Ex-Aso Villa Chaplain Rev William Okoye Dies At 73

The Founder and General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM) and former Chaplain of the Aso Villa Chapel, Reverend William Okoye, has died.

A statement signed by Godwin Tsee on behalf of the Board of Trustees and the National Executive Council of the mission said Mr Okoye died peacefully on Wednesday, 15 July. The statement described him as a faithful servant of God who dedicated his life to the service of humanity.

Mr Okoye served as Chaplain of the Aso Villa Chapel during the administrations of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. The mission said he contributed significantly to the growth of the church and Christian ministry. The leadership of the mission is consulting with the immediate family on arrangements to honour his life and ministry, with details of funeral and burial ceremonies to be communicated through official channels. The deceased is survived by children, including Victor Okoye, a journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Mr Okoye. In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association extended condolences to the deceased’s widow, Toyin Okoye, his children, and the entire Christian community in Nigeria.

Mr Okoh described the late cleric as a dedicated servant of God who spent his life preaching the Gospel, raising leaders and working tirelessly for the unity and growth of the Church. According to Mr Okoh, the late Okoye made valuable contributions to strengthening the Christian witness in Nigeria and promoting constructive engagement on issues affecting the Church and society.

The CAN president highlighted the deceased’s outstanding national service, noting that he served the country with distinction in various high-profile capacities. “Rev. Okoye also served the nation with distinction as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Youth Affairs, the National Political Reform Conference, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission and as Chaplain to two Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Head of the Aso Rock Villa Chapel,” he said.

Mr Okoh added that the late cleric’s commitment to nation-building reflected his deep conviction that faith should positively influence society. Paying tribute to Mr Okoye’s personal character, the CAN president described him as a humble servant of God who discharged his duties with wisdom, grace and unwavering dedication. “He was deeply committed to the unity of the Church and was always willing to lend his voice and experience whenever called upon. His counsel, calm disposition and passion for advancing God’s Kingdom will be greatly missed,” he added.

While mourning the transition, Mr Okoh urged the Christian faithful to thank God for a life well spent in His service. He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved family, the All Christians Fellowship Mission, and all grieving individuals, granting them the strength to bear the loss.