By James Sowole
The Visitor to Caleb University, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, has expressed deep condolences to renowned public administrator, elder statesman and member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, over the passing of his wife, Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku.
Dr. Adebogun, who was unavoidably absent, delegated a high-powered management team led by the Vice-Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, to convey his personal condolences as well as those of the Governing Council, Management and the entire university community to the Odunmbaku family.
The delegation, which visited the Odunmbaku residence, included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Sunday Adewale; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration), Prof. Adesola Ajayi; Registrar, Mr. Mayokun Olumeru; Mr. Oluseyi Shodimu; Mrs. Oluyemi Olaore, Special Projects; and Mr. Olawale Adekoya, Principal Information and Media Expert.
The team was received by Cardinal Odunmbaku, who was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Olabode Sunday Olaniyan. Prayers were offered for divine comfort, strength and eternal rest for the departed.
Speaking on behalf of the Visitor, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Asikhia, described the late Mother Celestial Olasinmi Odunmbaku as a remarkable woman whose life reflected faith, humility, compassion and dedication to the service of God and humanity.
He said: “On behalf of our esteemed Visitor, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, the Governing Council and the entire Caleb University community, I extend our deepest condolences to Cardinal James Odunmbaku and the entire family.
“The passing of a beloved spouse leaves a vacuum that words can scarcely fill, yet we are comforted by the exemplary life Mama lived. Her enduring legacy of faith, kindness, humility and unwavering devotion to God will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her.”
Prof. Asikhia prayed that God would grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.
The late Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku, who passed away on June 25, 2026, was widely celebrated for her commitment to Christian service, philanthropy and community development.
A former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State, she contributed immensely to women empowerment, grassroots development and public service. She was also a devoted leader of the Celestial Church of Christ and a strong pillar of support to her husband throughout his distinguished public career.
Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku, popularly known as Baba Eto, is regarded as one of Lagos State’s respected elder statesmen. He is a public administrator, political leader, member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council and Shepherd-in-Charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, City of God Cathedral, Akiode, Ojodu.
Over the years, he has earned recognition for his leadership, philanthropy and commitment to community development.
Expressing appreciation to the university delegation, Cardinal Odunmbaku thanked Dr. Adebogun, the Governing Council and Management of Caleb University for identifying with his family during the period of grief.
“My special gratitude goes to Dr. Oladega Adebogun, Proprietor of the Caleb Group of Schools and Founder/Visitor to Caleb University. He is a unique and exceptionally distinguished gentleman,” he said.
“Though I grieve the passing of my beloved wife, I am greatly comforted by the assurance that she lived a fulfilled life of worship, service and unwavering devotion to God. I have no doubt that she now rests peacefully in the bosom of her Creator.”
He urged Nigerians to remain conscious of their responsibilities before God, noting that “a day is coming when each of us shall give an account of our stewardship.”
Also speaking during the visit, the Registrar of Caleb University, Mr. Mayokun Olumeru, said the institution identifies with the Odunmbaku family because great institutions are built not only on academic excellence but also on compassion and genuine concern for humanity.
“Today, we have come not merely as representatives of an institution but as members of one family standing shoulder to shoulder with Baba Eto during this difficult season,” he said.
In a statement, the Principal Information and Media Expert of Caleb University, Mr. Olawale Adekoya, said the condolence visit reflected the institution’s respect for Cardinal Odunmbaku and its commitment to maintaining enduring relationships beyond academics.
“We share in the grief of Cardinal James Odunmbaku and the entire family while celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Mama Olasinmi Odunmbaku,” Adekoya stated.
He added that the visit reaffirmed Caleb University’s belief that institutional solidarity, friendship and compassionate presence remain sources of comfort during moments of bereavement.
The visit ended with prayers for the peaceful repose of Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku and for divine strength, comfort and wisdom for Cardinal Odunmbaku and the entire family.
