A pastor named Magistrate Olasanmi Ogunkanmi, 58, of Lagos State, tragically passed on the night after returning from a three-week holy pilgrimage in Jerusalem, Israel.
It was learned that before his untimely demise on January 1, 2025, late Magistrate Ogunkanmi carried out his final pilgrimage exercise to Jerusalem with the first group of pilgrims from Lagos.
The deceased was a “gentle, humble and amiable fellow” who did a great job at his position at the Ikeja Magistrate Court while he was still living.
“Adegbite, was filled with excitement and satisfaction on his return on 1st January 2025 when suddenly, God called him home,” a staff at Ikeja Magistrate told press.
The reason of death, however, was reported in various ways. Another account claimed that he slept soundly that night but never woke up again, despite the fact that it was believed that he abruptly slumped and passed away on that terrible night at his home.
On Friday, January 17, 2025, NCPC Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, visited the widow of the late Ogunkanmi at their home in Ikorodu, Lagos, to offer condolences.
Adegbite conveyed his sincere condolences to the young widow for Magistrate Ogunkanmi’s unexpected and sad death.
He reassured her that the deceased had gone to rest in the arms of his creator and encouraged her to have faith in God.
Adegbite said, It was not an accident that late Magistrate Ogunkanmi died the night he successfully returned from performing holy pilgrimage in Jerusalem. The occurrence makes his death providential.”
Your husband lived a well fulfilled life on earth, it is therefore not how long one lives on earth that matters but how well.”
He prayed that the family may find solace in the Good Lord during this difficult time.
Therefore, Adegbite gave her the assurance that the commission would assist in ensuring the dignified JP of the commission and a Nigerian pilgrimage ambassador were buried in a dignified manner.
Last Monday, the NCPC leader paid a visit to his family’s home in Kado, Abuja, where he offered his condolences to his relatives.
Following a Service of Songs on February 6, 2025, the ashes of the late Magistrate Ogunkanmi will be laid to rest in Lagos on February 7, 2025.