Peter Obi, Adebayo pay tribute to former Aso Rock chaplain

Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and his Social Democratic Party counterpart, Adewole Adebayo, have paid glowing tributes to the late founder of All Christians Fellowship Mission, Rev. Dr. William Okoye, describing him as a devoted servant of God whose life was marked by faith, integrity and national service.

Okoye, a former chaplain at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, died recently, prompting tributes from political, religious and public figures across the country.

In a condolence message shared on his X handle on Thursday, Obi described the late cleric as an elder brother whose ministry transformed countless lives.

He wrote: “I received the news of the homegoing of my elder brother, Rev. Dr. William Okoye, with profound sadness.”

Obi added: “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.”

According to the former Anambra State governor, Okoye’s teachings, leadership and personal example inspired many to embrace discipline, hope and integrity.

He described the cleric’s death as “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 uphold the late preacher’s legacy of service 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.

He 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 mourning the cleric, Adebayo described Okoye as one of Nigeria’s foremost Christian leaders whose influence extended beyond denominational boundaries.

He said: “I received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Rev. William Okoye, the esteemed founder and leader of All Christians Fellowship.”

Adebayo 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 him, the late cleric remained “a voice of truth, peace, justice, and national reconciliation,” whose commitment to raising leaders of character left an enduring legacy.

The SDP presidential candidate extended his condolences to Okoye’s family, the All Christians Fellowship, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and Christians across the world.

“Although we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a life well spent in faithful service to God and humanity,” Adebayo said.

He also prayed that God would comfort the bereaved family and raise faithful servants to continue the late cleric’s work.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖