The remains of gospel artiste, Bolaji Olanrewaju aka Big B, who is also a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), have been interred in Ibadan.
The 50-year-old was laid to rest on Wednesday at the All Souls Private Cemetery in Ido, Ibadan, in the presence of his wife, children, siblings, other family members and well-wishers.
Ahead of the burial, a praise and testimony night, along with a night of tributes was held in his honour on Mo nday and Tuesday in Lagos and Ibadan.
The funeral drew several notable figures from the gospel music industry including Dunsin Oyekan, Tosin Bee, Mike Abdul, Bidemi Olaoba, Beejay Sax, Gbenga Adenuga, Yetunde Are, Bois Olorun and Akintayo.
Colleagues who took turns to eulogise Big B described him as a unifier and a bridge builder with an unmatched gift for connecting people.
Delivering a message at the burial service on Wednesday, Bishop T.V. Adelakun urged everyone to follow Big Bolaji’s example by living a life of impact.
“Life is too short. Some live a hundred years but make no particular impact in any aspect of endeavor. Life is about donation, not duration. We must all endeavor to live this life better than we met it,” he said.
Other clergymen present included Pastor Austin Ologbese, Bishop Femi Emmanuel, Pastor Femi Oduwole and Pastor Sola Oludoyi.
During the tribute session, Reverend Esther Ajayi and gospel singer Tope Alabi highlighted the late minister’s dedication to God and the Gospel.
“Bolaji was family to me. He was very passionate about the body of Christ and the upliftment of the Gospel. His passing is a rude shock, but in all things, we must thank God. He has done his part, and we must also emulate his passionate and generous nature,” said Esther Ajayi.
Tope Alabi added, “It is a sad loss to the body of Christ, but we must continue to give glory to God because Big B loved God. He lived his life for God and made an indelible impact by touching lives. My charge to the rest of us is: How do we want to be remembered? We must let love lead and do all we can to advance the kingdom of Christ.”
Big Bolaji is survived by his wife and two children.