The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Ruth Elton, Nigeria’s oldest missionary, who died peacefully at the age of 91 in Ilesa, Osun State.
In a heartfelt statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke described Elton’s life as “a beacon of selfless service, unwavering faith, and deep compassion for humanity.” Born in the United Kingdom, Ruth Elton arrived in Nigeria in 1937 alongside her father, Granville Elton, a pioneer of the Pentecostal revival movement. She later renounced her British citizenship to become a Nigerian—a gesture Governor Adeleke hailed as “a rare and powerful testament to her love for this nation and its people.”
“I am devastated by the news of Ruth Elton’s passing,” the Governor said. “Though she lived a long and impactful life, her departure leaves a void in our hearts. Her legacy of gospel work and grassroots healthcare initiatives in rural communities will remain etched in our collective memory.”
Throughout her decades of service, Elton was known not only for her spiritual devotion but also for her tireless efforts to combat medical challenges in underserved areas. Her work bridged faith and humanitarianism, touching countless lives across generations.
Governor Adeleke emphasized that Elton’s final years in Osun State were marked by quiet dignity and continued service. “Her absence will be a heavy burden to us in Osun, where she breathed her last,” he said. “But we are consoled by the enduring impact of her life and the eternal honour her contributions have earned.”