By Very Rev. Fr. Michael Adegbola
blessed is the man who does not work in the counsel of the wicked (Psalm 1:1)
Oh dear! The sun has set. We have lost a powerful force to reckoned with, Arch Tutu! We feel a sense of lost. A great leader has passed on to glory. Archbishop Desmond Tutu! A humble champion of human rights, an illustrious son of South Africa, an outstanding patriot of Africa and a blessing to humanity. You were an African icon loved and revered around the world. A charismatic pastor of giant dreams and hope. People talk about him with love and affection. You were a great advocate of peace, a champion of reconciliation and an ambassador of justice and peace.
You were a remarkable leader to your people and a great Churchman of the Anglican communion. You were a renowned spiritual and human rights leader, an anti-apartheid icon and Nelson Mandelaโs contemporary. You were a fearless prophet and crusader for humanity. You believed in the society where every human life count and everyone matter. You were a driving force behind the movement to end the policy of racial segregation and discrimination. For this you were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for your role in the struggle to abolish the apartheid system. We are proud of your lifelong commitment to service and struggle for equality and the dignity of peoples. For decades, you have been an outstanding and excellent Churchman, a patriot and lover of people. You remain a beacon of hope for a united and secured humanity.
You were endowed with great courage for godly principles. You walked in obedience and totally submitted to God in all situation. You were a teacher, scholar and philanthropist of global reputation. You were a voice for the oppressed and a tireless advocate of human rights. A fighter for social justice and equality. You were a man of great warmth and humor. A mentor and motivator. Your life, teachings and writings have inspired many. You fought to save the world and humanity from destruction. You believed that people are of equal value to God, and therefore His priority. In your life we see how faith working through love becomes the unstoppable force of effective prayer. You were a wonderful testimony of faith in action in the fight against violence, racism, discrimination, marginalization, oppression and injustice in South Africa and beyond. You challenged injustice, resolved conflicts, and promoted purposeful and effective leadership.
You taught us that greatness isnโt connected with power and authority, but how we follow the values of the Master Jesus in loving and serving others. As a pastor, you fearlessly spoke truth to power, both locally and globally. You also taught us that the world and all its pleasures, offers nothing in comparison to the peace of knowing Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. You were an anti-apartheid hero who left behind huge footprints on the sand of time. You lived your life with a deep sense of grace and dignity.
Although you are gone, your spirit and legacy of sacrifice, wisdom and patience lives on. For all intents and purposes, you were indestructible. You were a model of sacrifice, wisdom and patience. For all these we say we are grateful. Your work on earth is done. So, rest on in the bosom of your Lord and Redeemer.
Adieu Arch Tutu!
Very Revd Fr Michael Adefemi Adegbola , Vicar General, Catholic Diocese of Kano, Nigeria, 2021
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