In a tragic incident, four popular Nigerian gospel ministers, including Evangelist Ayodeji David, widely known as “Kekere Jesu,” have died in a fatal motor accident along the Ikorodu–Sagamu road in Ogun State. The crash, which occurred on April 7, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the gospel community and left many mourning the untimely loss of these influential figures.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the tragic accident took place on Saturday, April 5, when the vehicle transporting the four gospel ministers collided with another vehicle. The impact was severe, leading to the instant death of all four occupants.
The victims, identified as Evangelist Ayodeji David, popularly known as “Kekere Jesu,” Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina, were traveling for a ministry assignment when the crash occurred.
The FRSC, through a statement released by Ogun State Commander Florence Okupe, confirmed that the incident involved multiple vehicles and claimed the lives of at least 24 people in total. The preliminary investigation revealed that overspeeding and poor visibility on the highway were contributing factors to the accident.
The loss of these gospel ministers has deeply affected their followers and the broader Christian community, particularly as they were renowned for their evangelism and ministry efforts across Nigeria.
Evangelist Ayodeji David, known as “Kekere Jesu,” was a prominent figure in Nigerian gospel ministry, widely respected for his dynamic street evangelism and vibrant social media presence. He had gained a significant following, especially among young Nigerians, due to his unique approach to spreading the gospel. Kekere Jesu was often seen ministering in various parts of Lagos and Ogun states, where his messages resonated deeply with many people.
At the time of his death, Evangelist Kekere Jesu was reportedly en route to a ministry assignment, where he had planned to deliver messages of hope and encouragement. His sudden passing has left many fans and colleagues devastated, with tributes flooding social media from individuals who were touched by his work.
Kekere Jesu’s untimely death is seen as a great loss not only to his family but to the entire Nigerian gospel community, where his influence was widely felt. His ministry, which bridged the gap between traditional evangelism and modern social media outreach, will be remembered for its authenticity and passion.
The other victims of the crash, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina, were also well-respected gospel ministers in their own right. Like Kekere Jesu, they were actively involved in spreading the Christian message and had a loyal following.
Their contributions to the Nigerian gospel scene, although less publicized, were no less impactful. Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina were known for their dedication to the gospel ministry, with many witnessing their work at churches, revivals, and community events. Their loss has sent waves of sorrow through their congregations and followers.
The news of their deaths has left many asking why such promising lives were cut short. However, their legacies are already being honored through the many tributes pouring in from across the country.
In the wake of the tragic accident, heartfelt tributes have flooded social media, with followers, church members, and colleagues expressing their grief and paying their respects to the deceased ministers. One of the tributes came from a Nigerian named Kenny John, who wrote:
“The accident that occurred on Saturday, April 5th, along the Shagamu–Ibadan Expressway claimed the lives of 22 people. Out of those, four were personally known to me: Prophet Ayodeji, also known as Kekere Jesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Prophet Ayodeji Kekere Jesu’s fiancée, and the wife of Prophet Ayodeji Kekere Jesu’s elder brother.”
John’s post further highlighted the painful nature of the loss and emphasized the devastating impact on the families and communities affected by the deaths. As the news spread, many took to their social media platforms to express their disbelief and offer prayers for the families of the victims.
The tributes also contained words of comfort, with many believers turning to scripture for solace. One post read: “It still feels like a dream. May their souls rest in perfect peace. Lord, we bring before You the souls of these beloved ones who have departed so suddenly. We ask for Your mercy and grace to receive them into Your eternal rest. Comfort every heart that mourns, and strengthen the families they left behind.”
The Bible verses cited in the tributes reflect the faith and hope that many of the mourners hold onto in times of tragedy. As one mourner quoted from Psalms: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Another quoted Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about road safety on Nigerian highways. Despite improvements in road infrastructure in some areas, many parts of the country still suffer from dangerous road conditions, lack of proper signage, and poor visibility, especially at night. This accident serves as a painful reminder of the need for better road safety measures to prevent such devastating incidents.
As the gospel community continues to mourn the loss of these beloved ministers, plans are being made to honor their memory. Vigils, memorial services, and tributes are being organized across Nigeria, where fans and followers will come together to celebrate the lives and legacies of Evangelist Ayodeji David, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina.
The tragic deaths of these ministers highlight not only the vulnerability of travelers on Nigerian roads but also the deep impact of their work in the communities they served. Their contributions to spreading the message of faith and hope will not be forgotten.
