Ekiti Anglican Diocese Reacts To Report Against Priest Using Burial Ceremony To Raise Money
RE: “THE DAY MOURNERS REBELLED IN CHURCH”
The attention of the Diocese of Ekiti (Anglican Communion) has been drawn to a publication written by Senator Babafemi Ojudu, titled “The Day Mourners Rebelled in Church,” concerning the burial service of Mrs. Kehinde Adebowale Ajifolawe (née Olokesusi) held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Oraye, Ise-Ekiti, on Friday, 10th October, 2025.
The Diocese wishes to state clearly that the narrative, though emotionally charged, contains several inaccuracies and misrepresentations of both the facts of the event and the actions of the officiating ministers or the parish workers.
In line with our commitment to truth, transparency, and pastoral integrity, the matter was duly investigated by team set up by the Bishop of the Diocese, The Right Reverend Dr. Andrew Olusola Ajayi. Proper findings were made from various eye-witnesses including church staff, burial attendees, church service arm members, and relatives known to the family and the situation was totally different from the narrative shared by Senantor Ojudu on his social media page.
The Diocese hereby state these clarifications so far established:
1. Age and Status of the Deceased:
The late Mrs. Ajifolawe was 60 years old, not “a woman in her fifties” as purportedly reported. She was not a financial or active member of St. Paul’s Church but was graciously allowed a burial service after much persuasion from both within and outside the Church to promote peace and communal harmony.
2. The Donation:
Contrary to claims that the Vicar of the Church, The Venerable Kehinde Adeona complained or rejected a donation, the niece (on-behalf of the children) of the deceased voluntarily announced a ₦200,000 thanksgiving offering. In addition, two other individuals voluntarily joined them in making donations — a gesture that was spontaneous and heartfelt, not solicited, or coerced by the church.
3. The Actual Cause of Tension at the Church:
The service itself was peaceful and orderly from all eye-witnesses. However, three individuals who arrived during rainfall approached the Vicar alleging that the deceased owed them ₦18.5 million and insisted that the burial should not proceed until the debt was paid. The Vicar, exercising pastoral discretion, declined their request to address the congregation over this matter.
The only disturbance occurred after the church service, at the graveside, due to this external debt dispute — not due to any conduct of the officiating minister or church officials.
4. No Fundraising or Exploitation Took Place:
The Diocese affirmed from its investigation that there was no fundraising exercise beyond the voluntary thanksgiving by the family and the two individuals that pledge donations. The Anglican Church in Ekiti has no tradition of commercializing burial services, and St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Oraye, Ise-Ekiti, followed due liturgical order throughout.
The Diocese of Ekiti upholds the highest standards of pastoral conduct and Christian ethics. We encourage the public, the media, and the family of the deceased to remain calm and be assured that truth and justice will always prevail.
Again, the Church remains a refuge of faith and compassion — not a marketplace — and we are committed to preserving that sacred trust.
We seek that all those peddling a wrong narrative for any reason whatsoever against the church for doing what should be a clear positive narrative of showing compassion and commitment to peace and communal harmony should desist from it henceforth.
The Diocese continues to pray for the repose of the soul of the late Mrs. Kehinde Ajifolawe and for God’s comfort upon her family during this difficult time.
Habakkuk 2:20: “But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him”
Signed:
The Venerable Dr. Samuel Sunday Agunbiade
Diocesan Communicator
For: The Right Reverend Dr. Andrew Olusola Ajayi
Bishop of Ekiti Diocese (Anglican Communion)
Date: 14th October, 2025
