Ayo-Maria Atoyebi

Ayo-Maria Atoyebi (3 December 1944 – 8 March 2025) was a Nigerian Bishop Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Church. He was born in Okerimi–Oro, now in Kwara state, Nigeria and was ordained a priest of Orders of Friars Preachers on 17 December 1978. He served as Bishop of Ilorin Diocese from 6 March 1992 to 11 June 2019.

Priesthood and Episcopal appointment Ayo-Maria Atoyebi was born on 3 December 1944. He was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic Church under the Order of Friars Preacher on 17 December 1978.

Marian activities Bishop Atoyebi was a devotee of the Virgin Mary and promoter of Marian devotions and activities. He wrote many books and gave many talks on the blessed Virgin Mary. He started an annual Marian pilgrimage programme where Catholics in Ilorin Diocese visit the Blessed Virgin Mary pilgrimage site at Okerimi-Oro his hometown. He was also a member of the theological commission of the International Marian Association.

Retirement and death On 11 June 2019, Atoyebi retired as the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ilorin due to old age and frail health and was replaced by His Coadjutor; Bishop Paul Adegboyega Olawoore. On 8 March 2025, Atoyebi died at the age of 80.