Shepherd of the Celestial Church of Christ, Ilupeju Ekiti 1, Shepherd Jide Akinrefan, has urged Christians to constantly examine their lives and live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ, stressing that church positions and titles do not guarantee salvation.
Akinrefan gave the charge during the wake keep for the late Pa Israel Omowaye Osatuyi, who died on July 4, 2026, at the age of 95.
Speaking on the theme, “Am I a Condemnation to Christ or Not?”, with reference to 1 Corinthians 15:50–53, the cleric said the gathering should serve as a moment of reflection for the living, rather than merely an occasion to mourn the deceased.
He urged the congregation to repent, turn away from sinful ways and live in accordance with the teachings of Christ.
Akinrefan said, “Your position in the church does not have anything to do with Christ. Are you a condemnation or commendation for Christ. He further warned that the trumpet would sound one day, urging Christians to prepare themselves for the return of Christ.
According to him, hell is real, and only those who remain faithful to Christ and live righteous lives would be prepared to be with Him when the trumpet sounds, saying with the testimonies of residents of Ilupeju Ekiti, the deceased lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation
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The wake keep, held at the deceased’s residence in Owode, Ilupeju Ekiti, attracted relatives, friends, community leaders , politicians and other dignitaries who gathered to honour the memory of the nonagenarian and sympathise with his family.
In their tributes, speakers described Pa Osatuyi as a truthful, brave, hardworking, prayerful, caring and disciplined man who respected people’s opinions and was committed to the welfare of those around him.
Pa Ogundana, in his testimony, described the deceased as a truthful, brave and caring man whose character earned him the respect of people who knew him.
A daughter of the deceased also described him as a caring, loving and accommodating father, saying his virtues and values would continue to live on through his children and grandchildren.
The Ekiti State Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Hon. Sunday Adunmo, recalled that Pa Osatuyi was a man who respected the opinions of others and supported his children in making important decisions.
Adunmo recounted that the deceased respected his decision to go back to school when he was carpentry apprentice under Pa Osatuyi after he sustained injury while roofing a building , describing him as a truthful, hardworking and prayerful man who rarely opposed the views of others.
Another son of the deceased, Kayode, described Pa Osatuyi as a disciplinarian who instilled discipline, good character and strong values in his children.
Pa Osatuyi is survived by Mr Mike Osatuyi, Pastor Deji Osatuyi, Mr Tayo Osatuyi and Mrs Ezekiel Mary, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members.
Among the dignitaries who attended the wake keep were Hon. Sunday Adunmo; Mrs Adenike Oniyelu, wife of the Chairman of Ifeloju Local Council Development Area; Prince Ayodele Adebolu Samuel, Secretary of Obalatan Commercial Grammar School Alumni Association; Otunba Stephen Ojo; the Chief Imam of Ilupeju Ekiti, Kuranga; Prince Amusa; Mr Tunji Adeniji; Pastor and Mrs Oyebode; Hon. Yemi Osatuyi; and the Managing Director of Omiye Microfinance Bank, Mr Gbenga Adegun among several others
The gathering provided an opportunity for family members, friends, associates and community leaders to celebrate the life and legacy of Pa Osatuyi, while offering prayers and support to the bereaved family.