Today marks the 80th birthday of Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Nigeria, which also means he will no longer be eligible to participate as an elector in a future conclave. He was born in Kabba on January 29, 1944.

After completing his studies in Nigeria, he moved to Rome and studied at the Pontifical Urban University of Propaganda Fide. He was ordained a priest on August 3, 1969.

Upon returning to Rome, he obtained a license in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and a doctorate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Urban University.

In Nigeria, he served as the rector of the Saints Peter and Paul Seminary.

From 1980 to 1985, he was a member of the International Theological Commission.

On September 10, 1982, Pope John Paul II appointed him the Titular Bishop of Tunusuda and Auxiliary Bishop of Ilorin. He was consecrated by Pope John Paul II himself. On October 20, 1984, he was appointed Bishop of Ilorin.

On July 7, 1990, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Abuja and succeeded as the Bishop on September 28, 1992. On March 26, 1994, he became the Metropolitan Archbishop of Abuja.

From 1999 to 2006, he served as the President of the Nigerian Episcopal Conference.

He participated in the Synods of 1994 (as the General Rapporteur), 2001, 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012.

From 2003 to 2007, he was the President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.

Benedict XVI appointed him Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church on November 24, 2012, with the title of San Saturnino.

He took part in the conclave of 2013.

He became the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja on November 9, 2019, upon reaching the age limit.

Cardinal Onaiyekan is the first cardinal to turn 80 in 2024. The College of Cardinals now consists of 131 electors and 108 non-electors. Currently, there are 16 African cardinals under the age of 80, eligible to participate in a future conclave.