Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Oke, Osa-Oni, Ayorinde, Yomi-Sholoye and Others Pay Tribute as Bishop Adegbite and Siblings Hold Grand Burial for their Late Patriarch
It was a celebration of a life well spent, as family, friends, church leaders, and government officials from across Nigeria gathered at Fiditi, Oyo State, for the burial ceremony of Chief Moses Adediran Adegbite.
Amid songs, prayers, tributes, and thanksgiving for his enduring legacy, the Chairman of Lagos State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), also the Chaplain of the Aso Rock Chapel, Abuja; Bishop Stephen Adegbite and his siblings finally laid to rest their late father, Chief Moses Adediran Adegbite, JP who passed on to glory on 14th November, 2025 in his home town, Fiditi, Oyo State, at the age of 86 years.
The burial activities started with a well-attended wake-keep at his residence, AKIO’s compound on Thursday, 29th January, 2026, transforming the quiet agrarian town into a centre of national attention, followed by the funeral service at the field of Fiditi Grammar School, hosted by the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyo State, Fiditi circuit on Friday, 30th January, 2026, officiated by priests, presbyters, Bishops, Archbishops, and Prelate Emeritus, led by the Prelate, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, JP.
A Gathering of Faith, Power, and Legacy
The burial service conducted by the Methodist Church Nigeria, drew unprecedented turnout of prominent individuals and dignitaries from political class, business world, government officials, church leadership, family circles, and other well meaning Nigerians and diplomats who set the quiet town agog with arrays of visitors and notable guests, including high powered representatives of the President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led by the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr (Prof) Joseph Utsev.
Other dignitaries during the Church service included, The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Special Adviser on Christian Matters, Rev. Bukola Adeleke, the Methodist Church Nigeria Prelate Emeritus, Dr Sunday Makinde, and Dr Samuel Uche, also the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the Presiding Archbishop of Vineyard Christian Ministry, Archbishop John Osa-Oni; the Iya Aladura General Worldwide, Dr (Mrs) Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye, the General Overseer of World Evangelism Bible Church (WEBIC), Prophet Samson Ayorinde, former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, Nigeria’s real estate mogul, Chief Olu Okeowo and wife, among others.
L-r: The Permanent Secretaries, Ministries of Water Resources and Power; Minister of Water Resources, Engr (Prof) Joseph Utsev, Bishop Stephen Adegbite (Host), and the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
Also, there were diplomats, traditional rulers, community leaders, and senior clergy across denominations; among whom are, the Chairman of the NCPC, Rt Rev.Prof. Monsignor Cletus Gotan with other directors; Rev Israel Kristilere, Bishop Ojo Akinloye, Apst Olu’Gbenga Opasola, Pastor Oluleke Akinola & wife, Rev (Mrs) Peace Phyllis Goodey, Rev Dr Oladele Ajayi & wife, Apostle Olalekan Odetunde, Lagos State CPFN/PFN bloc, Pastor Sam Adeosun, Bishop Funso Awe, Bishop Theophilus Ajose, Rev Dr Taiwo-Allen, Apostle Kolawole Peter, and Rev Stephen Oyinlola; which reflect the impact and legacy late Pa Adegbite commanded among religious leaders across Christian denominations, social, and institutional divides.
A Patriarch of Rare Distinction
Pa Adegbite’s life was described as historic and unique within the Methodist Church of Nigeria, having raised two bishops (Bishop (Prof) Stephen Adegbite and Bishop (Dr) Solomon Adegbite), with a third (The Rev Kehinde Adegbite) in the making. This legacy became a reference throughout the service.
Born into a modest family, Pa Adegbite was widely known as a disciplinarian, philanthropist, community builder, and a man of deep Christian conviction. He began his career as a pupil teacher before joining the Oyo State Fire Service, where he served diligently for 20 years. After retirement, he ventured into private practice, remaining active and impactful within his community.
Presidential Tributes
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his condolences message delivered by the Hon Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to Adegbite’s family and the people of Fiditi, described late Pa Adegbite as a man who “came, saw and conquered,” stressing that his fulfilled life was a reminder that every individual has a divine role to play.
“I send my heartfelt condolences and prayers that Almighty God grants the family the strength and fortitude to bear the great loss,” Adelabu quoted the President, saying, “Baba lived a life worth emulating by his children, his community, and the nation at large.”
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to study the lives of their forebears, emulate their virtues, learn from their mistakes, and build a future anchored on integrity, hard work, and faith in God.
He said that because Chief Moses Adegbite lived a worthy life, his soul would rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord, and further wished that the Lord grant his family the required strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
President Tinubu used the opportunity to ask for prayers for the success of his administration, stating that his administration has initiated a lot of people-oriented programmes which, though painful, will be light at the end of the tunnel”.
Legacy’s of a Legend
In his homily, the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, quoting James 4:14, reminded the congregation that the fleeting nature of life should awaken a deeper sense of purpose and spiritual readiness. “Life is like a vapour that appears for a little while and then vanishes”, he said, stressing that no amount of age, wealth, or earthly accomplishment can prolong one’s time on earth.
He decreed that titles, material success, and possessions do not define the true value of life, recalling Jesus’ words, “life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” He called on believers to live in constant preparation for the coming of Christ.
His Eminence Aba described late Pa Adegbite as a man of intention: “The legend is gone, but his legacy remained with us”. He was a democrat, a trustworthy and enthusiastic man who invested deeply in his family and set standards worthy of emulation, he said.
He called on Nigerians to ensure that their lives leave positive memories behind and urged citizens to unite, pray, and work together for national progress. “This nation is our own; we have no other place we can call a home,” he charged.
Adding that, “This is a time for sober reflection, prayer, and collective responsibility. Nigerians should support the present government with faith, and hope for a better Nigeria”.
Remarkable Commendations
Condolence messages poured in from across Nigeria, including letters from prominent people describing Pa Adegbite as a man of faith, integrity, and service whose influence transcended his immediate family.
In his remarks, Archbishop John Osa-Oni was delighted at the ministers of God from different denominations across the country and beyond. He described the burial as befitting a life of impact, and advised Nigerians, especially the church leaders, to remember their roots and give back meaningfully to their communities.
Osa-Oni commended Pa Adegbite’s enduring legacy and encouraged the children to remain united, stating that harmony within the family would be the greatest honour to their late father.
Speaking to journalists after the interment, Bishop Stephen Adegbite described his late father as a man of uncommon doggedness, strong will, and contentment.
“I will always remember him for his resilience and discipline. He produced two bishops, my brother, Bishop Solomon Abayomi Adegbite, and me, and he taught us contentment”.
“Pa Adegbite was loved in his community for his compassion, generosity, and peaceful disposition”, he stated.
The family thanked God, he rededicated his life to Christ before his transition and consistently urged his children to live in peace and unity.
“Though a disciplinarian, our father had a large heart and fear of God. In his honour, the family has embarked on several legacy projects, including the construction of an Adult School for the Methodist Primary School he attended, a Headmistress’ Office, and the Bishop’s Court for the Third Methodist Church Circuit, which has already been completed and handed over.
The court will be known as Moses Adegbite Memorial Methodist Court, Fiditi, Adegbite declared, and pledged that, “as the Lord lives, the support for the diocese, archdiocese, and conference will continue“.
Guests at the burial agreed that Pa Moses Adediran Adegbite’s life was not only celebrated but also documented in the hearts of those he touched to build the legacy he left behind.
