Church of Nigeria Mourns, Says Rt. Rev’d Shelemiah Oluseyi Oyelade Is Dead

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu

Tears flooded the eyes of Anglican Church members across the country on the news of the passing of The Rt. Rev’d Shelemiah Oluseyi Oyelade, Bishop of the Diocese of Ife East in the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan.

His death shook Ibadan Anglican province and the entire Christendom as he was a farher of all while alive.

The press release by Ven. Raphael A. Aderinwale, Director of Communications, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) stated thus:

“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) announces, with deep sorrow but gratitude to God for a life of faithful service and impact, the passing of The Rt. Rev’d Shelemiah Oluseyi Oyelade, Bishop of the Diocese of Ife East in the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan.

“The late Bishop Oyelade served the Church with devotion, humility, and commitment to the work of God. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

“In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2020, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, has appointed The Rt. Rev’d Prof. Dapo Asaju, Bishop of Ilesa Diocese, as the Supervisory Bishop of the Diocese of Ife East. He will oversee the administration of the Diocese until further notice.

“His Grace, the Primate, calls on the Church to uphold in prayer the family of the late Bishop Oyelade, the Diocese of Ife East, the Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan, and the entire Church of God, asking the Lord to grant comfort, consolation, and peace at this time of grief.

The statement concluded: “May the soul of the faithful departed rest in peace and rise in glory”.

Gunmen Shot, Kill Priest

This is coming as the late Rev. Emmanuel Ezeokwe, the Vicar of Anglican Church, Zinai, Cathedral Archdeaconry, Yola diocese was shot and killed by unknown gunmen.

He was shot by unknown gun men in the Vicarage in the early hours of Tuesday 21st April, 2026.

Christians are praying for the immediate family, Zinai Church, Cathedral Archdeaconry and the Diocese.

Ven. Andrew Izuakor
Admin to the Archbishop made the disclosure in a Press statement in Yola.

The news was made public by the orders of His Grace, the Most Rev. M. A. Ibrahim, Bishop of Yola diocese.

Late Rt. Rev’d Shelemiah Oluseyi Oyelade