“At the heart of Bishop Ayo-Maria’s life was his unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ. From the moment of his conception to his passing, Jesus was the constant presence guiding his journey.” These moving words spoken by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, captured the essence of late Bishop Ayo-Maria Atoyebi OP’s remarkable life.
The air was thick with emotion at St. Joseph Cathedral, Ilorin, as clergy, religious, and faithful gathered on March 28, 2025, to bid a solemn farewell to late Bishop Ayo-Maria Atoyebi OP, the Emeritus Bishop of Ilorin Diocese. In a deeply reflective homily, Archbishop Martins paid tribute to the life of devotion and service of Bishop Atoyebi.
Bishop Atoyebi, who passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 80, was remembered as a shepherd who bore the triple weight of priesthood, consecrated life, and episcopal office with grace. Archbishop Martins started his homily with a powerful invocation of Jesus Christ, the Resurrection and the Life, affirming that for those who believe in Him, death is not an end but a transformation. Born over 80 years ago, Bishop Atoyebi was called to faith, baptised, and eventually ordained a priest on December 17, 1978, for the Order of Preachers (Dominicans).
His journey of service continued when he was ordained a bishop on May 17, 1992. He led the Ilorin Diocese with unwavering commitment until his retirement on June 11, 2019. “Jesus is the only Lord and Master that the Emeritus Bishop of Ilorin served for all of his 80 years, sheltered under the mantle of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Archbishop Martins noted, lauding the late bishop’s steadfast dedication to Christ and the Church. Reflecting on Nigeria’s societal struggles, the Archbishop highlighted the contrast between Bishop Atoyebi’s integrity and the prevailing challenges of corruption and injustice in the country.
“We are running the race in a land where hardship is not a visitor but a permanent resident,” he lamented. Yet, even in such an environment, the late bishop remained an exemplar of authentic leadership—wielding power without abuse and influence without selfish gain. Bishop Atoyebi was renowned for his compelling homilies, not for their eloquence but for their conviction. “Preaching for him was never about showmanship but about touching hearts,” Archbishop Martins stated.
The bishop’s words resonated so profoundly that people recorded his homilies on cassette tapes and compact discs, underscoring the impact of his ministry. His deep Marian devotion also shaped his life and work. “His love for the Rosary and his establishment of the Annual Marian Pilgrimage in Oro are testaments to a soul consumed by love for the Mother of God,” the homilist recalled. Many fondly call the Blessed Virgin Mary “Mama Maria.”
Reflecting the Beatitudes, the Archbishop reminded the faithful that the late bishop’s life was a reflection of the beatitudes. “We have come to bury Bishop Ayo Maria, not to praise him or canonise him,” Archbishop Martins said. “He was a man with his own fair share of human weakness, but he was a man who embodied the beatitudes.” The Archbishop reflected on the Gospel passage from Matthew 5:1-12, which lists the beatitudes. He noted that Bishop Atoyebi’s life was a testament to these teachings, as he lived a life of poverty in spirit, meekness, hunger and thirst for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, and peace-making.
According to Archbishop Martins, Bishop Atoyebi’s ability to reflect the beatitudes in his life was rooted in his understanding of God’s purpose for him. “He knew that God created us to know him, to love him, and to serve him in this world, so as to be with him forever in the world to come,” the Archbishop said.
The Archbishop emphasised that the world often tries to confuse us and set goals that cannot lead us to the joys of heaven. He urged the faithful to take their bearing from Christ and to use their talents, professions, and possessions as tools for attaining the salvation of their souls. “Life is not just about food and drinks, or seeking pleasure,” Archbishop Martins said. “It’s not just about success in career or business, or acquiring wealth, power, and fame. Our life is about using these temporal goods to seek eternal life with God.” The Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, shared a touching account of his final visit with the late bishop.
By divine providence, Archbishop Martins had visited Bishop Atoyebi the day before his passing. He described the late bishop as calm and peace ful, with no signs of fear or struggle. “He looked like a man who had settled his accounts, packed his bags, and was only waiting for his train to arrive,” the Archbishop said. The homilist noted that his serene and peaceful passing was an attestation to the late bishop’s life of devotion and service. Archbishop Martins underscored that not everyone dies in peace, but Bishop Atoyebi’s calm demeanor in his final moments was a reflection of his commitment to living in accordance with God’s purpose.
The Archbishop emphasised that this should be the goal for each one of us: to live in peace and to die in peace. This can only be achieved by living in accordance with the purpose for which God created us. “If we do, we shall not just die like all living things die, but we shall die well, breathe our last knowing that we have loved enough, given enough, served enough, and so we are not ashamed of the part we played whenever the curtain falls,” Archbishop Martins said. Archbishop Martins offered heartfelt condolences as Catholic Community bids farewell to Bishop Atoyebi. In the concluding part of his homily, Most Rev. (Dr.) Martins, condoled with the loved ones of the late bishop.
“We commiserate with the clergy, religious, and faithful of Ilorin Diocese, with the Provincial and all Dominican Friars, and indeed with the biological family of Bishop Ayo-Maria Atoyebi OP,” Archbishop Martins said. Bishop Atoyebi’s passing was a significant loss not only to the Catholic community in Ilorin but also to the Dominican Order and his biological family.
As the Catholic community bids farewell to Bishop Atoyebi, they take comfort in the hope of eternal life. Archbishop Martins’ final prayer echoed this hope: “May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” As the late bishop begins his eternal journey, the Catholic community remains grateful for his life of devotion and service, and they pray for his peaceful repose. May the soul of Bishop Ayo-Maria Atoyebi OP rest in peace.
Photo credit: Fr. Michael Umoh
