John TAKURO

It was indeed a celebration of life as Wife, Children, relatives, friends and well-wishers gathered to bid farewell to their loved one, Chief Joseph Ayodele Oniseitan (a.k.a D-Boy). The funeral ceremony was held on Friday 10th October, 2025 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, Ibadan.

Homilist of the day, Rev. Fr. Ekene Ugwoegbu described the deceased as a man of honour and integrity who really loved God and revered Him till the end. "During the lifetime of Baba, whenever I take the Holy Communion to him, he will make sure he goes on his knees saying "My Lord", even though it wasn't convenient for him due to ill health. This gesture is a sign that he valued Christ till the end. Chief Oniseitan trained his Children in the way of the Lord. I am happy to inform you that all of them are active and practicing Catholics, in fact, the testament to this statement is Rev. Fr. Matthew Oniseitan," he said.

 

Speaking further, Fr. Ekene explained that for Christians, what is paramount is resurrection, hence the reason why we must prepare for our last day. "Death has different meanings to different tribes and cultures. In some parts of Nigeria, three weeks are dedicated to the funeral of loved ones. For the Chinese, death is about the white colour. In some Western Countries, those about to die now organize farewell parties, but for we Christians, the resurrection is the most paramount thing to us. This homily being delivered wasn't for the deceased, but for the living who still have the chance to amend their ways," he added.

 

In conclusion, Fr. Ekene said our life on earth determines where we shall spend eternity. Our preparation for the last day should be taken with utmost seriousness. The five wise Virgins in the scripture cannot share their oil with the five foolish Virgins because the oil cannot be shared at all. ''Baba Oniseitan's coffin is the best preacher to all of us that one day, it shall be our turn to go. Be prepared," he concluded.

 

The funeral Mass was well attended by Priests, Religious and lots of faithful across the Archdiocese of Ibadan and beyond. His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese was also in attendance.

 

Chief Joseph Ayodele Oniseitan was survived by Wife, Children and Grand-Children, including Very Rev. Fr. Matthew Oniseitan, the Parish Priest, St. Michael Catholic Church, Idi-Ayunre and the Dean of Oke-Ado Deanery, Archdiocese of Ibadan.