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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

The writer started the day; Tuesday, March 11 with reinvigorated hopes, and great expectations. Looking forward towards positive developments around and about families, friends, colleagues, and associates. However, at about 9 in the morning, the songs changed, and melodies turned sour. Within ten minutes, a couple of calls dropped the most unexpected, unexplainable, and unthinkable news. That, Reverend Father Pius Femi Oladele, MSP, has departed the earth to join saints in heaven. Silent wishes that there could be some mix-up were erased, as Clement Oladele, Deputy Corp Marshall with the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC); brother to Rev. Father confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with the writer. A palpable state of shock and sadness envelope the writer. In fits of anger and pain, many questions, serial puzzles, and numerous posers kept running through the mind in cinematic rapidity.

In his over three-decade ecclesiastical calling, Father Oladele traversed different locations in South Africa and Nigeria. He truly, and thoroughly had an all-inclusive perception and all-embracing approach to life, living, identified with locals anywhere he was posted. Throughout his missionary odyssey, people, and humanity was the fulcrum of his calling. He showed unequivocal commitment and consistent sacrificial contributions to the personal growth, religious advancement, and communal development of territories.The last three words, “Lerato, Leef Voort ” of the title of this Tribute is informed by Father Oladele’s laudable integration with various communities in South Africa where he served for about twenty years, and understood, spoke the native Afrikaan language with distinction. He was at home, and related freely, easily with the locals that he adopted “Lerato” meaning “Love” in Sesotho language spoken in South Africa and Lesotho, as his name.

Either in priesthood or relationship with people, Father Oladele epitomized the teachings of Jesus Christ. In whatever he does; official or personal, formal or informal, he upholds God’s counsel and teaches; “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.” From the testimonies of people in Nigeria, South Africa, and across the world, he believed in “ministering the Word” and “ministering to the Needs” of people. According to Mr. Gideon Anosike, of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Bariga, Lagos; where he was the Parish Priest between 2013 and 2017, “he had a very convincing and reassuring approach to his ministerial work such that, within months of resumption, he became the darling of everybody. His love, and interest in the religious and personal development of church members was exceptional.” Corroborating, Ms. Bridget Okorie of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Gwagwalada declared that, “he was such a wonderful Priest who was always there for members. For me, and many others, unarguably, he was one of the best Priests around.” For Mr. John Bongani of St. Kizito Catholic Church, Bohlokang-Bethlehem, South Africa; where Father Oladele served as it’s first Parish Priest, “his unique style of ministering, and transparent leadership contributed immensely to the growth of the Parish. He impacted us so much that when he was posted to another Church at Lindley Parish we all felt terribly bad.”

Undoubtedly, the chorus of an old but popular Christian song that, “wherever he goes (went), he was doing good,” resonates with the personae and personality of Father Oladele. From various accounts of Catholics, friends, colleagues, staff, family members, and many others, he lived a life of compassion, empathy, and altruism. He was extremely charismatic, genial, gracious, and had pleasant demeanour. Always positively impacting lives of not just people close to him but anybody that comes around him. Refer to him as the destiny helper of many people, you won’t be wrong. Through his teachings, love, and benevolence, many people; whose destinies were hitherto perverted, and destroyed, have been positively re-directed. For him, there was no middle-position when touching people’s lives. Prevarication and procrastination had no entry permit whenever he decides to reach-out to people.

Sir Johnson Jimoh, KSM, brother in-law to Father Oladele confirmed that, “he was a true missionary who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity. Throughout his time on earth, he gave proper meaning to the divine assignment of missionaries by expressly touching the lives of people.” Mrs. Ireti Oladele, a sister in-law strongly believes that, “he was a gift to humanity, such a kind, gentle, loving, and compassionate soul. Anytime my children and I visit him, I always marvel at the depth of his benevolence and generosity he showers on people, and still feels he should have done more. That he is an unapologetic lover of children is an understatement. In fact, during his birthday last year, the sheer number of children from humble homes, less privileged, and the down trodden that felicitated with him was unbelievable. He was genuinely friendly with them as they flocked around him in total excitement.”

Truly, one is pleasantly surprised at the quality and quantity, as well as the space and speed in which Father Oladele extends favour and gestures to people. Like someone on a mission whose allotted time was brief, he appeared almost, always in haste to fulfill this divine assignment. Mrs. Paulina Akinlabi, a parishioner with St. Flavius Catholic Church, Oworonshoki, Lagos, where Father Oladele superintendent between June 2020 and February 2021, declared that, “though he was here for less than one year, the impact he made was far more than some other priests before him. I don’t know how he does it but he reaches out to church members who are in dire need. More importantly, he doesn’t want to be acknowledged or celebrated for touching lives, as he preferred to remain anonymous. He was such a simple, easy going, and practical priest.” According to Mr. Martins Yohana of St. Kevin Catholic Church, Nyanya, Abuja, “as an assistant Parish Priest under the leadership of Very Revd. Father Donatus Akpan in 2012, he was very popular among parishioners. He showered love and compassion to members. These virtues endeared him to many people who flocked around him for prayers, discussions, and requests after Mass. was gifted with uncommon love, compassion, and considerate virtues that was easily noticeable by people. Mr. Molu Dada, an Ilorin-based Educationist, and cousin, agreed that “it is not surprising that people eulogized these attributes in Father. As a younger cousin, I recall with nostalgia that he had these kindhearted, generous, and empathetic traits from way back. Even as a student (while in secondary school), there is nothing he can’t give; he is that good, loving, and caring.”

Father Oladele’s schoolmates; the 1981 set at St. Barnabas Secondary School, Kabba, which was one of the top grade “A” post-primary schools in the old Kwara (now Kogi) state, in a message affirmed that Oladele was, “an extraordinary phenomenon of transformation, who embody the scripture in 1 Peter 2:9.” The statement signed by Pastor (Dr) Sha’e Bebeyi, President of the Group added that, “the countless lives you ministered to are mourning your departure, while heaven rejoices at your recall to glory.” By the way, though he had the liberty to spank erring students as the Labour Perfect but Father Oladele never used the big stick to cane anybody. Asked why, he confessed that he believes moving around with the big stick will not only scare but make students comply with instructions. An ingenious strategy which some of his classmates confirmed worked.

Mr. Raphael Lethabo of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ficksburg, South Africa; where Father Oladele was the Parish Priest, “the earth’s loss is heaven’s gain. Though I was not here when he was the Parish Priest but sweet testimonies of his great exploits, passion for members’ personal growth, and communal development are very inspiring. Since his death became public, those who knew him while he was here, and in the entire Diocese of Bethlehem have been regularly, and passionately speaking about him.” Still in shock, Mr. Fidelis, popularly called Papa Fidel was the personal driver of Father Oladele while he was in Lagos. Amid tensed and pensive moods, he asked, “why do good men die early? Why did God call Father home this early? Why has death taken away someone who touched me, and my family in very special ways? See, even after leaving Lagos for Abuja, he still extends his benevolence to me. Father was a very good man, always wanting people around him to be happy.”

From confirmed reports, it was obvious that Father Oladele knew he would end up being a priest. He was a dedicated Mass Server (Altar Boy), as a young student, at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Lokoja; and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Kabba, both in present day Kogi state. He continued this solemn assignment at St. Augustine’s College, Kabba, from where he moved to St. Barnabas Secondary School, also in Kabba, completed his secondary education. While working at the Kano Plastic Company; one of the biggest manufacturing industries in the northern commercial city, with strong passion and desire to build an entrepreneurial career, he received the call to Priesthood. Thereafter, he underwent priestly missionary training at the National Missionary of St. Paul, which was then in Iperu Remo, Ogun state. On June 22nd, 1991, he (and twelve others) were Ordained as Catholic Reverend Fathers of the Missionary of St. Paul (MSP); a specialized priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church, at the new National Headquarters in Gwagwalada, Abuja, by Most Revd. W.J. McCormack, the National Director, Propagation of the Faith, United States of America. He was posted to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Maiduguri, where he served for about a year under Very Revd. Father Hillary Akpunku; who (then) was a Captain with the Nigerian Army.

Following his first missionary posting, Father Oladele arrived in South Africa on January 1st, 1992, where he spent most of his priesthood life. For 19 years, he was at the Diocese of Bethlehem located in the eastern part of the Free State province. Bethlehem, is specifically situated in the Thabo Mofutsanyane region, near the popular Maluti Mountain. While there, he moved around different Parishes, and occupied notable positions, and offices. Given his love for people, he seamlessly assimilated into their culture, and spoke the Afrikaan language fluently and flawlessly. His versatility, resourcefulness, and religious prowess earned him numerous recognition and elevation. Appointed Vicar-General from 2009 to 2011; Acting Bishop of South Africa (first non-indigene); citizenship of the Republic of South Africa; Diocesan Commissioner of Oaths. He was at various times Dean of the Central Deanery (three consecutive terms); Diocesan Director of the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal; Member, College of Consultants (for eight years); Local Superior, Missionary of St. Paul in South Africa (for two terms). He was the Parish Priest of many Catholic Churches in and around the Diocese of Bethlehem including Bohlokang; Lindley; Ficksburg; Odendaalsrus; Kuttwanang; and Welkom.

After his missionary duties in South Africa, Father Oladele came back to Nigeria for his sabbatical; pending receipt of fresh posting. While in Nigeria, he was deployed to the Nyanya, Abuja Parish; under the Abuja Arch Diocese as Assistant Parish Priest to Very Revd. Father Donatus Akpan in 2012. Between 2013 and 2017, he was appointed Parish Priest of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Lady Lak, Bariga, Lagos. Transferred to St. Flaviis Catholic Church, Oworonshoki, Lagos, between June 2020 and February 2021. Later transferred to St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Gwagwalada, under the Parish Priest, Revd. Father Gabriel Ekoe. Sadly, he was to resume at a new Parish in the United States of America; for his next missionary posting, when he died.

Late Revd. Father Pius Femi Oladele, MSP, was born on August 17, 1961 to the family of late PA Martins Oladele, and Mrs Margaret Oladele, both from Kabba, Kogi state. Fondly called OJILATI; by schoolmates, friends, and associates, he was a broad-minded, diligent and dedicated lover of God, His Kingdom, and humanity. He lived a life of peace, contentment, sacrifice, and other enviable virtues that are anchored on the teachings of Jesus Christ. He is survived by an aged mother; siblings, Mrs. Josephine Jimoh; DCM Clement Oladele; Mrs. Christy Iluogben; Mr. Francis Oladele; Mrs. Veronica Obaloko; and Mrs. Julie Oloniruha. The Yoruba tribe believes that, “we do not mourn the dead, we celebrate their lives,” and Ghanians admonish that, “the dead are not dead, they are alive in our hearts.” Indeed, Father Oladele’s legacy of compassion, empathy, and selfless service to God and mankind; with no iota of discrimination and segregation will remain paramount in our hearts. As they say in the Afrikaan language; which he spoke with brilliance and beauty, “Lerato, Leef Voort” that is; Love, Lives On! Revd. Father Pius Femi Lerato Oladele LIVES ON!!!

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.