Anglican Leaders Honour Former Bishop Olajide.
Church leaders within the Anglican Communion have celebrated the life and service of the former Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr Gideon Isaac Oladipo Olajide, describing him as a man whose faith, generosity and leadership made a lasting difference in the church.
They shared their tributes during his burial service last Thursday at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado-Ekiti, in the Diocese of Ekiti.
The Archbishop of Lagos Province and Bishop of Remo, Most Rev. Olusina Fape, recalled meeting Olajide in 1990. He described the late bishop as a Christian whose conduct reflected his faith and whose concern for others extended beyond words.
Fape said Olajide played an important role in his personal and academic journey. When he and his wife, Oluwatoyin, were posted to Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan, in September 1990, the late bishop provided accommodation for them.
He also helped the couple secure a Langham Trust scholarship for doctoral studies at the University of Aberdeen through his relationship with the late Rev. Dr John Stott. Fape recalled that Olajide later attended their graduation ceremony in July 1996.
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According to him, the deceased was generous with his resources and consistently supported the progress of people around him.
The Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, also recognised Olajide’s contributions, describing him as a respected teacher and an effective church administrator.
In a condolence message dated October 19 and addressed to the Supervisory Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr Titus Babatunde Olayinka, Ndukuba highlighted the late bishop’s theological education at Melville Hall, the London College of Divinity and King’s College London.
He recalled that Olajide became Bishop of Ilesha in 1981 before his transfer to the See of Ibadan in 1988. Ndukuba also praised his commitment to church growth, pointing to the numerous congregations established during his time as bishop.
The primate described him as a father figure, mentor and benefactor whose life offered an example for others to follow.
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At a separate commendation service held at the Cathedral of St James the Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, retired Archbishop Most Rev. Dr J. O. Akinfenwa urged the congregation to honour Olajide’s memory with a standing ovation.
Akinfenwa recalled the late bishop’s generosity and the influence he had on the church and its members. He also acknowledged his role in advancing the Anglican Communion.
The Bishop of Ogbomoso, Rt. Rev. Dr Titus B. Olayinka, spoke about Olajide’s impact on the church in Ogbomosoland. He explained that the late bishop’s leadership helped the church in the area grow from a parish into an archdeaconry and eventually a diocese.
Olayinka described Olajide as a beloved father in the faith and said the diocese was grateful for his years of service in God’s vineyard.
Source: Tribune News
Content Credit: Esther Adeyemi
Image Credit: Facebook.com
