Ayo-Maria Atoyebi


Ayo-Maria Atoyebi was a Nigerian Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Church. He was born in Okerimi–Oro, now in Kwara state, Nigeria and was ordained a priest of Orders of Friars Preachers on 17 December 1978. He served as Bishop of Ilorin Diocese from 6 March 1992 to 11 June 2019.

Priesthood and Episcopal appointment

Ayo-Maria Atoyebi was born on 3 December 1944. He was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic Church under the Order of Friars Preacher on 17 December 1978.
On 6 March 1992, he was appointed the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ilorin after which he was consecrated as Bishop on 17 May 1992 by Bishop Peter Yariyok Jatau. His ordination was also carried out by co-consecrators which included: Bishop John Onaiyekan and Bishop Felix Alaba Adeosin Job. He was the bishop of Ilorin Diocese from 1992 to 2019.

Marian activities

Bishop Atoyebi was a devotee of the Virgin Mary and promoter of Marian devotions and activities. He wrote many books and gave many talks on the blessed Virgin Mary. He started an annual Marian pilgrimage programme where Catholics in Ilorin Diocese visit the Blessed Virgin Mary pilgrimage site at Okerimi-Oro his hometown. He was also a member of the theological commission of the International Marian Association.

Retirement and death

On 11 June 2019, Atoyebi retired as the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilorin due to old age and frail health and was replaced by His Coadjutor; Bishop Paul Adegboyega Olawoore. On 8 March 2025, Atoyebi died at the age of 80.