An Osun State-based cleric, Bishop Shina Olaribigbe of Rapture Empowerment International, Osogbo, was fatally stabbed on Thursday morning while attempting to mediate a dispute between a couple.
While details about the couple remain unclear, sources revealed that the woman involved was a member of Olaribigbe’s church and served as an interpreter. The couple reportedly had a history of frequent conflicts, which led them to live apart despite not being officially divorced.
The cause of the latest altercation is unknown, but it was disclosed that the husband became enraged upon finding Bishop Olaribigbe at his estranged wife’s residence. Witnesses allege that the man, acting out of anger, stabbed the clergyman in the chest, resulting in his immediate death.
A church member, who requested anonymity, stated that the bishop had visited the woman to check on her health, as she had been unwell. Both the husband and wife were promptly arrested and are being held at the Dugbe Police Division in Osogbo. The bishop’s remains have been taken to the morgue at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
Osun Police Command spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident, explaining that the bishop often mediated the couple’s disputes. She added, “We were informed that the deceased was in the woman’s room when the husband arrived. Acting on suspicion and anger, the man stabbed the pastor multiple times, leading to his death.”
The tragedy has left friends and followers devastated, many taking to social media to mourn. One mourner, Oyeleye Isaac, wrote, “BREAKING AND VERY SAD NEWS, WE LOST ONE OF OUR HEROES, Bishop Dr Olaribigbe Greatness. Why! Why! Why?” Another, Mr. Bimbo, expressed disbelief, writing, “You called to wish me Happy Birthday yesterday.”
