9 Nigerian Pastors Whose Wives Died Early

Over the years, several prominent Nigerian pastors have suffered the painful loss of their wives, experiencing deep personal grief while continuing to lead their congregations. 

Death is a reality that spares no one, and these pastors have had to navigate their ministries despite heartbreaking losses.

Some eventually found love again and remarried, while others chose to remain single, dedicating their lives solely to their faith. Here are 10 Nigerian pastors whose wives passed away early:

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, founder of The Fountain of Life Church, endured the tragic loss of two wives. His first wife, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, was a widely loved relationship coach and televangelist who died in the 2005 Sosoliso Airlines crash.

Five years later, he married Pastor Nomthi Odukoya, a South African, but their union lasted 11 years before she lost her battle with cancer in 2021. The grief of losing two spouses took a toll on Pastor Odukoya, and in 2023, he also passed away in the United States.

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo

Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House Church lost his wife, Ibidunni Ighodalo, in 2020. A former beauty queen and event planner, she dedicated her life to philanthropy, particularly helping couples with fertility challenges. She died suddenly of cardiac arrest, just weeks before her 40th birthday.

Pastor W.F. Kumuyi

The founder of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, lost his wife, Abiodun Kumuyi, in 2009. She was an essential part of the ministry and had been with him since its early years. After mourning for over a year, he remarried Folashade Esther Kumuyi in 2010.

Pastor Anselm Madubuko

Pastor Anselm Madubuko, General Overseer of Revival Assembly Church, lost his wife, Pastor Connie Madubuko, in 2012. Her sudden passing left him devastated, but he later found love again and remarried Kenyan gospel singer Emmy Kosgei in 2013.

Prophet Samuel Abiara

Prophet Samuel Abiara, a former General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), lost his wife, Christiana Abiara, in 2016. The couple had been together for decades before her passing at age 70. Two years later, he remarried a much younger bride, Miss Ojewande, in 2018.

Pastor Lazarus Muoka

Pastor Lazarus Muoka, the leader of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, has lost two wives. His first wife passed away in 2010, and in 2024, he suffered another loss when his second wife, Pastor Joy, died at the age of 61.

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the founder of Word of Life Bible Church, lost his first wife, Stella Oritsejafor, to diabetes in 1996. A year later, he married Helen Oritsejafor, and they have been together since, raising their triplets.

Pastor David Adeoye

The founder of Royalty Christian Centre, Pastor David Adeoye, lost his wife, Folake Adeoye, after a brief illness. He later married Sumbo Ajaba, a single mother of two who previously had children with Nigerian musician 2Baba (2Face Idibia). His decision to marry her was controversial, but he remained firm in his choice.

Pastor Moses Orimolade

Pastor Moses Orimolade, a well-respected Nigerian minister, lost his wife unexpectedly in the early years of his ministry. Her passing was a great sorrow to him, but he remained committed to his faith, dedicating himself to his calling without remarrying.