The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) on Tuesday confirmed the death of a Retired Deputy General Overseer of the church, Pastor Joseph Abiona.
In a statement made by the RCCG Assistant General Overseer, Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said the funeral arrangements for the deceased would be announced later.
The statement titled, ‘Pa J. H. Abiona goes home’, read:
“With gratitude to God and total submission to His will, the Redeemed Christian Church of God regrets to announce the passing unto glory of our beloved father in the Lord, the Deputy General Overseer, Pastor J. H. Abiona who passed to glory on Friday the 31st December 2021.
“He is survived by his biological family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well many spiritual children.
“Further arrangements for his final rite as agreed by the family will be announced later.
“We pray for the Lord to comfort the entire family and the church at this time.”
Pastor Abiona was Born in 1925, he was also one of the respected elders of the church.
Before his death, He was appointed acting General Superintendent after the death of the founder, Pa Josiah Akindayomi.
Pastor Abiona had handled the transition of the church leadership from Akindayomi to the current General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, in 1981 and weathered the storm generated by people who were eager to lead the church, despite God’s plan, which had earlier been made known to them.
In an earlier interview with a magazine in the church, he had said, “I thank God that we insisted on doing God’s will and today everyone can see that the successor was God’s choice.”