By GILBERT EKEZIE
The Archbishop of Lagos Province, Anglican Communion, and Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Most Reverend Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye, is dead.
In a release issued by the Diocesan board signed by synod Secretary, Ven. Segun Ladeinde and Chancellor of the Cathedral, The Rt. Hon. Adedayo Oyebanji, Olumakaiye died on Sunday, October 30, 2022, following a protracted battle with an undisclosed ailment.
He was aged 53.
Olumakaiye became the first Bishop of Osun North East Diocese in 2009, before being elected for translation into the Diocese of Lagos on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, and enthroned as the eighth Bishop of Lagos on Monday, July 30, 2018, at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.
On September 25, 2021, he became the Archbishop of the Province of Lagos and was officially enthroned on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at the Cathedral Church of the Advent,Gwarimpa, Abuja.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed sadness over the passing away of the Anglican Archbishop.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Monday, Sanwo-Olu described the death of Olumakaiye as a great loss, not only to the Anglican Communion , but the Diocese of Lagos and the entire Lagos State.
“In fact, Archbishop Olumakaiye’s death is a personal loss to me”, he said.
Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most. Revd Henry Ndukuba, bishops, clergies and the laity over the demise of the Bishop of Diocese of Lagos.
He urged the deceased family, especially the widow, Prof. Motunrayo Olumakaiye, friends, clergymen and entire members of the Diocese of Lagos and Province of Lagos to take his death in good faith.
“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 a 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 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.”
Sanwo-Olu also described the late Archbishop as an apostle of God who remained committed to God till his death.
According to Sanwo-Olu, 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.”