In a harrowing tragedy that has plunged the Nigerian gospel music community into deep mourning, four beloved gospel ministers, including the widely recognized Evangelist Ayodeji David, popularly known as Kekere Jesu, lost their lives in a fatal automobile crash on the Ikorodu–Sagamu Road in Ogun State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), through a statement released by the Ogun State Commander and Public Information Officer, Florence Okupe, confirmed the incident, which occurred over the weekend. According to the report, the accident involved multiple vehicles and claimed the lives of more than 24 individuals, four of whom were gospel ministers.

The deceased ministers have been identified as Evangelist Ayodeji Kekere Jesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina. Preliminary investigations conducted by road safety authorities indicate that the crash was caused by overspeeding and poor visibility, which resulted in a high-impact collision that left all four occupants of the gospel ministers’ vehicle dead at the scene.

Evangelist Kekere Jesu was en route to a ministry engagement when the fatal incident occurred. Known for his energetic street preaching, vibrant gospel outreach, and his commanding presence on social media, Kekere Jesu was considered one of the rising voices in modern-day evangelism in Nigeria. His unique blend of humor, charisma, and scripture-based teachings made him a favorite among the youth, and his influence had steadily grown beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The tragic news of his death sent shockwaves through the Christian community, with tributes pouring in from far and wide. Followers, fellow ministers, church congregants, and members of the public took to social media to express their grief and pay homage to the legacy he left behind.

Renowned spiritual leader and founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain International Ministry, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, expressed his heartbreak in a Facebook post, saying, “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].”

Other mourners also expressed their devastation. A Facebook user, Kenny John, described the loss as surreal and deeply personal. “Condolence Message: 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, and the wife of Prophet Ayodeji Kekere Jesu’s elder brother. It still feels like a dream. May their souls rest in perfect peace.”

The emotional toll of the tragedy has been palpable, with many leaning on scripture and prayer to navigate the sorrow. Verses like Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” – and Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” – have become rallying cries for comfort among the grieving.

This is not the first time a major accident has shaken Nigeria’s gospel or religious community, but the scale of this particular crash, coupled with the popularity and youthfulness of the victims, has made it particularly painful for many. The late Evangelist Ayodeji Kekere Jesu, whose nickname loosely translates to "Little Jesus," was known for his childlike humility, playful demeanor, and unwavering dedication to spreading the gospel, especially in underserved and rural areas.

Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin and Opeyemi Adesina, though not as widely known, were also passionate ministers who had dedicated their lives to the gospel. Their contributions to the ministry, especially behind the scenes and in youth outreach programs, were significant and heartfelt, according to those who knew them personally.

Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, who perished alongside them, had recently been celebrated for a revival campaign she led in rural areas of Osun State, where she ministered healing, hope, and salvation to hundreds. Her loss, friends say, will be deeply felt by the many women and children she reached out to in her tireless gospel mission.

In the wake of this tragedy, many are calling for stricter road safety measures and better enforcement of speed regulations, especially on Nigeria’s accident-prone highways. The Ikorodu–Sagamu Road, where the crash took place, has long been criticized for its poor visibility, potholes, and lack of enforcement of traffic laws, all of which continue to contribute to the country’s alarming rate of road accidents.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the burial of the deceased ministers. Churches across the southwest are planning candlelight services and memorial vigils in their honor. Friends, fans, and fellow ministers have also begun sharing videos and sermons from the late Kekere Jesu and his team, celebrating the legacy of faith they left behind.

The deaths of these gospel ministers serve as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of our earthly journey. While the world mourns the abrupt end of lives lived in service to God and humanity, many believe that the impact of their ministries will echo far beyond their years on earth.

As mourners gather and prayers continue to rise, one thing remains certain: Evangelist Ayodeji Kekere Jesu and his fellow ministers did not die in vain. Their lives, though cut short, were full of purpose, devotion, and a relentless passion to lead others to Christ. May their souls rest in perfect peace.