Kunle Adelabu
-As former APC State Scribe buried amidst tears, lamentations
It was lamentation and wailing galore as the remains of the former General Secretary of the ruling party, Primate Charles Adeleke Odugbesi, JP., was committed to mother earth on Friday.
Primate Odugbesi, who died on July 7, 2023, was buried in his Ikorodu home after a service which was held at his Church located within his compound, Plot 2, Imoshe Close, behind Wema Bank, Shagamu road, Ikorodu.
He was 73 year-old
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo – Olu, led other government functionaries, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), council chairmen and others, to bid the political giant farewell.
It was an emotional atmosphere at the grave side as children, wife, family members and political associates were unable to hold back tears as they wailed and lamented the loss of the man they described as a good and honest man who served others with all that he had.
While it was a deeply sober moment for the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde who represented the Governor, former representative of IKorodu Constituency II, Hon. Saka Solaja, APC chieftain, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Builder Adeola Banjo, his predecessor, Hon. (Dr) Adeola Muhydeen Jokomba, as they watched helplessly, the General Manager, Lagos State Printing Corporation, Mr Kola Peregrino, was unable to hold back tears when the remains of the deceased wrapped in white clothes, was removed from the white casket where it was placed, and lowered into the grave for his final journey into eternity.
In his sermon at the graveside, the presiding pastor said that late Odugbesi has reached the final point of his life, and has commenced the journey into eternity.
He charged family, church members and party members to emulate the life of the late religious and party leader whom he said was filled with sacrifice for others, while he also lauded his simplicity.
The Governor’s representative with other dignitaries exited the burial venue after the remains of later Primate Charles Odugbesi, was interred at 12.35pm.
Other dignitaries at the burial service were: Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, former Commissioner for Information, Hon. Gbenga Basanya, former Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Mrs Osinowo, Women Leader, APC Lagos East Senatorial District, Alhaji Junaid Owokodu, former Chairman, Ikorodu LG and Alhaji Kabat Ajalogun, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS) among others.
PrImate Odugbesi was born on March 30, 1950, in Lagos and after his secondary education at the Christ High School, Ilubinrin, Lagos, he later attended the University of Lagos. He studied Film Production and Directing at the International Film and Broadcast Academy (FIBA).
He started his working career with the Nigeria Airways Limited in Lagos and Calabar, and later worked at the UTA French Airlines, Lagos, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) as Travel Officer. He also worked with the British Caledonian Airways in Port Harcourt and Lagos.
He was the Managing Director, Glory Travel Agency Limited, Oke – Arin, Lagos, and Royal Maneda Production Limited, an audio visual outfit.
Late Odugbesi started his political career in Port Harcourt in 1979, when he joined the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). During the Babagida era, he pitched his tent with the National Republican Convention (NRC) , and was elected as a National Delegate.
After the annulment of the June 12 1993 election, he was frustrated out of politics only to return in 1998, to join the Alliance for Democracy (AD). At the time, he limited himself to politics at the ward level, because he did not trust the sincerity of the military.
He became very active in the third year of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first tenure as Governor of Lagos State. From there, he pitched his tent with BATCO under the leadership of late Alhaji Mufutau Ajisebutu. He was the first Divisional Secretary, while late Alhaji Sherif Anipole was the Divisional Chairman. When Anipole left BATCO, Odugbesi took over the leadership mantle of BATCO in Ikorodu Division, and subsequently became the Divisional Chairman.
He was appointed Supervisor for Works, Ikorodu North LCDA, during Hon. Kunle Ogunbela’s administration. He, however, did not complete his tenure due to a serious political issue which led to his exit from the administration.
After his exit from the council administration, he was elected as the State Secretary of Action Congress (AC) and later Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Progressives Congress (APC), in quick succession
Odugbesi, who was called to the altar on his 40th birthday, was the founder, Mansoul International Church. He established the State Chapter of Nigeria Association of Aladura Churches (NAAC) and was its first State Secretary.
As a humanitarian, Late Primate Odugbesi established Betterworld Leadership Academy which trained about 200 youth free of charge.
He was appointed as a Customary Court Judge in 1996 and used his experience and talent at the Igbogbo Customary Court for 13 years. During those periods, he saved many marriages from collapsing.
As an entertainer, Odugbesi’s stage name was ‘Charming Charlie’. He launched his first album titled, ‘Libra Lady’, in 1984 in Houston, Texas, USA. He took part in many home videos amongst which are Sheyila, Ibukun Oluwa, Sango and Village Girl among others.
