By Peter Omopo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has expressed grief over the passing of Ruth Elton, a British-born Nigerian and one of the country’s longest-serving missionaries, who died at the age of 91.
In a condolence statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described Elton’s death as “a great loss” to Nigeria, noting that her life epitomised service, sacrifice, and commitment to humanity.
Elton, who first arrived in Nigeria in 1937 with her father, Granville Elton, was renowned for her decades-long dedication to Christian ministry and grassroots medical outreach. She later renounced her British citizenship to fully embrace Nigerian nationality, a decision Adeleke said underscored her deep faith and enduring love for the country and its people.
“I am devastated by the news of Ruth Elton’s passing, widely acknowledged as the oldest missionary to Nigeria,” Adeleke said. “From 1937, she served the Nigerian people with unfailing dedication, contributing not just to the spread of the gospel but also to tackling health challenges in many communities.”
The governor added that Elton’s passing was particularly painful for Osun State, where she spent her final years, but stressed that her legacy of service and compassion would remain a source of inspiration.
“Her absence will be a heavy burden to us in Osun, but we will be consoled by the everlasting honour that comes with her contributions to society,” he noted, while praying for her soul to rest in peace.
Adeleke also urged Christian faithful and the wider community to continue Elton’s mission of service by building on the foundations she laid during her lifetime.
