Lagos CAN, Family, and Friends Bid Farewell to Late Bishop Theophilus Taiwo Ajose in a Memorial Service

 

The final, eternal journey of the late Presiding Bishop of Bishop Ajose Ministries International and President of the Global Intercessors Network in Nigeria, Bishop Theophilus Taiwo Ajose, was celebrated on Wednesday, 23rd June 2026, with a burial service befitting his status as a Christian leader with meritorious years of service in the Vineyard of God and the Lagos State Christian community.

In his homily at the burial service held at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Lagos CAN Secretariat, Otunba Jobi Feel Way, Alausa, Ikeja, the Lagos State CAN Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Bishop (Prof) Stephen Adegbite, quoted John 11, as a metaphor describing the death of Bishop Theophilus Taiwo Ajose, saying, “According to the word of Jesus, Bishop Ajose is not dead, he’s sleeping because we know he will rise again on the resurrection morning.”

He described the deceased as a great and giant man with means and integrity, a cheerful giver and a great supporter who gave his all to meticulously serve CAN, PFN, RMC, the entire body of Christ, and other organizations he was associated with. “Bishop Ajose is a reliable, trustworthy, and hardworking person, a friend to many people, a blessing to every cause he believed in, and ready to effectively play his part towards the friend and the cause he believed in,” he said.

Bishop Adegbite clarified the relationship between him and the late Bishop Ajose, who was also his Special Adviser (General Duties) before his death, as worth more than a friend, “We have become brothers from another womb, and since I knew him, that is the relationship we had until his last day. Apart from my wife, he knows my movements and schedules. Through him, many people have access to me because he facilitated the meeting.”

He further said, “It’s not everybody you call a friend, and it’s not everybody that calls you friend that you also refer to as a friend, but to some of us, we know we have lost a friend and a beloved brother.”

Admonishing the congregation, Adegbite said Bishop Ajose’s death proves the emptiness of life; today you are happy, and tomorrow you may be no more, but the only way you can stay alive your time is by doing something remarkable in the service of God and in the body of Christ.

Before he died, we had immortalized Bishop Theophilus Taiwo Ajose’s name on one of the Secretariat offices, and that name will remain as long as the Secretariat exists.

Adding that, “We must play our part when we have the opportunity to work, and it will make you impact your generation, stand before kings, and not before mere men,” Adegbite stated.

Eulogizing him further, Adegbite said Bishop Ajose was an open, selfless servant of God, into intercessory ministry without a congregation to receive tithes or collect offerings, but mostly praying for people, the Church, country, leaders, and not focused on praying for himself.

He was a sincere, humble, and contented man, generous to a fault at his own judgment. “Despite being the same age as my elder sister, the way he respects me is unbelievable.”

Speaking to the family, he said, “Truth is, it is not a good day, and not something we prayed for, but it has happened, and the good Lord will comfort and strengthen the Ajose family at this time.”

Bishop Stephen Adegbite prayed to God to multiply the widow, Mrs. Nkechi Ajose’s strength, and for God to grant their beautiful daughter, Maugbe, the wisdom to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Also, for the family, he prayed that God will give them the grace to bear the loss of their son.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his goodwill message read on his behalf by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religion (Christian), Rt Rev Bukola Adeleke, said the departure of Bishop Ajose marks the end of a remarkable earthly journey dedicated to the service of God and humanity.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described him as a man of profound faith, exceptional humility, and unwavering commitment to the work of the Kingdom. As a devoted servant of God, he distinguished himself as a prayer warrior, a compassionate shepherd, a diligent preacher of the Gospel, and a mentor whose life reflected the teachings of Christ.

He stated further, “Beyond his spiritual calling, he was a respected community leader whose influence transcended the walls of the Church. Through his words and actions, he promoted peace, unity, moral excellence, and harmonious coexistence within society. His commitment to uplifting the less privileged, empowering the younger generation, and fostering values that strengthen families and communities stands as a lasting testament to a life of purpose and impact.”

According to Mr. Sanwo-Olu, the life of Bishop Ajose reminds us that true greatness is measured not by earthly possessions or titles, but by the positive difference one makes in the lives of others. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well lived—a life marked by devotion, service, compassion, and unwavering faith in God.

He admonished that Bishop Theophilus Taiwo Ajose has left behind footprints of faith, love, service, and godliness that time cannot erase. Mr. Sanwo-Olu prays that the Almighty God grants his family, the Church, and all who mourn him the strength, comfort, and grace to bear this great loss.

In a message during the wake-keep and service of songs for the late Bishop Dr. Theophilus Taiwo Ajose, tributes, goodwill messages, worship, and exaltation marked the occasion.

Bishop Stephen Ogedengbe, the National President of Renewed Ministers of Christ (RMC), shared the relevance of the deceased in the service of God, describing him as trustworthy, faithful, and passionately committed. Bishop Ogedengbe encouraged people to emulate good reports and be relevant, useful, and reliable in their service to God and other endeavors.

During the service of songs, Pastor Chigozie ministered soul-lifting worship songs that stirred and lifted the widow, Mrs. Nkechi Ajose spirit, and other mourners.

Bishop Bod Hardin from the USA, a spiritual father figure to Bishop Ajose, delivered a goodwill message and prayed for the deceased’s widow and daughter.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Onajomo, with other management staff, represented the organization where Mrs. Nkechi Ajose works.

Christian organizations, including the College of Bishops, Renewed Ministers of Christ (RMC), Maranatha Bible University, Lagos, and the Lagos State CAN Executive, paid their last respects and tributes.

The Lagos State Chairman of Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Olugbenga Opasola, said, “In the Lagos Christian community, we lost a dedicated and faithful servant of God, Bishop Dr. Theophilus Ajose.”

Rev. Dr. Stephen Oyinlola, the Lagos State Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), described Bishop Theophilus Taiwo Ajose as a wonderful friend, twin brother, covenant partner, and close associate.

Archbishop Adebayo Adejola said, Bishop Dr. Ajose was a close friend of 28 years. Like a sibling, we lived together in Lagos for about 5 years. He was a devoted and committed servant of God. A man of service, integrity, and compassion.

The widow, Pastor (Mrs.) Nkechi Ajose, said, “I still believe he would walk through the door and calm my fears. I still cannot comprehend the loss.

It was a privilege and a blessing to share life with him. He was everything to me -my friend, brother, husband, prophet, confidant, doctor, nutritionist, and intercessor. Above all, he was a loving husband and devoted father to our daughter, Mougbe. His love for us will live forever.”

The service of songs and the burial service had a large turnout of prominent Christian ministers and Church leaders from different denominations, corporate organization heads, distinguished dignitaries from various spheres of influence, including top-tier government officials from both federal and state governments, friends and family members who came to celebrate the life and times of Bishop Theophilus Taiwo Ajose.

His remains were interred at a private cemetery in Lagos.