‘Popoola’s Life Was Selfless’- Family, Friends Eulogize Late RCCG Pastor

Families and friends of former Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG) Clergy and ex-manager of former Diamond Bank, Dr. Adedotun Popoola, have described the late banker as an icon who lived a selfless life and contributed to humanity.

Popoola passed on at the age of 67, according to his family.

The service of song held on Saturday was a celebration of Popoola’s life and ‘selfless service to humanity’, according to the Senior Pastor of RCCG (Throne Room Parish), Tunde Benjamin- Olaniyi.

Popularly known for his famous quote, ‘It is a beautiful day,’ Popoola’s life has been described by his loved ones as a testimony of honesty and excellent legacy.

The interment service took place on Saturday at RCCG, The Everlasting Arms Parish, Abuja before he was laid to rest at Gudu Cemetery in Abuja.

At the commencement of the interment service, his family and friends watched as the pallbearers helped move the clergyman and former banker’s casket adorned with white paint and gold ornaments.

“4th December 1983, we embarked on this incredible journey together and it has been the most beautiful and fulfilling adventure of our lives,” his wife Dr. Olukemi Popoola said in her tribute.

“The future now looks bleak, but we trust in the unwavering power of God to keep us, guide us as we navigate through every challenge and milestone under the everlasting arms of Jehovah,” she added.

His son, Oludamilola Ayokunnu Popoola, shared a similar view. In his eulogy, he described his late father as “our shining star,” who was “always there with a warm smile and wise advice.”

He said, “Daddy had a heart of gold, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His compassion and generosity knew no bounds, and his legacy of kindness will live on in our hearts forever.”

Pastor Olaniyi, in his sermon titled, ‘The Enduring Power of an Excellent Legacy,’ urged believers to emulate the life of the late clergy and banker.

Pastor Olaniyi said, “What will your life say after you are gone? A legacy is not optional; everyone lives one behind. Dr. Popoola left an enduring legacy and testimony—his faith.”

The pastor said a good man lives an inheritance for his children and urged family and friends of the late Popoola to be intentional in the manner they conduct their lives.

“He (Popoola) was committed to his family. It is easy for you to be committed to your business, but your family is your immediate constituency that you must commit to,” Olaniyi added.

The RCCG pastor also narrated how late Popoola supported the poor and less privilege in the church, adding that he provided employment to members.

The immediate past national president of Rhe Gideons International, S.B Taiwo, described Popoola as a ‘gallant soldier.’

“He was humble, dedicated, consistent, and committed to the work of Christ. Our paths crossed again in Lagos in the early 1990s. Indeed, Dr. Popoola has fought a good fight. He has finished his cause and gone to meet the Lord,” he added.

His second son, a lieutenant in the Canadian Army, Somidotun Popoola, who read the late clergy’s biography, said he was born in Oyo State, Nigeria, to Baba Tafa and Iyaagba Sikiratu Popoola.

He earned his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Economics from the University of Ife in 1980, graduating with Second Class Honors (Upper Division) and bagged a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1983 and a Ph.D. in Management and Accounting in 1992, both from Obafemi Awolowo University.

Popoola was a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (A.C.T.I).

The late clergy began his career as a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he taught, researched, and supervised graduate students for over a decade.

He held leadership positions at institutions such as Metropolitan Merchant Bank, Credite Bank, and Diamond Bank, contributing significantly to corporate strategy, credit management, training and financial planning.

From 2000 to 2006, he served as Chief Finance Officer at Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), where he played a key role in the company’s privatization process.

He later became Vice President of Operations and Administration at the Digital Bridge Institute, overseeing multiple departments and campuses.

In 2015, Dr. Popoola served as an advisory consultant with Oasis Educational Resources Ltd in Canada, focusing on corporate strategy and development.

According to his family, he served as a leader of the prayer and deliverance ministry at the Upper Room Baptist Church in Alapere,Ketu, Lagos, where he was trained as a Pastor.

In Abuja, Popoola served as the Senior Pastor of Mercy-Way Chapel. After relocating to Canada, He became a dedicated member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus Palace Parish serving faithfully in the parish as a minister, marriage counsellor, sunday school teacher and elders department.

‘Popoola’s Life Was Selfless’- Family, Friends Eulogize Late RCCG Pastor is first published on The Whistler Newspaper