My father died twice; Ex-minister Ashiru’s Son Reveals

Femi, the son of the late former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, has said that his father died and came back to life, before he finally gave up the ghost on November 29, 2014.

He made this revelation during the service of songs organised in honour of his late father at the All Souls Anglican Church in Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday.

In an emotion-laden voice, Femi narrated how his dad spent his last days on earth:
“If there should be an example to qualify the phrase ‘for better for worse’ in marriage, my mother is a perfect example. My father would not have lived for so long without my mum. She was there all through his trying times and she made sure he got the best treatment during those times.

He said, “My mother and I were there the day my father died the second time. Permit me to use the word a second time. While in the hospital room, the life support machine stopped, meaning he died. While my mum was still trying to come to terms with what was happening, the thing came up again.

“It was a miracle. We called the nurses to ask if they did anything to the machine and they said no. His final demise was like a second death but in all, we thank God.”

Earlier, colleagues and friends of the deceased had taken turns to pay tribute to the late Ashiru, who they all agreed was God-fearing, kind and hardworking.

The Vicar, Ven. Oludare Otoki, in his sermon, advised the congregation to always fear God.

He praised the late Ashiru, who according to him, lived a fulfilled life in the service of God and the nation. He urged the congregation to emulate him.

Ashiru died in a South African hospital after a long battle with a terminal disease said to be brain tumour on November 29. He was 66. May his soul rest in peace - Amen!