The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, has mourned a renowned Clergy, late Reverend Dr. Akintayo Olufunmilade Suulola, describing him as “a morally excellent person with character made-up of good virtues.”

According to the monarch, the late evangelist excelled in the virtues of positive character traits, commitment to doing the right thing no matter what the personal cost, and did not bend to impulses, urges or desires, but acted according to values and principles.

The late Reverend Dr. Suulola was a prominent Prince of the Oyo Kingdom, a Virologist, renowned evangelical preacher, and the General Overseer of the Scripture Group Mission (SGM) Worldwide..

The late Minister of God died in the United Kingdom after his global crusade, and preparation to return to Nigeria. Cause of his cause of his death is still sketchy.

In a message by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, to commiserate with the deceased family , Oba Owoade lauded the late Reverend Suulola for his perseverance and sense of devotion in about fifty years of divine calling.

Said he, “he exhibited honesty, which is the display of sincerity, integrity, and candour in all his lifestyles. He knew that deceptive behaviour would not inspire trust, hence based his actions on reason and moral principles, and did not make decisions based on childlike emotional desires or feelings. He started his evangelism in Oyo Town, and his conducts and behaviour became so inspiring that he became a veritable source of pride to His Imperial Majesty, and since remained so””.

The Paramount Ruler said as a remarkable Minister of God, Suulola combined deep spiritual depth with practical love for people, coupled with unwavering personal integrity, a strong prayer life, thorough knowledge of the scriptures, profound humility, and genuine compassion for the hurting.

“The late Rev. Suulola has genuine enthusiasm, but was a great listener; his identity was not his vocation, but he was intentional about personal witnessing. He has unconditional love of his critics, has a gentle spirit, and persevered. One uniqueness about the late Clergy was his unrepentant pride of his culture.

According to him , “the late Rev. Suulola was proud of his Yoruba Culture as he always stated that it was not a sin to praise God in one’s culture. The General Overseer was one Man of God that loved worshipping and praising Him in a traditional way of dancing to talking drums, Bata among other traditional drums. He was of the conviction that culture and religion were variables inseparable, and that the only thing God detested was idolatry”, Alaafin said.

While commiserating with the families of the deceased, including his aged mother, the royal father said death is not the greatest loss in life, as the greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.

Said he, “death is a word, and it is the word, the image, that creates fear. Death is like a mirror in which the true meaning of life is reflected. Everyone dies eventually, whether they have power or not. That’s why you need to think about what you’ll accomplish while you’re alive. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins? There is sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.

“It was so disheartening to know the sudden death of your beloved and illustrious son. He was a nice man to the core. He was someone that liked the throne. It is, undoubtedly, a dreadful shock to all who knew him. He was a great person and a fantastic human being, well-known for his divine work. I know words are a poor comfort at a time like this. But I cannot but use these very words to express my grief and sorrow at the death of our dear son”.

Regarding the aged mother, Alaafin said “I know how Akintayo loved and cared for her. Without him life would not remain meaningful any longer. Please bear the shock Mama. With deep sympathy to you and your family”, Alaafin sympathized.

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