Clerics, others extol virtues of late Fakeye

Some clerics have described the late Prophet Gabriel Fakeye, Leader of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (Ayo Ni o), as a virtuous, righteous, peace loving man.

In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), they also said that the late cleric was a unifying factor.

Fakeye, who was popularly known as the psalmist, passed on at the age of 78.

His death was announced by the church on Jan. 11, during a service in Lagos.

Some clerics told NAN that Fakeye lived according to the principles of the Bible, adding that he was a true man of God who would be missed by many.

Monsignor Gabriel Osu, Director of Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, said that Fakeye was humble and respectful.

``May his soul rest in peace; he was a man who I met in many occasions and at different forums.

``He was humble and very respectful in my dealings with him,” Osu said.

Mr Enoch Adeshola, Chairman, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, described the deceased as an icon and a dependable man of God.

``He was an angel of our generation; he was a philanthropist and a truthful person; we pray to emulate his exemplary life.

Mr George Ogunleye, the General Secretary of the church, said that Fakeye worked tirelessly for the church for more than 45 years.

``He was ill for sometime; we prayed and thought he would be alive but he died on Sunday morning at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

``Fakeye was a man of God who touched the lives of many people. He was very religious and would be remembered for his simplicity and prayerful life.

``He will be missed a lot,’’ he told NAN.

Mrs Elizabeth Bakare, a member of the church, said that she was sick for about 15 years and was prayed for and healed by the late cleric.

``Anytime I remember his death, I remember that he saved my life.

``All the while I was sick, baba (Fakeye) used to call me and ask me how I was doing because I was a Muslim.

``He was an important factor in my life because he made me to become a Christian,” she said.

Mr Sola Akinwande, also a member of the church, described the deceased as a wonderful and a great leader.

``Baba Fakeye was a wonderful leader; I will miss him.