By Wuraola Oyedokun
There was an outpouring of tributes and encomium as family, friends, the Celestial church, professional colleagues and business associates gathered in Ibadan on Friday 9th August, 2024 to hold a final outing / commendation service for late Architect Olusola Oyelayo Ogundiwin who died at the age of 63 on Monday 1st July, 2024 after an illness.
Ogundiwin, a retired civil servant with the Oyo State Government and committed senior member of the Celestial Church of Christ {CCC}, died on July 1, 2024 at the age of 63.
The activities to mark his final journey began on Thursday August 8, 2024, with a Christian Wake held at the Function Hall of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.The programme had in attendance many prominent personalities from overseas and within the shores of Nigeria.
The programme of activities continued the following day Friday, 9th August, 2024 with a lying-in-state held at his residence along Unity Street, Bashorun, Ibadan.
After the lying – in – state, a burial service was held at thesame venue. The service was conducted by son of the late founder of the Celestial Church of Christ(CCC) Worldwide who is also Shepherd – in – Charge of CCC Ketu International, Lagos, Rev. Pastor E. M. F Oshofa.
Rev. Pastor Oshofa described late Sola Ogundiwin as a diligent man who contributed immensely to humanity and the work of God. He called on Nigerians to live a life of impact, saying the legacies one left  behind are more important than the number of years one spent on earth.
At the ceremony, family members, friends, church members, colleagues and other admirers paid glowing tributes to late Architect Ogundiwin who retired from the Oyo State Civil Service three years ago as Director of Public Buildings after thirty- five years of meritorious service.
They all testified to his exemplary and impactful life. Architect Ogundiwin was described by an Uncle, Dr Dele Taiwo.
Oyefunke Ogundiwin, a daughter of the icon, described her father as a wonderful father. ‘’He was always there for us. He was a wonderful father’’, Oyefunke said. On his part, Olusegun Ogundiwin, son, said his father was an epitome of determination, strength and persistence. ‘’I will miss him a lot. I will miss his humour, and candour as well as the way he used to call me. He was a man of determination, strength and persistence’’, Olusegun said.
 To Mr. Dele Taiwo, Arc. Ogundiwin was a special breed.  Taiwo said : ‘’We grew up together in Lagos. He meant a lot to us and to me. He was a pillar in the family and community. He designed the drums at the entrance of the Oyo State Secretariat Complex. He has done well. He was specially called to serve humanity’’.
Also speaking, Mr. Taiwo Adegbite, an uncle of the  late icon, said he was a livewire.
Adegbite said: ‘’ He was my livewire. I carried him when he was young. He was my adviser and counsel. I will miss him a lot’’.
One of the deceased’s children, Kehinde Ogundiwin, read the biography of her father while Olusegun read Bible verses taken from Revelation chapter 14 verses 6 to 13.
Ogundiwin was thereafter committed to mother earth at his residence.