LOVEWORLD MOURNS AS PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME LOSES MOTHER DEACONESS ANGEL AT 88
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome mother has died at 88, with tributes pouring in across LoveWorld Nation and beyond.
Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome, mother of the Christ Embassy founder and President of LoveWorld Incorporated, died on Friday morning 25 September 2026 according to reports from Edo State and confirmation from Pastor Chris himself on Saturday 27 September during the Global Day of Prayer. She was 88.
The news first broke on X through Church Gist which announced the death and paid tribute to the late matriarch. It was then picked up by Esan News Magazine, a local publication in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, which said information came from a prominent member of the Ekagholo family of Idunwele, Ewu, where Deaconess Angel hailed from. The publication described her as popularly known as Big Mummy and as matriarch of the Oyakhilome family.
Born on 6 March 1938, Deaconess Angel was married to the late Elder Tim E Oyakhilome. Elder Tim was a respected Christian leader who was involved in the early development of the Assemblies of God Church in Benin City and later served as Dean of Studies at the LoveWorld Ministerial College until his death in 2008. Together they raised their children in a Christian home where faith, service and the teaching of the Bible were central to family life. Their union was blessed with seven children according to Tribune, including Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Rev Ken Oyakhilome who pastors Christ Embassy Houston and serves on the Central Executive Council, Evangelist Kathy Woghiren who is Director of LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry, and Pastor Linda Okocha Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy Port Harcourt Zone 2. Other family members include Kathy and other siblings noted in tributes.
Until her death Deaconess Angel was based in Benin City Edo State where she remained closely connected to LoveWorld family. Her 85th birthday in 2023 was marked in Benin City with dignitaries in attendance. Her 88th birthday on 6 March 2026 was celebrated by members of the ministry with prayers and goodwill messages.
She was also formally honoured by LoveWorld. In 2022 LoveWorld News reported she received a Presidential Awards Special Commendation for immense contributions to the expansion of LoveWorld Nation. The recognition brought her together with her son on stage and highlighted esteem in which she was held within ministry. In Esan community tributes described her as jewel of Esan motherhood and prayer warrior whose life was marked by faith, family and service.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome mother news was confirmed by Pastor Chris himself during concluding session of the 27th edition of Global Day of Prayer on Saturday 27 September 2026. He said, “Yesterday, Friday morning, my sweet mum passed on to be with the Lord.” He said family was comforted by Christian faith and its teaching on eternal destination of believers.
He also recalled time spent with his mother in recent years, saying he frequently expressed gratitude for values and lessons she and his father instilled. He said he told her, “Mommy, you know, I’m so grateful to you for all the things you taught me.” He said he thanked her for teaching him basic life skills and more importantly for creating a home where he and siblings were introduced to Jesus Christ and taught biblical values. He said he deliberately expressed appreciation over past six or seven years especially as it became apparent that her time might be drawing near. He said, “I definitely loved my mom. She was amazing. She was so sweet,” describing her as one of a kind. He also noted he bore strong resemblance to his mother, saying siblings often remarked he looked most like her.
The initial social report described her passing with words, “An Iroko has fallen. A mother of nations is gone. Heaven has gained a saint,” and said she left behind legacy of faith, love, humility and motherhood that touched generations. Another tribute said, “Big Mummy was not just the mother of Pastor Chris. She was the mother of all,” describing her as virtuous woman and prayer warrior whose compassion earned widespread respect.
As of filing on 26 and 27 September, Christ Embassy had not posted formal statement on its official website announcing death beyond Pastor Chris announcement at Global Day of Prayer. Funeral arrangements were not yet public. That is factual status reported by Western Post and others. Senior official of church told News Express he had heard report but was not in position to confirm and that official statement would likely be issued if report confirmed. After Pastor Chris own announcement during prayer programme LoveWorld family began mourning openly.
LoveWorld members online have started tributes noting her role as mother of ministry founder and elder who supported ministry from its humble beginnings as Youth for Christ campus fellowship at then Bendel State University to global movement with millions of members across world.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome mother Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome lived 88 years from 1938 to 2026. She was wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was based in Benin City. She was honoured in 2022 for contributions to LoveWorld. She died 25 September 2026 morning surrounded by children and loved ones according to family account shared by Pastor Chris.
Christ Embassy community is expected to announce funeral details in coming days.
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