Hundreds of family members and friends gathered in an emotional farewell on Friday to lay to rest the 80-year-old father of Aderonke Arabinrin, Technical Assistant on broadcast media to the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).
Late Engineer Samuel Ogunleye who died on 11th December 2025 was buried in his home ancient city of Ibadan, South West Nigeria.
The officiating Pastor of New Glory Baptist Church, J.O. Alagbe, urged worshippers at a funeral service to embrace life fully, describing death as a mere transition during the sermon honouring the late Pa Ogunleye.
Drawing lessons from Luke 16 and John 3:36, Pastor Alagbe likened the deceased’s passing to “changing his address”.
He reminded the congregation that death, though an unwelcome visitor, is inevitable. “Jesus died once for the redemption of all mankind, and so man shall die but once,” he said.
“Death is a messenger that will surely show up at a particular time to deliver his message.”
In a nod to the biblical parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the Reverend stressed that life is a precious opportunity not to be squandered.
He warned against sin, calling it “like poison” that leads to condemnation, and encouraged the flock to realise their potential and make a lasting impact.
Pastor Alagbe praised Ogunleye’s life as a fulfilled and influential one, serving as a testament to his community and the wider society.
The funeral service was graced by high profile dignitaries from the NRS, the Presisential Villa including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Tope Ajayi and chairman of the State House Press Corps (SHPC), Dr. Anule Emmanuel.
Dignitaries were later treated to a sumptuous reception at the Devine Grace Event Centre Ibadan in celebration of life.
