The Pastor of New Reservation Area Baptist Church, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, Rev. Kayode Oyedemi, has narrated how late Justice Adegboye Ayinla Gbolagunte of the Oyo State Judiciary knew he was going to die and so had planned his funeral by choosing the cemetery his remains would be buried, and had paid for his vault.
He made the revelation during a sermon at the funeral service for the Eruwa, Oyo State born jurist, who died June 24.
Quoting from the Book of II Kings 13 and 20; Hebrew 11; as well as II Samuel 12, Dr. Oyedemi said that he had never seen anybody prepare his own funeral as deeply as Justice Gbolagunte did.
“It is not unusual for saints to die of sickness from attack.
“If prayers can stop death, Justice Gbolagunte would not have died because upon revelation that he would die of the sickness, we were praying, but when the sickness of the beloved is unto death, no amount of prayers can heal the sickness, no matter how perfect one could be in faith.

“The sickness of Lazarus was not unto death, but that of Elisha was unto death.
“God knows why he has called Justice Gbolagunte home at this time.
“While we were praying and believing that God would spare his life, he had accepted his faith himself.
“I remember his last admission to the hospital about two or three days to his death.
“Then I asked if he was still holding unto God in faith and he said yes.
“Since last year, he had told me that his funeral is to be held in Ibadan here.
“He had told me the cemetery.
“I have been hearing about it, but I have not seen anybody who planned his funeral so deep as Justice Gbolagunte did.
“All the arrangements you see, he had chosen and contacted people you see carrying them out.
“He had contacted everybody.
“When he paid for the vault, he told me, and he connected me with the person that was in charge of that.
“That is to tell you that he was convinced that God said that his time had come.
“And that is one of the greatest ways to die.
“For you to know when you are going to die helps you to get settled, not just with God, but with every other thing.
“He had that privilege.
“God told Hezekiah that he would not recover, but he would die.
“God said: ‘Set your house in order for you shall die.’
“It is one of the greatest ways to die.
“People like that will never miss heaven.
“That is the assurance that Hon. Justice Adegboye Gbolagunte has gone to be with Christ.”
Addressing the children left behind by the late jurist, Rev. Oyedemi said: “You have a mother with strong faith and a prayerful one.
“You have a father with a high level of integrity, who was not corrupt.
“You must hold aloft the two qualities of your parents.
“If we have many of Justice Gbolagunte in Nigeria, the country would be better.
“He stood for integrity.
“Public service holders should ruminate on this.
“His colleagues should search themselves how they are dispensing justice.
“Bad leadership persists when there is bad followership.
“In Nigeria, we combine the two.
“Are our leaders of today not followers of the past?
“How much has their past criticisms helped our Nation now?
“Let us ruminate on this.”
In attendance at the funeral service were dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; many Judges, serving and retired; Senior Advocates of Nigeria; Nigerian Bar Association executives and members; old secondary school mates of the deceased from Birch Freeman High School, Surulere, Lagos; Baale of Aborerin in Eruwa, High Chief Olaide Ojedapo; friends and relatives of the Gbolagunte family.
The 64-year-old son of a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mokolade Gbolagunte, was survived by his wife: Wuraola Ayoola and three children: Oladiran, a Digital Technologist with specialisation in Network Communications; Oladoyin, a lawyer; and Oladotun, also a lawyer.
It will be recalled that a Special Valedictory Court Session was held in honour of Justice Gbolagunte on July 22, 2024 at the Oyo state High Court in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during the weeklong celebration of his exit.
On July 23, at New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos, a Commendation Service took place for the deceased, while on July 25, there was a Service of Songs at Jogor Centre in Ibadan.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has announced that it is praying for divine intervention in the nationwide protests being planned to begin from August 1, by the youths and other groups, over the economic hardships in the country
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said: “We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times.
“May God bless Nigeria and grant us the peace and prosperity we earnestly seek.
The full text of the statement is reproduced hereunder:
The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stands in solidarity with the citizens of our great nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger. We recognize and deeply empathize with the pain, anger, and frustration that many of our fellow Nigerians are experiencing. The cries of the people underscore the severe difficulties faced daily as families struggle to afford basic necessities and sustain their livelihoods.
As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.
We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.
In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns. This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties. Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.
We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people. Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.
Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.
We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face. The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.
We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times.
May God bless Nigeria and grant us the peace and prosperity we earnestly seek.
*Signed,*
Archbishop Daniel Okoh,
President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

The Department of State Services (DSS) has said that the planned protests in parts of the country in the coming weeks are parts of the plans for a regime change.
“While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land. It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political.

“The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses.
“The long term objective is to achieve a regime change, especially at the Centre.”
A statement today, July 25, by the spokesperson of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said that the Service has identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot.
“However, it (DSS) does not think that aggression should be the first line of action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario. It has instead, variously applied non kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.”
DSS however, warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.
It acknowledged that different levels of Government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions and called on the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.
“This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance.
“The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”
It called on people of goodwill, Leaders of Thought, Captains of Industry, Labour Unions, Student Associations, Youth Leaders, the Civil Society, Clergy, NGOs, Women groups, Civil Servants and Politicians to shun any invitation to participate in any orchestrated violence, deliberately designed to cause disaffection in the country.
“Similarly, Parents, Guardians, Heads of traditional and academic institutions are respectively urged to advise their children, wards, subjects and students not to take part in the planned protest. “Let us all join hands to build a Nation without rancour, bitterness or stained banner.
“The Service will work with other sister Security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace.
“It will, where necessary, apply all legitimate methods to achieve this. Meanwhile, the website, dss.gov.ng; email address – dsspr@dss.gov.ng and Telephone lines +2349153391309; +2349088373514 will remain available to the members of the public who may wish to contact the Service.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has warned that any form of anti-government protest will not be allowed in the FCT.
The Minister gave the warning today, July 25, shortly after the FCT Security Council Meeting, which was attended by the Heads of the various Security Agencies and the six Area Council Chairmen.
Wike acknowledged that Nigerians have the right to protest anywhere in the country, as enshrined in the law, but that the August 1st, 2024 for the planned anti-government protest coincides with the proposed date for the presentation of certificates of recognition to traditional rulers in all the Area Councils.
He said that the date is slated for the celebration of the traditional institution and not for anti-government protests.
“For those who want to protest on the 1st of August or thereabout, the FCT is not available for such protests.
“That is the day the FCT has set aside for the entire Area Councils jubilating to give out Certificate of recognition to all their traditional rulers.
“So, we will not allow the day that the FCT has set aside to honour their traditional rulers, for their people to come and rejoice, and then somebody will say that he wants to disrupt that day. We will not allow it.
“So, we want to make it categorically clear that that day is a day that the entire six Area Councils would be meeting to recognize and give out certificate of honour to their traditional rulers.
“So, we also invite our people to come and join us that day in celebrating. It is part of the achievements of the administration. So, let the whole world hear us and hear us very well that that day is not available for those who want to protest and the FCT is not available for the protesters.”
Wike said that anti-government protests are uncalled for in the FCT, in view of the enormous support that the FCT has received from the Federal Government, which is reflected in the accelerated provision of infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
He said that the FCT Administration would therefore not allow any form of demonstration that will disrupt the developmental trajectory of the FCT.
“For us as FCT, we have seen the changes. We have seen that government is working. “Mr. President has given the FCT so much support that all of us can attest to.
“Therefore, we will not allow anybody to set us back. We are looking forward to making sure that we take the FCT to where it’s supposed to be as one of the major cities, not only in Africa but also in the world.
“So, we will not allow anybody to disrupt the peace or set us back”.
The Minister said that instead of protesting, Nigerians should work collectively with the government to salvage the challenging situation in the country.
He said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the difficult challenges that the country is facing and is committed to addressing them.
“This period, we think that all Nigerians should work collectively in order to salvage our country. “I’m aware that there are challenges. Mr. President and his team are working hard right now to make sure that those challenges, those problems facing our country are being solved.
“We know that it is a very difficult period for the citizens. Mr. President has said clearly that there are challenges, there are problems, but those problems and challenges will be tackled and we believe in him.
“We urge Nigerians to also have patience, that at the end of the day, we will come out of these economic woes.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has listed the contributions, to the advancement of Nigeria, by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who died hours ago.
In a condolence message, issued by his spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari acknowledged the contributions of late Iwuanyanwu to journalism, sports, politics and nation-building.
Describing his death as a sad event for Nigeria, the former President said that Chief Iwuanyanwu, who until his death, was Presented General of Ohanaeze Ndibo worldwide, revolutionized the nation’s media and sports.
“He made notable strides in the media industry, construction, sports, business and politics.
“I had several opportunities to interact with him to know about his passionate commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence, and the development of Nigeria.
“His rich contributions have left indelible memories on the media, sports, politics, and business where he made extraordinary achievements.
“My condolences to his family, friends and associates, and the entire people of the South-east. His death is a loss to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”