CELESTIAL CHURCH MOURNS MC IYA ADURA VICTORIA MAKINDE ESTHER: A LIFE OF FAITH, PRAYER AND SERVICE ENDS IN GLORY

A Life of Faith, Prayer and Good Works

With hearts filled with sorrow but sustained by the enduring hope of the resurrection, we announce the glorious transition to eternal rest of Late Mother Celestial Iya Adura Victoria Ibirinadé Makinde Kongi Esther, beloved mother of Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Samuel Makinde, Shepherd-in-Charge of Celestial Church of Christ, Covenant Parish, Paris, France, and Superior Evangelist Ajibola Makinde, Chief Choir Coordinator of the Europe Mass Choir.

The revered Mother Celestial answered the heavenly call on Saturday, 24 October 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, prayer, love, godliness and service to the Lord.

Her passing is a painful loss to her immediate family, the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, the wider Christian community and all those whose lives were touched by her devotion, kindness and exemplary Christian character.

A LIFE ROOTED IN FAITH AND PRAYER

Known affectionately as Iya Adura, a name that speaks eloquently of a life devoted to prayer, Mother Celestial Victoria Ibirinadé Makinde Kongi Esther will be remembered as a woman whose life bore testimony to the enduring power of faith in God.

Her journey on earth reflected the virtues of a devoted Christian mother: steadfast faith, sacrificial love, fervent prayer and an abiding commitment to the things of God. Through her life and example, she exemplified the enduring influence of godly motherhood and the immeasurable value of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

Her transition, though painful, invites all who knew and loved her to celebrate a life that made a difference and to take comfort in the assurance that those who die in the Lord are not lost but have entered into eternal rest.

A MOTHER WHOSE LEGACY LIVES ON

The late Mother Celestial was blessed with children who continue to serve the Lord and contribute to the spiritual growth of the Celestial Church of Christ.

Her son, Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Samuel Makinde, serves as the Shepherd-in-Charge of Celestial Church of Christ, Covenant Parish, Paris, France, while Superior Evangelist Ajibola Makinde serves as the Chief Choir Coordinator of the Europe Mass Choir.

Their respective callings and contributions to the Church stand as a testament to the enduring influence of a mother’s prayers, values and spiritual guidance. While no words can adequately fill the void left by her departure, the family can draw strength and comfort from the knowledge that the seeds of faith and devotion she nurtured will continue to bear fruit through succeeding generations.

HER GOOD WORKS WILL SPEAK FOR HER

As family members, friends, fellow worshippers and well-wishers mourn her departure, they are reminded of the timeless words of Scripture in Revelation 14:13:

“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Indeed, the memory of Mother Celestial Victoria Ibirinadé Makinde Kongi Esther will remain a source of inspiration to those who knew her. Her earthly journey has ended, but the testimony of her life, the love she shared and the prayers she offered will continue to resonate in the hearts of her family and loved ones.

REST IN THE BOSOM OF THE LORD

As the family mourns this irreparable loss, we pray that Almighty God, who is the Father of all comfort, will grant her children, grandchildren, relatives, friends and the entire Celestial Church of Christ family the fortitude to bear this painful separation.

May the Holy Spirit comfort the bereaved family, strengthen them in their moments of grief and fill their hearts with the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Though we loved her, God loved her more. We therefore commend her soul into the loving hands of her Creator, trusting in His infinite mercy and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sleep on, beloved Mother Celestial. Your race is run, your earthly labour is ended, and your place in our hearts remains forever.

May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may perpetual light shine upon you. Amen.

Adieu, Iya Adura. Until we meet again at the feet of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

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