Peter Jasper Akinola, born on January 27, 1944, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, emerged from very modest beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in global Anglicanism.
Orphaned by his father at the age of four, he had to shoulder early responsibilities. He apprenticed as a carpenter and later built a successful furniture business, showing both resilience and ingenuity. Despite the financial difficulties that forced him to leave school early, his determination pushed him to complete his secondary education through correspondence, a sign of the grit that would later shape his ministry.
Drawn into the call of ministry, in 1973 Akinola pursued ministerial training at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria, Bukuru-Jos and was ordained a Deacon in 1978 and a Priest in 1979. In his quest for deeper preparation, he attended Virginia Theological Seminary in the United States, where he earned a Master of Divinity in 1981. This international experience expanded his worldview and reinforced his evangelical convictions, which later became hallmarks of his leadership.
On his return to Nigeria, Akinola was given the challenging task of planting Anglican structures in the new federal capital, Abuja. His work in building congregations and laying down a solid Anglican presence in the city is considered one of his most enduring achievements. In recognition of his success, he was consecrated the first Bishop of Abuja in 1989 and became Archbishop of Province III in 1997, overseeing Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.
In February 2000, Akinola was elected the third Primate of the Church of Nigeria, a position he held until 2010. Under his watch, the church experienced remarkable growth, rising from millions of members to one of the largest and most vibrant provinces in the Anglican Communion. He placed strong emphasis on evangelism, church planting, and maintaining doctrinal orthodoxy. The Church of Nigeria metamorphosed and expanded having over 160 Dioceses by the time he retired.
Akinola’s leadership extended beyond Nigeria to the global Anglican stage. He became a strong voice for the Global South, championing conservative Anglican values and resisting theological liberalism in the West. His opposition to same-sex blessings and the ordination of homosexual clergy placed him at the center of global debates. This culminated in his role in founding the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in 2008 and in forging communion with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) in 2009, offering a global platform for orthodox Anglicans.
Akinola also left his mark on Nigerian Christianity as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure, the long-delayed National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja was completed, serving as a symbol of unity among churches. Though sometimes described as firm and uncompromising, his leadership significantly strengthened the voice of the church in national affairs.
After his retirement in 2010, Akinola founded the Peter Akinola Foundation, focusing on youth development, skills training, evangelism, and community empowerment. Through this initiative, he continues to impact young Nigerians by providing opportunities for vocational growth and faith formation. Schools and institutions named after him, such as the Archbishop Peter Akinola International Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools Afikpo in Ebonyi State further cement his enduring legacy.
Akinola has received widespread recognition for his contributions. He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2003 and was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people twice in 2006 and 2007. Even in retirement, he remains a revered elder statesman of the church, celebrating milestones such as his 80th birthday in 2024. His life story marked by resilience, faith, and courage continues to inspire both within Nigeria and across the Anglican world.
