The Service of Songs for late Pastor Stephen Ekhemuenogiemwen Idahosa, aged 87, was held today in Benin City, drawing dignitaries, church leaders, family members and friends from all walks of life to honour a life devoted to God and humanity.
The solemn ceremony featured soul-stirring gospel hymns including “It Is Well with My Soul,” “The Last Mile of the Way,” and “Only Remembered.” Scripture readings were taken from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 and Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, followed by a moving biography and heartfelt tributes from members of the Idahosa family.
In her tribute, the widow, Mrs. Victoria Vbuawevbenrure Idahosa, described her late husband as “an inspiring soul” who was always available to those who came to him with their needs and challenges.
“You were a beacon of light to many who were inspired by your good works and took you as a mentor,” she said. “You were always dedicated to Christian activities and worked with everything you had.”
Though visibly emotional, she expressed faith and comfort in God’s promise of eternal rest.
“Though my heart aches for your departure, my dear husband, I take solace in knowing that you are in a better place, happy, and that your soul has found a resting place with the Lord,” she added.
Delivering the sermon, the officiating minister, Pastor Dr. Godfrey Imuetiyan, spoke on the inevitability of death and the hope found in Christ. Drawing from Genesis 2:7, he reminded the congregation that death is a reality every person must prepare for.
He stressed that while “the soul that sinneth, it shall die,” referring to spiritual death, God is not interested in the destruction of anyone but has made provision for repentance and forgiveness.
Pastor Imuetiyan stated that Pa Idahosa “ended his race in the Lord” and urged everyone present to examine their lives and make peace with God before the unpredictable moment of death arrives.
According to his biography, Pastor Idahosa encountered the Lord in the 1970s within the Catholic Church, where he taught catechism. Later in the decade, he had what was described as an uncommon encounter with Pastor Francis Ighalo, then State Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church. From that period onward, he devotedly served God until his passing on December 16, 2025.
Until his death, Pastor Idahosa oversaw the Language Churches of the Deeper Life Bible Church, a responsibility he faithfully discharged.
Among church leaders present were the Edo South State Overseer, Pastor Blankson Dudun; Regional Overseer, Pastor Noble Agbonlahor; and Group Pastors including Peter Akhihiero, David Adubi, Joseph Oshiobor, Friday Omorojie, Eguagie Suyi, Godfrey Omokaro, and Mrs. Lucy Oshio, among others.
The burial ceremony, followed by interment, is scheduled to hold tomorrow, Saturday.
Late Pastor Stephen Ekhemuenogiemwen Idahosa is survived by his wife, eight children and twenty grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, mentorship and dedicated Christian service.
