Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Sunday Osu

Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Sunday Osu

1954 - 2026

Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Sunday Osu (September 5, 1954 – May 8, 2026) was an eminent Nigerian Catholic cleric, intellectual, and legendary media administrator. For over two decades, he served as the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, becoming one of the most recognizable and influential faith-based public voices in Nigeria. Early Life and Academic Background • Birth and Roots: He was born on Sunday, September 5, 1954, in Ogbego Quarters, Ubulu-Uku, located in the Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. • Primary Education: He attended St. Thomas Aquinas School in Surulere, Lagos, from 1960 to 1968. He recognized his priestly calling at the early age of eight. • Seminary Formation: He entered St. Theresa Minor Seminary in Oke-Are, Ibadan, for his secondary education (1969–1974). He pursued major seminary training in Philosophy and Theology at the prestigious SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary in Bodija, Ibadan, from 1975 to 1981. • Higher Degrees: He earned a Bachelor of Divinity from the Pontifical University Urbaniana in Rome (1981). He later returned to Rome to earn a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) in Moral Theology from the Academia Alfonsiana in 1987. Priesthood and Early Pastoral Postings • Ordination: He was ordained a Catholic priest on Saturday, December 5, 1981, by Archbishop Anthony Olubunmi Okogie at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Ebute-Metta, Lagos. • Holy Cross Cathedral: His first assignment was as a curate at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos. He served as its Administrator from 1983 to 1985. Notably, he served as the Master of Ceremonies during the historic 1982 visit of Pope John Paul II to Nigeria. • Education Chaplaincy: Upon returning from his advanced studies in Rome in 1987, he was appointed Chaplain to both St. Gregory’s College and Holy Child College in Obalende, Ikoyi, roles he held until 1994. Parish Ministry Progression Msgr. Osu shepherd several key parishes throughout his 44-year ministry: • St. Theresa, Old Maroko: Served as Parish Priest from 1987 to 1994. • Immaculate Conception Parish: Transferred to the Egbe/Ibonwon-Epe division from 1994 to 1996. • St. John the Evangelist (Oshodi): Led this prominent parish from 1996 to 2000. • St. Paul (Oyingbo / Ebute-Metta): Pastored here starting in 2000. • St. Michael (Lafiaji): Appointed parish priest in 2011. • Our Lady Star of the Sea (Lekki): Transferred in 2013 to this parish on Chevron Drive, Northern Foreshore, where he remained the resident priest until his passing. Media Colossus and Social Crusader • Archdiocesan Spokesman: Appointed Director of Social Communications, he served as the public face and voice of the Lagos Archdiocese for over twenty years. He forged tight relationships with secular media executives, using his influence to project the Church’s positions on national matters. • The "Voice" of Cardinal Okogie: Working day and night, Msgr. Osu strategically managed media relations for Anthony Cardinal Okogie. This collaboration elevated Okogie into a fearless national champion for the oppressed and a fierce opponent of military dictatorship. He later spent seven years advising the current Archbishop, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins. • The Catholic Herald Newspaper: He completely revived the struggling Archdiocesan flagship newspaper. Under his guidance as Editor-in-Chief, it grew to win the award for the best Catholic Newspaper in Nigeria in 2015. • Prolific Author: He maintained regular columns in several Nigerian national dailies and published more than six books. His notable titles include In Service Of God and Man, My Commentary On Nigeria, Spring-Board To Salvation, and Living Beyond Sanity. • Professional Affiliations: He held professional ties as an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the International Union of the Catholic Press, and the International Catholic Organisation for Radio and Television. Character and Later Life Msgr. Osu was highly regarded for his sharp intellect, unique sense of humor, approachability, and open-door policy for journalists. Later in life, he faced health struggles that slowed his public engagements, but he maintained his cheerful, welcoming disposition. He passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the age of 72. His death was formally announced by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos through the Director of Public Affairs, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
2 flowers left

Abiodun Aduratola khamil

23 May 2026

AK

Abiodun Aduratola Khamil

23 May 2026

Dear Godfather, I knew a day like this would come but I hoped for a farther time. You were not just a godfather you played the role of a biological father. I'm short of words my vocabulary has failed me. Thank you for living a selfless sacrificial life. God REST YOUR SOUL.

SE

Simon Etim

22 May 2026

The family of Simon Etim commiserates with the OLSS Parish community and the entire family of Msgr. Gabriel Osu on his passing onto a glorious dawn. Although his voice has fallen silent in our parish, the echoes of his teachings remain in our hearts. Every life he touched, every soul he enriched and the truth he preached, continue to bear fruits. As he transitions into the great beyond where space and time dissolve into eternity, may Mgsr. Gabriel Osu’s good deeds in the Lord’s Vineyard, count for him before the judgement seat. May Angels bear him up to heaven, Amen. Rest peacefully, our dear Msgr. Gabriel Osu. Your teachings shaped our faith, your presence strengthened our parish and your memory will linger in our hearts forever. Good night, Monsignor till we meet at the resurrection morning..

SS

St Jude Society and Orchid SCC

19 May 2026

Good night Dear Monsignor Gabriel Sunday Osu. May God Almighty shine his perpetual light upon your soul and grant you eternal rest until we meet to part no more.

OU

Ogbuefi Priscilla Uzonwanne

18 May 2026

May the soul of Msgr Gabriel Sunday Osu and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God nrest in peace,Amen.

Anonymous

18 May 2026

AF

AYONGO FAMILY

18 May 2026

The entire AYONGO family bows in deep sorrow and heartfelt respect in memory of Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu. A life so gently lived, yet so deeply impactful—his presence was peace, his words were healing, and his faith was a beacon that never dimmed. He gave without measure, loved without condition, and served with a heart fully surrendered to God. Today, we do not say goodbye, but thank you—for the gift of his life, his love, and his legacy that will continue to speak in our silence and guide our steps. Rest in eternal peace, Reverend Monsignor. You will forever remain our light in memory.

SA

SANDRA AYONGO

18 May 2026

In loving memory of Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu, Sandra Ayongo joins with a heart filled with sorrow yet gratitude for a life so richly lived in service to God and humanity. He was a guiding light, a voice of wisdom, and a true father in faith whose kindness touched many lives. His prayers, teachings, and gentle presence will forever remain a source of strength and inspiration. Though we grieve his passing, we find comfort in the legacy of love and faith he leaves behind. Rest peacefully, Reverend Monsignor. You will always remain in our hearts.

AK

AYONGO KENNETH

18 May 2026

In loving memory of Very Rev. Msgr. Gabriel Osu, Kenneth Ayongo and his family join the faithful in honoring a life wholly devoted to God, service, and humanity. He was a true father in faith—gentle in spirit, strong in conviction, and ever-present in love and guidance. His life was a blessing to many, and his legacy of humility, wisdom, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though his physical presence is no more, his light will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in perfect peace, Reverend Monsignor. You will always be remembered with love and gratitude.

FO

Femi Ogunbi

17 May 2026

My family and I wish honor Monsignor Gabriel Osu, a committed, cerebral, unique servant and soldier of God who came, saw and conquered. He touched so many lives directly and indirectly through his priestly calling, consistency and notable media presence. He was bold, confident and courageous, yet humble. The fruits of his labor in the Lords vineyard were bountiful, and remains a legacy that lives on after him. We feel privileged to have known and been touched by him as our Parish priest and beloved shepherd. Rest in perfect peace dear Monsignor Osu, as you take root in your abode with other faithful, numbered among the church triumphant!

Femi Ogunbi

17 May 2026

CO

Clement Okechukwu

16 May 2026

Tribute to Msgr G S Osu A priest like no other one, humble, calm yet firm. A friendly, unassuming servant of God, welcoming and comforting all who seek God in their own ways. I mourn a father gone home and yet not without hope. A peaceful repose i pray to the Almighty Father who has called you home. A gift you're to the voiceless, comforter to the broken and a friend to the lost. Are you dead? Perhaps in the physical, but lives on in the spiritual. You've only transited to a higher glory, a place of peaceful rest where there is neither pain nor sorrows. You have fought a good fight. You have defeated death, and now it's time to say goodbye to all who have been part of your journey. You will always be in our hearts 💕. Go well in peace, my most dear servant of God, and rest in the bosom of the Lord. Clement & Rita Okechukwu

FO

Folasade Okuboyejo

16 May 2026

TRIBUTE TO MONSIGNOR GABRIEL OSU — OUR ONE AND ONLY FALASU There are people who pass through life, and there are people who become part of the fabric of your life. Monsignor Gabriel Osu was that rare gift — priest, brother, loyal friend, counsellor, encourager, and family. To us, he was simply Falasu — the one and only. A man so simple, so unassuming, yet so deeply impactful. He carried his priesthood with grace and humour, never too far removed to laugh heartily, gist freely, or stand firmly beside those he loved. He never severed the ties that bind. Through seasons, through distance, through life itself, he remained constant. Loyal. Present. True. He baptized my children and, in many ways, walked with our family through important milestones of life and faith. But beyond the altar and priestly garments was a man with an extraordinary gift for friendship and encouragement. Falasu quietly enabled the birthing of my horticultural journey. He saw beauty before it blossomed, encouraged dreams before they became reality, and watered seeds of possibility with his unwavering support. He had that rare ability to make people feel seen, valued, and at ease. He could be deeply spiritual one moment and delightfully comical the next — a combination that made him unforgettable. Today, our hearts ache because a great tree has fallen. Yet, like every good gardener knows, some trees never truly die. Their roots remain alive in the hearts they shaded, nurtured, and strengthened. Thank you, dear Falasu, for your loyalty, your laughter, your priesthood, your friendship, and your love. Rest gently in the bosom of the Lord whom you served so faithfully. You will forever remain loved, remembered, and deeply missed. Folasade For and on behalf of the Okuboyejo, Lawrence,Samuel,and the Peter Thomas Family

Rhoda Adaga

15 May 2026

PO

Perpetua Ofuasia

15 May 2026

Lord, we thank you for the gift of Mgsr. Gabriel Sunday Osu’s life and ministry. Thank You for the countless souls he touched, the hope he gave, and the light he carried. Rest in peace, Mgsr. Gabriel Sunday Osu. Your labor on earth is complete, but your impact remains forever.

Perpetua Ofuasia

15 May 2026

Jessica Iorhula

15 May 2026

JI

Jessica Iorhula

15 May 2026

Mons-mons as I fondly called you. You were my boss by title,my gist partner by choice, and a priest by calling and somehow you made all 3 fit together. Grateful for the work, the talks, and the way you lived what you preached. REST EASY

Anonymous

15 May 2026

Amaka Wemambu

15 May 2026

Chinonso

15 May 2026

E

Eucherius

15 May 2026

"God bless your Soul Msgr, You are a good Man. I know God has received your soul. RIP Baba"

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