Ajayi Crowther University Mourns Retired Ibadan Anglican Bishop Gideon Olajide at 96

The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, has expressed condolences to the Anglican Communion and the family of the late Rt. Revd. Gideon Isaac Oladipo Olajide, a revered cleric, former member of the university's Implementation Committee and retired Bishop of the Diocese of Ibadan, who died at the age of 96.

In a statement, Oduwole described the late Bishop Olajide as a founding father of Ajayi Crowther University and a faithful shepherd who served the Church and academia with remarkable dedication.

She said the late Bishop was among the members of the Implementation Committee whose efforts contributed significantly to the establishment and successful take-off of Ajayi Crowther University more than two decades ago.

Beyond his role in the creation of the university, Oduwole said Bishop Olajide would also be remembered for his contributions to the expansion and growth of Anglican dioceses, which were marked by spiritual revival, administrative reorganisation and extensive missionary expansion that eventually led to the creation of more dioceses.

She noted that his legacy has also been reflected in the naming of several church structures in his honour.

Bishop Olajide's relationship with Ajayi Crowther University dated back to the institution's formative years and continued through its subsequent development.

Before the formal establishment of the university, he served on the Implementation Committee, contributing to the planning, structural development and transitional processes involved in transforming St. Andrew's College, Oyo, into what would later become Ajayi Crowther University.

He worked alongside other members of the team of founding fathers, including Emeritus Prof. Oladipupo Akinkugbe, Archdeacon Emmanuel Alayande, Most Rev. Joseph Adetiloye, Emeritus Prof. Ayo Banjo, Emeritus Prof. Ayo Bamgbose, Prof. Olajire Olaniran, Chief Bode Amao and Most Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola.

Following the foundational phase of the university, Bishop Olajide continued to serve the institution as a member of its Governing Council, where he contributed to administrative oversight, policy formulation and governance.

He was appointed to these roles by the Provinces of the Church of Nigeria in Western Nigeria, serving as a key liaison between the Anglican episcopacy and the administrative establishment of the university.

Born on March 10, 1930, in Igbemo-Ekiti, Bishop Olajide was an alumnus of Christ's School, Ado-Ekiti.

He served the Church and academia for several decades and left a significant mark on the Anglican Communion in Nigeria. His episcopacy in Ibadan continued until his retirement in March 2000.

His ecclesiastical career included serving as Provost of the Cathedral of St. James, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, from 1977 to 1981, where he oversaw spiritual growth and the development of the cathedral.

He was elevated to the position of Bishop of Ilesa in 1981 and served in the diocese until 1988, when he was translated to the Diocese of Ibadan in October of the same year.

Reacting to his death, Oduwole commiserated with the deceased's immediate family and the entire Anglican family, which he served for many years.

The Vice-Chancellor described Bishop Olajide as a pillar of support to Ajayi Crowther University and a mentor to many, adding that his contributions to the foundation and growth of the institution would remain remembered.

The late Bishop's ministry was characterised by what was described as an open heart, open house and open hand policy.

He founded new schools, established more than two dozen churches, and supported the establishment of church clinics and a church hospital. He also founded a school for handicapped and disabled children.

Bishop Olajide received several awards and honours during his lifetime, including an Honorary Doctorate degree from Lead City University in 2010.

He was also mentioned in "World Men of Achievement" and "Who is Who in the Commonwealth" (2nd Edition, 1984).

He is survived by his children, grandchildren and numerous spiritual children.