Mount Zion LightHouse Church Retires Centenarian President, Begins Leadership Transition

 

The Board of Trustees of Mount Zion LightHouse Full Gospel Church has announced the retirement of its President, Archbishop Nyong Davies Ayakhdue, who recently turned 100 years old, citing age and health considerations.

The decision followed the inauguration and first meeting of a newly constituted Board of Trustees, held recently, at the church’s headquarters on Inyang Street, Calabar.

 Members of the Board were appointed in accordance with ecclesiastical procedures and duly approved by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

According to the Board, the resolution to retire the Archbishop from active leadership duties was taken unanimously after careful deliberations and prayers, and was aimed at allowing him a period of rest after decades of service to the church.

The Board disclosed that Archbishop Ayakhdue has been formally notified that his retirement will take effect on January 19, 2026, with transitional arrangements already in place to ensure administrative continuity.

 The Trustees also said the timeline would enable the completion of internal processes and the receipt of formal acknowledgement from the Archbishop.

In a statement, the Board described the decision as an expression of care for the Archbishop’s wellbeing and a necessary step to safeguard the future growth and stability of the ministry. 

Plans are also underway to organise a special service of appreciation to celebrate the cleric’s lifetime of dedication and leadership.

The Trustees emphasized that the action was taken in good faith and was neither punitive nor disrespectful, but guided by responsibility, love, and spiritual discernment. 

They noted that the leadership transition forms part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at repositioning the church to fulfil its founding mandate of soul-winning and spiritual growth.

Members, elders, and stakeholders of the church were urged to remain calm and prayerful during the transition period, while the Board reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, transparency, and inclusive dialogue as the process unfolds.