In his welcome address, the Primate, the Most Revd Dr Henry C. Ndukuba, expressed great delight that the Governor had come to felicitate with the bishops. He described Governor Sanwo-Olu as a leader who rules with “the fear of God and purpose”, acknowledging his timeliness in attending to situations in the state, whether good or bad.

Drawing from 2 Samuel 23:3–4, the Primate stated that leadership is a sacred trust, noting that the Church is proud that the Governor has carried this mantle with integrity and a heart for the people. He also used the opportunity to commiserate with the state regarding the recent fire incident which destroyed a multiple story building and many other goods and human lives, praying for the restoration of all that was lost and condolences to the families of lives lost.

Reflecting on the historical significance of the venue, Primate Ndukuba noted that it was fitting for the retreat to return to Lagos, as it was here that the retreat began in December 2000 under the leadership of the then Primate, Archbishop Peter Jasper Akinola. He described that inaugural gathering as a period of “deep repentance, restoration, and healing”, where the concept of the “monarchical bishop” crumbled, giving way to the biblical idea of “diaconate episcopacy”. He concluded by expressing the Church’s gratitude for the consistent support received from the Governor.

While responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu called for stronger synergy between the Church and the State, asserting that while the government formulates policies, faith is essential to stabilise and strengthen them.

Commending the retreat’s theme, “Prepared and Useful to the Master”, he noted that in times of anxiety and confusion, true usefulness goes beyond mere visibility.

“Many may be prominent but not necessarily useful,” Sanwo-Olu remarked. Sharing his personal experience in governance, he noted that he witnesses the pain and expectations of the people daily and urged the Fathers of Faith to remain focused, as leadership is fundamentally about stewardship and accountability.

The Bishop of Lagos, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Ifedola Okupevi, while welcoming the Governor, described him as a “committed member of the Diocese of Lagos”. He praised the Governor’s dedication as a member of the Synod and the Guild of Stewards, as well as his strides in healthcare, infrastructure, and education.

The Governor was accompanied by the Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Hon. Bukola Adedeji, and the Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters, the Very Revd Bukola Adeleke Adebiyi.

The Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd Dr Blessing Enyindah, offered prayers for the Governor. This was followed by prayers for the nation and the Church led by the Primate.

Here are some few things to know about Archbishop Olumakaiye:
1. Until his death, he was the Bishop of Lagos, and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos (Anglican Communion), Church of Nigeria, having been Bishop of Osun North-East Diocese since 2009 until 2018 when he was translated to the See of Lagos.

2. He was presented as the Archbishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province on November 7, 2021 at the Cathedral Church of Advent, Life Camp, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

3. Olumakaiye was  born on January  28, 1969 at Okene into the family of the Venerable and Mrs. T.A. Olumakaiye.

4. The late Archbishop was a native of Idanre, a town in Ondo State.
5. He started his Education at St. Michael’s primary school, Esie in 1975 and proceeded to Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran, Kwara State in 1982.

6. In 1983, he left Omu-Aran to conclude his Secondary education at Cherubim Seraphim Secondary School, Ilorin in 1986.
7. He bagged his first degree in Religious Studies from the University of Ibadan between 1991 and 1993, and a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies in 2001. He went further to obtain a doctorate degree in Church History and Doctrine from the same university.
8. He became a deacon in June 1993 and was ordained a priest in December same year by E.A. Ademowo, Bishop of Ilesha Diocese. This was after Olumakaiye’s training and graduation from Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan.
9. He started his ministry at Christ the Saviour Anglican Church, Cappa, Ilesa, Osun State in June 1993.
10. At the age of 40, Olumakaiye was elected Bishop on May 22, 2009; he was consecrated Bishop on Sunday, July 12, 2009 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state while he was enthroned on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at Cathedral church of St. Philip’s, Otan Ayegbaju as the first Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Osun North-East.

11.Olumakaiye was elected for translation into See of Lagos on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 and enthroned as the 8th Bishop of Lagos on Monday, July 30, 2018 at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

12.He acquired 1500 plots of land for the Diocese and named it Centenary City where he is building low income Housing Estate, Gethsemane garden, Hospital, Convention ground, women & youth empowerment center, Amusement park and lots more.

13.Olumakaiye has served as the Coordinator, prayer convocation for Ibadan province: the secretary of supra west, church of Nigeria (comprising of 63 Dioceses): the secretary of the proprietors’ desk of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo. He was member of pension and gratuity board, supra west church of Nigeria and a member of governing council, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

14.Until his death, Olumakaiye was married to Motunrayo Funke, who is a professor and former head of the department of nutrition and consumer sciences, faculty of agriculture Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile -Ife, in Osun State. They had a son, Richard Tunbamise.

Condolences

Akinyelure Sympathizes With Olumakaiye Family Over Loss Of Illustrious Son

The Senator representing Ondo Central and Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Distinguished Senator Ayo Akinyelure, FCA has commiserate with the Owa of Idanre kingdom, Oba Frederick Aroloye, JP (OFR), the entire Olumakaiye family and indeed the entire Idanre kingdom over the sudden demise of an Illustrious son of Idanre, Late Most Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye (PhD), whose death occurred few days ago.

In a condolence message sent to the bereaved family through his SA (Media & Strategy), Charles Akinwon, the Senator described the late Bishop of Lagos Diocese and Archbishop of Lagos Province Anglican Communion as a promising man who had reached the pinnacle of his pastoral career at a tender age.

“This news is devastating and I find it too difficult to comprehend. But I charged the entire family of the late Archbishop to take solace in God, the giver and taker of life,” Akinyelure said.

The Senator used the medium to pray for the soul of the deceased and seek the face of God for protection over the immediate family left behind.

“No doubt, Olumakaiye family and indeed the entire Idanre kingdom had loss a rare gem but who are we to query our Creator who knows everything,” the statement added.

Signed:
Charles Akinwon,
SA (Media & Strategy) to the Distinguished Senator
01/11/2022

Lagos State Governor Sympathizes With Olumakaiye Family, Anglican Communion

On behalf of the State Government, good people of Lagos State, and my adorable wife, I sympathise with the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on the demise of the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, who was also the Lord Bishop and Missioner of the Diocese of Lagos, Most. Rev. (Dr.) Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye.

The death of Archbishop Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye, who I have known for many years as a fellow Anglican came to me as rude shock. His death is a great loss to the Anglican Communion, especially the Diocese of Lagos. But we must always take solace in God that our Lord Bishop lived a good life and served the humanity passionately.

He impacted people within and outside the shores of Nigeria positively. He was the first Nigerian priest to preach at Melbourne Church, London. As an evangelist, preacher, and administrator, he served God with all his heart, using his spiritual gift to win souls for God. He was an apostle of God and remained committed to God till his death on Monday.

The pastoral and wise counsel of Archbishop Olumakaiye will be sorely missed by his family, the House of Bishop, clergies, and the laity.

I sympathise with his family, particularly Mama Lagos Diocese, Prof. Motunrayo Olumakaiye, and the entire Anglican Communion members. I pray that God will grant the late Archbishop Olumakaiye eternal rest and grant the family and the church the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu., Executive Governor of Lagos State.

Most Reverend Olumakaiye: We’ve Lost A Committed Man Of God – Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON has described the death of the Archbishop of Lagos Province, Anglican Communion and Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Most Reverend Humphrey Olumakaiye, as a devastating loss.

Governor Akeredolu said the late Archbishop passed on to glory at a time when his voice and prayers are needed for national development and progress.

According to the Governor, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has lost a giant and bridge builder who spent his lifetime to gain souls for Christ.

“As a State, we are proud to have an indigene of Idanre, Ondo State, serve in such great capacity with honour. Most Reverend Olumakaiye was a resourceful, highly cerebral and principled servant of God whose ministry saw him through various steps of the spiritual ladder.

“Beyond this emotional blow, we understand that God has the final say on our lives. He pulls the plug whenever he deems fit. Our God is unquestionable. We would have loved Most Reverend Humphrey Olumakaiye to still be here with us, but God has called him home.

“Indeed, he had played his own part of the endless life orchestra; he is gone to rest. His good works and commitment will continue to speak for him. He lived well.

“He was a trans-generational man of God whose passion for the young ones was inspiring. His uncommon love and understanding for the youth was heartwarming. He will be sorely missed,” the Governor said.

The Governor noted that the late Archbishop contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican
Communion, where he served in many capacities.

Governor Akeredolu commiserates with the Widow, Children and Family of the Archbishop, as well as Diocese of Lagos and the entire Anglican Church. He prays God to grant him eternal rest.

Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 31, 2022.

Ajayi Crowther University Mourns Archbishop Olumakaiye

The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Timothy Adebayo, has expressed sadness over the demise of Most Reverend Humphrey Olumakaiye, the Archbishop of Lagos Province and Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

Professor Adebayo, in a release from his office, noted that the late bishop was a member of the Governing Council of the university, who showed great interest in the development of the institution.

He expressed his condolences to the Olumakaiye family, the Lagos diocese and the entire Anglican Communion, on the loss of Olumakaiye whom he described as young and vibrant preacher, who was already making waves in the province and diocese before his demise.

He noted that Ajayi Crowther University would miss the revered cleric for his benevolence, advice and prayers. He said his condolences were expressed on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Senate, Staff and students of the university.
He also condoled with his immediate past predecessor in the university, Rt. Rev. Professor Dapo Asaju, given that Olumakaiye was the younger brother to Asaju’s wife.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered a probe of the death of a girl hit by a bullet during the Yoruba Nation Mega rally at Ojota on Saturday.

Moyosore Onigbanjo, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice made the announcement Sunday night.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) conveyed the condolence of the state government to the family.

He said, “The Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered a thorough investigation of the death. A Coroner’s Inquest has immediately been requested.”

Onigbanjo said the investigation is in line with sections 14 and 15 of the Coroners’ Systems Law, Laws of Lagos State 2015, to determine the cause and circumstances of death.

Section 14(1) (d) states that death can be subject to post-mortem examination where there is reasonable cause to believe that the cause was violent, unnatural or suspicious.

Section 15(1) and (9) further enjoins the Coroner to hold an inquest whenever he or she is informed that the death of the deceased person was in a violent, unnatural or suspicious situation or believes an inquest is desirable following the report of a reportable death.

Onigbanjo stressed that the Lagos government prioritizes the security and wellbeing of citizens.

The statement assured that everything will be done to ensure that the cause of death is known.

“The findings of this investigation will be made public in due course and appropriate sanctions meted out to anyone found culpable”, the commissioner added.