Vincent OBANIYI

 

The body of Comrade Clement 'Muyiwa Abegunrin, the younger brother of the Archbishop of Ibadan,  His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin was solemnly laid to rest on Friday, June 13, 2025.  The burial rites began with a reverent Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iwere-Ile, in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The funeral liturgy drew a large gathering of Catholic faithful, family members, friends, and dignitaries from across the country, all united in honoring a man known for his humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to both the family and the community.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Samson Babalola described the late Comrade Abegunrin as a man of noble character and deep conviction. He highlighted his roles as a family pillar, a community leader, and a beacon of moral integrity. Fr. Babalola offered words of comfort to the mourners, affirming that the deceased had fought the good fight and has now found eternal peace in the Lord.

 

Reflecting on the brevity of life, Fr. Babalola remarked, "Death is not the end, but a transformation, a necessary passage from this temporal life into eternity." He urged all present to live with purpose, strive for holiness, and build lasting legacies anchored in Christian virtue.

 

In his remarks, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin expressed deep appreciation to all who came to honour his late brother. He thanked the Church and the Community for their support and prayers, and recalled Clement's steadfastness, warmth, and loyalty to the family. He prayed for journey mercies for all who travelled to share in their grief and commemoration.

 

The event was further dignified by the presence of several Bishops from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria in Ibadan Province including Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo of Oyo Diocese; Most Rev. John Oyejola of Osogbo Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Adesina of Ijebu-Ode Diocese; and Most Rev. Anselm Lawani of Ilorin Diocese. Numerous Priests, Religious Men and Women, and Lay Faithful also gathered in large numbers to offer prayers for the happy repose of the deceased’s soul.

 

The interment took place at his residence, after the Mass, where final prayers were offered, and Comrade Clement Abegunrin remains were committed to mother earth amidst solemn hymns and silent reflections.

 

As the Church commends his soul to God’s mercy, the memory of Comrade Clement Abegunrin lingers in the hearts of those he touched through his quiet strength, integrity, and deep faith.

 

May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen