It was all tears at the night of tributes held in honour of late gospel artiste, Big B on Monday in Lagos. Many of the guests, including wife of former Lagos State Govenor, Abimbola Fashola, could not console their emotions.
The Night of Tributes organised for late gospel artiste, Bolaji Olanrewaju aka Big B, elicited emotions among family and friends of the deceased.
Among those present was wife of former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola, who was among those who got emotional and were moved to tears.
It was the night of tributes held in honour of gospel singer and Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) pastor, Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji or Big B.
The event, which held on Monday at Trinity House, Lagos, began at 4 pm and was attended by family members, close friends and notable gospel artistes.
Notable personalities in attendance included Esther Igbekele, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Kehinde Daniel, Bukola Bekes and Reverend Esther Ajayi.
Mrs Fashola was seen weeping when the hymn ‘In Christ Alone’ was sung during the programme. She quietly joined in singing while seated, visibly holding back emotions.
Other guests were also moved to tears, including Big Bolaji’s widow, Tolulope, who was captured on her knees crying as Pastor Ighodalo offered her comfort.
Big Bolaji died on Easter Saturday, April 19, at the age of 50 following a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife Tolulope, whom he married in 2005 and their children.
Until his death, Big Bolaji was known for his energetic worship style and his ability to fuse Yoruba rhythms with contemporary gospel music.
He was an ordained RCCG pastor and served on the board of directors for the Living Spring Music Festival, one of Nigeria’s longest-running gospel events.
During the service, a video of Tope Alabi was played in which she poured out her emotions and paid tribute to Big Bolaji.
“Pastor Bolaji Olarenwaju, Big B was a very wonderful man. A kind man, a sweet soul at that. We love him so much,” she said.
“I remember those days when we started praising the almighty. Big B will come all the way from Aradagun, book an hotel by himself, help my husband, help everyone. From morning till night Big B will not go until everything is sorted.
“This is the man we are saying farewell to. This is to the family of pastor Bolaji Olarenwaju, the wife, the children, his siblings, everyone. I pray that the Lord will comfort you on all sides in the name of Jesus. Take heart please.”