Retired anglican archdeacon Emmanuel Ajayi dies at 86
The Venerable Emmanuel Olorunmola Ajayi, a retired Archdeacon of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has died at the age of 86 after a ministry spanning 41 years across multiple dioceses.
He passed away on Thursday, 4 June 2026, at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, in Kogi State.
His son, Omeiza Ajayi, confirmed the death in a statement issued on Monday. He described his father as a man who “did not retreat” or “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.”
Ajayi’s ministry began in Lagos and later took him across several regions, including Zambia, Kwara, Ondo, and Kogi States. Over the decades, he served in classrooms, pulpits, and congregations, building a ministry marked by consistency, dedication, and wide geographical reach.
He served under seven bishops during his lifetime, reflecting both his longevity in service and adaptability within a changing ecclesiastical structure.
A defining aspect of his ministry was church planting. In every posting, he focused on establishing new congregations and strengthening existing ones, contributing to the expansion of the Anglican presence in his areas of assignment.
He also held leadership roles within the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in various postings, where he participated in interdenominational efforts aimed at promoting Christian unity.
Beyond pastoral duties, Ajayi was a trained musicologist and pianist. He served as Diocesan Chaplain to Choir Masters and Organists, supporting the development of liturgical music within the church.
He also served as Diocesan Chaplain of the Boys’ Brigade, Nigeria, mentoring young people and contributing to their moral and spiritual formation.
One of his notable contributions was his work on the Ebira language. According to family tributes, he devoted significant effort to translating the Yoruba hymn book and Anglican liturgy into Ebira, driven by his belief that worship should be accessible in people’s mother tongue.
Between 1993 and 1996, he organised Ebira literacy classes in Okene and later in Ihima, his hometown, combining education with evangelism.
He retired in 2010 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70, but remained active in ministry thereafter, offering teaching, counselling, and prayers to individuals and church groups beyond formal Anglican structures.
Funeral arrangements begin on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with an Afternoon of Tributes and Wake Keep at Peace House, Irivogo, Oboroke, Ihima, in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, starting at 2:00 p.m.
The funeral service will hold on Friday, 12 June 2026, at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Oboroke, Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. E.Z. Ajayi, five children, several grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and, as described by his family, “thousands who call him Daddy.”
