By Mike Odeh James
KADUNA, Nigeria
The overflowing crowds and palpable sense of loss at King Worship Chapel and Ministry Inc., Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, on Friday bore powerful witness to the far-reaching influence of the late Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman. As mourners gathered from across Nigeria and beyond, the burial was led by the General Overseer of Kings Worship Chapel, Rev. Dr. Sam Magai Albert, who declared it nothing short of “a global event.”
“Look around you,” Rev. Dr. Albert told the packed auditorium and the thousands more outside. “This is not just a local farewell; it’s a global gathering reflecting the breadth of his impact. It’s not how long a man lives, but how well. In a remarkably short ministry, God used David Azzaman mightily. His voice echoed, his teaching transformed, and his courage stirred hearts – not just in Nigeria, but across Africa and beyond. His legacy is etched in the lives he turned to Christ.”
A Widow’s Strength and a Family’s Peace
In the midst of grief, Azzaman’s widow, Mrs. Agatha Ninali Ayuba, stood firm, directly addressing speculations surrounding her husband’s death. “Let it be known clearly: nobody killed my husband,” she said with remarkable calm. “I have no regrets. David has departed, but he leaves us with a legacy of peace, hope, and unwavering courage. That is my comfort.”
A Life Marked by Truth and Integrity
Azzaman’s daughter, Ann Iya Ayuba, testified to his integrity and authenticity. “My father was a man of absolute integrity,” she stated. “There was no difference between the pulpit and his personal life. He lived what he preached – faith, truth, righteousness – in every sphere of his life.”
Converts Vow to Carry the Torch
Perhaps the most remarkable symbol of Rev. Azzaman’s fearless ministry was seen in the group of former Fulani Muslims who found Christ under his guidance. Led by Evangelist Mohammed Mohammed from Niger Republic, they vowed to continue his work.
“Elijah is gone, but the Elishas are here,” Mohammed proclaimed. “He gave us a fearless spirit, a mind unshaken by threats or danger. We will not stop. We will carry this Gospel with the same fire, faith, and boldness he gave us.”
A Voice for Christ and for Justice
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Northern Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, hailed Azzaman as “a fearless soldier of Christ.”
“Rev. Azzaman shook the foundations of complacency,” Hayab declared. “He was bold, courageous, and unafraid to speak truth to power. Even when you disagreed with his methods, you could not deny the power and truth of his message. He spoke for the oppressed. He stood for righteousness.”
From Academia and Banking to the Altar
Born on December 8, 1970, in Samaru-Zaria, David Ayuba Azzaman had a diverse journey before full-time ministry. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), he began his career as an educator and later worked in the banking sector before heeding the divine call.
As Assistant General Overseer of King Worship Chapel, Azzaman’s ministry was marked by deep spirituality, grassroots activism, and prophetic boldness. He was loved by many and equally feared by some – a prophet who never hesitated to challenge injustice.
Final Farewell from the High and the Humble
The burial was attended by a host of dignitaries including Kaduna CAN Chairman, Rev. Caleb Ma’ji; former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, Jonathan Asake; PDP State Chairman, Chief Edward Passy Marsha; federal lawmakers, and a wide array of Christian leaders from within and outside Nigeria.
As Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman’s body was laid to rest, the atmosphere was thick with worship and grief – from new converts to seasoned ministers. His death closed the chapter on a life that reached far beyond the pulpit – a life that defied ethnic divisions and denominational limits.
