By Gite Igiehon
Society Column
Five years after the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Ibidun Ighodalo, prominent Nigerian clergyman and public speaker, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, is opening up about healing, moving forward, and the possibility of finding love again. In a heartfelt reflection that has stirred both empathy and conversation across social and religious circles, the senior pastor of Trinity House Church shared his thoughts on remarriage, grief, and the complexities of starting anew after profound personal loss.
In an interview marking the fifth anniversary of Ibidun’s passing, Pastor Ituah spoke with rare emotional openness. “Ibidun was an incredible woman. Her light, beauty, and kindness touched not just me but countless others. Losing her was a devastating blow. But even in death, she taught me strength, grace, and service,” he said. While his voice remained calm, there was a clear undertone of longing and reverence for a woman who was widely celebrated not just as a former beauty queen, but also as a humanitarian and interior designer with a deep love for children and orphans.
A Journey Through Grief and Grace
The loss of Ibidun in 2020 came as a shock to the nation. At just 39 years old, her sudden passing from cardiac arrest while on a humanitarian mission left family, friends, and admirers reeling. Ituah, known for his calm demeanour and spiritual depth, was thrust into a painful public grieving process. Yet even amid personal anguish, he continued to lead, preach, and support others—often becoming a beacon of strength for widowers and the bereaved.
“Grief doesn’t follow a timeline,” he noted. “There are days I still expect her to walk into the room. But as time passes, you learn to live again, not by forgetting, but by honouring the love you had.” Over the years, Ituah has channeled much of his pain into purpose, continuing Ibidun’s legacy through the Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, which supports couples facing fertility challenges—a cause close to Ibidun’s heart.
On Remarriage and Moving Forward
When asked about the possibility of remarrying, Pastor Ituah responded with gentle honesty. “Yes, I think about it. Life must go on,” he said. “The heart doesn’t forget, but it can expand. Love doesn’t end with death; it evolves. I believe Ibidun would want me to be happy, to live fully, and to love again if the opportunity arises.”
His comment has sparked widespread discussion online, with many praising his honesty while others express mixed emotions. In Nigerian society—especially within faith-based communities—remarriage after the death of a spouse can be a sensitive topic, often viewed through the lens of tradition, religion, and emotion. Ituah’s candidness, however, has opened the door for deeper conversations around grief, healing, and emotional resilience.
He emphasized that any future relationship would never be about “replacing” Ibidun, but rather about companionship and mutual purpose. “Anyone who comes into my life would understand that Ibidun will always be a part of my story. But it is also important to live in the present and embrace the future God has in store.”
Public Reactions and Support
Following the interview, social media was flooded with messages of support, admiration, and even personal testimonies from people who found solace in Ituah’s story. Many commended his courage in expressing such a deeply human desire, while others related their own journeys of rebuilding life after loss. The overwhelming consensus was one of understanding—that healing takes different shapes and that moving forward doesn’t diminish past love.
Close friends and church members have also publicly supported the idea of Pastor Ituah finding happiness again. “He has carried his grief with such grace. If he chooses to remarry, it will be from a place of growth and wisdom,” said a senior member of his church.
Love, Legacy, and Living On
As Pastor Ituah Ighodalo continues to lead his congregation and uphold the charitable works left behind by his late wife, he remains a powerful example of faith in adversity. His story is not just one of loss but of resilience—the kind that confronts heartbreak, embraces healing, and dares to hope again.
In his own words: “I will always love Ibidun. But I also believe God is not done with me yet. There’s still purpose, still life, and maybe, still love. Life must go on—not just for me, but for all of us who have loved and lost.”
As Nigeria continues to follow his journey, many see in Ituah’s path a reflection of their own silent battles and an invitation to keep living, keep hoping, and keep loving—even after the storm.
