the Catholic community and the country at large were thrown into mourning when news filtered that Nigeria’s Oldest Reverend Father, Monsignor (Col.) Pedro Ayodele Martins of the Archdiocese of Lagos, passed on. He was aged 103 and had a been a priest for 70 years .
A statement made available to Sunday Newswatch by the Archdiocese read: ‘’ With gratitude to God the giver of life, we announce the passing away of Msgr. Pedro Ayodele Martins this morning at the age of 103 years ’’
Born in 1911, the young Martins was the second but first surviving child of Marcelino Domingo Martins and Regina Clarice Martins. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Patrick J Kelly SMA of Benin City in present day Edo State on August 8, 1943. After his Ordination, he then proceeded to the University College, Cork, Ireland.
During his life-time, he filled many positions of responsibility, teaching at St Gregory’s College in Lagos as well as ministering in several parishes throughout the Archdiocese. He also served as Vicar General to the immediate past Archbishop of Lagos, now Anthony Cardinal Okogie. In 1970, he was made Monsignor. During his military career he served with the Nigerian Armed Forces, rising to the position of Head Chaplain to the Armed Forces. He served in the Congo and with many Army formations in Nigeria.
Reacting to the news of his death, a lecturer and formator at the SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, Reverend Father Melchiezedek Okpala, said that God had finally called Monsignor Martins home. ‘’ When I heard the news, my first instinct was thanks be to God because he had wanted this for a very long time and now, God had finally called him home. We must celebrate his long, illustrious life, legacy and give thanks to God for this dinosaur of a man’’
Also speaking to Sunday Newswatch, Project Director at Saint Albert the Great Major Seminary, Reverend Father Julius Olaitan, said Nigeria has truly lost a great man. ‘’ We just lost a great Nigerian and a wonderful priest. Baba was there for us all as a sign of God’s enduring love’’.
He added that even in his old age and frail nature, he was a courageous father who linked the young to their history and sought to help everyone remain in touch with God. ’’ We will definitely miss his elderly and wise counsel, his great sense of humour and spiritual guidance,’’ he said.
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