Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is thy victory?

Members of Immanuel Society received with shock the news of the demise of our respectable and well respected foundation member, Venerable G.A. Ogunlowo (JP) who passed on 29th May, 2021. Venerable Godwin Adedayo Ogunlowo (JP) was born on 10th April, 1930 to the family of late Chief John Ogunlowo and Madam Abigail Awawu Atowuromola Ogunlowo of Oke Omo­ Jogunle Compound Oluponna in the Aiyedire Local Government of Osun state.

He started his elementary education at the St Peter's Anglican School, Oluponna in 1938 and gained admission to Ibadan Boys High School, Ibadan, Oyo State in 1945 but crossed to the Remo Secondary School and lastly to the C.M.S Grammar School, Bariga , Lagos, where he obtained his Senior Cambridge, (Oversea) School Certificate in December 1953. He worked at various places in different capacities. Venerable G.A. Ogunlowo was sent on in -Service training to the Institute of Administration, University of Ife (OAU) and the Administrative Staff College Nigeria ( ASCON) Topo, Badagry, Lagos, while in service. He successfully completed both courses.

He retired from the service of Oyo State in July 1991 and in order t realize his early ambition, to be a priest of the Anglican Communion; he once again started a theological course at the Immanuel College of Theology and Christian Education, Samonda, Ibadan which he successfully completed in 1990. Before he bowed out of service of Oyo State, Venerable G.A. Ogunlowo (JP) was ordained a Deacon in 1989 and a Priest in 1990. He was installed a Canon in the year 2000 shortly before he retired from the Church Ministry. He was a Jerusalem Pilgrim in 2004.

In addition, it is pertinent to mention that Late Venerable G.A. Ogunlowo (JP) was an "Anglican to the core". He was a founding member of the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) of St. Peter's Anglican Church, Oluponna, Osun State. He remained to date a very loyal active and financial member. Also, he was a founding member of Immanuel Society of Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church, lwo Road, Ibadan. He remained a committed loyal, active and financial member to date.

Although, Venerable G.A. Ogunlowo's (JP) glorious exit to the world beyond came after he had lived a fulfilled Christian life of service to God and humanity; but the Society's expectation was that he would fully recover from old age illness, he eventually joined the saint triumphant. Papa has gone Home to be with the Lord where there is no more aches and pains!!! Our Prayer is that Lady Evangelist P.D. Ogunlowo (JP), who is present Vice President - Immanuel Society of Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church, lwo Road, Ibadan, our efficient, honest and painstaking Officer and also a caring and devoted Wife would be comforted by God and granted the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

We also pray for the loving and caring Children who gave Papa adequate care until the last moment. God shall give them comfort and succor. Venerable G.A. Ogunlowo (JP) was a dedicated, committed financial Member of Immanuel Society to the very end. Well done, good and faithful Child of God.

Sleep on beloved, take thy deserved rest, we love you, but Jesus Christ loves you most.

Erinwo! Ajanaku sun bi oke!

It was Williams Shakespeare who said "The world is a stage and all men and women are merely actors. They have their exits and entrances and one man plays in his time, many parts."

Indeed, my daddy really played many roles during his life sojourn on planet earth. 
In the era of civil service in the western state and region, baba was a distinguished public servant. On retirement from public service, he took up appointment as a part time corgus man in the Anglican Communion at Ibadan and Oke-Osun Diocese and he served God creditably well.

As a family man to the core, baba was a loving father, a committed husband and  a bridge builder in the nuclear and extended family. He rendered tremendous assistance to all without discrimination.

We will always remember your legacy and we will definitely miss you so much.

Rest in peace dear daddy in the bosom of the lord.

Dear Dr Femi Ogunlowo,
We commiserate with you on the transition to eternity of your beloved earthly father, but we take consolation in the fact that Papa left a worthy legacy and a good name, better than gold and silver, not only for his children, family and church, but also the community in which Papa lived and served till ripe old age before his eventual departure from this sinful, evil world.

I had the rare privilege of seeing and meeting Papa in his lifetime at Ibadan on the glorious occasion of his 50 years wedding anniversary with Mama, his dear wife. I remembered the tears of joy that welled up in my eyes as we celebrated the jubilee anniversary of their union, graced by their wonderful children by their sides.

No doubt, God had been gracious to Papa and Mama in their lifetime, despite all odds, challenges and vissititudes of life they had encountered in their earthly pilgrimage. We pray that the God of all comfort and consolation, comfort and strengthen Mama and the children in time like this. We pray God to preserve the Ogunlowo heritage by His exceeding great power and glory.

Dr Femi, we pray that God continues to guide, lead and direct your affairs in all ramifications in Jesus name. Amen.

MHB 976
*Now the labourer's task is o'er,* *Now the battle-day is past;* *Now upon the farther shore* *Lands the voyager at last.* *Father, in Thy gracious keeping* *Leave we now Thy servant sleeping.*

May Papa's gentle soul rest in perfect peace.