Obasanjo, Osinbajo, family bid farewell as Christopher Kolade buried in Lagos

A solemn air filled St. Peter’s Church, Faji, Lagos Island, Lagos State, on Tuesday, as family, friends, clerics, and dignitaries gathered to honour the life and legacy of Dr. Christopher Kolade.

Amid stirring hymns and heartfelt tributes, the revered statesman and broadcaster was laid to rest after a service that celebrated a life defined by integrity, humility, and service, Vanguard Newspaper reports.

Among the dignitaries present were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

They were joined by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, MTN Nigeria Chairman Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, and Channels Television Chairman, John Momoh, alongside a host of other distinguished guests.

Delivering a moving sermon, Prof. Dapo Asaju hailed the late Kolade as “a saint by all standards,” describing him as a man whose life “embodied humility, discipline, integrity, and service to God and humanity.”

“Dr. 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, urging Nigerians to take lessons from his exemplary conduct.

The cleric reminded the congregation of the brevity of life, noting that “when a man dies, he leaves behind his titles and possessions. What remains is the soul, which will face judgment before God.”

Reflecting on Kolade’s lifelong commitment to St. Peter’s Church—where he once served as choirmaster and organist—Asaju described him as “a pillar of faith, discipline, and quiet strength.”

He also used the occasion to call for a moral and national rebirth, saying, “Nigeria has great potential. What we need is sincerity, good governance, and the fear of God to reclaim our rightful place among nations.”

The service concluded with prayers for the repose of Kolade’s soul and divine comfort for his family, as the congregation bid farewell to a man widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest examples of integrity and grace.

Dignitaries had on Monday paid glowing tributes to the late veteran broadcaster and former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, during a service of songs held in his honour.

The elder statesman, aged 92, died on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.