Photo: FROM LEFT TO RIGHT- Principal Information and Media Expert, Caleb University, Mr. Olawale Adekoya., Chief Of Staff to Cardinal Odunmbaku, Hon. Olobode Olaniyan ., Bursar, Caleb University, Mr. Adeshina Abubakre FCE., the Host, Cardinal James Odunmbaku; the Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University Prof. Olalekan Asikhia; the Registrar, Caleb University, Mr. Mayokun Olumeru; Head, Special Projects, Caleb University, Mr. Oluseyi Shodimu., and Deputy Head, Special Projects, Caleb University, Mrs. Oluyemi Olaore., during Caleb University’s Official condolence visit to Cardinal James Odunmbaku., on the lost of his wife at Odunmbaku’s home in Lagos, recently
“Caleb Group of Schools remains the school of choice for me, my family and my grandchildren because of the quality of education and moral values they represent.” – Baba Eto
The Visitor to Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Dr. Oladega Adebogun, has extended heartfelt condolences to renowned elder statesman, respected community leader and member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku (Baba Eto), following the passing of his beloved wife, Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku.
Although unavoidably absent, Dr. Adebogun delegated a high-powered management team, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, to personally convey his condolences and those of the Governing Council, Management and the entire Caleb University community to the bereaved family.
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The delegation comprised Prof. Sunday Adewale, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); Prof. Adesola Ajayi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, Strategy and Administration); Mr. Mayokun Olumeru, Registrar; Mr. Oluseyi Shodimu; Mrs. Oluyemi Olaore (Special Projects); and Mr. Olawale Adekoya, Principal Information and Media Expert.
The delegation was warmly received at the Odunmbaku family residence, where prayers were offered for divine comfort, strength and the peaceful repose of the departed matriarch.
Speaking on behalf of the Visitor, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, described the late Mother Celestial Olasinmi Odunmbaku as an exceptional woman whose life exemplified unwavering faith, humility, compassion and selfless service to God and humanity.
“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. We pray that Almighty God grants the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and grants her gentle soul eternal rest.”
Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku, who passed away on June 25, 2026, was widely admired for her exemplary Christian life, humility and philanthropy. A former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State, she distinguished herself through outstanding contributions to public service, women empowerment and grassroots development. She was also a devoted leader of the Celestial Church of Christ and a steadfast pillar of support whose encouragement significantly complemented the illustrious public service career of her husband.
Fondly called Baba Eto, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku is one of Lagos State’s most respected elder statesmen. A distinguished public administrator, accomplished political leader, member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), and Shepherd-in-Charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, City of God Cathedral, Akiode, Ojodu, he has earned widespread admiration for his exemplary leadership, philanthropy and enduring commitment to community development.
Responding on behalf of the family, Cardinal Odunmbaku, accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Olabode Sunday Olaniyan, expressed profound appreciation to Dr. Adebogun and the Caleb University Management for standing with him during his moment of grief.
He described Dr. Adebogun as “a unique and exceptionally distinguished gentleman” whose relationship with him has been built on sincerity, mutual respect and enduring friendship.
Baba Eto further reaffirmed his confidence in the Caleb Group of Schools, saying:
“Caleb has become a second home to me, my family and my grandchildren. Caleb International College and Caleb British International School remain the schools of choice for my grandchildren because of the quality of education and moral values they represent.”
He recalled that when Dr. Adebogun lost his aged mother, he led a large family delegation, including his late wife, to identify with him during his bereavement, adding that genuine friendship is demonstrated through steadfast support in difficult times.
“I am deeply grateful to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, for leading such a formidable delegation to console me. This is what true friendship is all about. Prosperity may attract companions, but adversity reveals genuine friends. Caleb University has demonstrated that enduring relationships are built on empathy, compassion and unwavering support.”
Reflecting on his faith, Cardinal Odunmbaku said he remains comforted by the assurance that his late wife lived a fulfilled life devoted to God.
“As a Christian who has wholly surrendered his life to our Lord Jesus Christ, I grieve the passing of my beloved wife, but 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. Let us all remember that a day is coming when each of us shall give an account of our stewardship before God. Therefore, let us live lives worthy of emulation, guided by faith, integrity and service to humanity.”
Also speaking, the Registrar, Mr. Mayokun Olumeru, noted that Caleb University identifies with the Odunmbaku family because great institutions are built not only on academic excellence but also on compassion, shared values and genuine concern for humanity.
“At Caleb University, we believe authentic leadership is demonstrated through empathy, solidarity and selfless service.
” 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.”
In a statement after the visit, the Principal Information and Media Expert, Mr. Olawale Adekoya, said the University’s presence reflected its deep respect for one of Nigeria’s most distinguished elder statesmen.
“This condolence visit reflects the enduring values upon which Caleb University is founded—love, compassion, integrity, excellence and service. 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. As an institution committed to nation-building and responsible community engagement, Caleb University will continue to identify with eminent personalities whose lives exemplify integrity, sacrificial service and transformational leadership.”
The visit underscored Caleb University’s unwavering commitment to building enduring relationships beyond the classroom and reaffirmed its belief that genuine friendship, institutional solidarity and compassionate presence remain invaluable sources of comfort in times of grief.
The condolence visit concluded with prayers for the peaceful repose of the late Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele Odunmbaku and for divine comfort, strength and wisdom for Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku and the entire family.
