Farewell to a Good Man
Pastor Stephenson Oghenerholo Okuchemiya, 53, a lawyer and man of many parts may have completed his journey on earth, when he died early in the year, but those who knew him, knew that Nigeria and nay Urhoboland have lost a rare gem. The story of the late Stephenson Oghenerholo Okuchemiya is far more gripping than most movies even shown.
By Ovie Edomi
Here was a man who rose from grass to grace; and grew with the spirit of helping others, like the Good Samaritan of the Bible. Besides helping people he took delight in the things of God and did all he could to prosper the church in Nigeria and the United States physically and spiritually.
Until Stephenson Okuchemiya’s death, the 53 years old international human Right and international Humanitarian lawyer who was doing his Ph.D programme at University of Baltimore, USA as well as resident Pastor of Randallstown branch of mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, had earlier served in different law firms in Lagos amongst them are Mogbeyi Sagay &Co, Oludare Fasae & Co before establishing his legal firm Okuchemiya&Okuchemiya & Co. His firm of Barristers and Solicitors in time pass, handled matters up to the supreme court of Nigeria and beyond Nigeria. The late Okuchemiya practiced in all the superior courts of records in Nigeria and appeared in all courts of the federation to handle high profile cases before relocating to the United States of America. His high profile cases are reported in the Nigeria weekly law reports and other newspapers and magazines.
As Pastor of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, in Lagos he worked so hard to build one of the branches near Badagry, Lagos. He was a man of faith and prayer, that was prepared to do anything good to build the church and people of God.
Equally of note is that the late Pastor Okuchemiya before becoming a lawyer and Pastor had been a teacher. He taught English language, Literature in English, Government, History and Christian Religious studies in many Secondary schools. He equally lectured Human Rights Education in Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. He also taught African and Australian literature at Lagos state university, Ojo, Lagos.
At a valedictory held in his honour on Saturday July 25, in the United states, people spoke of his meritorious service and dedication to the things of God.
While many people are still trying to find answer as to why Okuchemiya, left the world so soon, it is a known fact that finding answers to issue of death is really difficult. No doubt, all those who had contact with the late Pastor Barrister Okuchemiya will know that an Iroko has fallen. But his good works will ever be remembered and he will ever be in our hearts.
No doubt, he was a great teacher/lecturer, a legal icon and dedicated servant of the gospel of Christ. Indeed, Steve, fought a good fight and finished well. The church in US will miss you. The Brethren in Nigeria will equally miss you.
Fare thee well Steve.