Caleb University Visitor commiserates with Lagos GAC member, Pa Odunmbaku, over wife’s death

The Visitor to Caleb University, Lagos, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, has extended heartfelt condolences to the member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku (Baba Eto), over the death of his beloved wife, Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku. Odunmbaku’s wife died on June 25 at the age of 59. The Visitor sent a high-powered management team, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, to the elder statesman’s residence in Oke-Ira, Ogba, Lagos State, to convey his message and those of the Governing Council and Management of Caleb University to the bereaved family. Other members of the delegation were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Prof. Sunday Adewale, his Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration (RISA) counterpart; Prof. Adesola Ajayi, the University’s Registrar, Mr. Mayokun Olumeru, the Bursar, Mr. Adesina Abubakre, Mr. Oluseyi Shodimu, Mrs. Oluyemi Olaore of the Special Projects Unit and Mr. Olawale Adekoya, Principal Information and Media Expert. The delegation was warmly received at the Odunmbaku family residence, where prayers were offered for divine comfort, strength and the peaceful repose of the departed matriarch’s soul. In his remark, Prof.  Asikhia described the deceased as an exceptional woman whose life embodied faith, humility, compassion and selfless service to God and humanity. He said: "On behalf of our esteemed Visitor, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, the Governing Council and the entire Caleb University community, I extend our deepest condolences to Cardinal James Odunmbaku and the entire family. The passing of a beloved spouse leaves a vacuum that words can scarcely fill, yet we are comforted by the exemplary life Mama lived. Her enduring legacy of faith, kindness, humility and unwavering devotion to God will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her. We pray that Almighty God grants the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and grants her gentle soul eternal rest." Mrs. Odunmbaku was widely admired for her exemplary life of Christian service, humility and philanthropy. During her tenure as a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State, the deceased distinguished herself through her contributions to public service, women empowerment and grassroots development. She was also a devoted leader of the Celestial Church of Christ and an unwavering pillar of support whose steadfast encouragement significantly complemented the illustrious public service career of her husband. Responding to the delegation, Odunmbaku, in company of his Chief Of Staff, Hon. Olabode Sunday Olaniyan, expressed profound appreciation to the Visitor and Management of Caleb University for standing with him and his family during their moment of grief. "My special gratitude goes to Dr. Oladega Adebogun, Proprietor of the Caleb Group of Schools and Founder/Visitor to Caleb University. He is a unique and exceptionally distinguished gentleman. "Though I grieve the passing of my beloved wife, I am greatly comforted by the assurance that she lived a fulfilled life of worship, service and unwavering devotion to God. I have no doubt that she now rests peacefully in the bosom of her Creator. "Let us all remember that a day is coming when each of us shall give an account of our stewardship before God,” he stated. Also speaking, the Registrar said Caleb University identifies with the Odunmbaku family because great institutions are built not only on academic excellence but also on compassion, shared values and genuine concern for humanity. “Today, we have come not merely as representatives of an institution but as members of one family standing shoulder to shoulder with Baba Eto during this difficult season,” Olumeru noted.