By Wenebi Youdowei
Friends of late Emmanuel Onosode began to saunter into the beautifully adorned arena of the Unity Hill Chapel domiciled in the Campbell Center, Lagos Island from about 4pm on Thursday, 31st of August to grace the Thanksgiving Service and Night of Tributes for Emmanuel organized by friends, signified the reality of bringing a close to the ceremonies of resting their very dear friend who lives now only in spirit.
Guests were ushered to screens of Emmanuel’s pictures in the middle front stage of the hall and on projectors by the sides in the lovely ambience of the properly spaced hall which was full to its capacity.
The event didn’t start on time, that is Nigeria, not a sour point for its a norm. The event was activated with prayers and a beautiful rendition of gospel hymns from the unity chapel gospel singers.
The turn out was awesome with the sort of persons anyone would like in their party. It was a last send forth in thanksgiving to the Lord for blessing all gathered with Emmanuel’s friendship, age-long in some, brief in some, captivating and humbling in all that touched the core of the soul of most of those gathered.
It was an interesting night coloured mostly in black Tee shirts with his silhouette picture. The Onosode family sat in the inner left row right in front of the arena as guests walked in visiting the row with hugs and condoling kisses and words to family members with an assured, “we are all in it together” as we share in your bereavement.
It was an evening with friends and family of Scojay as Emmanuelwas fondly called by friends.
Pastor Tolu Ojo spared nothing to inflict his gospel on his guests sermonising on the virtues of Christ Emmanuel imbibed to deserve the friends present in the hall. He reiterated lessons captured in Emmanuel’s tributes and touched on most of what you can possibly get in such lovely sermon.
Prayers were said for the Onosode family after which the tributes…., if you knew Emmanuel, all facet of his life was captured by the first three who did tributes to him. His cousin Mr. Efe Onosode captured Emmanuel’s presence of heart and mind, his warmth, authority, and giving.
Mrs. Bimpe Adebajo their very dear family age long friend captured Emmanuel’s beautiful nuisance value in being a very loving pest.
And his uncle talked about Emmanuel having been the page boy in his marriage 35 years ago missed seeing and having a last outing with Emmanuel after they had planned to meet. He quips with an advice to all to do what they have to do now. His uncle captured Emmanuel’s bold, audacious and endearing qualities.
His cousin Efe Onosode in his vote of thanks was grateful for the presence and contributions of friends of Emmanuel who have been supportive.
Snacks in packs came in handy to guests to end the first segment of the thanksgiving and tributes.
After the thanksgiving service the night of tributes continued. All tributes for Emmanuel were glowing and his essence beautifully captured.
The last two acts were mind blowing, the song by Ms. Nkiru Isichei fondly called Kiki Ross by Emmanuel did a class performance of an Urhobo song Oghene Migwo backed by the Kabena All Star Band, a song thanking God for the gift of Emmanuel’s love and friendship. You will not hear that song better anywhere. Just imagine the smile on Scojay to this Urhobo song.
It was a lovely night that continued with
Dede Mabiaku’s tribute for Emmanuel and the Onosode family, he was real and captivating. He was his usual blunt self. Dede prayerfully emphasized the spirituality of the Onosodes and the role thier smallest sibling Emmanuel has played with the light he shone for the family. He concluded his tribute with Where is the ogogoro to say goodbye to Scojay?. Dede ended the lovely night with his signature “water no get enemy” song by Fela.
Did Scojays friends go to sleep? By the side of the event center is a lounge. If you don’t gerrit…….then LIQUID HUB, where is that? JUST SEND A WHATSAPP TO SCOJAY HE WILL TELL YA.
Who wouldn’t like to have friends like Scojay?,
It was a lovely way his friends thanked God for Emmanuel.
Emmanuel Onosode has since been laid to rest in Vancouver Washington on the 12th of August 2023. He died on July 17, 2023 and was born on 23rd January, 1970. He was aged 53.
