The sudden passing of the Bishop of Ayeidun Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, Ayeidun-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Titus Ilori Omoniyi, JP,* has come as a rude shock to the good people of Ekiti State,both at home and in the diaspora—and indeed to the entire Nigerian Christian community.
The revered cleric reportedly passed on in the early hours of Monday, 12th January, 2026, in the Holy Land of Jerusalem, where he was leading a delegation of faithfuls on pilgrimage.
According to reports by Walex Media Concepts, the Lord Bishop slumped during the pilgrimage and was later confirmed dead.
His unexpected departure has plunged the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekiti State, and Isinbode-Ekiti in particular into deep and indescribable mourning.
Early Life and Family Background
Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Titus Ilori Omoniyi, JP* was born on June 8, 1960, into the family of the late Chief Samuel Omoniyi and the late Mrs. Omoniyi of Idimi Quarters, Isinbode-Ekiti, Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
From an early age, he distinguished himself through discipline, humility, a deep love for God, and an unwavering commitment to hard work,virtues that later defined his ministerial journey, scholarship, and leadership style.
Educational and Theological Formation
Bishop Omoniyi began his formal education at Obedu Community Grammar School, where he completed his secondary education in 1983. Notably, he was the oldest student in his graduating class, a testament to his perseverance, resilience, and determination.
In 1985, he responded to the divine call to ministry and gained admission into Emmanuel College of Theology (Immanuel College of Theology), Ibadan, where he obtained a Diploma in Theology in 1988.
He thereafter proceeded to the University of Ibadan (Great UI), where he earned his first degree, and later to the University of Ilorin, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Philosophy of Religion in 2004. He subsequently earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), firmly establishing himself as a distinguished scholar with specialization in Philosophy of Religion.
Ministerial Journey and Ecclesiastical Growth
The ministerial career of Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Titus Ilori Omoniyi, JP spanned over four decades and was marked by devotion, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the work of God
Entry into Emmanuel College of Theology: 1985
Commissioning: 1988
Ordination: 1991
Preferment: 1995
Elevation to the Episcopate (Bishop): 2012
Pastoral Assignments
During his illustrious service in the Methodist Church Nigeria:
The late Bishop served in several dioceses and stations, including:
Methodist Church, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos (Presbyter)
Methodist Church Cathedral, Taiwo Road, Ilorin, Kwara State (Presbyter)
Methodist Church Nigeria, Abeokuta (Presbyter)
Olowogbowo Methodist Cathedral, Lagos
Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Oyo, Apaara, Oyo State (Bishop)
Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Remo, Sagamu, Ogun State (Bishop)
Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ayeidun, Ekiti State (Bishop)
Through diligence, spiritual discipline, and exemplary conduct, he rose steadily through the ranks of the Church. He was consecrated as Bishop of Olowogbowo Methodist Cathedral Diocese, Lagos Mainland, later transferred to the Diocese of Oyo, then to the Diocese of Remo, and finally to the Diocese of Ayeidun, Ekiti State, where he served with uncommon dedication and distinction until his demise.
Ministry, Gifts, and Leadership Style.
The late Bishop was widely revered for his powerful preaching, inspiring song ministrations, and profound theological insight. His ministry was defined by compassion, humility, intellectual depth, and a strong pastoral heart.
During his lifetime, he donated a children church building for his home church, Methodist Church, Isinbode-Ekiti.
He was one of those who facilitated the establishment of Diocese of Omuo Ekiti, in Ekiti East Local Government Area where he came from.
Beyond the pulpit, he was a philanthropist and humanitarian par excellence. He was particularly renowned for his annual empowerment programmes, through which he supported hundreds of widows from Isinbode-Ekiti and neighbouring communities, cutting across religious and ethnic boundaries.
Late Bishop T. I. Omoniyi travelled extensively across the Asia (Jerusalem),United States, Europe, and Africa, spreading the Gospel and deepening inter-Christian fellowship.
The death of Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Titus Ilori Omoniyi, JP represents a monumental and irreparable loss,not only to Isinbode-Ekiti, his beloved hometown, but also to the Methodist Church Nigeria, Ekiti State, and the wider Christian community.
He is survived by his wife, children, brothers, in-laws, uncles, and a host of relatives, spiritual sons and daughters, admirers, and countless beneficiaries of his benevolence.
Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Titus Ilori Omoniyi, JP lived as a devoted servant of God, a distinguished scholar, a bridge-builder, and a father to many. In death, he leaves behind an enduring legacy of faith, service, scholarship, and compassion that will continue to inspire generations yet unborn.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may the Almighty God grant his immediate family, the Methodist Church Nigeria, the good people of Isinbode-Ekiti, and Ekiti State at large the fortitude to bear this great and irreparable loss.