P
a Moses Oluwole Coker, veteran
teacher was larger in death than
life as friends, well wishers, rela-
tions and professional colleagues
from far and near stormed the premises of
St. Anne Catholic Church, Ibara, Abeoku-
ta, venue of the funeral mass to pay him
their last respect recently.
Aged 75 years, Pa Coker died Tuesday
28th January, a day he was to be discharged
from the hospital after a brief illness. He
was buried at the Church cemetery.
Very Revd. Fr. Anthony Fadairo, Parish
Priest St Agnes Maryland, Lagos, led a
three man officiating priests in a concel-
ebrated mass that saw Revd. Frs. Michael
Adenigba and Lawrence Avro assisting
In his homily, Revd. Fr Adenigba de-
scribed the deceased as a courageous and
strong man who trusted in God. Pa Olu-
wole Coker he said, went to God after the
age of 75 observing that many would have
loved to see him spend more time on earth
than that but quickly added that everybody
should be ready. How ready are you? Fr
Adenigba asked rhetorically.
The homilist reminded the congregation
that their hope was in Christ because he is
the resurrection and life who also suffered
for their sins. Finally Fr. Adenigba said
when Baba says “ O digba o” (meaning-
Goodbye) somebody somewhere is saying
“welcome”
Pa Moses Oluwole Coker was born on
November 3rd 1944 at Oshogbo, Osun
State. He had his secondary education at
St. Peters College, Abeokuta and later pro-
ceeded to Abeokuta Grammar School for
his Higher School Certificate.
He began his teaching career at his Al-
ma-Mater (St. Peters College) in January
1966 and later at African Church Gram-
mar School and Macjob Grammar School
respectively. Thereafter he proceeded to the
University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo
University) from where he transferred to
the University of Liberia where he obtained
his B.Sc (Honours) Economics in 1977.
Until his death, Pa Moses Oluwole Coker
was a parishioner of St. Charles Catholic
Church, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos Archdiocese.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Beatrice
Iyabode Coker, children, grandchildren
and relations.
