A Deputy Continental Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the US, Pastor Bayo Adeyokunnu, who is also the younger brother of Pastor Mrs Folu Adeboye, has joined the race for the exalted stool of Owa of Obokun of Ijeshaland in Osun State.
The stool became vacant following the demise of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran on September 12.
If Adeyokunnnu succeeds in his quest, he will be the second RCCG pastor from the US to become a traditional ruler in Nigeria.
Just about a year ago, Ọba Ghandi Afọlábí Ọláoyè was installed the Soun of Ogbomoso in Oyo State. His coronation as the 28th Soun of Ogbomosoland followed the approval of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Ghandi was the pastor of RCCG Jesus House in Washington before his installation as the Soun of Ogbomosho last September.
Pastor Adeboye’s position
Adeyokunnu’s interest in the throne has been made known to some key figures in the RCCG including Pastor Enoch Adeboye who attended his 70th birthday celebration in the US recently.
At the birthday celebration, Pastor Adeboye said apart from being his in-law, he had known Pastor Adeyokunnu ever before he met his wife. “I have known him before I got married to his sister and that is for about 60 years now.
“He is the first friend I would have in the Adeyokunnu family apart from my wife. He was not a big man like this. He was like then the little Bayo. But we bonded together speedily. He also got born again under my ministry. I can still remember the sermon I preached that day, titled, Come and Drink and he is still drinking till today. Every opportunity he had he would want to get a little more. He is a warrior. He can pray anything out of you.”
Just when Pastor Adeboye was about to conclude his speech and pray for him at the event, he hinted that he may be the next king of Ijeshaland.
He prayed in Yoruba for him while telling participants at the event, “For your information, you don’t speak English in the presence of a monarch in our land because I am also from Ijeshaland. So I will not pray in English for him because he is a prince and he may be the next king.” Adeboye said, while he went on to pray for him in the Yoruba language.
A close ally of Adeyokunnu told Church Times that his decision to go for the throne was born out of his desire to be a blessing to Ijeshaland and moreso that he would be retiring from the RCCG having clocked 70.
Apart from being a pastor, Adeyokunnu is a successful businessman with diverse interests in real estate, publishing, aviation, and journalism. He is of the Bilaro ruling house in Ijeshaland.
His great, great – grandfather was Kabiyesi Ofokutu I. He is said to have successfully led organizations, handled other men’s burdens, built enterprises, and contributed to community development.
Prince Adeyokunnu
According to a piece by Adunbi Adejuyigbe which was made available to Church Times, Prince Adeyokunnu began his education at Methodist Primary School and proceeded to Methodist High School Ilesha. He later attended the University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University) where he bagged a degree in English Studies.
“An erudite scholar who has taught Church History, Philosophy, Christology & Eschatology, and in recognition of these contributions, he was awarded two honorary doctorate degrees in the United States of America,” he stated
Adejuyigbe said further in the piece that Adeyokunnu’s commitment to community development is evident in his philanthropic endeavours.
“He single-handedly spent ₦7 million of personal fortune to build a security fence around his alma mater, Methodist High School Ilesha. And he has on countless occasions committed funds to the sponsorship of many indigent students of ljesa. He built a borehole also in Ira-Ikeji Ijesa. These selfless acts earned him accolades from the community and demonstrated his dedication to giving back to society.”
Adeyokunnu is believed to have a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Ijeshas. “He has a 20-Year Development Plan: a well-articulated vision for the development and growth of the town, and he is committed to working tirelessly to achieve this vision. Prince Bayo’s leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. He is a listener, a team player, and a leader who empowers others to achieve their full potential.” Adejuyigbe wrote.
