Anglican Church Denies Ojudu’s Claim of Fundraising at Ekiti Burial

Anglican Church Denies Ojudu’s Claim of Fundraising at Ekiti Burial

The Anglican Diocese of Ekiti has refuted a viral claim by veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Babafemi Ojudu, alleging that a burial service in Ise-Ekiti was turned into a fundraising event.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Ojudu claimed that mourners “rebelled in church” during the funeral of Kehinde Ajifolawe, also known as Kenny Ise. He alleged that the officiating minister demanded repeated donations and criticized the family for offering “too little” as thanksgiving.

The post, titled “The Day Mourners Rebelled in Church,” spread quickly online, sparking outrage and renewed debate over the commercialization of religious services in Nigeria.

However, the Anglican Diocese of Ekiti dismissed the story as “inaccurate and misleading.” In a statement signed by the Diocesan Communicator, Venerable Samuel Agunbiade, on behalf of Bishop Andrew Ajayi, the Church said internal investigations confirmed that “no fundraising or exploitation took place.”

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According to the Diocese, the late Mrs Ajifolawe, aged 60, was not a financial member of the church but was accorded a full burial service “in the spirit of peace and communal harmony.”

The Church clarified that the ₦200,000 thanksgiving offering mentioned by Ojudu was voluntarily announced by the deceased’s niece on behalf of her children. Two other attendees, it added, also made spontaneous donations.

“Contrary to claims that the Vicar, Venerable Kehinde Adeona, rejected the donation, the offerings were voluntary and not solicited by the church,” the statement said.

The Diocese explained that the brief tension after the service was linked to a debt dispute, not the minister’s conduct. Three individuals reportedly approached the Vicar, alleging that the deceased owed them ₦18.5 million and demanded to stop the burial until the debt was paid. The Vicar, exercising discretion, declined their request to address the congregation.

“The only disturbance occurred at the graveside due to this external issue  not from the church or its clergy,” the Diocese said.

Reaffirming its values, the Church stated that the Anglican Diocese of Ekiti “has no tradition of commercializing burial services.” It warned against spreading falsehoods that tarnish its image or question the integrity of its clergy.

“The Church remains a refuge of faith and compassion — not a marketplace,” the statement read. “We urge the public to remain calm and assured that truth and justice will prevail.”

Ojudu’s post had painted a very different picture, alleging that mourners walked out of the church after the family’s donation was criticized.

But the Diocese insisted that the event was “grossly misrepresented” and reaffirmed its commitment to honesty, compassion, and pastoral excellence.

“We continue to pray for the repose of Mrs Kehinde Ajifolawe and comfort for her family,” it added.

Content Credit: Moyosola Oni

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