Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, was laid to rest on Saturday in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
His burial was a private ceremony attended by close family members, friends, and dignitaries after a funeral Mass held at St. Paul Catholic Church.
Delivering the homily, Rev. Fr. Andrew Obiyan urged the congregation to live in ways that prepare them for eternal life. He lamented that many people prioritize worldly pursuits over faith, saying, “People want to go everywhere on earth but refuse to go to the House of God.”
He reminded the mourners that titles and achievements hold no value at death, adding, “Old age creeps in to remind us of immortality. The only title that matters to God is the grace of a faithful life. We have the assurance that Arase will reap the fruit of baptism in the presence of the eternal King.”
Fr. Obiyan described the late Arase as a God-fearing man who served the nation with courage and humility despite the risks of policing. “We give glory to God for Arase reaching the peak of his career. The Lord does not take from you what He cannot give,” he said.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State praised Arase’s legacy of professionalism and humility, noting that his life was a reminder of the need for service to humanity. “Moments like this remind us that one day we will all lie down like this. We should be humble and serve our country to the best of our ability,” Diri said.
Those present at the funeral included Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa; the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, represented by Chief Oseni Elamah and Chief Uso Osaretin; former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Senator Neda Imasuen; FRSC Zone 5 Commander Stella Orakwe; and Secretary to the Police Service Commission, Onyeabuchi Nnamani, among others.
