The Venerable Emmanuel Olorunmola Ajayi, a retired Archdeacon of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has died at the age of 86 after over four decades of dedicated service in ministry.
Ajayi passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, Kogi State.
His son, Omeiza Ajayi, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, describing his father as a committed servant of God who “did not retreat” and “did not surrender,” but “completed his assignment and went home as a soldier goes home after a long and honourable campaign, with nothing left undone and nothing left unsaid.”
The late cleric’s ministerial journey, which spanned 41 years, began in Lagos and extended across several regions, including Zambia, Kwara, Ondo, and Kogi State. Throughout his career, he served under seven bishops, reflecting both his longevity and steadfast commitment within the Anglican Church.
Ajayi was widely recognised for his passion for church planting, consistently establishing new congregations and strengthening Anglican presence in his areas of assignment. He also played active roles in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), contributing to inter-denominational cooperation and Christian unity.
Beyond pastoral duties, he was a trained musicologist and pianist, serving as Diocesan Chaplain of Choir Masters and Organists, where he contributed significantly to church music development. He also served as Diocesan Chaplain of the Boys’ Brigade Nigeria, mentoring young people and promoting moral and spiritual growth.
One of his most notable legacies was his contribution to language development and worship accessibility. He worked extensively on translating the Yoruba hymn book and Anglican liturgy into the Ebira language, driven by the belief that worship should be conducted in indigenous languages. Between 1993 and 1996, he organised Ebira literacy classes in Okene and later in Ihima, combining evangelism with education.
Ajayi retired in 2010 upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 but remained actively engaged in ministry, offering teaching, counselling, and prayer support to individuals and church groups beyond the Anglican Communion.
Funeral activities are scheduled to commence on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with an Afternoon of Tributes and Wake Keep at Peace House, Irivogo, Oboroke, Ihima, in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, at 2:00 p.m.
The funeral service will hold on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Oboroke, Ihima.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs E.Z. Ajayi, five children, grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and numerous admirers who fondly referred to him as “Daddy.”
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