Nigeria's Oldest Missionary Dies: Old Video of Pastor Adeboye Discussing with Ruth Elton Resurfaces

• An old video of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), discussing with Nigeria's oldest missionary, Ruth Elton, has resurfaced on social media
• British-born Nigerian missionary Ruth passed away on Saturday, August 30, at the age of 91, triggering tributes and mourning from members of the Nigerian Christian community
• Ruth was the only child of Sydney Granville and Hannah Elton, deceased British missionaries regarded as pioneers of the Pentecostal revival movement in Nigeria

The death of Ruth Elton, regarded as Nigeria's oldest missionary, has stirred a wave of tributes and mourning, with many reflecting on her storied legacy.

Days after her passing, a TikTok user, @bamideleoshoditosinelij1, shared a throwback video of her meeting with the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

Pastor Adeboye met Ruth, who was elderly at the time, and interacted lightheartedly with her.

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The location and date of the video could not be ascertained at the time of this report. In the clip, Ruth had declared that she was from Kogi State.

"We won't mind. You go there, take control," Pastor Adeboye had replied to something she said.

The video melted hearts. Ruth died on Saturday, August 30, at the age of 91.

Watch the video below:

Tributes pour in for late Ruth Elton

Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the video below:

Afure Omoyibo Chinonso said:

"We talked about her few weeks ago in our parish. rest well."

BB TV Beatrice said:

"Rest in peace woman of God. What a kingdom-lile -life to live."

kennyrosy_wuraola🦋❤️ said:

"Rest in peace iya oyinbo as we fondly call you."

user9201478282632 said:

"Oyinbo no dey care about materialistic gain when doing God's work. After all her sacrifices, she lived a modest life."

ayodejifasoranti1 said:

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"It's we humans that think and believe som1 must meet or not meet his or her maker. If you made or produced something, when you see it, you recognizes or knows it. When someone die, no human living know what befalls or happens to the dead."

Funmi Adeleke said:

"May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace Amen."

harryo089 said:

"Her dedication to Gospel denying oversea luxurious life is massive. May the Lord be with souls you have won for the Lord."

E.P.I universal vlog said:

"She saw Babalola when he was alive & the exploit that the Lord use him to do. Her dad also saw ahead and show concern how the coming clerics from this country will turn the gospel of Christ to money making venture."

Governor Adeleke mourns Ruth Elton's death

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Governor Adeleke had mourned the demise of Ruth Elton, Nigeria's oldest missionary.

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Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Elton arrived in Nigeria in 1937 with her father, Granville, and dedicated over eight decades of her life to Christian ministry and grassroots development.

“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," Governor Adeleke said in a statement.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng