The final burial rites for the late Director of Social Communication, Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan and the immediate past Editor of the Catholic Weekly Independent, Rev. Fr. Anthony Oyedamola Akiwowo concluded on Tuesday, 8th of April 2025 with a Requiem Mass at St. Theresa Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Members of Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN) and Catholic Artists and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN) had earlier on Saturday, April 5, 2025 made a visitation to the family house of the deceased at Jakata Akala; while on Sunday, April 6, 2025, a Candle Light Procession was held in his honour from Ibadan International Airport Junction to St. John the Baptist parish.

On Monday, April 7, 2025, a Vigil Mass was held at St. Theresa Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, with Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, priests, religious and lay faithful in attendance. The homilist at the Vigil Mass was the Dean of Igbo-Ora Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Vincent Alabi; who gave thanks to God for the life of Fr. Anthony Akiwowo. He added that what was being celebrated is to remind ourselves that death will come, whenever it will come.

The requiem Mass on Tuesday, 8th April, 2025 had as the Chief Celebrant, The Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Omolade, supported by the Classmates of the deceased, Rev. Frs. Christopher Ojikutu and Emmanuel Ogboli. The Mass started with the Morning prayers of the office for the dead.

Also in attendance were the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job; Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo; the Vicar Generals of Archdiocese of Ibadan and Diocese of Osogbo, Very Rev. Frs: Gregory Oyelami and Thaddeus Ajayi respectively; Pastoral Secretary of Ibadan Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade; delegates from the Maronite Eparchy; Monsignori, Priests, Religious, Seminarians, Lay faithful and the deceased family members.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ogboli appreciated all the Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Religious, Lay faithful and the deceased family members. In a special way, he recognized and condoled with the deceased Parents, Baba Gabriel Akiwowo and Mama Comfort Akiwowo. “We are all in grief at the loss of another priest in the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Oyedamola Akiwowo, who was born on 3rd September, 1974; ordained on 7th July 2007 and died on 29th March, 2025, a day to my birthday. What a birthday gift to me?”

The homilist going further said the Late Rev. Fr. Anthony Akiwowo seemed hard to some people in defense of his right while for some others, he was the man who liked to put things right. He added that death often picks people when they are most needed, rendering useless all the deceased had at hand. All his efforts in life, his struggle at completing the rectory at St. John the Baptist etc and to this, one might think God is contradicting Himself.

“Death is not a disaster as it seems, though premature death seems like a punishment but the deceased gained more than they have lost.” The priest therefore enjoined all to focus their attention on the other side of death, which is eternal life. “Nobody wants to enter into casket or whatever name it is called, but whether we like it or not we shall enter it one day. Are you prepared?” The homilist asked.

Fr. Ogboli explained that God uses death differently because His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. “We come with different timing. Some will live longer, while some others, shorter, hence, the quality of life is not determined by its length. A day with the Lord is like a thousand days and vice versa. The Late Rev. Fr. Anthony Oyedamola Akiwowo served as a priest for close to 18 years. He passed from death to life. We have witnessed priests dying a year or more after their ordination. He had touched many souls. Even one day in the Lord’s Vineyard is enough to justify our callings. He had left all he had for people to use without his permission. His death speaks volume. Let us live as if today is the only day left for us.” The homilist admonished.

The final commendation rite was later performed by the Dean of Oke-Ado Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Matthew Oniseitan, while prayer at the Graveyard was said by the President of NCDPA, Ibadan Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Francis Adedigba. We continue to pray that may rest the soul of Fr. Akiwowo in perfect peace. Amen.