Alaafin Mourns Late Rev. Suulola, Hails His Spiritual Depth and Love for Humanity
The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has described the late Reverend Dr. Akintayo Olufunmilade Suulola as a morally upright and remarkable servant of God who combined deep spiritual commitment with practical love for humanity.
The Alaafin stated this in a condolence message issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, over the death of the renowned clergyman, who died abroad after a global evangelical crusade.
Rev. Suulola, an Oyo-born Prince of the Oyo Kingdom, Chartered Accountant, renowned evangelical preacher and General Overseer of Scripture Group Mission (SGM), was said to have devoted about five decades to the Christian ministry.
Oba Owoade described the deceased as a man of honesty, integrity, perseverance and strong moral principles, noting that his conduct and commitment to evangelism had made him a source of pride to the Oyo Kingdom.
According to the Alaafin, Rev. Suulola combined “deep spiritual depth with practical love for people,” alongside unwavering personal integrity, a strong prayer life, thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, humility and compassion for those experiencing difficulties.
He also praised the late cleric for his genuine enthusiasm, listening ability, personal witnessing, gentle spirit, perseverance and unconditional love even for his critics.
The monarch particularly highlighted Rev. Suulola’s strong attachment to Yoruba culture, saying the late preacher consistently demonstrated that worshipping God through one’s indigenous culture was not sinful.
Oba Owoade recalled that Rev. Suulola embraced traditional Yoruba forms of worship, including dancing to talking drums and Bata, while maintaining that culture and religion could coexist and that idolatry, rather than culture itself, was what God rejected.
The Alaafin, while commiserating with the deceased’s family, particularly his aged mother, described his death as a painful loss to the family, the church and the Oyo community.
He said the sudden death of the clergyman was a dreadful shock to those who knew him, describing him as “a nice man to the core,” a great person and a remarkable human being whose divine work touched many lives.
Oba Owoade urged the bereaved family to bear the loss with courage, assuring them of his sympathy and prayers.
“Please bear the shock, Mama. With deep sympathy to you and your family,” the Alaafin said.
