Francis 'Jide MAKINWA

 

"If life is a gift, then old age is a special blessing; a divine favour that no human effort can manufacture. Today, we honour a great Patriach and Matriach, living legends of our time; Baba Sir James Adenkola Afolabi (Ksm) and Mama Lady Lucy Emiola Afolabi (Lsm) as they both celebrate lives that span four generations; ninety years". This message was delivered by Rev. Fr. Benjamin Adebiyi during the thanksgiving Mass of the couple at St. Leo Catholic Church, Oke onitea, Osogbo, Osun State on 24th April, 2026.

  The Mass was presided over by Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Babafemi Adesina and concelebrated with the Bishop of Osogbo Diocese; Most Rev. John Akinkunmi Oyejola, the Vicar General of Osogbo Diocese; Very Rev. Fr. Thaddeus Ajayi and ten priests.

 Fr. Benjamin said the lives of the couple are beautifully intertwined as they were born in the same year into devout Catholic Christian families in Oyan and Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State. They were both trained as teachers. They both studied Geography at University and served as educators and leaders. Baba Afolabi taught at Anglican Grammar school, Ile-Ife, before joining Oyo State Civil Service, where he rose to the post of Permanent Secretary and retired in 1996.  Mama continued her teaching career at Our Lady's High School, Ile-Ife, and other secondary schools in Ibadan, retiring as the Principal of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in 1991.

Later in life, they jointly established and are serving through Amazing Grace Schools, in Osogbo and also founded the Emi-Kola Afolabi Foundation. They are both deeply rooted and committed in the Church and Opus Dei. And by the grace of God, they are both blessed with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 “Their lives are testimony that when two lives are surrendered to God, grace multiplies”, Fr. Benjamin stated.

 The priest explained that the Holy Bible portrays old age as a blessing, a sign of God's favour and an opportunity for continued fruitfulness and wisdom; "A hoary head is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." (Proverbs 16:31) and a time when God promises to sustain and carry his people, offering a chance to declare His power to new generations; "even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save." (Isaiah 46:4).

 Fr. Benjamin however reaffirmed to the congregation that old age is not man-made. It does not depend on riches, diet, exercise, or frequent medical check-ups. All these might help, but they do not guarantee longevity. "Baba and Mama Afolabi's long lives are not accidental, but the fruit of faithfulness, selfless service and hearts that fear God and this is in line with Psalms 92:13-14; 'The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD, they flourish in the courts of our God. Psalms 92:14'" the priest said.

  In conclusion, Fr. Benjamin encouraged Baba and Mama Afolabi to continue in their good works, to forgive freely, and let go of every hurt. He urged them to keep their eyes on eternity so that at the end they would say like St. Paul; "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7) and like St. Stephen; "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:56).

 Bishop Oyejola, in his post-communion comment, heartily congratulated the celebrants. He said, the couple, through their strong Catholic faith are witnessing to the sacrament of matrimony and the Eucharist. They are committed to their marital vows through their faithfulness and perseverance as expected by the Church. Also, they attend daily Mass regularly, receiving the holy Eucharist. As Jesus said, "For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him"(John 6:55-56). Jesus Christ remains the focus of Baba and Mama Afolabi and He has been their strength and has been upholding them”, he said.

 The Bishop encouraged the congregation to remain faithful and committed to Jesus Christ and live their lives witnessing to Him.

 Apart from the 90th birthday of the couple, the occasion was also used to celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary and the 20th anniversary of their pet project; “Emi-Kola Afolabi Foundation,” a humanitarian service, to support community development and social welfare.

Also in attendance at the occasion were the Religious sisters of various congregations, Knights and Ladies of St. Mulumba, members of the association of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, dignitaries of Church and State, family members from Oyan and Otan Ayegbaju, parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oke Odo, and the host parish; St. Leo.