TEARS, EMOTIONS AS VENERABLE ADEBOLA OGUNMOLA LAID TO REST IN ADO-EKITI
…Ogunmola Left A Vacuum Difficult To Fill – Christ’s School 83-88 Set Chairman, Prof Adekola
It was a display of emotions on Thursday as family, friends, church members and the Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti Alumni gathered to bid Venerable Mark Adebola Ogunmola farewell.
The funeral service was held at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Textile Area, Ado-Ekiti.
The event had in attendance members of Oba Aroloye Anglican Church, Idanre, members of the Anglican Church from Ilara-Mokin in Ifedore local government area of Ondo State as well as sympathisers from far and near.
The service was presided over by the Bishop of Idanre Missionary Diocese, Rt. Revd Bode Otenaike while the national leadership of the Anglican Church in Nigeria was represented.
Delivering his sermon in the emotion-laden service, Venerable S.K Lasunloye described the late Venerable Mark Adebola Ogunmola as a committed servant of God with zeal for prayers and evangelism.
While noting that God cannot be wicked, Venerable S.K. Lasunloye urged the immediate family, the church and all those the deceased left behind to take solace in God who is the overall decision maker on all matters affecting humans.
Addressing the gathering, the Bishop of Idanre Missionary Diocese, Rt. Hon. Bode Otenaike expressed concern that the deceased had to bid the world farewell but expressed the hope that Ogunmola is in a better realm with the Lord.
Bishop Otenaike comforted the immediate family, the church and all he left behind, noting that it had pleased God to call him at this time.
Also speaking, the Chairman of 83/88 Set Alumni Association of Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Solomon Adekola who was represented by the General Secretary, Engr. Babafemi Ogunlade described the late Venerable Mark Adebola Ogunmola as a loyal friend and brother who can be relied upon anytime the need arises.
Prof Adekola said the deceased has left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill, assuring that the association will continue to stand by the family anytime the need arises.
His body was later interred at the Anglican Church Cemetery at Fajuyi area of the Ekiti State capital.
BIOGRAPHY OF VEN. MARK ADEBOLA OGUNMOLA
Venerable MARK ADEBOLA OGUNMOLA is a man whose life has been defined by unwavering commitment—to God, to the Church, and to the service of humanity. Born on August 21, 1970, in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria, ADEBOLA was the first of four children.
His parents, though from a humble background, were rich in faith, and they raised their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
From a young age, ADEBOLA displayed a deep hunger for spiritual things. At a young age he gave his life to Christ and it was there that he received the clear call to ministry. Though he did not fully understand what it meant at the time, he said “yes” to God—and he has never looked back.
He was a member of the prayer band of the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel Ado-Ekiti and pioneer president of Anglican Students fellow (ASF) at Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti and Evangelism Coordinator of NCCF Calabar during his service year.
Venerable ADEBOLA pursued his theological education at the Arch Bishop Vining College of Theology in Akure (2013-2015), where he graduated with distinction. He obtained a Higher National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunication options, from the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti (1992-1996) and Christ School Ado-Ekiti (1983/1988).
But for him, these academic achievements were never about titles; they were tools to equip him for the work he was called to do.
His ministry began humbly, as the Vicar of Anglican Church, Omo Alejo, Seebi, Akure, a small rural congregation.
But Venerable Adebola saw potential where others saw lack.
He visited homes, prayed with the sick, counselled the broken and preached with conviction.
He was later posted to St. Andrews Anglican Church Oyemekun.
Over the next decade, Venerable Adebola served in various capacities at Oba David Aroloye Memorial Anglican Church at the Missionary Diocese of Idanre —Vicar Aroloye Anglican Church, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, Diocesan Prayer Coordinator, Secretary, board of Evangelism.
In every role, his hallmark was the same: integrity, diligence, and selfless service.
He was known to give his own to support struggling members, to walk miles to visit the bedridden, and to wake for intercessory prayer on behalf of his congregation and community.
One of the most remarkable aspects of his commitment was his unwavering stance on truth and justice, even when it was costly.
His commitment was also evident in his philanthropic works. For him, the Gospel was not just words—it was action. After years of active ministry, Venerable Adebola remains as passionate as the day he started, travelling to remote villages to preach, mentoring young ministers.
Today, Venerable Adebola is remembered not for his titles, but for his heart. He is a husband to his devoted wife, he got married to, on the 19th December 1998, Miss Waleola, father to two lovely godly children, and a spiritual father to many.
His life is a living testament that commitment is not about perfection—it is about persistence. It is about showing up, staying faithful, and loving God and people, even when no one is watching.
His legacy continues to echo in the lives he has touched, the souls he has won, and the kingdom he has so faithfully built.
Venerable Adebola is not just a minister. he is a soldier of the cross, and his commitment remains unshaken till this very day.
Survived by his aged parents, wife, children and siblings.
