Update: Remains of Agagu interred at Iju-Odo amidst tight security

“What is left for Agagu now is his faith,” cleric says at ex-Ondo governor’s burial.

The remains of former Governor Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State were buried on Friday in his home town, Iju-Odo in Okitipupa Local Government Area.

The remains, which arrived in Iju-Odo at 1.08 p.m. by road, were interred at 3.35 p.m. at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church cemetery, amidst tight security.

In his sermon, Joshua Ogunele, the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of the Coast, urged the country’s leaders to live simple life and guard against amassing wealth.

“This world is vanity upon vanity because we come with nothing and we shall return with nothing.

“When death comes, we blame God because we are short-sighted; our ways are not his ways.

“Nobody will be buried with any property; what is left for Agagu now is his faith. May God grant him eternal rest,’’ the bishop prayed.

In his message, President Goodluck Jonathan commiserated with the family of the deceased, and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Represented by Caleb Olubolade, the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Jonathan said the country lost “a rear gem and a political icon’’.

“With deep heart, we commiserate with the Agagu family for the death and plane mishap; may God grant the family and the entire Ondo State the fortitude to bear the loss,’’ Mr. Jonathan said.

Among dignitaries present at the burial were Akintunde Aduwo, former Chief of Naval Staff; former Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun, and Omobola Johnson, the Minister of Communication Technology.

The church was filled to capacity with relations, friends, business associates, political stalwarts, and representatives of state governments.

Men of the police, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps provided tight security at the church, the late Mr. Agagu’s residence and the entire community.

(NAN)