Nigerian judge slumps, dies after returning from Israel pilgrimage
A Magistrate at the Ikeja Magistrate Court Lagos, Olasanmi Ogunkanmi, slumped and died shortly after returning from a three-week pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
The late Ogunkanmi, aged 58 who also served as a pastor, had traveled with the first group of Lagos pilgrims and was reportedly in high spirits upon his return before his sudden death on January 1, 2025.
Conflicting accounts surround his death.
Some sources claim he slumped and died at his residence, while others said he went to bed that night and never woke up.
Ogunkanmi was widely respected for his dedication and humility during his career.
On January 17, 2025, Bishop Stephen Adegbite of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission visited the family at their Ikorodu home to offer condolences.
He assured the widow of the commission’s support and urged her to remain strong.
According to Adegbite,”It was not an accident that late Magistrate Ogunkanmi died the night he successfully returned from performing holy pilgrimage in Jerusalem. The occurrence makes his death providential.”
“Your husband lived a well fulfilled life on earth, it is therefore not how long one lives on earth that matters but how well.”
He prayed that the Good Lord will certainly comfort the family at this moment of their bereavement.
A service of songs will be held on February 6, 2025, followed by his burial on February 7, 2025, in Lagos.
