Archbishop Atilade, CAN southwest chairman, dies at 76

The Christian community was yesterday thrown into mourning following the death of the president of Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Magnus Atilade. He was aged 76.

Atilade, who is also chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West region, died in the early hours of yesterday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

It was gathered that the deceased had been battling an undisclosed ailment for over a month. According to a source, Atilade, who was also a former chairman of CAN in Lagos State, breathed his last yesterday.

Reacting, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins, said: “Atilade was a pleasant man, ready to interact with the body of believers. He was noted for his sharing and fellowshipping with fellow Christians. He was also ready to relate with Christians in other denominations. May his soul rest in peace.

Also, chairman of the Lagos branch of CAN, Apostle Alex Bamgbola, said: “We thank God for his life. Though it is what God says that matters. However, he has finished his race and the Lord has called him home. He contributed so much to the body of Christ. He was a great leader in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

and he worked very hard for the Lord. He will receive the reward of his work from the Lord.”