As we mourn the death of our beloved brother in Christ, Bishop Jolly Oyekpen, we are comforted that in Christ those who die shall rise to live forever
Death will never hold us down because we have victory through Christ our living Lord. In one of his sonnets, 17th-century metaphysical poet, John Donne captured the truth of our hope in the midst of death when he wrote these words:
“Death, be not proud, though some have called thee mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; For those whom thou thinkst thou dost overthrow die not…One short sleep passed, and we woke eternally. And Death shall be no more: Death, thou shalt die!”
We shall live and meet again. Christ’s death and resurrection are our surety. Therein lies our peace.
May the Lord comfort his family in their grief and may the soul of Bishop Oyekpen and all the souls of the faithful departed continue to rest in peace. Amen.
– Bishop Felix C Orji, OSB.
Anglican Diocese of the West (CONNAM).
In 2011 I traveled to be his guest at his synod at Akoko Edo and as they were contemplating putting me in a hotel, I simply declined and slept in a room in the humble bishop’s house (was definitely not the kind of bishop’s court that drains the diocese’s account.
His classic wooden cross was worn conspicuously.
He was simply humble and down to earth.
He was so simple that when we met in Ibadan in February 2014 for the standing committee, as I was making arrangements for accommodation, he looked at me and said ‘ Austino, I have a double bedded accommodation room and your sister didn’t come with me so you can use the other bed’. So, for the first time in my life, I shared a room with a bishop!
To hear that my big brother, Jolly is gone is a complete rude shock.
My head right now is still spinning trying to understand that my brother and friend Bishop Jolly Oyekpen has transitioned to glory.
This one definitely hit me hard.
His beloved wife Vic I haven’t been able to call because I can’t even find words to comfort her now.
Please pray for me and those who related very closely with this truly humble servant of God.
Pray for his beloved wife and children.
Thank you galant soldier for showing us simplicity in the episcopacy.
Rest in Peace.
Bishop Augustine Unuigbe
If this was a dream, it’s already a terrible nightmare. One death too many. What a loss!!!
Bishop Kingsley Obuh (Asaba Diocese)
I am still trying to wake up from this terrible dream about my Brother and Friend, Bishop Jolly Oyekpen but unfortunately, this nightmare is getting too long and gradually metamorphosing into a reality. What? Can somebody wake me up, and just tell me, ‘it is an April Fool joke’??? From 1992 to date and Jolly is leaving without a goodbye, this is not fair at all. Jolly where are you???
In closeness, we were confidants; In Prayers, we were Birds of the same feathers; In Deliverance, we were Co-Generals in the Lord’s Army; In Anglican Ministry, we were both Reformers; In Car Driving, we were both James Bond (007); But in Death, we were separated.
Bishop Jolly Oyekpen, my friend & real brother, good night!!! Sleep Peacefully in the bosom of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Ven. Joseph Unuayan
Bishop Jolly Oyekpen was a father, a good listener, and an encourager, he looks for stars in you and pushes you up.
He was a burning chariot, a man of God par excellence. We will miss you greatly. But thanks be to God for all the rooms God brought you to fill in our lives. Live on my dear mentor and father.
Ven. Theophilus Usikaro
The National Council of Anglican Youth Fellowship Nigeria Nigeria With a heavy heart announces the passing on to Glory of our Father, Mentor, Adviser, and friend, The Rt. Rev. Jolly Oyekpen, who was until his passing on to glory to join the saints triumphant our Immediate past National Coordinator and Bishop of Akoko Edo diocese. We pray that the Lord grants the family, AYF Nigeria, and the Church of Nigeria at large the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
AYF NIGERIA
