Late Bishop Emeritus of Sokoto, Most Rev. Kevin Joseph Aje was laid to rest today amidst glowing tributes.
The requiem Mass before his interment was celebrated at the Holy Family Cathedral Sokoto. It was concelebrated by His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan and 16 other Bishops and scores of priests.
Others present to pay their last respect were the religious from different congregations, the laity and other personalities. These include General Yakubu Gown, Chief Audu Ogbeh for Agriculture Minister, the traditional ruler of Ikulu Kingdom in Kaduna state Chief Kukah and many others.
The Metropolitan of Kaduna Province Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso presided at the Mass concelebrated by 16 bishops and scores of priests.
The homilist was John Cardinal Onaiyekan. He traced his relationship with Bishop Aje to many decades ago.
He said they were both appointed on the same day and also consecrated in Rome on the same day on the Feast of Epiphany in January 1983. He said Bishop administered Sokoto Diocese situated in the Islamic heartland with faith, courage and tenacity.
President of CBCN Archbishop Augustine Akubueze expressed the condolences of the Conference to the people of Sokoto Diocese and chief mourner Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.
In a brief address General Yakubu Gowon said himself and the late Aje were contemporaries. He thanked Bishop Kukah for organizing such a befitting burial.
Chief Audu Ogbeh said President Muhammad Buhari called him up the previous evening to represent him at today's ceremony. After the commendation led by Emeritus Alaba Ade Job, some of the Bishops wheeled the body of Bishop Kevin Joseph Aje for interment in one part of the Cathedral.
