Tribute to Elder Steve Akhigbe-Johnson, JP. – Adieu, our Owanle

When we received the news that Owanle Elder Steve Akhigbe-Johnson, JP, had passed away. The news of his passing to glory was hard to take in. We paused to reflect on the moments that had endeared us to our Owanle, our beloved brother, a teacher of teachers, a friend, former President of the Esan Association, Sunday School Superintendent, and prayer warrior. As Rose Kennedy said, "Life isn't a matter of milestones, but moments."

As we reflect upon his service and our relationship, we remember him fondly with admiration: his beaming smile and welcoming gaze, his humility, his deep insight into the Word of God, his tenacity and discipline, his leadership and administrative acumen, and his kind and gentle spirit.

We first got to know him when Bros. Steve and Ogbeide Oniha served together on the board of the Esan Association. At that time, Elder Steve was the President while Ogbeide was the Vice President. Under his leadership, Bros Steve demonstrated integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience. Bros Steve, as he was fondly called, had a tremendous influence on our community due to his acute wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the issues affecting our people. He exhibited excellent communication skills and a clear vision, showed gratitude, and collaborated effectively.

We later served together in various ministries and departments within our church, CAC Bethel Fellowship. We served in the Upper Room Ministry (Joyful Mothers), Intercessory Prayers, Church Council, Workers' Council, and Christian Education Department. Elder Steve’s loyalty, unwavering dedication, faithful service, and Christ-centered leadership in nurturing hearts and minds through Christian education for the past 18 years are commendable. We went to Israel together on a pilgrimage; we had the best of times and built lasting memories that made us friends who stuck closer than brothers – Proverbs 18:24.

Today, we salute you, our brother, and our owanle. Thank you for leaving us a legacy of righteousness and for your tireless commitment to planting seeds of faith that will bear fruit for many generations to come. Adieu, God’s General. "Well done, good and faithful servant..." — Matthew 25:21. May your memory continue to be a blessing - Pastor (Dr.) Ogbeide and Evangelist (Dr.) Gloria Oniha.

A Tribute to Elder Steve Akhigbe Johnson, JP

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing.” – Proverbs 10:7 (ESV)

With heavy hearts and gratitude to God, we honor a beloved man of God—Elder Steve Akhigbe Johnson, JP.  Elder Steve was not just a member of our church—he was a pillar in intercession and prayer. A man of uncommon humility, and a faithful intercessor whose legacy continues to speak through the lives he touched.

As the Upper Room Ministry (Joyful Mothers), a group devoted to standing with families believing God for the fruit of the womb, we were blessed to witness Elder Steve’s unwavering support, day after day, year after year. He didn't just pray for us—he prayed with us. He didn’t stand beside us in comfort only—he stood before God in battle on our behalf.

Even when others could not make it, Elder Steve was there. Sometimes, he was the only one. But he stood—strong, steadfast, and committed—believing that God would answer. And God did. Many families received their miracle children through prayers that Elder Steve helped lift up to heaven.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16 (KJV)

His prayers were not casual, they were intentional and fervent in spirit. His presence was not routine, it was reassuring. His discipline and commitment inspired us all to believe. And his warm, genuine smile welcomed each of us into the house of prayer – the upper room. He expected excellence, not for perfection’s sake, but because he understood the sacredness of our service to God. He loved the Lord with all his heart, and he loved people deeply and sincerely.

One of the most touching reflections of his legacy is this: one of the children born through this ministry—after years of prayer—became his goddaughter. That child is not just a testimony to answered prayer, but a living legacy of Elder Steve’s love and faithfulness. He didn’t just intercede—he became part of the family he prayed for.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15 (ESV)

“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1 (KJV)

Elder Steve lived a life poured out for others—a true living sacrifice. His life reminds us that greatness in the kingdom is found in servanthood. And today, we can say with confidence that he has heard those precious words from the Lord:

“Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:21 (NKJV)

We, the Upper Room Ministry (Joyful Mothers), will miss him dearly. But his prayers live on. His example continues to guide us. And his legacy is forever etched into the story of every family that received hope through this ministry.

Thank you, Elder Steve Akhigbe Johnson.

You stood with us.

You prayed with us.

You believed with us.

And we will never forget you.

With deep love and eternal gratitude, the Upper Room Ministry (Joyful Mothers)

Evangelist (Dr.) Gloria Oniha and Evangelist Ajibola Adetona, on behalf of the Upper Room Ministry.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of a truly great man of God — a faithful elder whose quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep love for the Lord touched everyone who knew him. He was a pillar in the church, a man of integrity, humility, and wisdom.

His favorite words, “Know God for yourself,” were not just a phrase but a guiding light for how he lived and served. He urged others not to rely solely on tradition or secondhand faith, but to seek a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord. Through his life, he modeled what it meant to walk closely with God.

Though he has gone home to glory, his words echo in our hearts, and his legacy of faith will continue to inspire generations to come. We thank God for the gift of his life and rejoice that he now knows his Savior face to face.

A Tribute to Elder Steve Akhigbe Johnson

If chapters were to be added to the Book of Acts, Elder Steve Akhigbe Johnson’s acts would surely grace the scrolls. For in the pages of his life’s history, we would find acts of love, acts of service, and acts of devotion to Christ that surpassed all measure. His walk with God was not merely spoken in words, but lived in every action, every breath, every moment.

A man whose faith was unwavering, like the great pillars of old, yet humble as a servant, and tender as a dove. He bore the wisdom of Paul and the gentleness of Barnabas. He carried the Gospel not as a burden, but as a light, shining brightly for all who would listen, and calling many from the darkness into the light of Christ.

Like Abraham, he was a father and a mentor, steadfast in his love for his children, and his grandchildren, teaching them the ways of the LORD, with a heart full of compassion, patience, and unwavering faith. A devoted husband, his love for his wife Perpetua, was a reflection of the love Christ has for the Church—pure, sacrificial, and perpetual.

In the church universal, he stood as a beacon, faithfully leading Bible studies, guiding souls with wisdom and grace. His understanding of the Scriptures was profound, not just intellectual knowledge, but a deep, personal relationship with God. He did not simply teach; he lived the Word, his life a living epistle, read by all who came near him.

In Christ Apostolic Church (Bethel Fellowship), Elder Steve was a rock, unshaken, unmovable, a man of peace, never in conflict, yet always standing firm. His heart was for the welfare of others, his hands always reaching out to lift those in need. As a true servant of God, he ministered with humility, drew others closer to the heart of the Father.

In a world loud with division, He spoke peace without speaking at all. Compassion was not just in his voice but in his hands, and those hands, weathered by service, never withheld love from the least.

Like Enoch, in Genesis 5:24, On that faithful morning, elder Steve Sunday Omon Akhigbe Johnson walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

His earthly journey, though completed, is not in vain, for the legacy he leaves behind will continue to shine. His life was a testament, a living testimony, a story of devotion, faith, and love that will inspire generations. And though we mourn his passing, we also rejoice, for we know that his work on earth is done, and his reward in heaven is secure.

Now, as we reflect on his life, we know the gates of heaven have opened wide to receive him. We can picture it clearly; the rustling of angel wings, the melodies swelling, Heaven’s choir rising in sweet harmony, as Elder Steve Sunday Omon Akhigbe Johnson enters glory. And God, with infinite joy, welcomed His faithful servant home. “Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Elder Steve Johnson, you have run your race, and now you rest in the arms of the One who called you by name. Goodnight, faithful servant. You will forever be cherished, your life a lasting chapter in the Book of Acts. May we continue your work and carry your flame, as we await the day when we too shall be called home to dwell in the presence of the Lord.

🕊️

Pastor Femi Ogunleye & Evangelist Mrs. Keji Ogunleye

A Tribute to a Respected Minister, Church Leader, and Statesman

We honor today the life and legacy of Minister Steve Akhigbe-Johnson, a devoted servant of God, a faithful leader in the church, and a true elder statesman of the Esan community, who was called to eternal rest at the age of 73.

In the church, he served with distinction — offering wisdom, guidance, and a deep commitment to the growth of the body of Christ. As the Bible study leader, he ensured that all were grounded in sound doctrine and clearly understood God’s expectations for both leaders and followers.

Within our Esan community, and especially during his tenure as president, he led with humility and a strong sense of purpose, always placing service above self. He was a father to many, a counselor to leaders, our constitutional custodian, and a unifier across generations. His words carried weight not just because of his position, but because of the life he lived - one marked by devotion, dignity, and discipline.

Some of us shared a special bond with him rooted in our shared cultural values. We often laughed as he upheld the expectations of an elder with endearing firmness and grace - always reminding us of the weight of responsibility and the joy of brotherhood. That presence, that connection, will be deeply missed. But it also reminds us of the enduring bond we shared with him.

Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind — one that will echo through the generations he inspired, the lives he touched, and the work he faithfully accomplished.

Minister Steve, your voice may be silent, but your impact resounds. Your journey on earth may be complete, but your reward in heaven is sure. We thank God for your life and pray that He will comfort your family, the church, and our Esan community with the peace that passes all understanding.

Rest well, good and faithful servant, we part to meet again!