Bishop Jacob Kehinde Afolabi

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

It is with profound sorrow, and deep gratitude to God for a life well lived, that the family of Bishop Jacob Afolabi announces his passing on 13 June 2026, at 3:33pm, in Ottawa, Ontario, at the age of 86. He leaves a legacy of faith, service, and conviction that touched lives across continents.

Born in Ghana to Nigerian parents, Bishop Afolabi began working in the Bibiani gold mines at sixteen before a supervisor funded his technical education. He later studied electrical and electronics engineering, worked in broadcasting in Nigeria and Zambia, and in 1974 founded Nucleus Electronics Ltd in Lagos with Daewoo.

In 1978, after narrowly missing Korean Air Lines Flight 902, later fired upon over Soviet airspace, he saw God’s hand in his life and turned from business toward ministry. He studied scripture, taught theology at Faith Christian Theological Seminary in Sango Ota, Nigeria, and received a vision that would eventually lead his family to Canada.

Arriving in Ottawa in the early 1990s, he studied at St. Paul’s University and was ordained in 1993 in the Church of God. In June 1996, with his wife Elizabeth and ten founding families, he started Christ’s Chapel Bible Church as a home church in Orleans. Under his leadership, the congregation grew into a vibrant multicultural church now located at 2285 St. Laurent Boulevard, with influence extending through mission work and mentorship in Central and East Africa.

A tireless community builder, Bishop Afolabi co-founded the Ottawa Pastors’ Forum, spoke often in Ottawa media on faith and ethics, and received the 2017 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award.

He is survived by his beloved wife and ministry partner, Elizabeth Adejoke Afolabi; his children, Bunmi, Eugenia, Jide, Lekan, and Kemi; and his grandchildren, Daniel, Isaiah, Anjola, Jasmine, Lanre, Olu, Naomi, and Asher. He will be remembered for his humility, warm smile, servant’s heart, and steady faith.

Elizabeth Afolabi will receive spousal condolences at Beacon Heights Retirement Residence, 2201 Montreal Road, Ottawa, on Saturday, 20 June 2026, from 1pm to 4pm.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at Beechwood Funeral Home, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Monday, 29 June 2026, from 10am to 12pm, 2pm to 4pm, and 6pm to 8pm.

The funeral will be held at Beechwood Funeral Home on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at 1pm, followed by refreshments at 3pm. Family will gather for a private burial at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests in-memoriam donations to Doctors Without Borders.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Funeral & Memorial Frequently Asked Questions

1. When can I offer condolences to the family?
Mrs. Elizabeth Afolabi will receive spousal condolences at:
Beacon Heights Retirement Residence
2201 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario
Saturday, June 20, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

2. When is the visitation?
The family will receive friends, well-wishers, and loved ones at:
Beechwood Funeral Home
280 Beechwood Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
Monday, June 29, 2026
Visitation hours:
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

3. When and where is the funeral service?
A Funeral Service celebrating the life of Bishop Jacob Afolabi will be held at:
Beechwood Funeral Home
280 Beechwood Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
1:00 p.m.

4. Will there be a reception following the service?
Yes. Refreshments will be served following the service beginning at approximately 3:00 p.m.

5. When is the interment?
Interment will occur on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in tandem with the reception beginning at approximately 3:00 p.m., with the family in attendance.

6. Is transportation provided?
No. Guests are asked to arrange their own transportation.

7. Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is available at Beechwood Funeral Home and on nearby streets.

8. Are there hotels nearby for out-of-town guests?
The following hotels are conveniently located near Beechwood Funeral Home:
Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East
200 Coventry Road, Ottawa

Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa
100 Coventry Road, Ottawa

Guests are encouraged to book accommodations early.

9. Do I need to RSVP?
No RSVP is required.

10. Is there another Celebration of Life planned?
Yes. A separate Celebration of Life gathering will be held in July 2026. Details will be announced separately.

11. What should I wear?
Guests are respectfully requested to wear formal attire.

12. Are flowers or donations preferred?
In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) would be greatly appreciated.

13. Are children welcome?
Due to the solemn nature of the occasion, it is best that children be kept at home.

14. May I attend only the visitation or only the funeral service?
Yes. Family and friends are welcome to attend whichever portion of the events they are able to attend.

15. Are photographs and videos permitted?
Yes. Photographs and videos are permitted.
Guests are asked to be respectful and mindful of the solemn nature of the occasion.

16. Will the service be livestreamed?
Yes. A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person.
Details will be posted on the online memorial page.

17. Is there an online memorial?
Yes.
Online Memorial:
www.online-tribute.com/BishopJacobAfolabi
Visitors are welcome to share memories, tributes, photographs, and messages of condolence.

18. Are there any religious or cultural customs visitors should be aware of?
Yes. The service will be conducted within the Christian faith tradition while also honouring the family's Yoruba heritage and customs. Guests unfamiliar with these traditions are welcome to participate respectfully and follow the guidance provided during the service.

Memory wall

June 16, 2026

May God bless the memory of a great but humble man of God who loved and believed in me even when he didn't have all the details about me... a very rare attitude today. Rest in peace, man of God

Ben Isaac Wafula

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