Ekiti Anglican Church Rejects Fundraising Claims in Burial Controversy

The Diocese of Ekiti (Anglican Communion) has officially dismissed allegations leveled by Senator Babafemi Ojudu concerning a burial service held on October 3, 2025, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Oraye, Ise-Ekiti. The Senator’s narrative, which portrayed the event as being marred by fundraising and exploitation, has been described by the church as inaccurate and misleading.

In an official statement signed by Venerable Samuel Agunbiade on behalf of the Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rt. Rev. Andrew Ajayi, the church clarified that the deceased, Mrs. Kehinde Adebowale Ajifolawe (née Olokesusi), who was 60 years old, was not an active financial member of the church. Despite this, her burial was permitted after much persuasion in the spirit of promoting peace and harmony within the community.

Addressing the contentious issue of a ₦200,000 donation mentioned by the Senator, the Diocese clarified that this offering was voluntarily made by the deceased’s children as a thanksgiving. This gesture was further supported spontaneously by two other individuals who also made donations of their own accord. At no point was there solicitation or coercion by the church authorities.

The church also refuted claims that fundraising was the cause of unrest during the burial service. The event inside the church was described as peaceful and orderly, adhering completely to the Anglican liturgical order. The only disturbance occurred after the service at the graveside, sparked by an unrelated financial dispute where three individuals claimed that the deceased owed them ₦18.5 million and demanded the burial be halted until the debt was settled. The officiating Vicar, exercising pastoral discretion, declined their attempt to involve the congregation or disrupt the proceedings.

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The Diocese strongly reiterated that it does not engage in the commercialisation or exploitation of burial services and condemned the spreading of false narratives that could damage the church’s reputation and pastoral integrity.

Concluding the statement, the Diocese urged the public, media, and the family of the late Mrs. Ajifolawe to remain calm and assured them that truth and justice would prevail. The church emphasized its role as a refuge of faith and compassion, not a marketplace, and offered prayers for the repose of the deceased and comfort for her family during their bereavement.