Oldest Nigerian male in the UK Pa Raphael Otuwehinmi passes away at the ripe old age of 99

NIGERIA'S oldest male diasporan in the UK Pa Raphael Otuwehinmi has passed away at the ripe old age of 99 just seven months to his 100th birthday ending a highly fulfilling life that has seen him live in the UK for 61 years.

Pa Otuwehinmi who first came to the UK in November 1958, spent his working life as a civil servant with the Department of the Environment. Following his retirement, he dedicated most of his time to helping build his Saint Michael's Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Plumstead, in southeast London.

A resident of Newington Green in the London Borough of Islington, Pa Otuwehinmi was one of the founding members of the Nigerian National Union, which later metamorphosised into the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk). An indigene of Ondo City, he was also a founder member of Ondo Union UK, which was created in the 1960s.

His body is to be flown back to Nigeria for burial in Ondo in early July but before this is done, the Ondo Union UK will be holding a service of songs for him at St Olaves Church at Manor House in north London. Resident vicar at the church Venerable Tunde Roberts will preside over the service, which is expected to be attended by family, friends, wellwishers, church members and community activists.

Pa Otuwehinmi was also an active member of the Nigerian Council of Elders and a delegation of its officials led by its chairman Chief Adebayo Oladimeji, is expected to attend the service of songs. Pa Otuwehinmi is survived by three children, numerous grand children and great grandchildren.