The homegoing of Pastor Taiwo Daniel ODUKOYA began on Friday and ended today with a glorious Thanksgiving Service at The Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria. As I observed the surreal and historical ceremonies, I kept asking, how does one bid farewell to a General, a man without whom one’s life might have been without meaning? He was a figure I first knew as a pastor, then as a father, followed by a boss, and then a client.

When I joined The Fountain of Life Church in 1997, one scripture was a constant presence in his teachings: “In His quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). This scripture soon became the cornerstone of his ministry, not only for me but also for my family.

Pastor Taiwo’s calling, as he often emphasized, was to connect and unite two lovers – you and God – and then allow you to explore and cherish that divine relationship. He was never the focus; instead, he pointed us toward Christ and encouraged unwavering stability in the face of life’s inevitable adversities.

Through his life and teachings, he instilled in us this TRUTH, in the words of Jack Hayford, that we are “receiving an unshakable kingdom in a shakable world.” This unshakable kingdom resides in our hearts, and its manifestation is the peace of God that he placed as a garrison within us. This peace, impervious to life’s ups and downs, defined our journey.

After twelve years of our preparation for the coming of our child, my wife shared her true testimony – the peace of God that had abundantly filled our hearts and souls throughout our preparation. We learned the steadfastness of faith from Pastor Taiwo. By God’s grace, we never resorted to spiritual window shopping, searching desperately for a child, going from place to place. Our unwavering faith proclaimed, “Whatever God does not do as we worship in The Fountain of Life Church, let it not be done.”

I conclude this farewell message with the words I shared with him on February 19, 2022:

“Good evening, sir. Today marks exactly one year since it was confirmed that we were expecting our first child in our nearly 15-year marriage at that time.

Sir, this blessing came to fruition through the prophecy you delivered on Thursday, December 31, 2020, during the last Thursday Showers of the year. In that service, you paused, placed your hands on your stomach, and declared, ‘There is someone here who has never been pregnant before. The Lord asked me to tell you that next year, you will carry your baby.’

We received that word with faith, ran with it, and watched it come to pass. When we shared the news of the pregnancy with you, you gave us the very first gift for our unborn child, demonstrating your unwavering faith that He who began the good work would bring it to completion.

As we rejoice and offer praise to God for His miraculous wonders, we also take this opportunity to celebrate you, sir, for your prayers, support, and for being a true father throughout our years of waiting…”

He left behind a multitude of legacies. Like a mighty Iroko Tree, he provided shelter for all, offering a sturdy branch for each to lean upon. Among the many legacies he leaves with me and my family are stability of faith, spiritual discipline, and doctrinal soundness.

Rest in peace, Dad and General. You live on within us, reflected in our hearts and deeds. Until we reunite at the feet of Christ, never to part again, Adieu sir!