MEMORY

It is with profound sorrow, and deep gratitude to God for a life well lived, that the family of Bishop Jacob Afolabi announces his passing on 13 June 2026, at 3:33pm, in Ottawa, Ontario, at the age of 86. He leaves a legacy of faith, service, and conviction that touched lives across continents.

Early Life & Career

Born in Ghana to Nigerian parents, Bishop Afolabi began working in the Bibiani gold mines at sixteen before a supervisor funded his technical education. He later studied electrical and electronics engineering, worked in broadcasting in Nigeria and Zambia, and in 1974 founded Nucleus Electronics Ltd in Lagos with Daewoo.

A Life Redirected

In 1978, after narrowly missing Korean Air Lines Flight 902, later fired upon over Soviet airspace, he saw God’s hand in his life and turned from business toward ministry. He studied scripture, taught theology at Faith Christian Theological Seminary in Sango Ota, Nigeria, and received a vision that would eventually lead his family to Canada.

Ministry in Canada

Arriving in Ottawa in the early 1990s, he studied at St. Paul’s University and was ordained in 1993 in the Church of God. In June 1996, with his wife Elizabeth and ten founding families, he started Christ’s Chapel Bible Church as a home church in Orleans. Under his leadership, the congregation grew into a vibrant multicultural church now located at 2285 St. Laurent Boulevard, with influence extending through mission work and mentorship in Central and East Africa.

A tireless community builder, Bishop Afolabi co-founded the Ottawa Pastors’ Forum, spoke often in Ottawa media on faith and ethics, and received the 2017 Black History Ottawa Community Builder Award.

Family & Legacy

He is survived by his beloved wife and ministry partner, Elizabeth Adejoke Afolabi; his children, Bunmi, Eugenia, Jide, Lekan, and Kemi; and his grandchildren, Daniel, Isaiah, Anjola, Jasmine, Lanre, Olu, Naomi, and Asher. He will be remembered for his humility, warm smile, servant’s heart, and steady faith.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests in-memoriam donations to Doctors Without Borders.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23