A 58-year-old Lagos magistrate, Olasanmi Ogunkanmi, tragically passed away on January 1, 2025, just hours after returning from a three-week holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem. His unexpected death has left family, friends, and colleagues in shock, with conflicting reports on the circumstances of his demise.
According to reports, Ogunkanmi, who was also a pastor, either slumped and died upon returning home or passed away peacefully in his sleep that night. Regardless of the precise cause, his death has been described as providential by religious leaders who see symbolic significance in its timing.
A Life of Service and Devotion
Ogunkanmi was a respected magistrate known for his commitment to justice and his deep spiritual convictions. As a pastor, he combined his legal career with a mission to inspire others through faith. His recent trip to Jerusalem, which was part of the first batch of Lagos Christian pilgrims in 2025, was meant to deepen his spiritual connection.
Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), highlighted the magistrate’s profound dedication to both his professional duties and his faith during a condolence visit to his widow in Ikorodu, Lagos.
“It was not an accident that Magistrate Ogunkanmi died the night he successfully returned from performing holy pilgrimage in Jerusalem,” Adegbite remarked. “The occurrence makes his death providential. Your husband lived a well-fulfilled life on earth, and it is therefore not how long one lives on earth that matters, but how well.”
A Fateful Return
Ogunkanmi had reportedly been in high spirits following his pilgrimage, where he joined fellow Christians in spiritual exercises, prayers, and visits to sacred sites. The journey, often described as a life-changing experience for many believers, was his way of deepening his commitment to God.
Tragically, his return marked the end of a journey not just of faith, but of life itself. Friends and colleagues have noted that he appeared healthy and enthusiastic about the new year, making the news of his death all the more shocking.
The Pilgrimage Experience
The holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem is an annual tradition for many Nigerian Christians, supported by the NCPC. It involves visits to religious landmarks like the Mount of Olives, the River Jordan, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Participants often describe it as an opportunity to renew their faith and gain a deeper understanding of their spiritual roots.
For Ogunkanmi, the pilgrimage was seen as a crowning moment in a life filled with service to both God and society. His untimely death has added a somber note to what should have been a joyous occasion, sparking reflection on the transient nature of life.
Tributes Pour In
As news of Ogunkanmi’s death spread, tributes have poured in from across Lagos and beyond. Many have described him as a man of integrity, compassion, and unwavering faith.
“Magistrate Ogunkanmi was a pillar in his community, someone who always sought justice with kindness and fairness,” said a colleague from the Lagos judiciary. “He balanced his work as a magistrate and his role as a pastor with remarkable grace.”
Community members in Ikorodu, where Ogunkanmi lived, have also shared their grief. “He was a father figure to many of us, always ready to lend a helping hand or a word of encouragement,” said a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous.
Symbolic Significance
Religious leaders like Bishop Adegbite have drawn attention to the timing of Ogunkanmi’s death, interpreting it as a sign of divine favor. “To die after completing such a sacred journey is a testimony to a life well lived,” Adegbite noted.
While the cause of death remains unclear, the focus for many has been on celebrating Ogunkanmi’s legacy rather than the circumstances of his passing.
A Legacy of Faith and Justice
Ogunkanmi’s life serves as a reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community through dedication, service, and faith. His dual roles as a magistrate and a pastor allowed him to touch lives in both the secular and spiritual realms.
“He showed us that you can serve God and humanity simultaneously,” said a church member who attended his services regularly. “His life was a sermon, and his death is a lesson in how fleeting life can be.”
Looking Ahead
As the Ogunkanmi family mourns their loss, the widow’s strength and faith have been a source of inspiration for those around her. Bishop Adegbite’s words to her reflect the sentiments of many who knew her late husband: “Take solace in the fact that he left behind a legacy that will endure. His life was not only well-lived but also impactful.”
Ogunkanmi’s death has also reignited discussions about the pressures faced by magistrates in Nigeria, who often juggle heavy workloads and the expectations of their communities. Some have called for better support systems for judicial officers to ensure their well-being.
