Ruth Elton: Governor Adeleke Reacts as Nigeria’s Oldest Missionary Dies At 91
- Ruth Elton, a British-born Nigerian missionary reputed to be the oldest in the country, has passed away at the age of 91
- Osun state governor Ademola Adeleke mourned Elton's death, stating that she joined efforts to fight many health scourges in communities
- Governor Adeleke said Elton will be remembered for gospel outreach and her efforts to tackle medical emergencies through community health initiatives
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Osogbo, Osun State – Governor Ademola Adeleke has mourned the death of Nigeria’s Oldest Missionary, Ruth Elton.
Elton, a British-born Nigerian missionary, passed away at the age of 91 on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Source: UGC
Governor Adeleke described Elton’s death as a painful loss.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) noted that her life was marked by service, sacrifice, and significant contributions to humanity.
As reported by Leadership, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
Elton arrived in Nigeria in 1937 with her father, Granville, and dedicated over eight decades of her life to Christian ministry and grassroots development
“I am devastated by the news of Ruth Elton’s passing, widely acknowledged as the oldest missionary to Nigeria. Although she passed away at the ripe age of 91, knowing her contributions over the years, I cannot help but feel the pain of such a loss.”
Adeleke recalled Elton’s decision to renounce her British citizenship in exchange for Nigerian citizenship.
He described Elton’s gesture as an extraordinary demonstration of love for the country and its people.
“Her absence will be a heavy burden to us in Osun, where she breathed her last, but we will be consoled by the legacy of her impact and the everlasting honour that comes with her contributions to society.”
APC fumes over Adeleke’s 'beer parlour' meeting
Recall that the Osun state chapter of the All Progressives Congress condemned Governor Adeleke's prolonged stay in the United States after his nephew Davido's wedding.
APC chairman in the state, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, accused Adeleke of excessive spending on foreign travels without tangible investments and provided details of his alleged reckless spending.
But reacting, the governor's loyalists argued that the APC's moral stand in criticising Adeleke's governance was flawed, citing the actions of the previous administration.
Osun drags Tinubu-led FG to Supreme Court
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Osun state government dragged the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government before the Supreme Court over the local government funds.
The southwest state wants the apex court to declare the action of Lateef Fagbemi, the AGF, as unconstitutional and make three other pronouncements.
The new originating suit was filed through the state attorney general and a team of legal practitioners led by Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Musibau Adetunbi (SAN)
Source: Legit.ng
