Governors Aiyedatiwa and Abiodun Lead Tributes at Funeral of BOA MD's Father
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Friday spearheaded heartfelt tributes during the funeral service for the late Engineer David Sotinrin, father of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ayo Sotinrin. The solemn ceremony, held at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Abeokuta, Ogun State, drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, family members, and close associates, all united in commemorating the life and enduring legacy of the deceased.
A Life of Exceptional Intellect and Family Devotion
Engineer Sotinrin, who passed away at the age of 85, was eulogized by his son as a man of remarkable intellect, unwavering discipline, and profound commitment to family values. In an emotional address, the BOA MD described his late father as "an exceptional man who lived a life worthy of remembrance," highlighting his distinguished career as an engineer and his formidable intellectual prowess. He emphasized that his father was "very astute as an engineer" and "extremely well endowed in terms of intellectual prowess," with professional achievements that garnered widespread recognition.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sotinrin underscored that the late engineer's most lasting legacy was his deep devotion to family. He portrayed him as a unifying figure who fostered strong familial bonds, stating, "He was a family man. He loved us dearly. He loved my mother dearly as well and the entire family of Sotinrin. He embraced everybody from my extended family. He brought everyone together, made sure we all had that bond." The family expressed gratitude that he lived a fulfilled life until 85 before "he received the call of the Lord."
Emphasis on Education and Personal Values
Reflecting on his upbringing, Sotinrin noted that his father prioritized education and personal development above all else. "He put education first in everything we did and made sure we went to the best schools and best universities," he said, acknowledging his enduring indebtedness to his father's guidance. He pledged to continue emulating his father's core values, including kindness, love for people, and devotion to God. "For me, I am emulating the very good life I have spent, his kindness, his love for people, love for God most especially. And I thank God that he was my father. He is gone, but his memories live on and he will be remembered for a very long time," he added.
Governors' Tributes and Reflections on Legacy
Governor Aiyedatiwa, in his remarks, characterized the late Engineer Sotinrin's life as one of fulfillment, marked by significant impact, steadfast faith, and unwavering family devotion. He noted that his 85 years exemplified divine grace and highlighted tributes from the deceased's wife, Mrs Falake Shotiri, which depicted him as a loving husband and dedicated family man anchored in peace and humility. Aiyedatiwa observed that these virtues were mirrored in his son, Ayo Sotinrin, whom he described as resilient and deeply rooted in faith. He encouraged the family to honor the deceased's legacy by celebrating his life rather than succumbing to grief, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on the impact of one's existence.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, also paid tribute, describing the late engineer as an exemplary and impactful individual. He urged the family to uphold the values of selflessness and service that the deceased embodied, suggesting that such a legacy should serve as a guiding light for future generations. Abiodun further reminded mourners of the inevitability of death and the imperative to lead purposeful lives.
Sermon and Cultural Tributes
In his sermon, the Vicar of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Egba Diocese, Venerable S.K. Oyewale, spoke on the transient nature of life, asserting that no one has a permanent place on earth. He noted that the late engineer's life positively impacted many people and that human achievements are divine gifts intended for service to humanity. The reception featured a sonorous rendition by legendary musician Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, providing a cultural tribute to the occasion. Dignitaries in attendance included members of the Bank of Agriculture board and senior management staff, underscoring the widespread respect for the Sotinrin family.
