In a tragic turn of events, four of Nigeria’s top gospel singers were involved in a deadly car accident on April 5, 2025, on the Ikorodu/Sagamu Road in Ogun State. The unfortunate incident, which has sent Nigeria’s gospel music community into a state of shock, took the lives of Evangelist Ayodeji Kekerejesu, also popularly known as Kekere Jesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina.
Details of the Accident
The deadly crash, in a report by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), involved the four gospel musicians whose car crashed with another car and caused a high-impact collision that killed all four on the spot. Florence Okupe, FRSC Ogun State Commander and Public Information Officer, named the victims and explained that they were on their way to a ministration when the crash was fatal.
The accident, which claimed the lives of a number of vehicles, is caused by overspeeding and poor visibility on the highway, preliminary investigations established. The accident killed more than 24 people combined, including the four gospel ministers. The accident has left the Nigerian gospel music industry reeling, with fans, friends, and fellow artists mourning the premature death of these wonderful artists.
Gospel Singers Remembered
Evangelist Ayodeji David, better known as Kekere Jesu, was very popular for his high-energy street ministry and his commanding social media presence. His ministry, which had concentrated on youths and residents of rural communities, had earned him a sizeable following. Kekere Jesu was also famous for his passion in preaching the gospel, winning numerous hearts to his ministry. He was reportedly headed to fulfill a ministry obligation when he was involved in the accident.
There were tributes coming in from all corners of Nigeria as the fans, friends, and colleagues in the gospel ministry responded to the untimely death of these beloved gospel icons with shock and outrage. Most described Kekere Jesu as a devoted servant of God whose ministry had touched lives across the land. Peer gospel artist and founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain International Ministry, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, lamented his death on social media in words that typified the sorrowful loss of a brother in faith.
He wrote, “UNQUESTIONABLE GOD!! Hmmmmnnn….This is indeed a Rude Shock today. But Who are we to question God. For His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are Higher than our ways… Rest in Peace my beloved brother @ Evangelist Ayodeji David’s [Kekere Jesu].”
Shock and Grief From the Gospel Community
The tragedy has caused an outburst of grieving from all across the nation. A number of fans have been using social media to share their sorrow and to offer condolences to the families of the victims. One Facebook contributor, Kenny John, posted a tearful status when hearing reports of the fatal accident. He described the death of these four gospel ministers as devastating, given that they were all famous and highly esteemed figures in the community.
John 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, The wife of Prophet Ayodeji Kekere Jesu’s elder brother. It still feels like a dream. May their souls rest in perfect peace.”
Other social media posts have been inundated with prayers for the deceased souls and their grieving families. Victor Odeyale, a fan, wrote: “Heart-wrenching. May God comfort their loved ones and family. Premature death is reversed in Jesus’ name. Amen.” Walshak Kos, another Facebook friend, resonated on the subject of life, quoting that despite their ministry and prayers, the gospel ministers could not escape such a tragic fate. He emphasized the uncertain character of life and that we can only survive by grace, not by strength.
Faith and Reflection Amidst Tragedies
Despite the sorrow, most of the tributes convey a deep sense of faith and belief that the dead ministers are now with God. Their demise has spawned discussions about how vulnerable life can be and yet one needs to have faith in God even where it seems unfounded. User Rotimi Oladele shared an emotional tribute for two of the gospel ministers who are no longer with us today, recalling memories of their boyhood existence, and praying the souls of those departed rest well.
There are some things that occur in life we cannot find answers to until we meet God face to face. Sleep tight, Kings and Queens,” Kos posted, urging others to remember the resilience of the fallen and the influence they exerted on the ministry of the gospel.
The Impact on the Nigerian Gospel Industry
The premature deaths of Evangelists Kekere Jesu, Iyanu Joseph, Oluwapamilerin Monjolajesu, and Opeyemi Adesina have left their mark on the Nigerian gospel music scene. These four had been widely regarded as up-and-coming talent in the gospel music sphere with their lively voices and passionate ministry. Their deaths are not only a loss to each other’s families but to the wider faith community and gospel music sphere.
Kekere Jesu, in particular, had made himself a bridge between the culture of secular music and the church, with an appeal that went far beyond the usual gospel music audience. His legacy in gospel music will likely be long-lasting as one of hope for many.
The passing of these promising ministers has left a void in the world of gospel music. Aside from the immense personal loss that their families have suffered, there is also a sense of loss of the future of Nigerian gospel music because these up-and-coming stars were set to take it to even greater heights. Their deaths have indeed left a void that will not be easy to fill.
National Condolences
The tragedy has received messages of sympathy across the nation from all corners of Nigeria. There have also been messages of condolences from Nigerian politicians and religious leaders, with many of them putting strong emphasis on the requirement of road safety within Nigeria. According to Florence Okupe, an official at the FRSC who authenticated the information about the accident, she asked motorists to avoid speeding, especially on highways during periods of low visibility.
“The lives of four emerging gospel singers were lost to a senseless accident. This is a very strong reminder on the importance of road safety and safe driving,” Okupe declared in a public statement following the accident. She also sympathized with the families of the victims, urging Nigerians to exercise caution while driving to prevent such accidents in the future.
The Road Ahead: Remembering the Fallen Gospel Ministers
In the wake of the nation mourning the loss of Evangelist Ayodeji Kekerejesu and his co-ministers, their legacy will likely continue inspiring generations to come. Their commitment to touching lives through music and ministry is a reflection of the impact that one person’s life can have. While their deaths are a mourning loss, their ministry will live on in the hearts of those whose lives were touched by theirs.
The loss of these gospel ministers is a harrowing reminder of the transience of life and the importance of caution on the roads. It also calls for a renewed sense of safety protocols, not just by those in the gospel fraternity, but by all road users across Nigeria.
GistNexus Went Further and Stated That
The untimely death of Evangelist Ayodeji Kekerejesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina has created a great sense of grief across Nigeria. While the country mourns their deaths, their ministry and their contribution to the gospel music scene will be remembered with admiration and respect. Fans, friends, and fellow ministers all grieve, offering prayers and condolences to their loved ones. Throughout this mourning season, the gospel music community unites in mourning, but also in faith, believing there is a plan from God even in the face of such colossal tragedy.
