Sunday Adepoju, Acting CICPR Director at Federal Poly Ayede, Lays Father to Rest in Ogbomoso

It was a graceful and well-attended farewell in Ogbomoso on Friday, June 27, 2025, as Mr. Sunday Adepoju, Acting Director of the Centre for Information, Communication and Public Relations (CICPR) at the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, laid his beloved father, Pa Josiah Adegbola Adepoju, to rest. The burial ceremony, held at Ayo Igbala Baptist Church, Randa, was marked by heartfelt tributes, spiritual solemnity, and an atmosphere of peace and honour a befitting celebration of a life well lived.

The late Pa Josiah Adepoju, who passed away on June 12, 2025, at the age of 85, was a man of quiet strength, deep spirituality, and enduring discipline. His life story, as shared by family and documented in his funeral biography, is one that speaks of survival, faith, and remarkable personal growth. Born in the Oginni Compound, Osupa area of Ogbomoso, around 1940, Josiah faced adversity early on with the death of his father, Adepoju Esan, in 1946. Raised by his maternal grandfather alongside his siblings, he learned the values of endurance and self-reliance.

In 1957, he ventured to the Gold Coast (now Ghana) in search of a better life. Despite lacking formal education, he pursued self-development passionately  trading during the day and attending night classes to learn English and grow spiritually. His time in Ghana ended in 1969 following the “Aliens Compliance Order” issued by Ghanaian Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia, prompting his return to Nigeria.

Upon resettling in Ogbomoso, he committed himself fully to God’s work. He became a devoted member of the Church of the Lord (Aladura), where he rose to the role of deacon and eventually pastor under the mentorship of Rev. Prophet Emmanuel Adeniji. He was known for his deep prayer life and unwavering commitment to moral integrity. Later in life, he joined Ayo Igbala Baptist Church, Randa, where he continued his spiritual journey until his passing.

The funeral service was filled with music, prayers, scriptural exhortations, and heartfelt tributes. Friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues came in large numbers to pay their respects. Staff from the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, where Mr. Sunday Adepoju currently serves, were also present, led by the institution’s Librarian, Dr. Samuel Oke Ogunniyi.

In his tribute, Sunday Adepoju reflected on the lifetime of sacrifices his father made a man who, despite his quiet nature, was a fighter and a father in every true sense:

“Baami, though you have journeyed to the celestial world, your presence remains ever near. Your quiet courage really defined your existence. You were, indeed, a ‘General’; a ‘Generali’.

You began fighting battles immediately your father, Late Adepoju Esan, died in 1946. Baami resumed into another phase of your battles when he relocated to his aunt in former Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1957, where he remained until Kofi Busia’s quit order of 1969.

We miss your prayers. I remember your prayers never had time limit; against our time schedules. It’s sad saying “Goodbye” to the gentleman to the core. My heart bled seeing his lifeless body.

However, the gift of Christ in you consoles us of the monumental loss that your exit signifies. You are sorely missed.

Adieu, Papa.”

Pa Adepoju was married to Deaconess Elizabeth Abemu Adepoju, and their union was blessed with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, nieces, nephews, and numerous spiritual children who drew inspiration from his lifestyle and devotion.

Following the burial, guests were treated to a well-organized reception held at Bethel Event Centre, Olomi Street, Ogbomoso, where the atmosphere was filled with warmth, music, and reflections on the life of Pa Josiah Adegbola Adepoju a man whose quiet strength, godly devotion, and humble legacy will not be forgotten.

For many in attendance, it was more than just a burial it was the celebration of a life lived with honour, simplicity, and unshakable faith.