Osun Gov Mourns As Nigeria’s Oldest Missionary, Ruth Elton, Dies At 91

Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, has mourned the death of Ruth Elton, a British-born Nigerian missionary reputed to be the oldest in the country, who passed away at the age of 91.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor described Elton’s death as a painful loss, noting that her life was marked by service, sacrifice, and significant contributions to humanity.

“I am devastated by the news of Ruth Elton’s passing, widely acknowledged as the oldest missionary to Nigeria. Although she passed away at the ripe age of 91, knowing her contributions over the years, I cannot help but feel the pain of such a loss,” Adeleke said.

Elton, who arrived in Nigeria in 1937 with her father, Granville Elton, dedicated over eight decades of her life to Christian ministry and grassroots development. She was particularly remembered for her involvement in gospel outreach and her efforts to tackle medical emergencies through community health initiatives.

“From 1937, when she arrived in Nigeria with her father, Granville Elton, Ruth Elton served the Nigerian people with unfailing dedication, contributing not just to the spread of the gospel but also joining efforts to fight many health scourges in communities,” the governor noted.

Adeleke also recalled Elton’s decision to renounce her British citizenship in exchange for Nigerian citizenship, describing it as an extraordinary demonstration of love for the country and its people.

“Her absence will be a heavy burden to us in Osun, where she breathed her last, but we will be consoled by the legacy of her impact and the everlasting honour that comes with her contributions to society,” Adeleke added.

He prayed for the repose of her soul and urged the Christian community to preserve her legacy by continuing in her path of faith and service.