No fundraising or exploitation occurred during burial — Ekiti Anglican Church replies Ojudu

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Ekiti, has refuted allegations made by Senator Babafemi Ojudu that a burial service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Oraye, Ise-Ekiti, was turned into a fundraising event, prompting mourners to walk out in protest.

In an official rejoinder signed on Monday, the Diocese described Ojudu’s publication titled “The Day Mourners Rebelled in Church” as inaccurate and misleading, stressing that the account misrepresented both the facts and the actions of the officiating ministers.

According to the statement, the burial service of the late Mrs. Kehinde Adebowale Ajifolawe (née Olokesusi) held on October 3, 2025, was conducted in line with Anglican traditions and without any form of exploitation. The Diocese, led by the Bishop of Ekiti, The Right Reverend Dr. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, said the matter is being investigated to ensure truth and transparency.

Providing clarifications, the Diocese noted that the deceased was 60 years old, not “a woman in her fifties” as claimed, and was not a financial or active member of the church but was permitted burial there after much persuasion to promote peace within the community.

It explained that a ₦200,000 thanksgiving donation was voluntarily announced by the children of the deceased and not solicited by the officiating minister. Two other attendees also joined in making spontaneous donations — a gesture described as heartfelt and not coerced.

The statement further clarified that the only moment of tension occurred after the church service, when three individuals confronted the officiating minister at the graveside, claiming that the deceased owed them ₦18.5 million and insisting that the burial be halted until the debt was paid. The Vicar, however, exercised discretion and declined to let them address the congregation.

“The Diocese affirms that there was no fundraising exercise beyond the voluntary thanksgiving by the family and the two individuals who pledged donations. The Anglican Church has no tradition of commercializing burial services,” the statement emphasized.

Reaffirming its commitment to integrity and pastoral discipline, the Diocese called for calm among the public and the deceased’s family, assuring that truth and justice would prevail.