Renowned spiritual leader, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church (TFOLC), has sadly passed away at the age of 67. This somber news was shared via an official statement on the church’s Facebook page on Tuesday evening. The beloved pastor, hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, breathed his last in the United States on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service.
In a heartfelt announcement, The Fountain of Life Church Family conveyed the departure of Pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya, the esteemed Founding Pastor of the church. He transitioned to a higher realm on the 7th of August, 2023, within the confines of the USA. The specific cause of his passing remains undisclosed, a decision made to honor the privacy and sanctity surrounding the matter.
It’s noteworthy to remember that Pastor Odukoya’s life journey had been marked by various challenges. Tragedy struck when his first wife, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, met an untimely end in the ill-fated Sosoliso crash of 2005. An accomplished Nigerian pastor, televangelist, and beacon of inspiration, Pastor Bimbo was known as “Pastor Bims.” Her contributions earned her over 60 national and international accolades, recognizing her efforts in nation-building, particularly within Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region. A prolific writer, revered televangelist, sought-after conference speaker, mentor to youth, and marriage counselor, she even had the honor of representing Nigeria by carrying the Olympic Torch at the 2004 Athens Games. Tragically, her life was cut short due to the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash.
Despite these profound losses, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya displayed remarkable resilience. He found solace and companionship in Rosemary Simangele Zulu (Nomthi), a South African woman, whom he married on January 5, 2010. Their union bore fruit in the form of two sons, Timileyin and Jomiloju, and the ministry continued to thrive under their leadership. Tragedy struck again when Nomthi succumbed to cancer while in London, after a courageous battle against the disease.
Unimaginably, the string of losses did not end there. Kehinde, the twin sister of Taiwo Odukoya, also departed, adding to the weight of grief. This sorrow was intensified as it came shortly after the passing of Nomthi, his second wife.
Despite the undeniable challenges that tested his faith, Pastor Odukoya remained steadfast. Though whispers of doubt and suspicion may have circulated, he drew strength from the unwavering support of his loved ones. In these trying times, his family and friends stood by him, offering a beacon of hope and love.
Today, we bid farewell to a spiritual guide, a mentor, and a devoted servant of God. As we reflect upon the journey of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, we send our prayers for his soul to rest in peace, surrounded by the love that always embraced him.
