Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Obi among dignitaries as Christopher Kolade laid to rest
The funeral service carried a reverent and prayerful atmosphere, marked by hymns and readings from scriptures.
The service which was held at St. Peter’s Church, Faji, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, was attended by family members, friends, clerics, and dignitaries who gathered to bid farewell to Christopher Kolade, who was laid to rest amid moving tributes and prayers.
The service which began at about 11am was attended by several prominent Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
Also present were former Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman of Channels Television, John Momoh, and several other accomplished personalities.
In his sermon, Dapo Asaju said the late Kolade lived a disciplined and exemplary lives that was worthy of emulation.
He described the deceased as a saint by all standards, stressing that his life embodied humility, discipline, integrity, and service to God and humanity.
“ Kolade was a role model who lived by faith and moral uprightness. We need more men like him—men whose lives reflect godly values,” Asaju said.
He reminded the congregation of the transient nature of life, urging them to live Godly and be good to humanity so that they can have an external life in heaven.
Read also: Tribute to Dr Christopher Kolade, CON (28 Dec 1932- 8 Oct 2025)
According to him, When a man dies, he leaves behind his titles and possessions. What remains is the soul, which will face judgment before God,” he added.
Asaju also recalled Kolade’s decades of service to St. Peter’s Church as a choirmaster and organist, describing him as “a pillar of faith, discipline, and quiet strength.”
Using the occasion to reflect on the state of the nation, he called for renewed patriotism and moral rebirth, urging Nigerians to emulate the late Kolade’s values of integrity and service.
He said present-day leaders should have the fear of God while in public office, saying that the country had failed to fulfill its potential because of bad leadership.
“Nigeria has great potential. What we need is sincerity, good governance, and the fear of God to reclaim our rightful place among nations,” he said.
The service concluded with prayers for the repose of Kolade’s soul and for divine comfort for his family.
The funeral service was well-attended by dignitaries and Nigerians in the public and private sector.
Kolade, a former Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, managing director and chairman of Cadbury died on October 8 at the age of 92.
