With solemn reverence and profound gratitude, the Catholic Diocese of Ilorin announces the transition of +Most Rev. Ayo-Maria Sunday Atoyebi, OP, Bishop Emeritus of Ilorin. The venerable prelate breathed his last on ‘Sabato in Albis’, March 8, 2025, at 12:55 p.m., serenely surrendering his soul to the eternal embrace of the Eternal Father. A luminous pillar of faith, discipline, and great pastoral charity, +Bishop Atoyebi served as the Bishop of Ilorin from March 6, 1992, until June 11, 2019. His episcopacy, spanning over two and a half decades, was a tribute to his steadfast commitment to the Gospel and the ‘Salus Animarum’ of the faithful.  

Born on December 3, 1944, in Okerimi-Oro, Kwara State, young Ayo-Maria embraced his divine calling early. Ordained a priest of the Order of Friars Preachers (‘Ordo Prædicatorum’) on December 17, 1978, he became an indefatigable laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. His theological acumen, profound Marian spirituality, and unflinching devotion to the Precious Blood and the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus distinguished him as a Shepherd with the heart of Christ himself.  

On March 6, 1992, the Holy See entrusted him with the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Ilorin. He was consecrated Bishop on May 17, 1992, by Archbishop Peter Yariyok Jatau, with Archbishops John Onaiyekan and Felix Alaba Adeosin Job as Co-consecrators. For twenty-seven years, he stood as ‘Pastor Fidelis’, building a flourishing Diocese, fostering priestly and religious vocations, and championing apostolic movements dedicated to deepening Eucharistic and Marian devotion. Bishop Atoyebi’s love for the Mother of God permeated every fibre of his ministry. His devotion was not merely sentimental but profoundly theological and apostolic. As a distinguished member of the Theological Commission of the International Marian Association, he ardently propagated Marian doctrine, penned numerous works on Our Lady, and instituted the Annual Marian Pilgrimage in Oro  town—a spiritual tradition that continues to deepen faith among the people of Ilorin Diocese.  

Although "Vobis Ergo Tutus" was his episcopal motto, ‘Totus Tuus, Maria’ seemed to be his personal creed. He saw in the Blessed Virgin the perfect model of humility, obedience, and unreserved surrender to the divine will. His episcopacy reflected this—an Saintly openness to the needs of the Church and a magnanimous embrace of all who sought Christ. Beyond his theological contributions, Bishop Atoyebi’s legacy is woven into the pastoral fabric of Ilorin Diocese. His tenure was marked by a deliberate inclusivity—a welcoming of religious congregations, missionary endeavours, and lay apostolates. His vision of the Church was expansive: “The Church is a home where all God’s children find space to serve the Father,” he often remarked. His episcopacy saw the establishment of numerous Religious Institutes and Institutions, furthering the missionary mandate of the Church in Northern Nigeria.  

In a time when society yearns for models of clerical humility, Bishop Atoyebi stood as a beacon. He bore the evangelical counsels with an authenticity that left no room for pretense. To those who knew him, his presence was both paternal and fraternal—guiding with wisdom, correcting with gentleness, and leading with prayer. The providence of God is often revealed in the sacred timing of a saint’s departure. In this ‘Annus Iubilei Spei’, the Jubilee Year of Hope, Bishop Atoyebi’s return to the Father takes on a deeply symbolic significance. He left this world on the Feast Day of St. John of God—a Patron of the Sick and a Model of Charity, virtues that characterized his episcopal life.

 
The announcement of his passing, issued by the incumbent Bishop of Ilorin, Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani, echoes with both grief and profound faith:  “It is with great sadness, but with unwavering hope in the resurrection, that we announce the passing of our beloved Bishop Emeritus Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, OP, who departed this life on March 8, 2025, at 12:55 p.m. He was a Shepherd of wisdom, a warrior of peace, and a father to us all. His legacy of faith, charity, and ecclesial commitment will forever illumine the Diocese of Ilorin.”  

As the Church celebrates  this  man of God (Viri Dei), she  takes solace in the unshakable hope of the resurrection. Bishop Atoyebi has fought the good fight, run the race, and kept the faith (2 Tim 4:7). Now, ‘in paradisum deducant te angeli’. May the Queen of the Apostles, whom he so ardently loved, intercede for his soul.  
According to the Diocese of Ilorin, details of the funeral rites will be announced in due course. Until then, the faithful unite in prayer:  
"Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei."  

“Requiescat in pace, Pater noster et amice.”