Congratulations to a servant of God at 70 years.

I met Prof. P. O Olatunji and his wife about 27 years ago. They are a phenomenal couple who became our de-facto parents, mentors, as well as uncle and aunty. Since it is Uncle Sola’s birthday, I will try to write more about him but that’s difficult to do without bringing his wife in because they were truly one. He became a strong factor in Christianity in Ilorin as a man whose path many loved to toe because we believed that even with our eyes closed, we could follow him and be sure we would still be on the right path. He was one given to deep insight of the word of God, always prepared in season and out of season to share from the Word.

He was a benefactor to many of us and we cannot pay the debt of gratitude to this man of God. He would support we his “aburos” during A.R.D strikes when there were no salaries, and this was a man who had no private practice. He and his wife were always cheerful givers and they never lacked. They were the de-facto Next-of-Kin to many of us young Christian doctors in Ilorin at the time. Their home was our home. Many of us started our stay in Uncle’s home after youth service before getting our first apartments. We automatically gathered in their home during festive periods. Before we had cars, their cars were available for our use. The naming of our first child almost took place in their home when our families brought the final challenge to our conversion to Christianity on the day of the ceremony. Their home was the natural alternate home.

Prof. Olatunji is an epitome of truth, forthrightness, honesty, hard work and boldness. He is an easy and trusted example to follow. While in Ilorin, he served the Chapel of the Light as a leader in all respects; bible study leader and eventually, the Chairman of the Chapel Committee. He was a key person among Christian workers in the U.I.T.H. In any setting, one would always love to be under his bible study teachings and messages. This usually serves a combination of deep insight of the word of God; truth which is made easy to accept with humour.

Uncle, I am happy to inform you that your labour with others in the hospital were rewarded. The Christian movement in the hospital is strong. We have a Chapel building and a Chaplain. We are building a school and we have a cooperative for the brethren. The students of the school in the hospital also have a befitting chapel under construction. His leadership qualities were always evident in any setting the Lord placed him. He taught us how to relate with our wives with honour. Even when he disagreed with his wife, he would say it with humour, “my dear ...” When it was obvious the family had to leave Ilorin for Ogun state, we knew we were missing a great deal. Our seeming loss is a great gain to Sagamu and the Church there.

On behalf of the entire congregation of The Chapel of the Light, Chapel of Christ the Healer and the Christian Community in UITH, I wish you many more decades of being blessed and being a blessing to humanity. May the Lord grant you joy, peace, honour and good health as the decades roll by in Jesus’ name. Amen Professor Ademola Popoola Consultant Urologist Chairman, Chapel Council, Chapel of the Light, University of Ilorin Chairman, Chapel Committee, Chapel of Christ the Healer, U.I.T.H.