Bishop Oyekpen Of  The Anglican Communion Dies At 56

By Adesina Soyooye

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has lost one of its young, vibrant  Bishops.

His Lordship, the Rt Rev. Jolly Oyekpen passed on in the morning of Monday, August 29, at the age of 56.

Until his death, he was the Bishop of Akoko Edo Diocese.

His Lordship died after what  was described as a brief illness at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

A statement released by the Church, said the late Bishop was a great mobiliser of youths.

“With great sadness, but glory to the  God Almighty, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Announces the death of The Rt. Rev. Jolly Oyekpen, Bishop of Akoko Edo Diocese.

“He passed away peacefully  early this morning August 29, 2022 at the University of Benin, Edo State after he complained of brief illness. He was born 7th September, 1966.

“We offer sympathies and prayers to his family, to the Priests, and the faithful whose lives he touched throughout his years of Priestly and Episcopal Ministry.

“His approachable and youthful nature will be how Bishop Oyekpen will be remembered as he was the Bishop Coordinator to the Anglican Youth Fellowship of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion until 2021. He was elected Bishop in 2007 to pioneer the Diocese of Akoko-Edo.

Please, pray for the wife, family, friends, and the Diocese he left behind.”

Bishop Oyekpen was born in Iruekpen, Edo State and was educated at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.