To follow and live for Christ 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
It is with a deep and profound sense of loss that we mourn the passing of Bishop Afolabi: a faithful, humble, and unwavering servant of God, a devoted family man, a pillar in the community, and a second father to our family. We offer our deepest condolences to the Afolabi family.
With his measured and calm but steadfast conviction, Bishop Afolabi was instrumental in our father’s journey to finding Christ. He was an ever-present rock for this family during the early days of our sojourn in Canada. He stood with us in the place of prayer during our toughest times. He spoke prophetically into each of our lives, offering sound counsel and always pointing to the Word of God as the anchor. His kindness was felt in every interaction and his even-temperament made even the most dire situations surmountable. Mummy Afolabi has also been an incredible source of love, support, and tangible help to our family and we pray that the Lord will be her balm of Gilead and will mend her broken heart.
Bishop Afolabi, words are not enough to convey how much you will be missed and the magnitude of the void that your absence leaves behind. While we are saddened by this loss and by your absence here on this Earth, we are comforted knowing your place in eternity is secure and that you rest in perfect peace in the arms of the Lord, where there is no pain or suffering and where we are set free from the limitations of our mortal bodies.
Farewell Bishop. You leave behind a legacy of unshakeable faith. We are so grateful for the time we had with you and for all you did for us. May you continue to rest on in the everlasting arms.
Sincerely,
The Garuba Family
Today, with gratitude to God and deep reverence, we celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Bishop Jacob Afolabi—a distinguished servant of God, an exemplary shepherd, and one of the great fathers of the Christian faith in the city of Ottawa.
Bishop Afolabi's life was a living testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel. Through his faithful leadership at Christ Bible Church, Ottawa, he devoted himself to preaching the uncompromised Word of God, nurturing believers, and building a Christ-centered community that has continued to bear lasting fruit.
Beyond the pulpit, Bishop Afolabi was a father in every sense of the word. He invested generously in people, recognizing potential where others saw limitations. With wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment, he mentored countless pastors, ministry leaders, and believers, many of whom are now serving faithfully across Canada and around the world. His influence cannot be measured merely by the sermons he preached, but by the lives he shaped, the ministries he strengthened, and the generations of leaders he raised. We will forever be grateful for his impact in our lives (my wife and I).
He embodied servant leadership. His counsel brought clarity, his prayers brought comfort, and his life inspired many to pursue holiness, excellence, and wholehearted devotion to Christ. He understood that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in serving others, and he lived that truth consistently.
The city of Ottawa has lost one of its spiritual fathers, but heaven has welcomed a faithful servant whose labor was not in vain. Though his voice may now be silent on earth, his legacy continues to speak through the countless lives transformed by his ministry according to Revelation 14:13. Every soul won to Christ, every church strengthened, every leader mentored, and every life redirected toward God's purpose stands as a testament to a life well lived.
As we honor Bishop Afolabi, we also celebrate the faithfulness of God that was so evident throughout his journey. His example reminds us that a life surrendered to Christ can leave an eternal imprint on generations yet unborn.
May the Lord comfort and strengthen our Mummy Afolabi, his entire family, the leadership and members of Christ Bible Church, Ottawa, and all of us, sons and daughters in the faith who mourn his passing. May we honor his memory not only with our words, but by carrying forward his passion for Christ, his commitment to biblical truth, and his heart for raising faithful leaders.
Thank you sir for your unwavering faith, your sacrificial service, your fatherly love, and your enduring impact on the Body of Christ. Your race has been well run, your faith has been faithfully kept, and your legacy will continue to inspire generations. Indeed, you can say like Paul said in 2Timothy 4:7-8: - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing”.
Adieu Papa, rest in peace!
Pastor Michael Oladejo on behalf of the Oladejo dynasty.
Rejoice in the fact that he has accomplished his great commission on earth and fed many of God's children while doing so with the word.
Celebrate his life.
He was a great teacher and taught us to be stewards of the word. He led by example. He also taught us to be fervent in our prayer and in our faith.
A great legacy!
Thank you papa Afolabi for all you did for us. Rest in peace.
David Mwakatapanya
The Tanoh family
Adios Sir
Sincerely
Daniel Joseph
A kind, welcoming, and ever-smiling shepherd whose door and heart were always open. You always made time for us, no matter the circumstance, and your presence brought comfort, wisdom, and hope.
We thank you for answering God's call and for dedicating your life to serving Him faithfully. Like a true shepherd, you guided us with love, patience, and humility. Through your teachings and prayers, you helped my husband and I make the right decisions and strengthened our faith during moments of uncertainty and doubt.
Your unwavering commitment to God's work and your genuine love for His people have left an indelible mark on our lives. You did not simply preach the Gospel, you lived it. Your compassion, encouragement, and fatherly care inspired us to grow spiritually and to trust in God's plan.
Although your departure leaves a great void in our hearts, we find comfort in knowing that your mission was fulfilled with faithfulness until the very end. Your legacy will continue to live on in the countless lives you touched and transformed.
Rest in eternal peace Daddy, and may the Lord whom you served so faithfully welcome you into His everlasting glory.
With love,
Christelle & Armel
On behalf of the Akanni Family (first cousins)
With heavy heart and at the same time thanksgiving to God who commanded us to always give thanks in all things, I celebrate an icon who was a father in love, care and guidance.
Daddy, you were a father to me because you took me in as your own daughter and gave me a sense of belonging. You made me a part of your family and I experienced the joy of having a father in my life. You accepted me, loved genuinely and so much cared for me. You indeed gave me a place to call home, where I found peace and made it conducive and habitable without discrimination and with unconditional love. You built a godly, lovely home to emulate and lived an exemplary for us to follow. A dedicated and affectionate husband indeed in and out of Mummy. These roles you performed so excellently well.
You were a father that truly loved God and served Him wholeheartedly and everything you have. You were a man endowed with God’s wisdom, a pillar of support, man of dignity, kindness, quiet strength, great faith, valiant soldier of Christ, epitome of humility, highly hospitable, an encourager with a godly conscience, always seeing good things in people. You openly welcomed people into your home and made the house homely for all. Your qualities were endless – you were a wonderful man and father. You offered counsel in difficult moments, celebrated our victories sincerely. You showed that fatherhood is not only by birth but also by sacrifice, commitment, protection and genuine concern for others. Your fatherly care extended beyond obligations - it was genuine, selfless and deeply felt. You showed the meaning of responsibility, compassion and family unity. In moments of uncertainty, you stood as a dependable voice. You lived a life worthy of emulation. The values you demonstrated remain a living testimony that have left lasting lessons in our hearts and will continue to inspire us.
While our hearts mourn your departure to glory, I am grateful for the privilege of having known and being around you, learned from you and been loved by you. Your memory will continue to live in my heart and in the many lives you helped shape.
I pray that God grants you eternal rest and gives all of us comfort, strength and peace by the Holy Ghost.
Sleep on Daddy in the bosom of your Lord and Saviour. Your labour is ended, but your impact remains. You lived a fulfilling life and God took at the time perfect for Him You will forever be remembered with love and honor.
JOLAADE ADEGBITE
Nigeria
With gratitude to God and a deep sense of loss, I pay tribute to our beloved father in the Lord, Bishop Jacob Kehinde Afolabi. Daddy was a faithful servant of God, a compassionate shepherd, and a great example of humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
His life touched countless souls, and his legacy of faith, love, and sacrificial service will continue to inspire generations to come. Though we mourn his passing, we rejoice in the assurance that he has finished his race and has entered into the eternal rest prepared for God’s faithful servants. (“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7)
May the Lord comfort the entire family, the church, and all who were blessed by his ministry. Daddy, your labour was not in vain. You will be greatly missed, but your godly legacy lives on.
Rest in perfect peace, Daddy Bishop Jacob Kehinde Afolabi, until we meet again in glory.
Rev. Ezekiel and Rev. ( Mrs.) Victoria Adekanmbi
Upperroom Foursquare Chapel
United Kingdom
Daddy was not just an uncle but a caring, loving, diligent and dedicated father to us all...a great mentor and a wonderful man of God....
I entered my first flight ever in my life in 1976 from Ibadan to Lagos when he came to pick me up for holiday....I was in form 3...
There was no discrimination at all,a kind man that looked out for the unity of the whole family....
He came...he saw and he conquered....👑
A life well lived in the service of God and to humanity...
Thank God for a peaceful transition...✝️
Oh!death... where's thy sting?😭
Didun ni iranti olododo....rest well daddy in the bosom of our Lord....🕊️
A o pade lese Jesu....you shall continue to live forever in our hearts 💗🌈🙏🏾
I've known and related with the Afolabi family for over 25 years and they had adopted my family as part of theirs to the extent that my siblings were welcomed into their home whenever they visit Canada. Papa and Mama has always been there praying, celebrating and encouraging me during good times and bad times.
While here, he did not lead with earthly weapons, but with the sword of the Spirit, unwavering faith, and a relentless passion for souls.
Daddy, as i call him has intentional love for people, his mentorship skills are unparalleled, and his guidance and prayers through difficult seasons to make burdens light cannot be quantified. Bishop was resilient and his trust in God inspired the Nigerian community in Ottawa.
Papa, your teachings, prayers, and love will continue to multiply through the lives that you have touched.
My prayer is that the angels will welcome you home with Paul's reflection in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 which says:
Well done, good and faithful servant. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, and you have kept the faith. You have now received the crown of righteousness.
ADIEU PAPA, GALLANT SOLDIER OF GOD. SUN RE O
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Psalm 116:15
Daddy was a man of many sides that words are not enough to express,though my knowledge of him as a small boy was limited to my time of holiday around him, back then in Lagos,Nigeria.
At the tale end of his life on earth, he was our ralling point for bible exhortation and prayers,which is the striking virtue I want to replicate for my children and grandchildren.
He was a thorough man of God with devotion to the truth,Coincidentally, I graduated from the same Faith Christian Theological Seminary Sango Ota where he taught and he was elated when he heard of this
He was a family man to the core,from his early days in "Ayo ni o"' Nigeria to "Christ's Chapel Bible Church" Canada,he has been a devoted vessel,pointing everyone in the family to Christ and the service of God,this is not strange that his was a life well lived in the service of God.
This is a great loss to us all but a great gain to heaven. Daddy fought a good fight,finished his course,and kept the faith.
This is saying good night because we shall meet to part no more.
A patriarch has gone home, but his legacy speaks on.
Daniels Ayodimeji Olaniyi
Our family will miss your gentle touch, but we are convinced you are resting with your chief commander.
Eternal rest o Lord, grant unto your faithful servant.
We pray for divine strength for our mummy, and every member of the immediate family and the church.
The Aribidos.
'
Bishop Afolabi’s teachings profoundly shaped our spiritual understanding and strengthened our walk with God. We thank God for the life of His servant—a life well lived, dedicated to God’s work, and a tremendous blessing to the Body of Christ.
Though Bishop Afolabi will be dearly missed, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and transformed. We are grateful for his love, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to God’s calling. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Afolabi family, the church family, and all whose lives were touched by Bishop Jacob Afolabi.
If your path ever crossed with Bishop Afolabi, you were blessed to encounter a man of rare character a giant in faith, rich in wisdom, yet remarkably humble and gentle. His soft-spoken nature carried great strength, and his words always brought comfort, encouragement, and direction.
For me personally, Bishop Afolabi was more than a spiritual leader. He was a father figure. During seasons when I needed guidance, he was there. When life presented challenges and uncertainty, he would call to check on me, offer wisdom, pray with me, and remind me that he was my Dad. Those simple words carried immense meaning and provided reassurance when it was needed most.
I know I am only one among countless people who share similar testimonies. His ministry was not confined to the pulpit; it was lived daily through his compassion, mentorship, and genuine care for others. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel valued, seen, and loved.
Today, Ottawa has lost a cornerstone of faith and leadership. The Nigerian community, the Christian community, and countless families have lost a trusted shepherd and friend. Yet heaven has gained another faithful servant a man who finished his race with dignity, faithfulness, and grace.
As Scripture reminds us:
"Well done, good and faithful servant." ~ Matthew 25:21
May the memories of his life, service, and unwavering faith continue to inspire generations to come. May God grant comfort, strength, and peace to the Afolabi family during this difficult time, and may Bishop Jacob Afolabi rest in eternal peace and everlasting glory.
Rest well, Bishop.
Your voice may be silent, but your legacy will continue to speak.
Your work on earth is complete, and your reward in heaven is sure.
Rest in eternal power, Bishop Jacob Afolabi.
Favorites
A psalm. For giving grateful praise.
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Donate
Visit www.bishopafolabi.com to find out more.
Donations can be made to donations@bishopafolabi.com
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