Special Report – In Loving Memory: Legendary Dr. Okonrende Gets Carnival‑Like Burial in Lagos

- November 17, 2025

Okonrende

“When beggars die, there are no comets seen; but when a prince dies, the heavens weep.” — William Shakespeare, _Julius Caesar_ (Act 2, Scene 2)

The city of Lagos turned into a kaleidoscope of colour and reverence last week as family, friends, colleagues and admirers gathered to bid farewell to the late Squadron Leader Dr. Godson Olorunfemi Okonrende (RTD)

The two‑day celebration, held on Thursday, 13 November 2025, and Friday, 14 November 2025, combined a traditional wake‑keep with a jubilant carnival atmosphere, culminating in a burial that was described by many as “the burial of a legend.”

The event, staged at the prestigious NAFOWA Multipurpose Hall on the Nigeria Air Force Base in Ikeja, drew mourners from across Nigeria and the diaspora, all united by a shared sense of loss and gratitude for a life well‑lived.

On Thursday evening, the hall was transformed into a vibrant tableau of music, dance and heartfelt tributes as the late Dr. Okonrende lay in state. Friends and family members took turns sharing anecdotes, while a choir from the Cherubim & Seraphim Church rendered soul‑stirring hymns that echoed through the venue. The wake‑keep continued late into the night, with guests enjoying traditional Nigerian delicacies and a live band that kept the atmosphere both mournful and celebratory.

The following morning, a solemn procession escorted Dr. Okonrende’s casket to the burial site within the Air Force Base. As the coffin was lowered, the words of William Shakespeare rang true: “When beggars die there are no comets seen; but even heaven blazes over the death of a prince.” The quote resonated deeply, reflecting the profound impact the late scholar‑soldier had on all who knew him. Military honours were rendered, and a 21‑gun salute marked the final farewell to a man who had served his country with distinction for two decades.

After the burial, the NAFOWA Hall reopened its doors for a grand reception that stretched well into Friday night. The reception was a testament to Dr. Okonrende’s love for fellowship; tables overflowed with an array of Nigerian and international cuisines, while a live orchestra provided a backdrop for dancing and reminiscence. Attendees, including senior military officers, clergy, and longtime friends, toasted the life of a man who had “seen, conquered, and left a legacy that will not fade.”

Tributes poured in from across the nation and beyond. Former colleagues from the Nigerian Air Force recalled his unwavering discipline and mentorship, while church leaders highlighted his deep spirituality and commitment to the International House of Prayer for All People, which he co‑founded in the United States. One friend summed up the sentiment: “Dr. Okonrende was a beacon of integrity, a scholar‑warrior whose dedication to service inspired us all.”

•A brief profile of the late legend reads: Godson Olorunfemi Okonrende was born on 18 November 1943 in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Educated in Lagos and later at Howard University, he earned a degree in Pharmacy while working multiple jobs. His career spanned roles with BP Nigeria and BP USA before he answered the call to serve in the Nigerian Air Force, retiring in 1996. A devoted Christian, he later co‑founded a ministry in the United States and pursued theological studies, earning an MSc and a Doctorate in Divinity from West African Christian University. He is survived by his beloved wife, the late Mother in Israel Caroline Olawanle Okonrende, and their five children—Deborah Omowunmi Odutayo, Esther Abosede Tauhid, Mary Olabimisokun Okorende, Gideon Oladipupo Okonrende, and Joseph Olaosebikan Okonrende—as well as two additional children, Babajide Gabriel Okonrende and Bukola Fajobi.

As Lagos bids farewell to its “legend ,” the carnival‑like burial stands as a vivid reminder of a life lived with purpose, faith, and joy.

The colourful ceremony, the heartfelt tributes, and the outpouring of love from a nation illustrate that while Dr. Okonrende may have departed this world, his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May his soul rest in peace, and may his story forever be celebrated in the annals of Nigerian history.

~ Rest in peace Pa Okonrende