaching the gospel in Yoruba language in the United States, an endeavour that earned him admiration among Yoruba-speaking Christians and members of the Nigerian community in the diaspora.
Highlights of the service
Highlights of the service include rendition of six selected hymns as well as special anthems by the Ishefun District choir and Abesan Assembly choir. There was also a command performance of two favorite hymns of the deceased by Pastor E. A. Ogunsumi and rendition of Lara George’s Ijoba Orun by Marvelous Oluwademilade.
Family members, church leaders, friends, associates and sympathisers who were gathered to bid a final farewell to the late Apostle Odeneye, paid glowing tributes to his virtues and exemplary life.
The funeral ceremony, which attracted people from different walks of life, was marked by grief, prayers and emotional recollections of the life and legacy of the deceased.
Many described Apostle Odeneye as a committed man of God whose life was defined by faith, service, compassion and dedication to humanity.
Odeneye’s impact
Several speakers who paid tribute to the late cleric recalled his humility, generosity and commitment to the growth of the Christian faith, noting that his influence extended beyond the church to family, friends and members of the wider community.
Among those who spoke were the representative of the LAWMNA Territorial Chairman, Pastor G. A. O. Alakuko; the Deputy Administration Secretary, Pastor F. O. Olotu (rtd.); and LAWMNA Executive Council Member, Deaconess Ajayi, who delivered a tribute on behalf of the family.
Others who paid tribute included Pastor Joseph Nekpo an apostle from Republic of Benin; Elder George Bolatito from USA; a classmate of the deceased; Mr. Dokun Adediran; Elder T. O. Abioye; Elder Ogunyemi; Pastor Dahunsi; P/Elder S. O. Ariyibi; Mr. Timothy Bamidele, and Pastor Tunde Adebisi, the Communication Director/Nigeria representative of the Harvest Point Ministries
The atmosphere became emotional as relatives and associates shared memories of their encounters with the deceased, describing him as a man whose words, counsel and acts of kindness left lasting impressions on many lives.
Church leaders at the ceremony also highlighted Apostle Odeneye’s dedication to the things of God, praying for strength and comfort for the family he left behind.
While the occasion was dominated by mourning, it also became a celebration of a life described by many as impactful and worthy of remembrance.
The occasion also attracted delegates from various organisations and community groups, including the Harvest Point School of Ministry, Harvest Point (Alimosho) Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited, Ishefum Community Development Association, OlufeOtito Ministries, Zion Assembly, and the Nigeria Customs Service. The commendation service marked the beginning of the final funeral ceremonies for the late apostle.
Internment
The wake-keep and final interment are scheduled to take place at Grace International Church, Houston, Texas, on Thursday, September 3, while the outing and thanksgiving services will follow on Friday.
The ceremonies are being followed by family members, church members, friends and admirers from different parts of the world, with many participating through internet broadcasts.
The global online participation has further underscored the far-reaching impact of Odeneye’s ministry and the many lives touched by his service to God.
As the funeral rites continue in Houston, tributes are expected to focus on his enduring legacy as an evangelist, teacher, prayer warrior and servant of God who devoted his life to spreading the gospel and strengthening the faith of believers.
By Tunde Adebisi
The Communication Director/Nigeria representative
Harvest Point Ministries Houston, Texas