Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, a former Archbishop of Nigeria’s capital Abuja, is a prelate famous for promoting interfaith dialogue and peace, resulting in him being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Born on January 29, 1944, in Kabba, Nigeria, Onaiyekan began his religious education at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Kabba and later entered Sts. Peter and Paul Major Seminary in Bodija in 1963. In 1965, he moved to Rome to complete his studies at the Pontifical Urban College of Propaganda Fidei.

Onaiyekan was ordained priest on August 3, 1969. He then pursued further education, earning a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in 1973 and a doctorate in Biblical Theology in 1976. His early career included teaching at St. Kizito’s College in Isanlu in 1969 and serving as the rector of St. Clement Junior Seminary in Lokoja from 1971.

On September 10, 1982, at the age of 38, Pope John Paul II appointed Onaiyekan Auxiliary Bishop of Ilorin and titular Bishop of Thunusuda He received his episcopal consecration on January 6, 1983. Onaiyekan’s ecclesiastical career continued to flourish as he was appointed Bishop of Ilorin on October 20, 1984.

On July 7, 1990, Onaiyekan became the Coadjutor Bishop of Abuja. When Abuja was elevated to an Archdiocese on March 26, 1994, he became its first Archbishop. During his tenure, he held several influential positions, including Vice-President (1994) and President (2000) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Onaiyekan has been recognized for his efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and peace. He was named Pax Christi International’s 2012 Peace Laureate and was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize that same year. On November 24, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the rank of Cardinal, assigning him the titular church of San Saturnino.

Throughout his career, Onaiyekan served on various Vatican appointments, including the International Theological Commission (1980-85) and the Methodist/Roman Catholic International Dialogue Commission (1981-91). He has also been a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Pontifical Council for the Family.

Onaiyekan is known for his outspoken stance on political issues, notably challenging former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo’s attempt to seek a third term in office. He has authored several works on Church-State relationships, interfaith dialogue, and biblical theology.

On November 9, 2019, Pope Francis accepted Onaiyekan’s resignation as Archbishop of Abuja at the age of 75.