Former President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has extended his condolences to the family of the late Bishop Emeritus Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, who passed away on March 8, 2025.

Bishop Atoyebi, the former head of the Kwara Diocese of the Catholic Church, died on Saturday at the age of 80.

In a statement issued by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, in Ilorin on Monday, Dr Saraki expressed his sympathies to the Catholic Church and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the demise of the revered former Catholic Bishop of the Ilorin Diocese.

He described the late Bishop Emeritus as an exemplary leader whose life and leadership were characterised by integrity, compassion, and dedication. Dr Saraki noted that Bishop Atoyebi’s contributions to faith, community development, and interfaith harmony will be fondly remembered.

The former Senate President said, “The late Bishop Ayo-Maria Atoyebi was an epitome of love, peace and compassion, adding that his legacy will linger to inspire many.

“It’s a great delight to know and learn from the late Bishop Ayo-Maria, who lived a life full of inheritable characteristics as a religious leader, a teacher and a father.

“The late bishop was a dedicated leader and advocate for peace who contributed meaningfully to the advancement of our state while I was governor and even after.

“I commiserate with the immediate family of the deceased, the Catholic Church and the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and pray that the Lord comfort, strengthen and grant them peace during this period.”