Family members, friends, clergy, associates and dignitaries from across Nigeria’s Integrated Marketing Communications industry and beyond, converged in Lagos to honour the memory of Pa Abolaji Ezekiel Oyeyipo Fadolapo, father of the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, during an emotional Burial Outing and Thanksgiving Service held at St. James African Church, Mushin, Lagos.

The solemn yet celebratory gathering formed part of the final funeral rites for the deceased, whose passing occurred on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Expectedly, the event attracted an impressive turnout of  church faithful, relatives and well-wishers who travelled from different parts of the country to pay their last respects and celebrate a life widely remembered for faith, humility and devotion to humanity.

Throughout the service, speakers repeatedly reflected on the late Pa Fadolapo’s deep commitment to Christian service, peaceful disposition and unwavering dedication to the growth of the church.

Many also recalled how his prayerful lifestyle, generosity and compassion continually inspired people around him while strengthening the faith of worshippers within and outside the church community.

While delivering the sermon titled “It Is Finished,” Bishop Olukayode Sokunbi urged congregants to recognise the temporary nature of life and embrace godly living.

He further emphasised the need for individuals to surrender fully to Jesus Christ, stressing that God alone ultimately determines the course and final destination of every human life.

In addition, the cleric described the late Pa Fadolapo as a committed Christian, peace loving father and devoted church worker who consistently supported the advancement of Christendom and the wellbeing of people around him. He therefore encouraged worshippers to maintain a heavenly mindset while upholding values capable of fostering unity, peace and spiritual growth.

Similarly, Ven. Joseph Abiodun Koya, Assistant Priest of the church, described the deceased as a humble, compassionate and selfless man whose lifestyle reflected kindness and understanding. He subsequently urged members of the family to preserve the enduring values and legacies left behind by their patriarch by continuing to live in peace, love and harmony with one another.

Meanwhile, several family members and church mothers emotionally recounted memorable moments shared with the late Pa Fadolapo, describing him as a peace builder, philanthropist and sacrificial giver who consistently promoted unity among relatives, neighbours and members of the church. According to them, he remained deeply committed to ensuring that people around him lived together peacefully regardless of differences.

Beyond the tributes, the thanksgiving service also celebrated his remarkable contribution to church development and spiritual support within the congregation over the years. Consequently, hymns, prayers and thanksgiving sessions filled the atmosphere as worshippers reflected on his impactful life and enduring service to God.

Thereafter, guests moved to Sheba Event Centre for a grand reception organised in honour of the deceased. The reception equally drew prominent personalities from different sectors of the Nigerian economy who gathered to celebrate the life and times of Pa Fadolapo while also showing solidarity with the ARCON Director General and the entire Fadolapo family.

Notably, the event witnessed the presence of top government officials, directors general of government agencies and parastatals, heads of sectoral groups within the advertising industry, chief executives and founders of advertising agencies, brand leaders, corporate executives, church leaders and other distinguished guests from across the country’s business, public and communications landscape.

Beyond the emotional tributes and celebrations, the occasion also reinforced the family’s resolve to preserve the values he represented throughout his lifetime, particularly humility, compassion, spiritual devotion and harmonious living