Tribute to My Friend—The Very Reverend Gabriel Olukayode Adekanla
Good Night, Kayode. We’ll see, again. In the morning.
Kayode was, for sure, my relative but more than a relative, he was a great friend, right from childhood. We became life-long pals. Even though we didn’t always see or get in touch, anytime we met, you found out that nothing has changed. Kayode was always easy-going, pleasant and jovial. He was a people-person. If you got him upset, he couldn’t stay angry—always forgiving, very friendly.
In 1976, on Saturday 31st of July, a former senior in High School, who was then a student at the then University of Ife, visited back home at Imesi-Ile and said he would see us—Kayode and me. Sometime in the afternoon of that day our paths crossed, so the senior sat with us on the low-seating area, on the outside of the now Ijana Methodist Heritage House, on that side that faces Ijana-Oke Street, to explain to us the gospel—looking for us to make our decision for Christ and commit our lives to Him. He talked beyond religion—he knew we were religious! (We have been religious and active in Church all our lives till that time) Now, he talked to us about sin and the good news of Jesus’ saving power. He offered us the Bible-invitation to repent toward God and give our lives to Christ for salvation.
That time we were late in our teenage years and were familiar with sin and rebellion—even though we were religious! The senior showed us Scriptures, much of which I still remember like it happened yesterday. Thankfully to God, we were convinced of our sinful actions and nature; and were ready to change direction. We prayed the sinner’s prayers and asked Christ into our hearts. We were saved immediately, and we knew it.
Kayode was a person given to praying at night. I remember that soon after we were saved, we would seek for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Kayode would wake me up at night which I wasn’t used to. Many decades later I found out he still often prayed and had his quiet time at night.
His ministries had glowing testimonies of lives saved, souls illuminated, of people moving from mere religion to Christ.
To Kayode, ministry was not a “career” but a call. He was headed in a different career path, to be some other thing. Responding to God’s call—like many Bible prophets—wasn’t easy for him but he ended up doing God’s will, anyway. He served creditably like a person that whole-heartedly embraced his call. He ran his race with clear focus to the end. Many found the Light by the gospel he preached, the understanding he taught and his warm friendly disposition.
He left us so painfully but now in the bosom of our Lord. He ran the race; he kept the faith.
Kayode, May God send His deep comfort all of us you left, keep your family strong and uphold all, who through your witness, have come to know our Lord Jesus Christ.
Good Night, Kayode. We’ll see, again. In the morning.
Amen.
Affectionately,
Very Rev. Dr. Samuel Jegede
