Tributes, tears, as Lagos buries Governor Ambode's aide Deji Tinubu (photos)

macfranc007 January 31, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Oluwatobi Bolashodun

- Friends, family members and colleagues on Tuesday, January 30 paid their last respects to the late special adviser to the governor on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Deji Tinubu

- The late Tinubu was eulogised for his sterling qualities at a funeral service at the City of David parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Victoria Island

- Ambode’s aide, slumped during a novelty match in Epe area of Lagos state

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state and the wife of the Vice-President, Dolapo Osinbajo, on Tuesday, January 30, led friends, family members and colleagues to pay their last respects to the late special adviser to Ambode on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Deji Tinubu.

At a funeral service at the City of David parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God on Victoria Island, the late Tinubu was eulogised for his sterling qualities.

Tears as Deji Tinubu was laid to final rest in Lagos (photos)

The funeral service for late Deji Tinubu held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Victoria Island, Lagos. Photo credit: Twitter, Lagos state government

Deji slumped while playing in a novelty football match with some members of the State Executive Council at the Jubilee Chalets in Epe on January 25.

In a tribute published in the funeral service brochure and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, the state government described Tinubu as a professional, who devoted time to the service of humanity.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode with the family of Late Deji Tinubu. Photo credit: Twitter, Lagos state government

“He was an engineer but he was also an engineer of sports. He was both a sportsman and sports lover. But he is unforgettable as a sports administrator. Those who followed him knew him as a symbol of service to humanity,” the tribute read in part.

Speaking at the service, Amosun described the late Tinubu as a man who had a passion for football and sports in general.

He commiserated with Ambode and the state, stressing that Tinubu’s call to glory was an act of God.

“God’s ways are not our ways; when it happens like this, we have to thank Him. We have to be thankful to God for his life in the 54 years he spent with us,” Amosun said.

Deji Tinubu had slumped while playing a novelty football match with some members of the State Executive Council on Thursday, January 25. Photo credit: Twitter, Lagos state government

The wife of the vice president urged the Tinubu family to take comfort in God, praying that God would sustain them.

In his sermon, the Pastor in charge of the parish, Idowu Iluyomade, said Tinubu was a pillar, who contributed to the building of the church.

He said: “I have known Deji (Tinubu) for 22 years. He was a giver and a lover of football. To the family, I want you to take solace in the fact that everyone will die or be raptured. Today, we celebrate Deji because we know he’s in a better place.”

Wife of the vice president Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo condoles with the family of Late Deji Tinubu. Photo credit: Adesuwa Iyare

Iluyomade urged the congregation to see Tinubu’s death as a reminder of the futility of life and the need to submit their lives to God.

Other dignitaries present at the service were the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; a former governor of Anambra State, Dr Peter Obi; Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Mr. Dele Momodu; Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi and members of the Lagos State Executive Council.

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news

In a previous report by NAIJ.com, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state cancelled an ongoing three-day retreat of members of the state executive council and permanent secretaries at the Jubilee Chalets, Epe, following the sudden death of special adviser on commerce, industry and cooperatives to the governor, Deji Tinubu.

Nigerian Tribune reports that Deji, who was recently moved from being special adviser on sports and chairman of the state’s sports commission to take up his new portfolio.

Ambode's second term is shaking, says Lagos woman - on NAIJ.com TV.