Anglican Leaders Celebrate Olajide's Legacy of Service and Mentorship at Burial

Anglican leaders have paid tribute to the late Rt. Rev. Dr. Gideon Isaac Oladipo Olajide, former Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, describing him as a devoted servant of God and an exemplary Christian leader. The tributes were delivered at his burial service held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado-Ekiti, Diocese of Ekiti. Leaders recalled his contributions to the growth of the Anglican Communion, which would remain enduring.

The Archbishop of Lagos Province and Bishop of Remo, Most Rev. Olusina Fape, recalled his first encounter with Olajide in 1990, describing him as a man of unquestionable Christian character. Fape said he found Olajide to be "a child of God in whom there was no guile," adding that the late bishop was a destiny helper whose generosity and commitment to the development of others left lasting impressions.

Fape recounted his personal experience with Olajide, who provided accommodation for him and his wife when they were deployed to Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan, in September 1990. Olajide also facilitated a Langham Trust scholarship for their doctoral studies at the University of Aberdeen through his friendship with the late Rev. Dr. John Stott.

The Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, described Olajide as a sound teacher and an administrator of excellence. Ndukuba recalled that Olajide received his theological training at Melville Hall, the London College of Divinity, and King's College London. He noted that Olajide was elected Bishop of Ilesha in 1981 before being translated to the See of Ibadan in 1988.

Ndukuba cited the numerous churches established during Olajide's episcopacy as evidence of his commitment to the expansion of the Anglican Church. He described Olajide as a loving father, mentor, and benefactor to many, whose godly example remains a light and an inspiration to all who knew him.

Other leaders, including retired Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. J. O. Akinfenwa and Bishop of Ogbomoso Rt. Rev. Dr. Titus B. Olayinka, acknowledged Olajide's contributions to the growth and progress of the Anglican Communion. They recalled his generosity and the positive influence he had on the church and its members.

The Bishop of Ogbomoso noted that Olajide's leadership and legacy helped transform the church in the area from a parish into an archdeaconry and subsequently a diocese. The diocese celebrated a life well spent in God's vineyard, describing him as "our beloved Father of faith."

Key points

• The late Bishop Gideon Isaac Oladipo Olajide was a devoted servant of God and an exemplary Christian leader.
• Olajide's contributions to the growth of the Anglican Communion would remain enduring.
• The late bishop was a loving father, mentor, and benefactor to many.