Peter Obi, Adebayo pay tribute to Rev. William Okoye
By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his Social Democratic Party (SDP) counterpart, Adewole Adebayo, have expressed sadness over the death of the founder of All Christians Fellowship Mission, Rev. Dr. William Okoye.
Both presidential candidates paid tribute to the late cleric, describing him as a devoted servant of God whose life reflected faith, integrity and a commitment to national transformation.
Rev. Okoye, a former chaplain at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, died recently, attracting tributes from political leaders, religious figures and other prominent Nigerians.
In a condolence message shared on his X handle on Thursday, Obi described the late preacher as an elder brother whose ministry positively influenced many people to live purposeful and righteous lives.
He wrote, “I received the news of the homegoing of my elder brother, Rev. Dr. William Okoye, with profound sadness.
“Rev. Okoye belonged to that rare generation of spiritual leaders who understood that the true measure of ministry is not in the size of its platforms but in the depth of its impact on humanity.”
Obi said the late cleric’s teachings, leadership and personal example encouraged many people to embrace discipline, hope and integrity.
He said the cleric’s passing was “a great loss to his family, the entire All Christians Fellowship Mission, the Body of Christ, and our dear nation, Nigeria, at a time when our country yearns for voices that unite, heal, and inspire people to pursue justice, peace, and compassion.”
Obi urged Nigerians to remember and celebrate the late preacher’s legacy of service, sacrifice and selflessness.
“As we mourn, we also celebrate a life well lived a life poured out in faithful service to God and humanity. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the values he embodied and the lives he transformed will continue to speak for generations,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor prayed that Okoye’s memory would continue to inspire people “to live selflessly, love sincerely, and labour faithfully for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the building of a just, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.”
Also paying tribute, SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo described Rev. Okoye as one of Nigeria’s distinguished Christian fathers whose ministry went beyond denominational boundaries.
“I received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Rev. William Okoye, the esteemed founder and leader of All Christians Fellowship,” Adebayo said.
He added, “Nigeria has lost one of her distinguished Christian fathers whose life was devoted to the service of God, the unity of the Body of Christ, the advancement of righteousness, and the moral transformation of our nation.”
According to Adebayo, Okoye remained “a voice of truth, peace, justice, and national reconciliation,” whose dedication to raising leaders of character has left a lasting impact.
He extended his condolences to the late cleric’s family, members of the All Christians Fellowship, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and Christians around the world.
“Although we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a life well spent in faithful service to God and humanity,” Adebayo said.
He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved family, friends and the church, while raising faithful servants to continue the late cleric’s mission and enduring legacy.