Families, Friends Shower Encomiums On Deacon Julius Olufemi Oke As He Is Laid To Rest In Ibadan

Deacon Julius Olufemi Oke 61, who died on November 20, 2025 has been described as a complete family man who was always willing to help others.

This was disclosed by Pastor Kehinde Ajibola of Christ Life Church International, Covenant Cathedral, Opposite fire service station, secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State.

While delivering his sermon titled; “The Next Minute After Death,” Pastor Ajibola assured the immediate families and friends of the late Deacon Julius Olufemi Oke that they should not entertain any fear as the saint has gone to rest with God because of his good work on earth and his personal encounter with the lord as a born again Christian.

“The word of God has given us sufficient information that whoever dies in Christ is alive, therefore we are always confident that He that belive In Christ shall never die and that faith is the oxygen of life of God,” he said.

Pastor Ajibola, who picked his sermon from Second Corinthians chapter 5 verse 10 also described late deacon as a man who was very close to his family and the church while alive.

He however, disclosed that his absence will be felt as he created a vacuum that may not be urgently filled both at home and in the church.

Between 1987 and 1990, the late Femi Oke engaged in socio-educational activities, including teaching at Community Grammar School, Elewura, and Government Secondary School, Talase.

He was admitted to study Guidance and Counselling at the University of Ibadan in 1990/91 and graduated as the best student in his department in 1992/1993.

The late Oke participated in the National Youth Service Corps scheme at the Air Weapons School of the Nigeria Air Force Base, Kanji, New Bussa, Niger State.

In 1995/1996, he earned an MSc in Industrial/Organisational Psychology from the University of Ibadan.

He started his professional career at the Oyo State Civil Service Commission as an Education Officer in 1995 and later joined the University of Ibadan as an Administrative Officer in 1997.

Femi Oke joined the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in August 1998 as an Assistant Registrar II and rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities, including Officer-in-Charge, Ikorodu Satellite Office; Head of Examinations Department/Head of Liaison Office, WAEC Zonal Office, Abuja; Branch Controller, WAEC Office, Ilorin, Kwara State; and Senior Deputy Registrar/Head, WAEC International Office, Lagos.

As an international public servant, Oke attended conferences and presented papers in the USA, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Azerbaijan, Singapore, Mexico, Jamaica, Swaziland, Rwanda, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Cameroon, Lesotho, Zambia, Ghana, The Gambia and Sierra Leone.

Deacon Julius Olufemi Oke was born on September 11,1964 , he hailed from Ibadan and began his formal education at St. Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Yemetu, Ibadan from where he obtained his First Leaving School Certificate in 1976.

He proceeded to Ibadan Christ Apostolic Grammar School (ICAGS) Aperin Oniyere in 1976 where he obtained his WASC/SC O’level in 1981.

He worked briefly at the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) Dugbe Ibadan as a Clerical Officer from 1981 to 1984 and in his pursuit of more knowledge, he was admitted into the Oyo State College of Education ( OYSCE Wesley College Campus, Ibadan).

In 1984 while the Wesley College Campus of OYSCE was merged with the campuses in Ila — Orangun and Oyo in 1985, he moved to Ila–Orangun Campus in 1985/86 session.

He graduated on top of his class in 1987 where he was awarded Nigerian Certificate in Education .

His widow, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oke, in her tribute, described him as a loving and caring father to his children and the family at large.

“My baby boy, I am glad you made enormous impact to your generation and your legacy is external, certainly you are in the glory with your Maker.

“Femi, your love was my safe haven, a rare gift whose worth was per excellence.

“Even though I can’t find sufficient word to describe how deep your impact was to me as an invaluable husband, I will live each day thanking God that He gave you to me with the privileged of being your wife,” he said.

—Kunle Bakare