HISTORY OF CHURCHES IN EKITI CONFERENCE

THE HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH AYETORO EKITI (AYETORO DISTRICT)

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH I AYETORO EKITI

The Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ayetoro-Ekiti started in 1927 through the efforts of some construction workers when Ado – Ilorin Road was being constructed. They were Elder Ayi, Pa Akere, Pa Oge, all natives of Ipoti-Ekiti.

They met the following people and preached to them that the true day of worship ordained by God is Saturday, the Seventh day of the week (Genesis 2:2-3). Those who listened to the message were: Pa Odeyemi (Joshua Adu), Pa Jacob Jegede, Pa Olafare, Pa David Abebi, and Pa Joseph Asewo Awe.

They all accepted the message and began to meet together for worship every Sabbath in the sitting room of Pa Dosunmu Oloode in Ile-Aaye Compound at Odo Iju Street. These people started teaching the Bible truth and Seventh - Day Adventist doctrine.

While doing this, the adherents of Egungun confraternity became angry and started fighting them. Later Pa Dosunmu Oloode told them not to worship in his house anymore. The believers then moved worship to Pa Odeyemi’s house in Sajiku Compound.

With determination, Pa Joshua Odeyemi started going to Otun for fellowship with a white missionary named Pastor W. G. Till. He used to disguise while going, he would wear his farm cloth, and while coming home after service, he would change his dress again. Later, some people joined them who together can be referred to as the first generation members. They were Pa Efia Usikalu, Chief Oloode, Pa Itagbe, Pa John Ayeni, Pa James Akomolafe, Pa Matthew Osadare, Pa James Olanipekun, Pa Oni Igigbala, Pa Alapailu, Pa Gabriel Abe, Pa Joseph Aroso Omojola and Pa Abraham.

The next generation (second converts) were: Pa David Agbede, Pa Jeje Amos, Pa Ajimutaje, Pa Asalusi, Pa Folorunso, Pa Jacob Oluwayemi, Pa Omoboriowo Gabriel, Pa Johanu Omonioge, Pa Joshua Akinola, Pa Michael Olaiya, Pa Abraham, Pa Jacob Aladeyelu, Pa Durodola.

The women pioneers were: Madam Awu Arowosegbe – Asewo’s wife (the first wife married by Pa Sakeu Asewo of Olaegbon’s family), Madam Osafunmi (Pa Efia’s sister), Madam Didu (Are’s sister), Madam Olujokeye (mummy Imasa), Madam Elizabeth Oja, and Madam Awe.

Pa Joseph Awe was the first man to marry and the first child born into the church was Zaccheaus Awe.

PERSECUTION

Later, the men were disallowed to marry their proposed wives because they did not want their daughters to become Christians. The youths were flogged in the public for refusing to join the Ibedo – the first initiation to the Egungun confraternity. Besides, the young ones who were still under their parents were denied food for days and female pioneer members were also hated.

However, the people stood on their faith as Adventists by not working on the Seventh-day Sabbath. God took control of His people and they were not harmed. History had it that Pastor Till (an American) went to the then Oba and Chiefs to warn them to stop torturing the young converts. However, this persecution had led to some of the young ones to leave the town for example, Pa Omoboriowo and others.

Later, the church was given a small piece of land at the back of Chief Eisaba’s house where a small house to worship was built with mud and roofed with gbodogi leaves. The seats were made with Raffia Palm and bamboos.

The then Alayetoro, Oba Usikalu, gave the church a piece of land where the church, the school, and the clinic are presently built. The king said that the gods that occupy the forest would destroy the members. Contrary to his wish, work started in the forest. Later, a new church was built and roofed with iron sheets. This is the work of God.

The first Pastor to ever preach to the faithful was Pastor J J Hyde with Pastor Balogun interpreting for him. He used to come from Otun-Ekiti to Ayetoro every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Education started with Mr. Agbi from Ipoti-Ekiti coming to teach the members “ABD” (Yoruba alphabet from ‘Iwe Ijapa’) then.  A few of them were able to start reading their Bibles. Pa Efia Usiakalu was already with one of the missionaries at Otun-Ekiti, and later led Pa T. B. Ajayi to the town to start schooling with the following people: Pa Omoleye Adeyomoye, Pa T. Oke-Ajayi, Pa Z. S. B. Awe, Pa Taye Abe, and Sister Openiye Jegede.

The Adventist Primary School in Ayetoro-Ekiti started in 1944 at the back of the Pastor/Teachers’ Quarters kitchen, accommodating a few number of pupils with Mr. Isaac Oke of Ipoti-Ekiti as their teacher. In 1945, a corrugated iron-roofed church was built to accommodate the pupils with Mr. D. K. Olagunju from Oke Ila as their teacher.

In 1946, a hall was built and the pupils moved there in 1948 as classes to accommodate them for Standard 1 and 2 with two teachers under Mr. Asanso from Ikun-Ekiti.

History has it that Pastor Isaiah Balogun, a native of Ipoti-Ekiti, was the first Pastor in Ekiti and first ordained Pastor in Nigeria. Pastor Till also came to Otun-Ekiti while Pastor Oriola was at Ibadan. Pastor Balogun and Pastor Till used to come to Ayetoro to worship with the cooperation of Elder Gabriel Abe and Pa Osalusi.

Pastor Till and the then Alayetoro, Oba Usikalu were close friends

There were monthly meetings held in the house of the following people for the progress of God’s work: Pa Olafare, Pa Jegede, Pa Joshua Akinola, Pa Joshua Aseweje. Pa Jegede was the Church Clerk while his wife was the women leader.

GENERAL

Ayetoro-Ekiti is now a District Headquarters with four local churches under her. These local churches are: Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Ido-Ekiti, Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2, Oke-Uro, Ayetoro-Ekiti, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Usi-Ekiti, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Ewu-Ekiti.

The following Pastors have worked in the church: Omoleye (late), Okunlola, E. A., Adegbite, Wojuade, J. (late), O A Owolabi, Aina, Oladele, Afolayan, J. K., Ojo, J. O. (late), Oludumila, O. A., Sofowora and Alabi, J. O. who is the current pastor

CONCLUSION

We thank the first and second generation members for their efforts toward the progress of the Adventist Church in Ayetoro-Ekiti. Despite all odds in terms of persecution from the pagans and other churches that saw Adventist movement as rival in the town, the congregation remained faithful and committed. May we meet together in heaven.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH II, OKE-URO, 

AYETORO-EKITI

The church started on the 3^rd of December, 1998 through the efforts of church Elders and Pastor Aina, E. O., the District Pastor. The Elders were: Late Akinola Michael and Akinola Emmanuel. History had it that a week revival was conducted by the mother church, Ayetoro Church 1 during the time of Pastor E. O. Aina and this led to the birth of Church 2 in Oke Uro, Ayetoro-Ekiti. The church was inaugurated on the 2^nd of January, 1999 by Pastor A D Obaya, the Publishing Director of the defunct South West Nigeria Conference sent by the administration from the headquarters at Akure.

The church started with 12 members with Late Pa Jacob Ajihinrere who freely gave his big sitting room for worship.

Thus, the two families started going there to worship on the Sabbath and not quite long, Pastor E. O. Aina called some members from church 1 to join them, who together can be referred to as the first generation members and the church kept progressing. It was a pity that after some months, Elder Michael Akinola slept in the Lord. “May we meet together in God’s kingdom”. Amen.

Elder Emmanuel Akinola continued in the faith and cause the church to progress without looking back. Later, Pastor Aina was transferred to another station and Pastor J. K. Afolayan took over from him as District Pastor.

To the glory of God, more people joined them and the church membership kept growing. Today, the church is having 41 baptized regular members, both old and young.

By the power of God, the church got land through Mr. Oluponmile, an Anglican Church member in Ayetoro. To the glory of God, the church has her building on this land today

Glory be to God. The Church was organized on October 8^th, 2016.

CONCLUSION

We thank God for His marvelous work in Ayetoro. We enjoin every church member to remain committed and faithful to the living God and His course. We also pray that God will continue to increase the church in all ramifications.

As all of us are expecting Christ’s second coming, we pray that we shall go with Him to heaven when He comes. Amen.

THE HISTORY OF IDO-EKITI SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

The church started in 1980 at Ibukun Oluwa Clinic/Maternity Home owned by a native of Ikosu Ekiti. From there it moved to Mr. Odedeji’s house, a native of Oke Ila, where we worshiped for some months in his seating room before we decided to move back to the former place of worship at Ibukun Oluwa Clinic/Marternity Home.

Among the pioneer church members were the family of Elder Odedeji from Oke Ila, Mr. Owoeye (Uncle) and his family from Igogo, Mr. Kayode (Kojeyan) and his family from Ikun Ekiti, Chief Daramola Ibukun Olu from Ikosu Ekiti, Mrs. Abegunde and her children from Ikosu, Mrs. Omojola from Ayetoro Ekiti, Mr. Awoyemi Junior (alias Life Care) from Otun Ekiti and Mrs. Ayanleye.

Pastor Okunlola, the District Leader worshiped with us one Saturday at the house. But as time went on the atmosphere of the place was not conducive for the church members to worship. The members made a unanimous decision to vacate the place for a better one. During this period, the defunct West Nigeria Conference initiated an outreach conducted by the Evangelist in 1994.  The outreach which lasted three weeks was jointly sponsored by the Conference and Ayetoro District.  It was very successful as many souls got baptized into the fold.

When Pastor J. A. Ola, President of West Nigeria Conference heard about the work done at Ido he paid the church a visit and ordered us to look for a good land to build a lamb shelter. As a result, a committee comprising of Mr. and Mrs J O Odedeji, Mr Awoyemi, Mr Owoeye and Mrs. Abegunde was mandated to procure a land for the church. They got a piece of land through the landlord of Mr Odedeji which became problematic as a result of ownership dispute. Another land was allocated to the church at Alapo quarters there and then the work started little by little. Ido and Ayetoro Church members met and decided to build a house for the Lord not a lamb shelter though the Conference want the church to start with lamb shelter. The foundation of the church was laid by the church members; they were Ibukun Olu, Owoeye, Odedeji,, Awoyemi, Mrs. Abegunde and members from Ayetoro; Elder and Mrs. Akinlolu, Elder Akinola, Elder Agunloye, Mr. Michael Abe and Mr. Akinlabi and some youths from Ido and Ayetoro Ekiti.

During this time, Pastor Owolabi was transferred and Pastor Wojuade succeeded him as District Pastor. When the Pastor came he met us under the roof of the church. Pastor Wojuade worked with us for some years before he was transferred and Pastor Afolayan came.

We thank God that the church is progressing as some new members such as Elder P. A. Aina, J. O. Awoyemi (senior), Elder J. O. Dada, Elder Omidiora and others joined the church. They joined hands together to build a befitting church for the Lord.

The church is presently located at Alapo Quarters, Opposite Caxton-Joe’s House.

The church was organized on the 26^th of June, 2004.

Membership during the organization was thirty eight (38). The present membership on church record is 121.

These are the Pastors that served in the church

• 1.     Pastor E A Okunola                (District Pastor)
• 2.     Pastor Adegbite                     (District Pastor)
• 3.     Pastor Oyeleke Owolabi          (District Pastor)
• 4.     Pastor Aina, E. O.                  (District Pastor) 1998 – 2002
• 5.     Pastor Wojuade                     (District Pastor)
• 6.     Pastor Akinwande                  (Church Pastor) 2004 – 2006
• 7.     Pastor David Stanley              (Church Pastor) 2007 – 2009
• 8.     Pastor J. A. F Adeoti               (Church Pastor) 2008 – 2011
• 9.     Pastor Boluwaji Kolawole      (Church Pastor) 2011 –  Jan., 2015

Now the church of God is moving on.

  

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 

IN EWU EKITI

Ewu church started on the 15^th of June, 2008 with the co-operation of Pastor Oludumila, who was the Ayetoro District Leader. The commencement of the church was unanimously voted at council meeting of Ayetoro District. Consequently, representatives of the church paid a courtesy visit to the Kabiyesi (king) of the town who initially declined the establishment of the church in the town.

A two-week public outreach was conducted by Pastor Yusuf Imam. It was fruitful and 21 souls were baptized. After the revival the following Elders were designated to develop and nurture the new church: Elder Aseweje, B. M., Elder Awoyemi, and Elder Ajakaye Omoleye. Later Deaconess Elizabeth Akinsola together with Mr. Ajiboye, a teacher in one of the Secondary schools in the town who hailed from Epe Ekiti helped in securing a place for worship. A small shop was rented and renovated through the help of some people in the church.

The church was redundant for about five months but was later revitalized through Bible studies and prayers and visitation to the people of the town by Deaconess Akinsola and Mr. Ajiboye. By God’s grace, sister Kehinde and sister Seun (Pa Ajayi’s daughters) also joined the church as a result of this effort. Shortly after this, Mrs. Ajayi (Pa Ajayi’s wife) also joined the church. The church witnessed a numerical growth. Pa Ajayi joined the church after a one-week pulpit exchange programme conduucted by Pastor Adewumi. Not quite long from this time, Master Michael; Pa Ajayi’s son also joined the church. Thus the whole family became Adventist. Through intensive regular visitation by Mr. Moses Olaegbon and Deaconess Elizabeth Akinsola, Madam Felicia and others, children joined the church.

Members from the Seventh-Day Adventist Churches in Ido and Ayetoro regularly visit the church to worship every Sabbath. Deaconess Elizabeth Akinsola remains the church leader till date.

It is worthy of note that the following Pastors contributed to the progress of the church: Pastor Oludumila, Pastor Afolayan J. K., Pastor Sofowora, and Pastor Alabi J. O.

CONCLUSION

We thank God that church at Ewu Ekiti is progressing and we believe that very soon, He will provide building for the church. We pray that as we are expecting the second coming of Christ, we shall go to heaven with Him when He comes. (Amen).

HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN EPE EKITI DISTRICT

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 1 EPE EKITI

The Seventh-Day Adventist Church got to Epe in 1924 through Late Pastor Isaiah A. Balogun. It was Late Dada Amojo (one of the seven people who started the church) who gave part of his house to the church as a place of worship. The pioneer members were:

• 1.     Late Dada Amojo
• 2.     Late Pa. J. B. Olaoye
• 3.     Late Pa Imole Olowookere
• 4.     Late Pa Atolagbe Aina (a.k.a Baba Igbagbo)
• 5.     Late Pa Adaramola
• 6.     Late Pa Ojunibaba-Ara
• 7.     Late Pa Fadare Ayomaseesinlowo and Pa Adefila from Ipoti who residing in Epe then

The king on the throne then, His Royal Highness, Oba Erinfolami, gave them a piece of land to build the church. A lamb shelter was built. The foundation of the present church building was laid in 1974 by Late Pastor Oloyede.

Those who joined the pioneer members were Late Ezekiel Ajayi, Late Moses Aborisade, Late Elijah Owolabi, Late Jacob Fasaanu, Late Rufus Oguntola, Late Emmanuel Babatunde, Late Michael Osasona, Late Osasona Omotokiri, Late John Oyewumi, Late Abolarin Michael, Late Joseph Kolawole and Late Ezekiel Adebayo.

The church was organized in 1976 with 25 members. Late Elder Moses Awoyemi was elected the first Elder of the church.

Due to the increase in population of the church, the church was extended in 1987 through the effort of Evangelist Emmanuel Adeniyi who was employed by old Otun District by then.

CHALLENGES

One of the major problems that faced the pioneers was that, it was difficult for them to worship at Otun then because their footsteps would be traced. They finally decided to face the opposite direction to where they were going i.e. they would face Epe and while going to Otun using their back so that their footsteps would be difficult to trace.

Any community work would be fixed on the Sabbath day deliberately in order to prevent them from going to their church.

They were disallowed to marry in the town at the time their counterparts were getting married.

Finally some of them were inflicted with diseases such as small pox and later died in the process.

DEVELOPMENT

Epe church 1 was dedicated in 2008 through the effort of Late Pastor J. O. Olatunji, who was pastoring the church then.

Epe church 1 was inaugurated as District Headquarter on 16^th February 2013.

The children department building is on-going

Also, the church was endowed with a promising and appreciable number of youths.

These are the names of Pastors that has worked in Epe church since 1924 to 2015.

• 1.     Late Evangelist Adedoje
• 2.     Elder D. D. Adeleye
• 3.     Evangelist E. O. Adeniyi
• 4.     Evangelist Abioye
• 5.     Evangelist J. A. Akanbi
• 6.     Pastor J. F. Familusi (Late)
• 7.     Pastor S. B. Dada
• 8.     Pastor J. O. Olatunji (Late)
• 9.     Pastor O. A. Oludumila
• 10. Pastor O. S. Olona (current)

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH OKE AAFIN, 

EPE EKITI

The Seventh-Day Adventist church Oke Aafin was inaugurated on the 2^nd of November, 2003. Pastor S. B. Dada was the first Pastor of the church while the first Elder of the church was Elder M. O. Fadare. Both of them worked tirelessly in ensuring that the dream of having another church at Epe came true. This church was formerly named Oke – Agbara, during the period. The church started with seventeen members. The owner of the building where they started worshiping was Mr. Olalere Ajayi. They worshiped there for two and half years.

The members continued to struggle in order to get a befitting land. Their dream was not realized until 2010 when they secured a portion of land at Oke Afin Street, Epe Ekiti. This brought a change of name from SDA Church Oke Agbara to SDA Church Oke Aafin, Epe Ekiti in 2010. Pastor J. O. Olatunji was the church Pastor during this period. The land was bought from Ile Titun Compound, Epe Ekiti.

With the help of God Almighty, the population of the church has increased from seventeen to thirty five members now. The church was organized on 1^st of July, 2017.

The main challenge of the church is the completion of the church building which is still in progress. Members still worship under a lamb shelter at present.

To God be the glory.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

 IRO - EKITI

The journey towards the establishment of Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Iro Ekiti started around 1938, through Late Pastor Isaiah A. Balogun and Late Pa Ogundele (the cook assigned to Pastor W. G. Till) in Otun Ekiti. Mr. Gabriel Dada was the first convert. Others were: Late Mr. Joseph Babafemi, sanitation worker who resided at Imore Street, Otun Ekiti, Late Mr. Jacob Bolarin-Aina (Baba Sarah) and Late Pa J. D. Aina who left Otun to join members in Iro Ekiti. Late Evangelist D. Atolagbe with some members from Otun used to worship at Iro Church.

Pastor J. F. Familusi got converted to the church in the year 1949, this led to the conversion of Mr. Joshua Oyewunmi who was staying with him. Also Mr. J. B. Aina and Mr. Adeleke Aina joined the church, Mr. Atolagbe Ogunbiyi, Mr. Bello Aina, Mr. Adolapo, Mr. Afolayan, Chief Obalotin Babajide, Mr. Joseph Ojo, Pa David Omotoso (Baba Ado who was among those who brought SDA Church to Iro Ekiti before he went to Ado).

History had it that it was the Seventh-day Adventist members that first brought Mango (Olori) and Banana (Paranta) for planting at Iro Ekiti, 15 years later. The Seventh-day Adventist church was well established at Iro Ekiti. Many of the church members were educated such as Mr. J. B. Aina, Pastor J. F. Familusi (retired), Mr. J. D. Aina was elected as councilor representing Iro town throughout the period. Mr. J. B. Aina worked as headmaster in Seventh-day Adventist schools such as Otun, Ipoti, Iro/Ira, etc. Pastor J. F. Familusi also labored as Evangelist for many years and was ordained into gospel ministry in 1973.

In 1985 the District Leader, Pastor J. Fatunbi delegated Late Elder J. A. Atejioye to oversee Iro Church and in 1987 the church was organized. The first Elder was Elder I. A. Babajide and assisted by Elder S. A. Adolapo.

Some recent Pastors that had lead out in the church include Pastor S. B. Dada, Pastor Akanbi, Pastor Adeniyi, Pastor Abioye, Pastor J. O. Olatunji and Pastor O. A. Oludumila Epe District Pastor. Pastor Samson Olona is the current District Pastor.

It is note-worthy that the following Pastors and Evangelists are from Seventh-day Adventist Church Iro Ekiti, Pastor E. O. Aina, Pastor S. O. Aina, Pastor Duyilemi Isaac and Pastor Oluwatobi Asaolu.

To God be the glory.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 

OSAN EKITI

Seventh-Day Adventist Church Osan Ekiti started on the 16^th of August, 2006 through door-to-door visitation by Late Elder J. A. Atejioye, Elder Samuel Ajayi (Asunmatikun), Elder M. O. Fadare, Elder S. A. Adolapo and Mrs. Atejioye etc. After the visitation, Pastor D. O. Onifade conducted a two week public outreach and at the end of the crusade 14 souls joined the church. The first convert to the church was Late Mr. Michael Adebayo Adeleke, while others joined thereafter. However, Mr. Oluwole Aina from Oke Ile Orangun and Late Mrs. Susan Adunola were part of those members who had Adventist background.

This helped to motivate the members living in the Area to start a fellowship center at Pa Adebayo Aribaba’s building along Ora road.

It was this house the church used for worship until they moved to their lamb shelter. The first pioneering leader was Elder C. Awosanmi followed by Mr. Seun Afolayan.

PERMANENT SITE

Seventh-day Adventist Church Osan Ekiti moved to her permanent site through Pa Adebayo Aribaba who helped to secure the land. Two plots of land were donated to the church at Oke Odo Street Osan Ekiti through the help of God, Osan church lamb shelter was built on the 16^th of September, 2011. The lamb shelter foundation was laid by Pastor T. O. Olaoye, on behalf of the President of the South West Nigeria Conference and Otun Ekiti District Council. On the 25^th of June 2013 the permanent church building foundation was laid by Pastor Dr. Ezekiel A. Adeleye, former President of Ekiti Conference, assisted by Pastor O. A. Oludumila and Pastor O. E. Omolewa. Epe District Council assisted financially to make the church foundation laying successful.

The church building project is on going

To God be the glory.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

 IRA - EKITI

The Seventh-day Adventist Church Ira Ekiti located along Epe Road, Ira Ekiti was founded in the year 1976. The pioneers of this church were Elder Ogunyemi, Elder Ajayi, Elder Adeleke (aka Kiniun Odeye), Madam Wuraola Eremu, Elder Michael Babatunde Ajiboye, Madam Confort Olajide (aka Iya Jesu), and Madam Ajayi.

They were persecuted and scattered and they could no longer worship until 1981 – 1982 when they hosted adult camp which led to their coming together again.

Pastor Alade, Otun District Leader usually worshiped at Ira and Elder Idowu Olajide used to transport these members, Elder Komolafe and Elder Omolabi from Otun to worship. During this period, there was no church building but they worshiped under a shed.

A lamb shelter was constructed which they later built into a church. The sudden death of Elder Komolafe and Elder D. O. Ogunleye brought a great setback to the growth of the church. Elder Oyedeji and Elder Ajiboye now took over the batons. Elder Ajiboye was the one who supplied the cements while Elder Ajiboye was going round soliciting for funds from churches and in camp meetings.

The foundation of the church was laid in 1998 by Pastor J. A. Dada former West Nigeria Conference Secretary. The building got to roofing level in year 2002. Elder Ajiboye later died in 2002. The leadership of the church rested on Elder Oyedeji before his untimely death in year, 2006. Elder Adolapo (bricklayer) from Iro and Elder Adebayo now continued leading the church. It is Elder Adebayo who is still leading the church till now.

The church was organized September 3^rd, 2016.

We thank God that despites all the setbacks the church of the Lord has increased in memberships.

To God be the glory.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN ERINMOPE DISTRICT

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH I, ILOYE, 

ERINMOPE - EKITI

The Seventh-day Adventist Church was brought to Erinmope in the year 1928, through the effort of one Pastor Adeosun. He was a cocoa produce buyer from Ibadan, before he was called into the ministry. He was posted to Igogo, the first set of people he met was Pa Abioro (Ibamogun Compound), Pa Ajayi (Oke Okin) from Iworo Aro Compound, Pa Adakeja (Iloye), Pa Fabiyi (aka Ogedeojugun from Imesi), Pa Alabi and Pa Adeagbo (Iworo-Aro), Pa John Olajide (Ijewu), Pa Adaran (Ibamija).

Pastor Adeosun as the Pastor in Igogo normally trekked from Igogo to Erinmope whenever he came for worship and visitations. The first house that was used as a place of worship was the house of Late Pa Oyerinde (Owalogbo of Erinmope). The members later asked for land from Iloye Compound and it was given to them for erecting a church building.

Pa John Olajide as the only educated person among the converts took the issue of the church upon himself to extend the good news to the town. He allowed himself to be used by God to make the town to be educated and he used it to gain some of those people into the church.

The early days of the church were not rosy at all, church worships were carried out under make shift shed (atibaba) made of palm fronds while that of the first church was of thatched roof. Like in most places, the church faced stiff oppositions and persecution from those who did not believe in Christianity. However with the activities of the founding fathers earlier mentioned and others like Pa Fasunan and Pa Ajayi from Oke Okin, the church witnessed steady growth.

The church was established in 1928, but due to some inexplicable reasons, the first baptism was not conducted until 1958. The ceremony was performed by Late Pastor J. A. Adeogun in Ayeye River, Ijewu Street, Erinmope Ekiti.

The Church was organized in 1968 and the church building was dedicated in year, 1984.

The first sets of baptismal candidates were Alebiosu, O. A., Olayemi, J. A., Owolabi G. O., Late Ajisegbede J. A., Late Owolabi James A., Late Amira J. K.,

Late Amira M. A.

The first sets of Deacon and Deaconess were Pa Olalere Joseph and Mrs. Ajibabi.

These pastors have served in Erinmope Church, Pastor Adeosun, Pastor Alao, Evangelist Omosanya, Evangelist Akingbade, there was an interregnum for over a decade in the church and that made Elder Ajibade from Otun to volunteer himself and he was seconded to Iloye Church, Erinmope Ekiti.

Other Pastors that served in Erinmope Ekiti were:  Ishola Taiwo (Baba Eta), Oguniran, A. A. Elusode, Iyanu Ehuwajijomo, S. K. Ajibola and E. A. Adeoye (current pastor).

The current first Elder is Matthew O. Adebayo.

The following have served as elders in Erinmope Church: Elder Olowoyo, Joseph Olalere, J. A. Olayemi, Late J. K. Amira, Late M. A. Amira, C. O. Awosanmi, Matthew Adebayo, Gabriel Owolabi.

The church that God established by Himself in the year 1928 is now the headquarters of Erinmope District from Sunday 23^rd of February, 2013. Erinmope church has produced some leaders for the church: Oluwafemi Samuel Alofe (current President of Ekiti Conference), Clement Ajisegbede (SS/PM/Evangelism Director Of Ondo Mission), Boluwaji Kolawole (Evangelism and Global Mission Director of Ekiti Conference), Mrs Sade Ogungbesan (Treasurer of Lagos Atlantic Conference), Sunday Aremu, (former Treasurer, South West Nigeria Conference but currently, the Bursar of SDA School of Nursing, Ile Ife and MichaelAwoniyi (Treasurer of Osun Conference).

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 

AAYE OJA - EKITI

Seventh-day Adventist church came to Aaye Oja through Late Ajisegbede J. A. from Erinmope Ekiti who introduced Christianity and Adventism to Pa Olanrewaju Ojo who was a Sango worshipper and a friend to him in year 1988.

The church was well-attended and some Elders were posted to Aaye Oja for Sabbath preaching and weekly programs. The first set of people that made the first congregations were Late Ajisegbede J. A., Pa Olanrewaju, Chief Obasolo and their family members.

On the 23^rd of July, 1989 Late Ajisegbede went to Otun to inform and request for public outreach, the request was granted immediately.

The public outreach was staged at Aaye Oja from 30^th of July to 6^th of August, 1989. The outreach was well-attended by Otun Ekiti members and Kabiyesi Alaaye of Aaye Oja Ekiti attended all through with his household, Mr. Jimoh Isola, Chief Obalegosi and children and Madam Omotosho’s family. After a week revival most of the people mentioned accepted the message and were baptized including the King, Alaaye of Aaye kingdom.

Later, some church members from Otun Ekiti and Erinmope Ekiti voluntarily accepted to come to worship in Aaye Oja among them were Mrs. Atejioye, Elder Sunday Adeosun, Elder Joseph Dada O., Late Prince Adepoju Adedayo, Deacon Osasona, Mrs. Aborisade and Mr. Atolani, Elder Awosanmi C. O. on the 18^th of March, 1990. Aaye Oja church moved to look for a portion of land in Aaye community for church building. We secured the land through the effort of Pa Ojo Olanrewaju and the support of the king.

But since 1997, the membership of forty dropped because of the younger ones got admission to higher institutions outside the town.

God has been using these people tremendously on the church building: Elder Olu Bankole and Mrs. Atejioye. The church building is now at roofing level.

The church is also built to this stage through donation by the members. Harvest ingathering proceeds, response to letters of appeal to Erinmope Ekiti.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN IKUN-EKITI DISTRICT

IKUN CHURCH I, ISAWO

The church got to Ikun through Pastor W. G. Till on March 24, 1924 and the first Sabbath worship took place in the house of Elder Jacob Oso; six other people joined him by reading the Yoruba alphabets. Not too long after this, challenges arose through the way of idolatry and some traditional practices that were against the word of God. Some believers died in the crisis.

On July 11, 1926 eleven people were baptized. This was the first baptism to the church. Due to the emigration of Pa Jacob Oso to another town, the worship center had to move down to Ile Owa in the house of Elemese of King Arojojoye Dada.  They later moved to Late John Osagunna’s house of Owarikun in February 1925. The Evangelist, Pa. J. A. Adebiyi took over the mantle of leadership in 1930. They started living the type of life recorded of the Apostles in Acts 2:44-46. By 1945, there was serious crisis again because the church would not allow the community to do away with the teachings of the Bible.

Still, the faith continued to increase rapidly to the extent that the first church building was erected by using palm front and bamboo on December 6, 1931.  The land was given to the church by the family of Ijelu through the effort of Pa Timothy Adebiyi.  A second church was built in December 1943, later the third and present church foundation was laid by Pastor Elstrom.

To the glory of God, by 1961, the foundation of the church building with stone was laid and the construction of the building was done under the supervision of Joshua Awoyemi Atejioye. The building was finally dedicated in December 1974. Presently there are two churches in Ikun Ekiti. 

The following Pastors worked tremendously in Ikun Seventh-Day Adventist church;

• 1.     Late Pa John Osaguna                    1926 – 1929
• 2.     Late Pa J. A. Adebiyi                      1930 – 1936
• 3.     Late Pastor D. B. Alabi                   1936 – 1937
• 4.     Late Pastor J. B. Oriola                  1938 – 1940
• 5.     Late Pastor D. K. Omoleye             1941 – 1944
• 6.     Late Pastor J. A. Makinde               1944 – 1946
• 7.     Late Pastor A. O. Alao                    1961 – 1964
• 8.     Evangelist S. A. Kehinde                1965 – 1970
• 9.     Late Pastor Olayemi                      1976 – 1982
• 10.                        Pastor Adesina                      1983 – 1985
• 11.                        Pastor Olatunji J. O               1985 – 1989
• 12.                        Pastor J. O. Ojo                    1989 – 1993
• 13.                        Pastor E. A. Adebayo            1993 – 1994
• 14.                        Pastor J. F. Familusi              1994 – 1998
• 15.                        Pastor S. B. Dada                 1998 – 2001
• 16.                        Pastor R. O. Atoki                 2001 – 2007
• 17.                        Pastor M. O. Ajao                  2007 – 2011
• 18.                        Pastor D. S. Aborisade           2011 – 2017
• 19.                        Pastor E. O. Aina                   2017 till date

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH BOLORUNDURO, IKUN EKITI

The Seventh-day Adventist Church Bolorunduro, Ikun Ekiti began when Pastor (Dr.) Joseph A. Ola, President West Nigeria Conference, visited our church at, Ikun on August 9, 1991 and encouraged us to start another branch Sabbath School in Ikun.  The branch was officially established on August 17, 1991 being the first Sabbath worship of the church with the support of Pastor Dr. Joseph A. Ola and the Church Pastor, J. Ojo.  Elder C. A. Ogunbiyi was the Elder in charge.

The first Sabbath School Service was conducted in Elder M. O. Oribolade’s house being the temporary place of worship. Over sixty members attended the service and a few of those who attended the service were Oba A. A. Awojobi, Chief Jacob Ajayi, Elder D. A. Alabi, Alagba Jonathan Olajide and Madam Rebecca Dada, etc.

The first Lord supper was conducted by Pastor J. F. Familusi.

After some times, a nine member of building committee was appointed to buy a piece of land for the new church.

Few months later a plot of land was bought for two thousand naira (#2,000) through the effort of Madam Rebecca Dada, Pa J. B. Ajayi and Elder C. A. Ogunbiyi from Pa Gabriel Adeleye Idi Aafa, Ilemikun, Ikun Ekiti, the church plan was drawn and approved costing two thousand naira (#2,000).

The foundation laying of the church came up on February 19, 1995 by Pastor O. O. Ajibade the then West Nigeria Conference Secretary, roofing started March 6, 2000, and completed March 10 in the same year.

The following Pastors had served with us till date:

• 1.     Pastor J. O. Ojo                                1989 – 1993
• 2.     Pastor E. A. Adebayo                        1993 – 1994
• 3.     Pastor J. F. Familusi                         1994 – 1998
• 4.     Pastor S. B. Dada                             1998 – 2001
• 5.     Pastor R. O. Atoki                             2001 – 2007
• 6.     Pastor M. O. Ajao                             2007 – 2011
• 7.     Pastor D. S. Aborisade                      2011 till date

To God be the glory, the church grew from strength to strength till the present day.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN IKOSU EKITI

The church started in ikosu Ekiti in 1924 in front of Late Pa Ezekiel Abegunde’s house where worship was held every Sabbath.

The pioneers that started the church were sixteen in number, they were:

• 1.     Late Elder George Akinwale was Church leader at that time
• 2.     Late Chief Joseph Owolabi
• 3.     Late Pa Gabriel Abolarin (Agbede)
• 4.     Pa Jacob Ogunyemi
• 5.     Pa Daniel Tunde
• 6.     Pa David Daramola
• 7.     Pa Joseph Adeoye Alofe
• 8.     Pa Samuel Agbele
• 9.     Pa Joseph Anisu
• 10.                        Pa James Ojo
• 11.                        Pa John Alabi
• 12.                        Pa David Aina
• 13.                        Elder Aferebioko
• 14.                        Pa Adewumi Borode
• 15.                        Late Pa Osalusi
• 16.                        Late Pa Gboye and many more that are late

There were also women that came to the church with their husbands and they were;

• 1.     Oyebimpe Akanro who was the women leader (Iya Egbe)
• 2.     Tundun Ezekiel
• 3.     Ruth Ogunyemi
• 4.     Kore Adeoye Alofe
• 5.     Oloriobi Daramola
• 6.     Rachael Ojo
• 7.     Agbedun Akinwale
• 8.     Ponmile Akinwale
• 9.     Tundun Gabriel
• 10.                        Aina Ape Owolabi
• 11.                        Aina Anisu
• 12.                        Dada Anisu
• 13.                        Wende Alofe
• 14.                        Kupeleye Owolabi

Pa George Akinwale was so committed to the erection of the first church building in Ikosu Ekiti. He left his own building at the expense of the church building.

Mr. Amusan who came from Ile Ife was the first teacher of the church, and he was living in Alagba Ezekiel’s house. He also taught them how to read and write.

The Pastors that led the church worship at that time: Pastor Alabi who hailed from Onikonko, Ibadan, Pastor Adeosun, Mr. Timothy an Evangelist and Bible teacher from Ikun. There were visiting Pastors too at that time and they were: Pastor Till, Pastor Adeogun, Pastor Olomojobi, Pastor Oloyede, etc.

In 1975, the first church dedication was held by Pastor Oloyede while Elder I. A. Jimoh was elected as the first Elder at that time. Mrs. Elizabeth Dada was also appointed as the women leader.

CHALLENGES

The traditional religionists were laying ambush for them on their way to stop them from going to church. Pastor D. O. Alabi was also beaten by masquerade on his way to church on one of the Sabbaths. They also snatched the fiances of some members of the church.

CONCLUSION

We thank God the church is moving on by the power of the living God. The church has its building with the capacity of over 600 people. The first mission house constructed in 1946 had been demolished and another had been erected. The church has embarked on a new project of a bigger church building which is still under construction.

We are grateful to God because among the members today we have Professors, Doctors, Engineers, Lecturers and Teachers.

The pastors that worked since the inception of the church are:

• 1.     Pastor Oloyede
• 2.     Pastor A. A. Elusode                     1993 – 1998
• 3.     Pastor Biobaku C. U                     1998 – 2000
• 4.     Pastor J. A. Akanbi                       2000 – 2007
• 5.     Pastor Iyanu G. Ehuwayijomo       May – August 2008
• 6.     Pastor S. A. Ajibola                      October 2008 – March 2012
• 7.     Pastor B. M. Akintola                   March 2012 – March 2013
• 8.     Pastor S. B. Dada (Rtd)               March – December 2013
• 9.     Pastor F. O. Alabi                        May 2014 – April 2015
• 10.  Pastor Omolewa                         May 2015 till date

To the glory of God and by the power of Holy Spirit, idolatry has reduced greatly in Ikosu Ekiti and indigenes are more committed to the things of God than ever. Hallelujah!!!

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 

EDA ONIYO - EKITI

When Mr. Omolewa Joseph Olufemi was transferred from Iye Ekiti to Eda Oniyo in 1998 as a teacher, there was no church there.  He used to trek from Eda Oniyo to Iye for service for about three months. One day he saw Mrs. Awoyemi a nursery worker at Eda Oniyo and through their discussion, he knew that the woman was an Adventist. Mr. Omolewa advised the woman to be coming to his house for service.

In 1999, the two families started worshipping God on Sabbath in Mr. Omolewa’s house and when it got to the hearing of the District Pastor then, Pastor Rufus Atoki, he was so happy.

In 2003, he conducted a crusade at Eda Oniyo for two weeks, at the end of this crusade 3 people were baptized. This made the Pastor to decide to find a land for the church. In February, 2004 Pastor Atoki and Mr. Omolewa went to Kabiyesi Oba Awolola the Eleda of Eda Oniyo-Ekiti to seek for land.

The king gave us a plot of land free and advised us to meet the Edi Ilije in Eda Oniyo who could give more if we needed additional land. When approached, the Ilije’s family headed by chief Eisinkin gave us more land. In early 2004, the District built a lamb shelter for the church at Eda Oniyo Ekiti to worship.

The following pastors have worked in the church: Pastor Kolawole, Pastor Ajiboye, and Pastor Lanre Olajide

The current District pastor, Pastor D. S. Aborisade usually visits the church and usually sends delegates to the church every Sabbath. Pastor Aborisade, D. S. was also instrumental to the building of a new church for Eda Oniyo.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, OBADA

The church started in 1997, as it first began in Iye Ekiti and Eda Oniyo at John Daramola’s house (Baba Sade’s house), Ojumorin Compound, Ilefon Street, Iye Ekiti with the following members: Elder David Iselowo’s family from Ikun, Miss Tadenikawo now the wife of Pastor Adeniyi Emmanuel from Otun Ekiti, Mr. Agbetayo’s family from Ikun, Mr. Adeoye’s family from Ikun, Elder Omolewa’s family from Igogo.

In 2003, the church started in Adeoye’s house (Obada) with two families, the Adeoye’s and the Agbetayo’s. In 2005, Pastor Ajiboye got transferred and was replaced by Pastor Olajide from Ikosu as Eda/Obada Pastor. The church moved to a given house in Obada for worship.

In 2007, Pastor Atoki the then District Pastor visited Obada church and saw that the church was growing as new members had joined the church, they were Mrs. Alayande and the children from Ipoti, Prince Bamisaye from Isaoye and Mr. Godfrey a Ghanian. The Pastor was happy and encouraged the church to get a land to build Obada church.

From there the church moved forward with four families, the Adeoyes, Alayandes, Agbetayos, Prince Bamisaye and their children making a total of 20 members. We then moved to the lamb shelter on our permanent site which the District built for us.

In 2008, an NYSC member from Anambra State named Joy came and left in 2009, she donated three plastic chairs for the church.

In the year 2009, Pastor Olajide left for further studies while the Agbetayos relocated to Ado Ekiti leaving Mr. Adeoye’s, Mrs. Alayande’s families and Prince Bamisaye.

Pastor Ajao came to Obada for a crusade and one man got baptized named Mr. Agbebi from Igogo, living in Iye then. Pastor Ajao then appointed Prince Bamisaye as the church leader, while Miss. Bosede Adeoye took over as Sabbath School Suprintendent.

In 2012, corper Dorcas from Abia State who came and left in 2013, donated three bags of cement and two plastic chairs. Corper Rose from Abia also came in 2013 and left in 2014 and donated #10,000 for church development.

Mr. Bamisaye who has been the church leader got transferred as a civil servant to Otun Ekiti in late 2013.

The foundation laying of the new church building was done in April 17, 2014 by the entire District and was conducted by the District Pastor D. S. Aborisade along with O. A. Dada the District Coordinating Elder.

The church is progressing to the glory of God.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 

ISAOYE - EKITI 1924 – 2014

In 1924, Pastor Wilfred George Till with his entourage lighted the lamp of Igogo and Isaoye. Then, Igogo and Isaoye were worshipping under the same canopy which was monitored by Pastor Isaiah Balogun who was based in Otun.  He put all his efforts in flaming the light of the gospel.

Though Isaoye received the light before Igogo, it was difficult for the adults to join the church, instead they were donating their children from every quarter.  Some of them were donated out of hatred and others because of laziness for farm work. Among those that were donated were: Imila donated Daniel Ojo, Kokoirin Bamisaye, Joshua Omotosho, David Kolawole, Samuel Adeyemi, Joseph Afolayan and Ibidun Atole, while Ile Oke donated Pa John Bamisaye. Ile Aarin donated Pa Daniel Dada, Alabi Agidi, while Inisa donated Alabi Odu, Ajaloke and Owolabi Adetimole.

Pa Thomas Olaoye, Ogunleye Tailor, Fasusi Ajayi, Agbelusi Kobiti and Aina Adeyemi (nick-named Ayanna Igbagbo) later joined the church voluntarily.

The above were prepared for baptism and were eventually baptized by Pastor W. G. Till while Pastor Balogun took the responsibilities of nurturing them until he was transferred to Ibadan in 1933.

In 1937, Igogo and Isaoye intended to build a church where they would be worshipping, they started with joy but, it was unfortunate they could not unanimously achieve their goal.

In 1938, Isaoye and Igogo had misunderstanding and they fell apart. Isaoye departed and Igogo gave her one pound which they used to buy one bundle of iron sheets. They started worshiping in Joshua Omotoso’s house.

Pa John Bamisaye and Pa Daniel Dada suggested that Isaoye people must have their own church building which was achieved that same year. Isaoye people were committed to this objective to the extent of receiving support from unbelievers being the first church in Isaoye.  The community united together to build their own church of 24 by 16 feet.

On 13^th May, 1989 Isaoye church was organized when Pastor Popoola was the District Pastor and the first ordained Elder, was Elder J. O. Afolabi. To strengthen the gospel, Pa Sanni and Pa Adeleye from Ikun volunteered themselves to fuel the newly lighted lamp in the early 90s. Then Pastor J. B. Oriola took charge of the church.

As a matter of fact, Isaoye church had worked with many gifted Pastors without any complain among them were Pastor J. O. Popoola, Pastor O. Ojo, Pastor J. F. Familusi, Pastor S. B. Dada, Pastor R. O. Atoki, Pastor M. O. Ajao, all as the District Pastor while Pastor Elusode, Pastor C. A. Biobaku, Pastor Akanbi, Pastor Ehuwayijomo and Pastor Ajibola S. A. as local church Pastor.

CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES

The impact of the Adventist church in Isaoye was associated with problems, ranging from persecution to abject poverty, rejection and inadequate facilities.

The bulks of the adherents of the Adventist church were and are still moderately poor. Most of them were peasant farmers with low income.

An additional problem was the unfriendly spirit, members were persecuted in various ways. Pa Olowookere, one of the pioneers, died on the Sabbath day as a result of persecution.

In conclusion we can boldly say that inspite of all these, Isaoye church have been able to produce a highly spirit-gifted Pastor, Pastor D. O. Dada a dear son of Pa Daniel Dada to God be the glory.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN IGOGO EKITI

Adventist faith in Moba started at Otun Ekiti in 1923. On the 8^th of November, 1924 (8-11-1924), Pastor I. A. Balogun wanted to spread the same faith to Ikun axis. As he was passing through Igogo, he met two men, Joseph Owolabi and Michael Adebiyi and used the opportunity to minister to them.

On November 13, 1924 (13-11-1924), both traced Pastor Balogun to Otun and submitted to him for more teachings from the Bible. They returned home and intimated Elder Ajiboye and Fabiyi Atere of the new faith they have just gotten. They all went to Otun to study more. Pastor Balogun who asked them to return home came to Igogo the following week (19-11-1924) as he promised.

The first convert, Elder Owolabi had arranged for thirteen (13) would be members to join in the study before Pastor Balogun came. He gave them Yoruba Pamphlets of ABD with which they could become literate. Eleven of them eventually accepted the Adventist faith that day. The were: Joseph Owolabi, Ajiboye Ogunlugboodo, Fabiyi Atere, Ajayi Awogan, Abraham Abe, Daniel Ojo, Fadahunsi Aganga, Olaleye Oke-Owa, Adeyemi Oke Okin, John Fatigun, Ogunlade Oke-Odo.

In 1925, as worshippers were growing in their numbers, the first teacher, Mr. Lawal was transferred to Igogo to take care of them. He was accommodated and lived at Ilegosi quarters of the town.

At this particular time in question, Christians and idol worshippers were not in good terms. The church had a temporary setback when Mrs. Lawal, wife of the first leader, died during child labour. Teacher Lawal as he was being called decided to return to his home town Sao (in Kwara State). It was Elder Owolabi, the first convert who sympathetically escorted him home to represent the church. The death of Mrs. Lawal did not stop them from continuing the faith. It is worthy of note that the church realized 35 kobo in 1925 December during their first harvest thanksgiving service and in 1926, they realized 51 kobo.

The second teacher named Pastor Alabi was transferred to Igogo in February 1927 to take care of the church. His arrival and decision to stay permanently with them encouraged the members to build a small mission house which was started sometimes in the dry season and completed same period. Members continued to multiply as harvest thanksgiving offering rose to #3.21k and #10 in 1928 and 1929 respectively.

The first church building construction started 1929 under the leadership of Pastor Alabi. Before the church building was roofed, a heavy rain destroyed a part of the building being a mud wall. The unbelievers were happy and started to make jest of Christians but this did not destroy their morale. The first baptism of Elder Owolabi and others came up in 1926.

These are the names of the first women converts;

• 1.     Osasu Ayeni
• 2.     Adegunlero Ilou
• 3.     Osadipe Isalu
• 4.     Mariam Dada
• 5.     Serah Oyebimpe

Like Apostle Paul, Pastor Balogun did not leave the church to Pastor Alabi alone. He used to come occasionally to teach till the year 1930.

During those early years, enmity between Christians and idol worshippers was so intense that some church members had to go on exile. We thank God that both groups eventually resolved to maintain peace in the town.

In 1933, Pastor Alabi was transferred. This made Pastor Olomojobi to take charge of Igogo church till 1937. In 1938, teacher T. K. Olufemi was transferred to Igogo to head Igogo church and as well as a teacher of adults in the church. Some of his prospects were Late Elder Adeseko John, Ezekiel Ajayi, David Kumuyi and Samule Koko-Irin. It was in the same year, 1938 that SDA church Igogo was organized, the first church to be organized in Nigeria.

The first SDA primary school was established in 1939 with initial number of 15 pupils with teacher T. K. Olufemi managing the affairs of the school. In 1942, Mr. Momo G. P. came as a teacher, and due to low numbers of pupils, the school was closed down and pupils distributed to Otun and Ikun where SDA had standard schools and more pupils.

1944 marked the emergence of another school named United SDA primary school because it was jointly owned by Ikosu, Igogo and Isaoye churches. Pastor J. D. Owolabi happened to be the head teacher of the school. Mr. Aregbesola, Mr. J. K. Adaramola, Mr. Adeoye and Mr. Fadele worked in the school from 1947 to 1950. The school experienced the second closure from 1952 to 1957 but the emergence of free education of Papa Awolowo in 1958, made the government to reopen it again.

Merging of school which was part of government educational policies as at 1968 started and our own SDA School was merged with CMS and Catholic schools because they had greater numbers of pupils.

• CHALLENGES
• On four different occasions, members of Adventist faith moved en-mass from the church due to the following reasons;
• 1.     Participating in Idol Festivals: In 1925, Mr. Ajayi Awugan, one of the founding fathers of SDA church personally carry Oloroke masquerade. He was reprimanded for this ungodly act which did not go down well with him, hence, he denounced SDA faith for Catholic Church where this act was permitted. He however went away with his followers.
• 2.     Drinking of Alcohol: 1927 witnessed another mass rejection of Adventist faith when Pastor Alabi angrily destroyed a keg of palm wine of members who were cleaning the church premises. Three of them who were pioneer members left the church with their relatives and supporters.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN IPOTI EKITI DISTRICT

SEVENTH - DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH I, IPOTI EKITI

          The Church, Seventh – Day Adventist Church got to Ipoti – Ekiti in the year 1915 by Elder D. C. Babcock. Before then the only existing church was the Anglican Church. From 1891 to 1914, Ipoti had no resident Anglican pastor and the closest was that of Odo-Owa Ekiti. The members were not happy with this situation so they requested for a pastor form their leaders.

          The local members were challenged in 1913 to provide the sum of Twenty Four pounds which was a year salary of a Minister, to be deposited before a Catechist could be posted to them. They quickly levied themselves and deposited the said amount in the following year, 1914.  The long awaited prayer was answered, a Catechist was posted their church so they had resident pastor like other towns and villages around them.

          But to the disappointment of Ipoti people, their joy of having a Catechist was short-lived. Their hope was shattered when the Catechist was transferred to another place without replacement just a day after his arrival at Ipoti Ekiti. As a result of this, the local members made up their minds to look for alternative; meanwhile one of the strong Anglican members in Ipoti Ekiti, Isaiah Aina Balogun, already had contact with the Adventist Missionaries at Erunmu while working as a Sawyer at Ayede, a village near Erunmu. He accepted the truth of the Seventh – Day Sabbath and later went with the message of the new found faith to his people at home. When they had their disappointment, Balogun and others invited the Adventist Missionary to pioneer the church in the town. Elder David C. Babcock answered the call and came to Ipoti Ekiti on the third day he received their Macedonian call.

          It was on the market day, and he was led to meet with John B. Oriola who was in his shop busy with his tailoring works. Foundation member John B. Oriola joyously led David C. Babcock and Mr. Donka to Pa Daniel Olomojobi’s house where they lodged. Chief Daniel Ojo (the Esaya of Ipoti Ekiti) was called to interpret the message of Babcock to them. To their amazement, Elder D. C. Babcock used the same Yoruba Bible they knew and not any strange book. He discussed and studied the Bible together with them. He presented all the Adventist doctrines and gave them the reasons why the seventh day should be kept holy and not the first day of the week. The Holy Spirit convinced the people of the truth which they accepted joyfully. The first Sabbath was observed the first time in Ipoti Ekiti on November 6, 1915. The impact of the Adventists was great in Ipoti town and this made almost all the former Anglican Church members to embrace the new faith; 78 people were baptized at a time in ipoti – Ekiti.

          Few of those who played active roles in the establishment of Adventist Church in Ipoti-Ekiti were: Daniel Olomojobi Onigbonjansin who housed Elder D.C. Babcock when he paid his maiden visit to Ipoti in 1915. The second person was Daniel Omolewa who became the first Sabbath School Secretary. The third person was Chief Olarinmoye, the Esaya, who became a preacher in the beginning and helped in interpreting the message of Elder David C. Babcock to the church members. The first Church building could not contain the members within two years of the church’s existence in Ipoti as a result of the influx of new converts. The church requested for a piece of land to erect their church building. Elder D. C. Babcock rejected the first piece of land given to the church, and pointed to a land he would prefer to erect the building. The choice of Babcock was granted quickly. The particular forest was known as “Igbo Esi” (Evil forest). The traditionalists were happy to release the forest because they believed that it was a matter of days when the Adventists in Ipoti – Ekiti would be destroyed in that forest. The Ogegenijo family gave the land to the Seventh – Day Adventists to build their church. Pa Adeniran was employed to clear the land and to the glory of God, nothing happened to him and the other church members.

          In 1915, Mr. Olaleye of Odo-Owa Ekiti, a prominent member of the Anglican Church, visited his friend Daniel Olomojobi in the Seventh – Day Adventist Church at Ipoti – Ekiti. He was informed of the new Church worshiping on the seventh day of the week and he came to see things himself.

          The first Ipoti sons to become Pastors in the Seventh – Day Adventist Church were Isaiah Aina Balogun, John B. Oriola, S. Dare, Daniel Olomojobi, Abolarin.

          The first set of Elders in the Seventh – Day Adventist Church in Ipoti Ekiti were: Elders Olayomi, Akinola Samuel J., Adeosun, Adepoju, Adaramola.

          The Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School was established at Ipoti Ekiti in 1923 within the church building yard. The first set of teachers in the school were Late Pastor E. Dare and Pastor D. K. Omoleye.

          The Pupils were Hon. G. K. Dada, D. J. Adekola, D. A. Ajayi, S. A. Olajide, S. B. Akande, J. A. Olayomi, D. O. Ola, J. Wellington Fele and others. It was in 1944 that a new site for the Primary School at Iwaro was procured. A modern School was established, which was later upgraded to Ipoti High School, Ipoti Ekiti.

HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 

IKORO - EKITI

          The Seventh Day Adventist Church, Ikoro Ekiti started in November 1996 with these two families: Mr. S. A. Olagunju from Ipoti Ekiti and Elder J. O. Adebayo from Ira Ekiti.           Later the family of Mr. D. O. Aina joined the church. Earlier, Mr. Aina became Adventist while he was at Ilorin, Kwara State. He is a native of Ikoro Ekiti.

          We started worshiping in the sitting room of Mr. S. A. Olagunju. When members increased, Mr Olagunju discussed with the executive members of Irepodun Cooperative Society, Ikoro Ekiti where he was the administrative manager and they allowed us to be worshiping in the Cooperative Hall until January 2009 when the church moved to the sitting room of Elder J. O. Adebayo.

          Ms. Awelewa Folake, now Mrs. Adeoti from Ipoti Ekiti was posted as a teacher to Ikoro. She and her junior sister living with her increased the membership of the church.

          Many others who were sojourners in Ikoro from places like Ikun and Ipoti worshiped with us in the church. They were Mrs Ojo (Ikun), Master Ajibola Lekan now Pastor Ajibola (Ipoti), Master Kolawole Sunday (Ipoti), Atoki’s sister from Odo-Owa, Mrs Atibioke from Ayetoro Ekiti, Bro. Ibitoye Taiwo (Ila) just to mention a few.

          Ipoti district under the leadership of Late Pastor Wojuade did two-weeks evangelism at Ikoro. Nine people who were natives of Ikoro were baptized.

          The permanent site of the church is located along Ikoro-Okemesi road popularly called “express”. The land was sold to the church by the family of Olomu in Ikoro in the year 2007.

          A lamb shelter is now built on the permanent site by church members with a strong financial assistance from Ipoti District. We have started worshiping there since April 2013.

          We thank God for the spirit of the members of Ikoro Church especially for their dedication and commitment which had greatly helped in the development of the church. We pray to God to add to the membership and particularly to bring Ikoro indigenes into the fold.

HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, 

IJERO EKITI

          The idea to have a Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ijero Ekiti was mooted by three personalities, Mr. Ajiboye J. S. (Education Secretary of Ijero Local Government then), Mr. Kusoru (an Accountant at the State Specialist Hospital, Ijero and Mr Babalola, a town Planner at the ministry of works, Ijero-Ekiti. They contacted Mr. and Mrs. Awoleye Balogun who were teachers and residing in Ijero township.

          The church took off on the 18^th of October 1997 at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Balogun. The family was highly delighted at the take-off of the church because they had for long been scouting for both new and old members around Ijero and the neighbouring towns.

          Shortly after take-off the sitting room of Mr. & Mrs. Awoleye Balogun could no more contain the members, hence there was a need to look for a bigger place. A landlord, Mr Arowojobe released his car park for the church but the car park was not spacious enough hence the search for a suitable place continued until Elder J. S. Ajiboye eventually got a shop along Ifaki road, opposite the Defunct National Bank of Nigeria, Ijero Ekiti

          Worship continued in this shop for more than eight years before the church relocated to the provision shop of Mrs. D. A. Balogun who was the Sabbath School Superintendent and Church Clerk. The first harvest thanksgiving service was held on the 9^th of December, 1998. Pastor M. O. Ajao was the District pastor and by the time Pastor Wojuade who succeeded him came, membership of the church had increased to 30.

          The church wrote series or letters to the leadership of the Southwest Nigeria Conference requesting for a resident Pastor. It was during the tenures of Pastor S. O. Aina as District Pastor that a district-employed Pastor was sent to the church. It was also during the tenure of Pastor Aina that Elder David Femi Ekundayo from one of our churches in Lagos conducted a two-weeks crusade in Ijero in conjunction with the South West Nigeria Conference. Some souls got baptized. This experience and the recommendation of Elder Ekundayo led to the deployment of Pastor Ajibola to Ijero and he reported for duty as the first pastor of the church on 1^st March 2008,. He however did not stay long before the conference re-deployed him to Ijebu-Oru in Ogun State. His exit created a vacuum and Elders Balogun and Ibidun and their families managed the church during this period. Mr Balogun was ordained as the first Elder of S.D.A Church Ijero by Pastor J. B. O. Olajide, Ipoti District Pastor.        

          Two female youth Corpers from Imo State served the church meritoriously between 2008 and 2009 and it was during their sent forth programme that the church started using her permanent site at stadium Road, Opeleke Ijero, which was got through the effort of Elder Ibidun.

          The church almost lost the land but for the intervention of Pastor (Dr.) J.A Ola and the financial assistance of N60,000.00 from the South West Nigeria Conference (SWNC) saved the situation. The role played by the following people towards the development of the church was note-worthy: Elder S. O. Ibidun and his family, Mr Agboola (A medical practitioner), Mr. Makanju, S. O. Kusoru, Mr. Kunle Dada, Mr. Olubodun, Pa Apanisile and his family and N.Y.S.C members Glory and Uwikiri.

          On 17^th September 2010, the church lost one of her foundation members in person Mrs. D.A Balogun who was the Sabbath School Superintendent and Treasurer until her death.

          The death of Mrs. Balogun negatively affected the progress of the church. However the arrival of the following civil servants who were nurses brought the church back to life. They were: Mr. Adetiloro Mayowa, Mr. Familusi and his wife and Mr. Arubu. Pastor Adekanye was also posted to take care of the church. He however did not stay long before he was transferred to Lagos.

          Pastor E. O. Adeoye came in to replace Pastor Adekanye in March 2012, and he worked with a lot of zeal to bring life back into the church. After his transfer to Ise-Ekiti in March 2013, Pastor M. B. Akintola was posted to replace him.

          The role of our student members at the College of Health Technology Ijero-Ekiti is very commendable. The Branch Sabbath School on their campus which had been in existence since 2001 is functioning well.

        At present, the church is trying to build a place of worship. The survey plan and building plan are ready and the church is praying for good-spirited people to assist in raising the building up; more so as it is located at a Local Government headquarters.   

      We pray that the Lord continues to move His work forwards in Ijero-Ekiti Church.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 

ODO OWA - EKITI

In the year 1915 Elder D.C. Babcock brought the gospel down from Sao to Ipoti Ekiti. The church came to Odo-Owa Ekiti (formerly Odoehin) in the same year through Pa Simeon Olaleye who later became an evangelist in this church (S.D.A church Odo Owa) before his death. May God grant him eternal life.

          Immediately Elder D.C Babcock came to Ipoti, he asked for a land to erect his church building and he was given, that is where Church 1 is located till date at Ipoti Ekiti.

          Elder D.C. Babcock wanted capable carpenters who would help him to build the church at Ipoti Ekiti. Pa Olaleye was a good carpenter and also literate, he could read and write in English fluently. Pa Simeon Olaleye had two friends at Ipoti namely, Pastor Isaiah Balogun and Chief Daniel Ojo (the Esaya). Both of them told Elder D.C Babcock about their friend and he immediately engaged him.

          When Pa Simeon Olaleye was working with Elder D.C. Babcock, he told him about the true gospel message. His two friends mentioned above advised him to accept this message. Without much ado, Pa Simeon Olaleye became Evangelist at Odo Owa Ekiti in 1915 while Pastor Isaiah A. Balogun was at Ipoti as a Pastor.

          Those who accepted the message immediately were: Elder Okomure at Aye Compound, Odo-Owa Ekiti, this man was a very close friend to Pa Simeon Olaleye, others were: James Adaramola, Jacob Okin-Oloro at Aye House, Gabriel Jegede of Inurin Compound. These people were going to Ipoti every Sabbath to worship but when they were increasing in number they started worshiping at Okomure’s house in Aye Compound. Then there was a society at Alase compound and their chairman was Aina Aragbamigo, they were more than thirty (30) able men, majority of them accepted this true message.

          Some of our youths went to the Seventh Day Adventist School established at Sao by Elder D.C Babcock from 1920-1921 to learn more about the church

          Elder Okoluregun who died in the year 1917 was the first person to die in the church and was buried within the church premises.  After his death the church was moved to pa Simeon Olaleye’s house.

          In 1918 when the membership increased our church at Ipoti assisted Odo-Owa church to build their own church. They sent Ireti and Igbalaye groups. These societies were headed by Daniel Akande Yaoji the father of Later Pa S.B Akande (former Federal Permanent Secretary), Daniel Omolewa (father of Prof. Omolewa), Daniel Ojo (Chief Esaya, Elder Babcock’s interpreter).

          In the year 1922 when the church was fully developed, the members were afflicted with small pox on the New Year eve. Some of the people that survived the attack were Pastor Daniel Kayode Omoleye who later served as the President of West Nigeria Mission, Late Gabriel Dada Ogunyebi popularly known as (Baba Ife).

          This small pox killed Pa Simeon Olaleye and other seventeen (17) able bodied members and those who died were about 24 people altogether.

          This incident caused some people return to the Anglcan Church (C M S ) among whom were Ezekiel Opaje (the father of Rev. Opaje Rtd.), Elder Agboola (father of Prof. S.A. Agboola).

          After this terrible incident, our church members at Ipoti started to help our church at Odo-Owa. After the death of Simeon Olaleye who was then a Pastor, the following people also served as pastors in Odo-Owa Ekiti church namely: Elder Daniel Osuntade, Daniel Adesina, Mr. O Adeniran, Pastor S. Dada, D.K. Harrison, John Osaguna. They were all from Ipoti Ekiti, John Makinde from Erunmu, S.B Dada, (Ejemu Oke Ila Orangun) J.B Olaoye (Epe), Mr. Ojo from Erunmu, Pastor D.K Omoleye from 1929-1936. There was no Pastor in this church from 1948-1986. But glory be to God almighty for our leaders at Ibadan who posted Evangelist S B Dada from Ipoti to the church in 1986. The incident mentioned above led some prominent members of the church to leave the church for the Anglican Church and they never returned.

          To conclude this brief history let’s read the second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians 2cor 4:8-9 “We are trouble in every side yet not distressed; we are perplex but not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed.”

          Our prayer is, “May God himself grant every one of us eternal life”.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH - DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN ISE-EKITI DISTRICT

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, ISE EKITI

Madam Olatunji Alice Olorunfemi, who became an Adventist in the early sixties at Lagere, Ile-Ife, was the first contact at Ise Ekiti. She relocated to Ise-Ekiti, her home town, in July 1967. That same year she discovered Mr. Ezekiel Olajide, who was an Adventist from Ikosu, as he was studying the Sabbath Bible Study Guide. The two families began to worship together even as they appealed to the then West Nigeria Mission for an evangelistic effort at Ise-Ekiti. The late Pastor Adewusi with some other Pastors were sent to conduct an evangelism in 1968, and 27 souls were baptized at the end of the program. On the day of baptism one of the prospects gave birth to a baby boy which was later named Oluwadare Samuel Ojo.

Between 1970 and 1972 a church building was erected at Eyingbe, inside the Arinjale’s palace on a piece of land donated by His Royal Highness, Oba Adeyeye who would love to be hearing the voices of Christians singing. Most of the 27 members did not stay long because there was no Pastor to nurture them.

Later Pastor Adebawo, was transferred to Ise as the District Pastor. On the creation of Ondo State in 1976, the district headquarters was moved from Ise to Akure, the capital of Ondo state.

In 1983, when Oba Samuel Adebomi ascended the throne, he ordered the demolition of the church building in his palace. The church was then moved to Mr. Moses Ojo’ house (Baba Sam) and later to Madam Olatunji’s residence between 1987 and 1991.

Mrs Kehinde Olugboji, donated a piece of land to the church on the request of her sister, Mama Olatunji Olorunfemi, at Idemo and that paved way for the erection of the present church building there. The first Sabbath worship took place there in April 2000.

Some Evangelists and pastors that served at Ise includes Elder J A Popoola, Bro. Adekola, Pastors M B Olaifa, M F Adekola, D S Aborisade, J K Afolayan, J A Akanbi, Moses Ajibola,

S B Dada, E O Adeoye, and B M Akintola who is the current District and Church Pastor.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, OGBESE CHURCH

The Seventh – Day Adventist church got to Ogbese in 1959 by elder John Olajide.  The church started worshiping at his residence.  The church began with four people which were elder Olajide, his younger brother and two children.  However, some years later, the pioneer members were encouraged as the families of Odunola and Awoniyi joined the fold.  Initially, a temporary lamb shelter (Atibaba) was erected for worship beside Elder Olajide’s house which served them for twelve years.  Through prayers with planning, a piece of land was acquired where a permanent church building was erected that is still serving as worship place till date.

Later on, the members increased numerically as the families of Adelerin and Asaolu joined the church.  Subsequently, Elder James Adelerin was elected as the church leader.  His leadership and commitment of members, Ogbese church was organized in 2001 when Pastor D S Aborisade was serving as the pastor.  Some of the pastors that served at Ogbese were: Pastors Oyedele, Olaifa, Adekola, J A Alabi, S B Dada, E O Adeoye, etc.

Presently, Pastor B M Akintola is the District Pastor.  The mental and physical efforts of bro. Odunayo Awoniyi and Kehinde Odunola, other youths and elderly men and women cannot be overlooked.

Though Elder James Adelerin and Moses Awoniyi have relocated from Ogbese.  The Lord has used them to plant another church at Ago – Dada community near Akure, Ondo State.

Ogbese church is marching on to the glory of God and may we all be counted worthy at Christ’s second coming. (Amen).

 HISTORY OF SEVENTH- DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.

  IWARO, IPOTI - EKITI

          Plan to have another Church beside the Seventh-Day Adventist Church I in Ipoti-Ekiti was conceived, when the church visionary leaders realized that most members and other People in the community were now living in the outskirts of the town along with the challenges faced by the aged people because of the distance from the church.

          Also, the leaders deemed it necessary to take Evangelism closer to the non-Adventists that were living in those newly developed area.

          Iwaro Church in Ipoti-Ekiti started as a Branch Sabbath School on the 7^th of March, 1987. In the then West Nigeria Conference, Late Pastor Adewusi was in charge for a period of two weeks. The first Sabbath school service was held in one of the classrooms of the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School, Ipoti-Ekiti, with twenty-two members in attendance 

          Elder G. K. Faleye was appointed as the Elder in-charge from the mother church in Ipoti-Ekiti to nurture the church. Among the congregation that worshiped on that day were:

1.       Late Pastor Adewusi

2.       Mrs. J.O Ajiboye- Sabbath School superintendent

3.       Mr. Sunday Dada- Sabbath School Secretary.

4.       Elder Remi Mati

5.       Late P. A. John Ekundayo & Wife

6.       Late Elder Ajayi & Wife

7.       Late Barrister Zacheus Olomojobi

8.       Chief and Mrs. Olumutimi, E. A.

9.       Late Pa. Kayode Olajuyigbe

10.     Deacon Adeosun Awe

11.     Late Pa. Taiwo

12.     Late Pa. Adaramola

13.     Mrs. Comfort Dada

14.     Elder Adewunmi, E. A.

15.     Mr. & Mrs Omolewa S. O.

          On 14^th of March, 1987 which was the 3^rd Sabbath, one hundred and sixteen members were in attendance, comprising both old, young and the youths.

The following church officers were elected:

1.       Mrs. A. K. Dada – Treasurer

2.       Chief E. A. Olumutimi – Church Clerk

3.       Elder Remi Mati – Sabbath School Teacher

Seventh –Day Adventist Church II, Iwaro in Ipoti-Ekiti was organized on the 30^th, of April 1993 by Pastor Dr. Joseph Adebisi Ola, the West Nigeria Conference President. On that day, Elder I. A. Oke was elected as the First Elder; he served for the period of two years.

For about two years, they worshipped in a classroom at the Seventh – DayAdventist Primary School, Ipoti-Ekiti before the congregation moved to a nearby cocoa store due to the increase in membership. As a result of increase in membership, a building committee was constituted, headed by Elder Remi Mati.

          Through the grace of God, the foundation of the church building was laid on 31^st August, 1997. Presently, Ipoti Church II, Iwaro, has a membership of 450 with 348 baptized members.

          The following pastors have served the church since inauguration till date:

1.       Pastor Ayinla                                       - 1987 to 1992

2.       Pastor Okunlola, E. A.                           - 1992 to 1998

3.       Pastor Ajao, M. O.                                 - 1998 to 2001

4.       Late Pastor Wojuade, J. O.                     - 2001 to 2005

5.       Pastor J. B. O. Olajide                            - 2005 to 2008

6.       Pastor Akinola, F. O.                              - 2008 to 2010

7.       Pastor Akinola, F. O.                              - 2010 to 2012

8.       Pastor J. B. O. Olajide                            - 2012 to 2014

9.       Pastor Olaoye, T. O.                               - 2014 to 2015

10.     Pastor Kolawole, Boluwaji                       - 2015 to date

HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 3,

 ISOKUN, IPOTI – EKITI

          Ipoti Church 3, Isokun started on the 29^th of March 1988.

          The reason for the establishment was that members and non-members began to build houses toward Isokun area; and those living there are now far from the existing churches. In order to encourage members to be closer to their place of worship, and to evangelize the non-Adventists around Isokun, members of S.D.A Church I and Iwaro Church voted that members living around Isokun begin a Branch Sabbath School.

          We started the church through the power of God on the 29^th of March, 1988 (29-03-1988) when Pastor S. A. Ayinla was the Ipoti District Pastor.

          The church started with the first service in the house of Mr. J. A. Adeniran. Later, the church moved to Pa Philip Akande’s house for worship. After which we requested for a piece of land from Elder and Mrs. Adeniran of Ile Aremo on the 20^th of December, 1989 (20-12-1989). Those present that day were: Elder Joseph Adeniran, S.O. Ibidun, Deacon E. B. Falade, Deacon James Awe, and Deacon J. O. Ajewole.

          On the 23^rd of January, 1990 members from the three churches in Ipoti jointly went to the site to pray on the piece of land donated for God’s house. On the 28^th of August, 1995, a little structure was erected on the land where the members worshipped until the main church was completed.

          The foundation of the church was laid on the 3^rd of January, 1994 with the following people: Pastor Okunlola, the District Pastor, Pa. S. B. Akande, Elder Olubodun Samson, Elder Adeniran, Elder Ola of Oke Ejiyan, Elder John Akande and Elder C. O. Filade (Filade Marble work) in attendance. The sum of eleven thousand four hundred and fifty naira was realized that day while Filade Marble promised to donate one hundred bags of cement.

          The church was organized on the 26^th of March, 1994 by Pastor Dr. Joseph A. Ola, president of the West Nigeria Conference. The following officers were elected to serve for the year 1994/1995: Elder G.K Faleye, first Elder, Deacon Joseph Alayande, Treasurer, Elder S. O. Ibidun, Church Clerk, Mrs. S. T. Awoniyi started Children Ministry in the church. She was the one caring for them until she passed on.

          The following members have slept in the Lord:

1.       Elder James Olagunju

2.       Elder T Joseph Adeniran

3.       Madam Alice Olowo

4.       Madam Dorcas Ojasola

5.       Madam Mary Awe

6.       Madam Victoria Awe

7.       Madam Ajiyegbe Alabi

8.       Madam S. F. Awoniyi

9.       Madam Adaramola

          Every member cooperated in developing the church but the efforts of the following are outsanding.

1.       Pa S. B. Akande

2.       Mrs. Ayeni

3.       Elder & Mrs. Bisi Babalola (Bolab)

4.       Mrs. Awoniyi

5.       Elder C. O. Filade Marble

Pastor that worked in Isokun Church up till date are:

1.       Pastor Ayinla, S. A.                1988-1992

2.       Pastor Okunlola, E. A.            1992-1997

3.       Pastor Ajao, M. O.                 1998-2001

4.       Pastor Wojuade, J. O.             2001-2005

5.       Pastor Aina, E. O.                   2005-2008

6.       Pastor Olajide, J. B. O.            2008-2010

7.       Pastor Akinola, F. O.               2010-2012

8.       Pastor Olajide, J. B. O.            2012-2014

9.       Pastor Olaoye, T. O.               2014-2015

10.     Pastor Kolawole, B.                2015-2017

11.     Pastor Awoniyi, S. O.             2017 till date.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 4, 

IPOTI - EKITI

          In the year past, Ipoti district have a focus of having another Seventh-Day Adventist church at Temidayo Street Iloro Road, Ipoti-Ekiti to be named Church 4 Ipoti Ekiti. Then they acquired a site for the proposed church 4.

          In the year 2015, Pastor Kolawole Boluwaji, the pioneer Pastor of Iwaro District, Ipoti-Ekiti later brought the idea of establishing a Branch Sabbath School at Temidayo area.

          He had a meeting with the members who reside at Temidayo area. These members were worshipping at No. 2 & No. 3, Churches. He encouraged them to start a branch Sabbath School in the new environment because of the far distance to their churches. The meeting was on 10^th December, 2016.

The families were: Faleye, Agbetiloye, Idowu, Pastor Dada, Asekunowo, Alayande, Idowu Adaramola, Idowu Kolawole, Ayo Olateju, Remi Mati.

          At the end of the meeting, the families jointly agreed with Pastor Kolawole Boluwaji’s proposal, of having a new church in the area and the name of the church will be Ipoti church 4 at Temidayo, Iloro Road, Ipoti-Ekiti.

          A District combined service comprising of Iwaro, Isokun, Iloro and Ijurin churches was held on 19^th January, 2016 at the proposed site to start the church. About 300 members worshiped at the site on that day.

          The real members of Church 4 held their first worship the following Sabbath, 23^rd of January, 2016 at Deacon Lanre Asekunowo’s house as jointly agreed by the members.

          Elder Idowu was appointed as the Elder in charge of Church 4, Mrs Mary Asekunowo as Sabbath School Superintendent and Seun Agbetiloye as Sabbath School Secretary.

          Not quite long, the place could not contain the number of worshippers again, because some members who did not identify with the church began to come back to the church closer to their residence; and new members also began to join the church.

          The church moved to a rented uncompleted building on 26^th of March, 2016.

          After noticing that someone had encroached on proposed site, the members procure a new land for the church and are now planning to build God’s house on it.

Serving Pastor till date is Pastor Kolawole Boluwaji.

Lessons/Benefits of establishing the Church

1.  Members became more devoted to the service of God

2.  They were able to get in touch with members who are not regular in the church and win new members in the area also.

3.  Members in the area were able to get to church quickly without stress,

Church Needs/Challenges

1.   Need for a place of worship as the rented incomplete building being used for worship currently is not conducive and inadequate.

2.   Need of financial assistance in developing and constructing a place of worship.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, IJURIN- EKITI

Late Elder J.O Ayeni was the first member of Seventh –Day Adventist Church in Ijurin. He joined the Church in Lagere, Ile-Ife in the early 1940. In August 1962, Elder Pius F. Obebe went to Ile-Ife and also accepted the Seventh-Day Adventists message. He was baptized into the Church in the year, 1972.

It was during the naming ceremony of a baby born to elder Pius Obebe’s family in 1980 that late Elder J.O Ayeni suggested that they start a Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ijurin. The suggestion was accepted. The church started on the Sabbath that followed the naming ceremony in the house of Elder Pius Obebe with his family and Elder J.B Ekundayo’s family as the foundation members. The church worshiped for one year in the house of Elder Pius Obebe.

In the year 1983 when Mrs. Veronica Obebe had to relocate to Ile-Ife to join her husband, the church moved to Late Elder J. O. Ayeni’s house where they worshiped for some years, before moving to the house of Mr. Julius Owoyomi.  They worshiped there until the church procured her own land where a lamb shelter was erected in the year 2004. Throughout this period Elder J. B. Ekundayo was seconded to the church from Ipoti-Ekiti. By the special grace of God, the church has got her own building which was roofed in year, 2014 where they are worshiping till date. Master Kehinde Ayeni was the first Superintendent while Kunle Obebe was also the first Church Secretary.

          God has used Elder J. O. Ayeni, Elder & Mrs. P. F. Obebe and Elder J. B. Ekundayo in a very special way to bring the Church to the present level of development. May the Lord continue to bless His Church. Amen.

Pastor that worked in the church till date:

1.       Pastor Noah Omoleye                            2001-2003

2.       Pastor Adeoti, J. A. F                             2003-2005

3.       Pastor Ogundere F. O.                           2005-2008

4.       Pastor Akintola B. M.                             2008-2012

5.       Pastor Olajide J. B.                                2012-2014

6.       Pastor Olaoye T. O.                               2014-2015

7.       Pastor Kolawole B.                                2015

8.       Pastor Atoki E.O.                                  2015-2016

9.       Pastor Kolawole M.B.                            2017 till date.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH I,

ODO ADO, ADO - EKITI

Establishment of the church

          The Seventh –Day Adventist church started in Ado-Ekiti in August 1969 at the residence of Late Chief Abolarinde Ojo (Bola Clinic) in the compound of chief Asamo of Odo-Ado in Ado-Ekiti as the result of what happened when pastor J. A. Alade came from Adventist College of West Africa, now Babcock University (ACWA) to canvass i.e sell religious books, in Ado-Ekiti. As he was searching for the Seventh - Day Adventist Church, he was directed to a battery charger named Joseph Adeniyi (now Elder J. A. Adeniyi a.k.a Omo Igbala i.e. “saved child”), near the motor park. Pastor Alade and Mr J. A. Adeniyi went in search of Mr. Abolarinde Ojo and then organized worship servces from then.

          It is worthy to note that the popularity of the church grew very well because of the two different inscriptions on both sides of the main door of Mr. Joseph Adeniyi’s workshop from Sunday to Friday, the door will be opened with the inscription 

“NO WORK ON SATURDAY-THE SABBATH DAY”, 

while on Saturday the closed door reads

“NO WORK TODAY, SATURDAY THE SABBATH DAY”.

FOUNDATION MEMBERS

          The foundation members with their families were, Elder J. A. Adeniyi and his junior brother, Mr. David Adeniyi now Elder at Oke Ila branch of the Seventh - Day Adventist Church, Ado-Ekiti; and Chief Abolarinde Ojo. The other foundation members of the church in Ado were not new converts but sons and daughters of Seventh-Day Adventist parents from so many towns and villages across Ekiti, Osun and Kwara States, among them were:

The Asanso family from Ikun-Ekiti

Mr. Aluko from Ikosu –Ekiti

Mr. Molomo from Ibadan

Mr & Mrs Jayeola – now Elder at Inisha Church Otun-Ekiti

Mr Kaniwovi B. (1969-1971) who came to canvass from the Book and Bible House, Oke Bola, Ibadan and an Elder at Oloola branch of our church in Ososami District, Ibadan.

Mr. & Mrs. Dada’s family from Ipoti Ekiti

Joshua Adeniyi Olaoye (Baba Samu) from Otun-Ekiti

Mrs. C. O. Ojo from Ikun-Ekiti

Michael Anisere and family from Ikun

Mrs Dorcas Asanso from Ikun

Oye Owolabi and family now Deacon at Ikun Ekiti

Mr Afolabi and family- from Inisha Osun State

          Church servcies were held at the residence of Chief Abolarinde in Asamo’s house at Odo-Ado until 1973 when the church was moved to Elder Adeniyi’s house. The first harvest thanksgiving of the church took place in Elder Adeniyi’s house in December 1975.

Church Growth

          The church moved back to Chief Abolarinde Ojo’s personal house at Odo-Ado in 1978 with the following member along with the foundation members.

1. Sunday Nathaniel Ajibade (student Nurse), Oladunmomi Ajayi (now Mrs Ajibade) student nurse then.
2. Mr. & Mrs. Duro Falade
3. Aunty Iyabo Olajide
4. Tayo Ajayi (student nurse then)
5. Mrs. Mary Olaitan and Children
6. Miss Arigbede
7. Miss Christianah Olusola Ajayi (now Mrs. Ogunbiyi)
8. Mr D. O. Olajide – from Erimope
9. Elder Akinleye O. B. and family
10. Mr. & Mrs. David Ajisegbede
11. Mr M. O. Akande and family
12. Chief S. A. Olajide and family

Mr David Adeniyi (Elder Adeniyi’s Junior Brother) made a great impact on the growth of this young church through his selfless commitment to transporting church members with the family’s (Peugeot 504 station wagon) from their different houses to the church every Sabbath morning and back to their respective houses at the end of the service free of charge. Members therefore had no excuse of not attending church services for lack of money for transportation.

          When the verandah of chief Abolarinde’s house could no more occupy the members, the church moved to the clinic for worship not minding the inconveniences caused chief Abolarinde and the patients on the sick bed during the Sabbath services on the Sabbath days. A lot of other members joined the church at the clinic. 

          The church was organized at the clinic by Pastor J. A. Dada the then West Nigeria Mission Secretary (WNM), Ibadan and Elder J.A Adeniyi was ordained as the first Elder of the church on September 20, 1986.

          It was from the clinic that the church moved to the present site in February 1994 when Elder Akinleye was the head elder.

          The efforts of Elder E. O. Aburo and Elder O. B. Akinleye in mobilizing members for church development, spiritual activities and resolving issues for the progress of the church cannot be under-estimated. Other members joined the church from Akure after the creation of Ekiti state form the old Ondo State in 1996.

Development

          The land for the church building was acquired at Odo-Ado along Igirigiri Road through the connection of Chief Abolarinde with the Ashamo family in 1980. The foundation was laid in July 1981 through the generous donations from members.

          The church building was dedicated on March 3, 2001. This single church has given birth to other six churches in Ado-Ekiti today and there are two district Headquarters presently in Ado-Ekiti, they are Odo-Ado and Opopogboro respectively.

          It is pertinent to note the contribution of the following people and organziations towards the development and growth of the church in Ado-Ekiti.

          In our desperate effort to complete the church building at Odo-Ado, the church organized a fund-raising ceremony in the year 1993 with Late chief S. A. Olajide as the chairman of the church Building project. Late Prince Julius Adefajo who was chairman of former Ondo State Water Corporation championed the programme by mobilizing his friends and associates in politics for the event.

          Generous donations were received from late chief P. P. Ladapo of Ondo town and Late Senator O. J. Adewumi of Ipoti-Ekiti, the Spring Time Development Foundation, Ede (owned by Dr. Deji Adeleke) donated money for all windows of the church.

Evangelism

          In 1988, a group of believers in the church at Ado-Ekiti, called Christian Soldiers championed evangelism by sending their members to worship with the family of Elder Adelegan at Ikere every Sabbath. This same group played a prominent role through her generous donations towards the church building and also initiated the public evangelism which resulted in the establishment of a Branch Sabbath School at Ijan-Ekiti, in later years.

Pastors that have served the church

1. Pastor Alade, J. A. (pioneer Pastor)
2. Paster Onifade, D. O.
3. Evang. Adeniyi Benjamin
4. Pastor E. A. Adeleye (now Pastor Dr. E. A. Adeleye)
5. Pastor S. D. A. Adelakin
6. Pastor J. A. Dada (the former West Nigeria Mission Secretary who organized the church)
7. Pastor Ajao, M. O.
8. Pastor Atoki R. O.
9. Pastor Adeniyi, E. O.
10. Pastor Oludumila O. A.
11. Pastor Yinka Adeniyi
12. Pastor Obebe, E. O.
13. Pastor Ogundere, F. O.

Challenges: Even though the church has got seven branches, the church is yet to have a good number of Ado-Ekiti indigenes. There is a need for more evangelism program.

Lesson that could be drawn from the history

          The church waxed stronger due to the persevere love of Christ and unity among members not minding the few membership of the initial stage.

  

HISTORY OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, AJILOSUN

ADO-EKITI

WHAT LED TO THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH

          The belief of the church that churches should not be too far from members especially in urban areas where the cost of transportation is very high which usually negatively affects the regular attendance of the church members to services necessitated the establishment of this church.

          In order to minimize these inconveniences, there was a need for a place of worship close to the members around Ajilosun and Ikere Road.          The approval to establish the Church was granted by the mother church, Odo-Ado at a meeting of the church board under the leadership of Pastor E. A. Adeleye. The Action Unit that usually held at Chief S. A. Olajide’s house eventually metamorphosed to a Branch Sabbath School on the 7^th of May, 1998.      

          The first service was held in one of the classrooms of Jonathan Memorial Primary School, Ajilosun where Mrs. B. E. Aburo (a member) was a class teacher. Elder E.O Aburo was appointed as the Elder-in-charge. Services were held there till December 2001 when the church moved to the permanent site.

Foundation members

1. Late Chief S. A. Olajide & family
2. D. K. Ayeni & family
3. David Ajisegbede & family
4. Aina Michael & family (DAKOD)
5. Adaramola Kolawole & family
6. Aburo Ezekiel & family
7. Ayo Arogundade & family
8. Olu Ajayi & family
9. Olarinmoye & family
10. F. F. Owolabi & family
11. Adebiyi & family
12. S. K. Atoki & family
13. Ademola Babalola & family
14. Adeniyi, Femi & family
15. Femi Dada
16. Dr. (Mrs) Adeyanju, M. E.
17. J. A. Ibidunmoye & family
18. Late Madam Funmilayo Deborah Ogunmoye (Mother of Justice Ogunmoye)

The land for the church building was personally donated by Chief S. A. Olajide with the members of his family on 13^th of December 1999 with a hand written letter. I quote,

          When I consider what the Lord has done for me and my family in the past years and especially for saving me from the jaws of death recently, I consider nothing too great a sacrifice for me to do for the Lord.

          Therefore, with a humble heart I donate my plot of land, off Ikere Road, Ajilosun to build a house of worship for the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Ado-Ekiti. (Signed)      

         

This donation bailed the worshipers from constant embarrassment experienced in their previous place of worship.

Church growth

          As the membership increased, the church grew from Branch Sabbath School to a company and through the grace of God, the church was organized on the 10^th of March, 2007.

          The foundation of the church building was laid on the 30^th May, 2000, by Pastor J. M. A. Oyinloye, President of the South West Nigeria Conference with the donor of the land chief S.A Olajide in attendance.

          The pillars were set and supervised by church members through self efforts, while the blocks, roofing sheets etc were willingly donated by the members.

Pastors that have served in the Church:

1.       Pastor Adeleye, E. A.

2.       Pastor Adelakin, S. D. A.

3.       Pastor Aina, S. O.

4.       Pastor J. A. O. Babalola

5.       Pastor J. A. Dada

6.       Pastor M. O. Ajao

7.       Pastor Atoki R. O.

8.       Pastor Adeniyi, E. O.

9.       Pastor Oludumila, A. O.

10.     Pastor Yinka Adeniyi

11.     Pastor Obebe E. O.

12.     Pastor Ogundere F. O.

Challenges

1.       As an organized church, the church should have her own pastor and not to be under the District Pastor any more

2.       We need more of Ado-Ekiti Indigenes in our midst, only one member is a native of Ado in the church.

3.       There is a need for revival and outreach program in order to increase our membership.

Lessons that could be drawn

1.       God owns the church

2.       Spirit of love, unity and willingness to give for God’s work

3.       In unity of purpose, much could be achieved.

THE HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH,

IKERE-EKITI

The knowledge about Seventh-Day Adventist church and the gospel of Jesus Christ’s second coming came to Ikere-Ekiti in late 1950s through Mr. Ogunrinde, an indigene of the town. He attended S.D.A. School of Nursing at Ile-Ife where he received the Adventist message. When he came back to Ikere-Ekiti, he and his family members used his residence as a Sabbath School Centre. Late Pastor Olayemi was the first Pastor to worship with him, followed by Pastor Familusi who was later transferred to Omuo-Ekiti. After his departure, nobody held service with the members again and there was no fellowship centre for a long period of time in Ikere-Ekiti.

Mr Adelegan, J. A. who was working in Lagos, lived with his sister, who got married to an Adventist. From this family, he received and accepted the Adventist faith. He was also baptized into Adventist family in 1986. When he came back from Lagos to settle at home, Ikere-Ekiti, there was no S.D.A Church or Sabbath School centre, where he could worship. But he insisted to hold tight to truth he had known, despite a lot of oppositions, condemnation, ridicles and discouragements from his friends and old church members. He decided to attend church services at Oke-Ijebu, Akure in Ondo State, carrying his family members of four on a motor-cycle. He later changed his membership to S.D.A Church, Ado-Ekiti.

In 1988, a group of Adventist called Christian Soldiers in Ado church considered the risk of the road for Mr Adelegan in coming to Ado Ekiti every Sabbath. A Sabbath School branch was organized at his residence in Ikere-Ekiti and Member of this group were coming to worship with him every Sabbath.

Also in 1988, Mr Alabi, J. A., an Adventist, who had been teaching in one of the secondary schools in Ikere-Ekiti came to the awareness of the Sabbath School centre. His family joined the family of Mr. Adelegan for worship in Mr. Adelegan residence for some years. The two families later approached the headmaster of St. John’s Primary School, Afao-Ikere and requested for a classroom they could use for Sabbath School Centre, which was granted. Elder M. O. Akande, (alias No complaint) was appointed the first Elder in-charge.

          In 1995, Pastor E. A. Adeleye sent three ordained Elders to be incharge of the following churches in Ado district.

- Elder Akinleye O. B. – Ilupeju Ijan Church

- Elder Adeniyi J. A. – Ago –Kajola Church

- Elder Aburo E. O. – Ikere Church

Elder Aburo E. O. took over the leadership of Ikere Church from Elder Akande who had worked for the solid foundation of the church.

          It was during the era of Elder E.O. Aburo as the Elder in-cahrge with the collaboration of church members that two plots of land was acquired for church building on Obe hill at Kajola quarters, Ikere-Ekiti. A Lamb-Shelter was constructed where members worshipped every Sabbath; and annual Harvest thanksgiving services took place there with the support of invited members from Ado-Ekiti Churches. Elder Adeniyi, J.A. (Omo Igbala) was prominent among the volunteers. With the creation of Ekiti-State in 1996, many government workers were posted to Ikere-Ekiti from Akure in Ondo State. Some Adventists among them joined the Sabbath School centre. The earliest notable and highly devoted family was Mr. and Mrs Fasusi J. B. The commitment to duty and spirituality of the whole family strengthened the cooperation among other members, in all church activities.

          Elder Aburo, the Elder in-charge with his leadership style of regular visitations and praying with members and non-members boosted the morale of members.

          In 1998, the Adventist Youth Society held the last joint Youth Camp between South West Nigeria Conference and West Nigeria Conference at the African Church Comprehensive High School (ACCHS), Ikere-Ekiti. After the camp, a three-week open air outreach was conducted by the Village Evangelism crew led by Pastor Tunde Dare and Pastor Samuel Olu Oyalabu at Ekuasa Hall which is the centre area of Ikere-Ekiti. The outreach was sponsored by Dr. Deji Adeleke through Faith of Fathers Ministry from Lagos. It was a successful programme, in which eighty members (80) were baptized, and the majority of them were indigenes of Ikere-Ekiti.

          The large number of converts from the outreach encouraged Dr. Deji Adeleke to purchase a plot of land, and to build a model church with bricks at Ijoka Street, Ikere-Ekiti. But, the supervsiors of the building left after roofing. The church members took over the responsibility of the finishing and completion of the church building up to the present stage.

          Immediately after the successful outreach with the large number of converts, Pastor Obaleye was posted to the church. He took over the leadership from Elder Aburo after managing the affairs of the church for four years.  

Church organization

          The church was organized on the 18^th of August, 2001 under the leadership of the South West Nigeria Conference leaders: Pastor (Dr) J. M. A. Oyinloye, President, Pastor Hakeem Smith, Secretary and Pastor E. A. Adeleye, SS/PM Director, Pastor S. D. A. Adelakin, District Pastor of Ado-Ekiti.

Past Pastors

1. Pastor Olayemi
2. Pastor Familusi J.F
3. Pastor Obaleye
4. Pastor Ore 1999-2001
5. Pastor Aina S.O
6. Pastor Babalola J.A.O
7. Pastor Olatunji J.O
8. Pastor Alabi J.O.
9. Pastor Awojobi K.
10. Pastor Oyewumi (Present Pastor)

CHURCH PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

1.    The church has two plots of land at Obe hill Kajola Afao quarter, Ikere-Ekiti. The survey of the land had been done.

2.   There is a Church Building at Ijoka Street, Ikere-Ekiti with a temporary children department under construction. The initiative of a 3 bed room flat for pastor’s residence was presented by Pastor Alabi, J.A. who started the foundation. The building got to lintel level before his transfer. May the lord bless his church and his people.

HISTORY OF SEVENTH –DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH,

 OKE-ILA, ADO-EKITI

          The Almighty God in His infinite mercy gave an inspiration to the only Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ado-Ekiti to purchase a landed property under the leadership of Pastor E. A. Adeleye as the church pastor and Elder E. O. Aburo as the first Elder. The church purchased 4 plots of land from Alarierin’s family off Oke-Ila/Federal Housing Estate Road at a cost of Sixty thousand naira only (N60,000) in 1995.

          In a move to permanently ward off trespassers it was very pertinent that the church’s presence be registered on the land. Consequently, in one of the meetings of the Ado District Council, in 2008 under the leadership of Pastor D. O. Onifade, it was approved that the Ado-Ekiti District combined service of 15^th of November, 2008 be held on the land. The then South West Nigerian Conference Sabbath-School Director, Pastor E .O. Adeniyi led the combined service. As a result, the new Branch Sabbath School held its first servcie on the land on 22^nd November, 2008 under a small rented canopy. Among the few members who started the Sabbath school branch were the following:

i.        Elder J. A. Adeniyi

ii.       Elder Akinlayo Olajide

iii.      Elder J. A. Ibidunmoye

iv.      Elder S. O. Olaseinde

v.       Elder J. Kolawole ADramola

vi.      Elder D. O. Aina

vii.     Elder Dele Akande

          Elder Allen Alebiosu and some members of his family joined the branch in January 2010.

Elder D. O. Aina was elected as the leader of the new church while Mrs. R. O. Olajide served as the Treasurer and late Deacon Ademola Adefajo was the Church Clerk and Mrs. Olaseinde was the Sabbath School Superintendent.

          As usual with many new branch Sabbath Schools, this branch did not find it easy at its inception. Despite the unfavourable condition, the members persevered and sacrificed to ensure the church’s growth to the present state. The unfavourable conditions under which members worshiped prompted them to think and act fast on the provision of a church building.

To the Glory of the God Almighty, the foundation of the church building was laid by the then South West Nigeria Conference President. Pastor E. A. Adeleye on 8^th March, 2009 and the roofing were completed on 15^th October, 2009. All the structural development of the church building happened under one year of its commencement.

          The Sabbath-School Branch was organized on Saturday 20^th of November, 2010 by the South West Nigeria Conference officials: Pastor Dr. E. A. Adeleye, President and Pastor E. O Adeniyi, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director. Elder D. O. Aina became the 1^st Elder with elder Allen Alebiosu, Akin Olajide, Elder J. Kolawole Adaramola and S.O. Olaseinde as serving elders.

          The baptized members as at February 2013 were 70.

It is important to recognize others who served as District and Church Pastors in Oke-Ila Church. They include:

(i)      Pastor E.O Adeniyi

(ii)     Pastor O.A. Oludumila

(iii)    Pastor A. K. Adeniyi

(iv)    Pastor C. O. Ogah

          To God be the glory            

HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 

IN OMUO DISTRICT

IJERO, OMUO EKITI

Pa Ayanwale was a native of Edugbe quarters in Omuo Ekiti. As a result of tribal war, he left Omuo and later settled at Otun Ekiti where he got married. He was blessed with three children namely- Adegbenle Ayanwale, Jacob Ayantoye and Adeniran.

          When Pa Ayanwale grew old he decided to return to his native town, Omuo Ekiti with his children.

          When they were at Otun Ekiti they had accepted the Adventist faith. They continued to practice the Adventist faith by keeping the Seventh-day Sabbath. This arouse hostility from the Anglican Church (CMS) church members. For this reason, Pa Ayantoye went back to Otun Ekiti to report to Pastor D. B. Alabi and Pastor W. G. Till. The report prompted the above named Pastors to come with Pa Ayantoye to Omuo Ekiti in 1934.

          Pastor W.G. Till preached the gospel to Omuo people while Pastor Alabi interpreted for him. As Pastor Till was preaching, there was heavy cloud as a sign that the rain wanted to fall. One traditional chief came out and boasted that the rain would never fall because they were celebrating traditional festival. He commented that when ever they were celebrating their festival it never rained.

          But Pastor W. G. Till replied affirmatively that the rain would fall. Miraculously, after the preaching, it started to rain from the evening of that day till day break of the following day which was January 1^st, 1935 (1-1-1935).

          Very early the following day the traditional chief came to greet Pastor W. G. Till who told him that “Whenever God wanted to do something, no human being could stop Him”.

          As a result of this public outreach in Omuo, few people accepted the Adventist faith. Notable among them was Pa Daniel Ogunjobi a native of Irun Akoko who released his sitting room which he was using as a Tailoring workshop to be used as fellowship centre.

          As the church was progressing they erected a small hut roofed with thatched leaves in a place called Apole Ijero Omuo.

          In 1952, the Adventist worshipers moved to Ijero Omuo quarters where they are till date. Pa Daniel Ogunjobi told Pastor W. G. Till that he and his wife would join the church fully if High Chief Ajero Ogundana gave his consent for the establishment of Adventist Church in his domain and to release his servant to join the church, because everybody feared him at that time.

          Base on that advice, Pastor D. B. Alabi went to the High Chief to request for his permission for the establishment of the Seventh-day Adventist church in his domain with the release of high Chief’s servant. Ajero Ogundana gave his consent and gave his servant (Idowu Jayeoba) to join the church.

          The first set of notable people who accepted the Adventist faith in Ijero were: Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Ogunjobi, Idowu Jayeoba, Jacob Ayantoye and Adeniran Ayanwale. As the church was progressing, the members of CMS and Catholic churches started hostility against her members. As result of this hostility, high Chief Ogundana sent Daniel Ogunjobi to Pastor Till and Alabi in Otun Ekiti. Pastor D.B Alabi decided to come to Omuo with Daniel because Pastor W.G. Till was away to Kaduna. Unfortunately, Pastor D. B. Alabi could not reach Omuo because they had an accident on a hill called “Oke Agarial” between Itapa and Osin Ekiti.

          Based on that incident, Mr John Kayode was sent to the members of the church in Omuo to narrate the reason, the Pastor could not come to Omuo. John Kayode spent ten days with the members of the church in Omuo and went back to report his experiences to Pastor W.G Till and Pastor Alabi.

          The reports of Mr. John Kayode gladdened the heart of the Pastor and prompted them to send Pastor J.A. Adeogun to Omuo as the first resident Pastor.

          During the camp meeting at Otun in December 1935, the little church sent two (2) delegates late Pa Abraham Apata and Late Sephaniah Adeola who trecked for four days from Omuo to Otun.    

          In 1986, the Ijero Omuo church was organized. It is now the District head-quarters for Omuo District with many churches under it.

          When Pastor Adeogun was transferred in 1944 the following church members followed him to his station. They were:

1.       Late Emmanuel Oludumila

2.       Late Doctor Ademola Omojola

3.       Elder Moses Popoola

Under listed Pastors have served in Ijero Omuo since 1936 till date.

1.       Pastor J. A. Adeogun              -        1936-1944

2.       Pastor T. K. Olufemi

3.       Pastor A. O. Oyinloye             -        Teacher & Pastor 1948

4.       Mr. Emmnuale Abioye            -        Pastor

5.       Pastor J.D Owolabi                 -        Pastor

6.       Mr. Olayinka                          -        Teacher & Pastor

7.       Mr. Awoyemi                         -        Teacher & Pastor

8.       Mr. Owolabi                          -        Teacher & Pastor

9.       Mr. Adeshina                         -        Teacher & Pastor

10.     Mr. Alabi                               -        Teacher & Pastor

11.     Pastor J. F. Familusi               -        1967-1974

12.     Pastor J. A. Alade                   -        1974-1976

13.     Pastor E. A. Adebayo             -        1976-1979

14.     Pastor S. O. Ogungbesan       -        1979-1981

15.     Pastor J. A. Omolewa              -        1981-1985

16.     Pastor S. O. Ogungbesan        -        1985-1988

17.     Pastor Adesina                        -        1988-1991

18.     Pastor Owolabi                       -        1992-1995

19.     Pastor Isola Taiwo (Baba eta) -        1996-1998

20.     Pastor J. O. Ojo                      -        1999-2004

21.     Pastor J. A. Olawumi              -        2004-2008

22.     Pastor S. B. Dada                  -        2008-2012

23.     Pastor E. O. Aina                   -        2012 till date

 

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 2

 IJERO, OMUO EKITI

          Pastor Jeremiah Ojo was transferred to Ijero Adventist Church Omuo Ekiti from Ila Orangun in 1997. During his pastoral visit, he met the Late Mrs. Grace Adetoro Fadumila, nee Ogunsakin, a nursing matron and a devout Adventist, on her sickbed. Seeing her enthusiasm, the Pastor took interest, changed his occasional visit to regular alternate day visitation, praying and reviewing the Sabbath School lessons with her.

          He conducted special service for her on Sabbath days and held the Holy Communion service periodically.

          During these special services Pastor Ojo noticed with dismay, some Adventist member whom he had never seen in the main church, worshipped with this woman. Soon the Pastor found out that those members were hampered with prevalent ailment Lakuregbe (chronic arthritis) and other impediments.

          This motivated the Pastor to plan regular Sabbath School with this woman. To enhance progress, he took the idea of a Branch Sabbath School to the main church and they were happy to approve it.     

          The Sabbath School started with about ten old church members. It was being held in the verandah of the sick woman and later under the whistling pine tree still at the front of the woman’s house.

Pioneer members include:

1.       Late Mrs. Grace Adetoro Fadumila

2.       Chief S. I. Ogunsakin

3.       Chief Daniel Awoniyi

4.       Mrs. K. B. Adeola

5.       Madam Comfort Adeniran

6.       Mrs. Dupe Awolusi

7.       Mrs Rachael Bada

8.       Mrs Adewusi Damilola

9.       Mrs (Abido) Awoniyi Janet

10.     Madam Oyibo Daramola (Iya Ebun)

11.     Madam Oni Bakare

12.     Madam Lydia

          Initial problems like lack of shelter, drizzling, cold or heat according to the weather had to be endured. Worse! The uncontrollable interference of people who stared and gossiped as they scuttled and sauntered along the bypass adjoining the worship area was irritating.

          Most of the members assigned to the new unit were reluctant; some even regarded it as a mushroom church for the sick woman only.

          For many Sabbaths, Chief Daniel Awoniyi came to be the Sabbath School leader until solid arrangement was made that elders were scheduled to officiate at the new church. Mr. S. A. Ilesanmi was the frist diligent elder assigned to nurture the new Branch Sabbath School followed by Elder Isaac Popoola. They laboured enthusiastically as if the original Apostle Peter and Paul were pumping the Holy Ghost into them.

          As situation improved, Late Mrs. Fadumila donated her portion of her parents’ family land for the church. She was a very faithful tithe payer in addition she contributed much amount of money, always eager and wished the building be completed in her life time.

          When the walls were built to the level for roofing, she began to sing her favorite song, “There is no earthy sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” She rejoiced that her dream was one step to fruition and she gave out more money.

          Unfortunately, she did not live to see the church roofed; still a sum of one hundred and thirty eight thousand naira (138,000.00) was donated to the church by her only child, Pastor Segun Oludumila, from his mother’s posthumous earnings.

          Pastor J. A. Olawunmi succeeded the pioneer pastor, J. O. Ojo. He was agile in body and mind. He inaugurated revival services to strengthen the members and attracts new ones.

          However, Pastor Olawunmi took over the challenge to roof the church as he enlisted the help of the mother church, gave himself up as a timber contractor to bring out the wood from the forest. He did all odd jobs to see the church roofed.

          Some families: K. B. Adeola, Popoolas at Akure, Elder M. O. Ale, Chief Ogunsakin, donated roofing sheets, cement and other materials. All other members contributed generously in spite of the circumstances at that time. Eventually the church was roofed and service began in earnest.

          We cannot but acknowledge the kindness of late Mrs. Lucilda Palmer (Aunt Lu) an Adventist from Northampion Church  in London, mother in law of professor Olu Ogunsakin. She sent some amount of money to the elderly women of the church after her visit to Nigeria. Pastor Olawumi gave the little amount to the women in a special service held in her honour.

We also recognize Mr. Sunday Adeniran for his huge support of blocks, cement, generators, foods and donations.

Pastor S. B. Dada came in as Olawumi was transferred to Lagos. Pastor Dada took the church as his foster child. He spent much time, almost every day running up and down for evaluation, direction and modification of the building to completion. He monitored the worship procedures nursing it vigorously to adulthood.

The church was organized in 2014.

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH,

 OMUO-OKE EKITI

Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Omuo Oke started with mere gathering of people who devoted their life time and all what they could for the proclamation of the gospel of Christ in the year 1941.

Mr. Kola Popularly known as Baba Emmanuel, a trader from Otun-Ekiti, was invited by a friend (an herbalist) in Omuo. After six months, he went back to Otun-Ekiti where he brought Samuel Abraham Ola (father to Pastor Dr. J. A. Ola). They were traders.

These group of devoted minded personalities formed a Branch Sabbath School. They gathered every Sabbath to worship. More people from Otun-Ekiti came to join the church through Mr. Kola i.e. Baba Emmanuel”.

These were foundation members of the church: Mr. Kola, Mr. Abraham Ola, Mr. Adebayo, Mr. John Ayaniyi, Bro. Ajide (Baba the Circle), Mr. Jacob Agboola, Mr. Olasehinde Michael, Pa. Daniel Ajiboye, Pa. Agbede Kode, Pa. Julius Oyeyemi, Pa. Kola Adedoyin, Pa. Bayo Elepo, Pa. Aransioluwa, Mr. Aborisade, Pa. Owolabi Elijah, Pastor Alabi was the District Pastor.

Any teacher in Adventist School was made either Sabbath School teacher or the Pastor e.g. Mr. Oyinloye and Mr. Abioye E. O., all lived at Kota in Omuo-Ekiti. The church in Omuo Oke started in a house made with bamboo. In the year 1954, a plot of land was borrowed and shofars were made as seats, there they worshpped every Sabbath. Pastor (Dr.) J. A. Ola came to Omuo Oke for public outreach in the year 1995 of which 118 souls gave their lives to Christ. And they were baptized.

As the population increased, they planned to have a building on a plot they borrowed, when it could no more contain the members, they started to plan for a standard place of worship. To the glory of God, the building project was completed through financial assistance from people e.g. Elder Deji Adeleke, and the defunct South West Nigeria conference. Pastor Jimoh Ibrahim was the church Pastor then, the church was organized in the year 1997 and late Pastor Taiwo Ishola was the District Leader while Pastor Aina E.O. was the church Pastor.

          The list of Pastors below were the people God had used to move the church in Omuo Oke forward.

          Pastor J. D. Owolabi, Pastor S. D. A. Adelakin, Pastor E. O. Aina, Pastor Jimoh Ibrahim, Late Pastor J. O. Ojo, Pastor E. O. Adeoye, Pastor Noah Omoleye, Pastor Seun Ajila, Pastor Akinwande, Pastor Ajibola, S. A. and Pastor Dada S. B. The District Pastors were: Pastor Alabi -1944, Pastor Adeogun - 1946, Pastor Olomojobi - 1950.

Presently, the church comprises of people from Otun-Ekiti and Omuo Oke-Ekiti

Challenges facing the church now are:

1.      No resident pastor for the past years

2.     Money to complete Pastor’s house which had reached roofing     level stage for long.

3.     Financial inadequacy to execute programmes.

The church is moving on under the leadership of Pastor E. O. Aina as District Leader and Elder Ilesanmi, S.A.

Omuooke church is moving forward by the power of God through the leadership of the Holy Spirit as the Lord had been faithful to his children in many ways, due to this, we bless his Holy name (Amen).

THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, ODE-EKITI

To the glory of God and blessing of mankind the seed of Seventh-Day Adventist faith in Ode Ekiti, was sowed and germinated in the year 2004 through the commitment of God’s servants. The team called Voice of Hope in the then South West Nigeria Conference, Akure, led by Pastor E. A. Adeleye (now Dr. Adeleye), was used for this work.

The team came to Ode community to conduct three weeks outreach programme. At the end of the programme, fifty souls were baptized; some of those who were baptized were Madam Owolabi, Rachael Oke, Mr. Kofi Oduro, and Mrs. Lawrence Olayemi. They rented a shop as a place of worship, and these people are still in the church doing well till today.

The first pioneer Pastor appointed to take care of the new converts was Evangelist E. O. Ogunyemi. After him Pastor M. B. Akintola was posted to the church on the 28^th of Aprill, 2005 to 2^nd of November, 2008 while Pastor Alabi, T. A. took over from him till date.

THE OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, IMESI-EKITI

By the help of God, the Seventh-Day Adventist church started in Imesi Ekiti through the relentless effort of the family of Elder & Mrs. Jacob A. Popoola. Mrs. F. M. Popoola was posted to Imesi Ekiti as a health worker in the year, 1999. On getting there, she discovered there was no Adventist Church in the community. Then the family began to study with people around them. Neighbours, co-workers and other categories of people were having Bible study with them; even on Sabbath day, they worshipped together, though this family were the only Adventists in the community.

Not too long, God blessed their effort by having others, Mr. Adeyemi and Popoola Akintayo, strong men in Adventist faith who came together every Sabbath to worship in Mrs. Popoola F. M.’s seating room.

When the number of worshippers increased and the seating room could no longer accommodate them, they went out to hire a classroom at Olufumilayo Nursery and Primary School, Imesi Ekiti, through the assistance of Late Pastor Ojo, who was the District Leader of Omuo District.

An outreach was conducted and some people joined the church. Some of them were: Mrs Adeyemi, Mr. Ade Robinson, Mr. Adejumo. The first evangelist to pioneer the church was Brother Olajide Olatunde now Pastor Olajide Olatunde. The church is still waxing strong in the Lord till today

THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, IKOLE-EKITI

Ikole Ekiti had her first impact of Seventh-Day Adventist Church through Pastor Wilfred George Till, a British, and his team, which included Pastor I. A. Balogun from Ipoti-Ekiti in the early 1930s.

Information gathered from reliable sources referred to an Octogenarian, Mrs. Mary Babarinde popularly known as “Mama Satide” (Mama Saturday) as a foundation member of the church. His Royal Highness, Oba Samuel A. Oluyemi (The Olusin of Usin-Ekiti) confirmed that the church was one time established in Omodowa Street, Ikole-Ekiti in the early 1930’s. Mrs Babarinde, the octogenarian, said the church had a standard primary school in the town. She said some properties of the church including the sign post, hand bell and other church materials were still safely kept in the roof of a house on that street till date. The King, Oba Samuel A. Oluyemi, also conformed that there was a Seventh-Day Adventist Church and School in Ikole town as far back as early 1940’s. Unfortunately both were no more in existence.

It could be assumed that the strong traditional beliefs and practices as well as other prevailing circumstances then prevented Ikole indigenes from getting totally converted or committed to the church and her doctrine except the family of Mrs. Mary Babarinde (Mama Satide).

Church growth

After a lot of challenges, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church returned to Ikole again through Elder Olarewaju (a native of Omuo-Ekiti) and his family on the 21^st of July 2001 when he was posted to the Federal Government College, Ikole Ekiti as a teacher. The activities of the church came to an end again in the year 2007 as a result of the death of Elder Olarewaju. The legacy he left behind was however what the church is building upon till today.

The church came back to life when Mr. Abolaji Joshua Oluwafemi, a born Adventist from Idofin-Odo-Aga in Kwara State was posted to Egbeoba High School as a Teacher in 2008. He and one student teacher, Miss Oluwayemisi Adeniyi (now Mrs Oluwayemisi Aina) who was at that time a new convert into Adventism through her fiancé, Mr Abiodun Aina, and two youth corpers, Gift and Lucky from the Eastern states started the church again with the help of God. Mr Abolaji was able to secure a classroom at Egbeola High School for the group to worship. However, both the student teacher and youth corpers left after completing their programmes leaving only Mr. Abolaji on ground. The arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson (native of Ido-Ile Ekiti) in Ikole Local Government Area boosted Mr. Abolaji’s morale.  They started worshipping together at Egbeoba High School for a while before they changed the place of worship to the Robinson’s residence at Odo-Oro Ekiti (a suburb of Ikole).

Not quite long after, Mr Kehinde Awojobi (a prince from Ikun-Ekiti) and Mr. L. O. Kayode and his family from Epe Ekiti joined the church at Odo-Oro Ekiti.

The church moved from Mr. Robinson’s seating room to a rented shop within the same building because it could no longer contain them. Visitors on short trips or business trips as well as youth corpers regularly joined the members for worship. It was note-worthy to acknowledge a youth corper, Samuel who donated all his state allowance of sixty thousand naira (60,000.00) for a whole year toward the development of the church.

Ikole Church history would not be complete without acknowledging the great impact and contributions of the Adventist Men Organziation (AMO) under the able leadership of Elders J. K. Bamisile, D. O. Aina and O. B. Akinleye. The organization held Ekiti State AMO convention at the Federal Government College Ikole in the year and this again brought the church into lime-light in Ikole-Ekiti. In the year 2012, AMO compelled her members in each district in Ekiti State to send representative to worship in Ikole Church in rotation every Sabbath. One could easily conclude that Ikole church today is a baby of AMO.

Elder Omoyajowo B. I. of Usin-Ekiti in Ikole L.G.A. donated a piece of land for a church building. By the grace of God with spiritual and strong financial support from AMO, the church building project is in progress. The great spiritual and fiancnail support of Pastor D. A. Obaya from our division in Abdjan could not be over-emphasized.

The following people have served as Pastor of the church:

1.       Pastor David O. Aremu

2.       Pastor S. Ajibola (student pastor from Babcock University)

3.       Pastor A. Boboye

4.       Pastor Joshua Omoniyi Afolabi who is the current church Pastor.

Challenges

1.       Lack of stable resident pastor

2.       Completion of place of worship

3.       Lack of enough evangelism e.g. open air crusade etc.

4.       Absence of Ikole indigenes in membership.

          We pray that the Lord continues to take care of His church and increase the members especially with Ikole Indigenes.              

   

THE HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, OPOPOGBOORO DISTRICT, ADO-EKITI

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, OPOPOGBOORO, 

ADO-EKITI

          The urgent need of having a Branch Sabbath School at Opopogbooro area of Ado-Ekiti Township became a reality on the 18^th of June, 1998, when the S.D.A Church, Odo-Ado Board Members at a meeting under the chairmanship of Pastor E. A. Adeleye (Ado-Ekiti Church and District Pastor) voted the establishment of a Branch Sabbath School.

          The Branch Sabbath School commenced on the 20^th of June, 1998 to help address the challenge faced by church members living at Adebayo and Opopogbooro areas who were finding it very difficult to attend weekly programmes as well as the normal Sabbath day service regularly and punctually.

          At the said Church Board meeting, the following members were chosen to serve in the Branch Sabbath School. They were:

(1)     Elder D.F. Ajisegbede    -        Elder –in-charge

(2)     Mrs G. F. Omole           -      Sabbath School Superintendent

(3)     Mrs Kemi Adesina     -    Asst. Sabbath School Superintendent

(4)     Bother Seun AJisegbede  -    Secretary

          The first service of the company was held on Saturday, 20^th of June, 1998 at Prince and Mrs Julius Adefajo’s residence. Elder J. A. Awoniyi, the first Elder, of S. D. A. Church, Odo-Ado delivered the inaugural speech. On attendance on that first Sabbath were forty-nine (49) worshippers, comprising of eight (8) male adults, eleven (11) female adults, sixteen (16) youth members and fourteen (14) children.

          The first three Sabbath services were observed at Prince and Mrs Adefajo’s residence but with improvement in attendance, the place was no longer spacious enough and an alternative place of worship was secured at Ajitadidun for an annual rent of five thousand naira (N5,000.00). The experience there revealed that a church building was urgently needed. With God on the side of the Branch Sabbath, a piece of land for the erection of the church auditorium was secured. The foundation was laid on 16^th of February, 2000 by Pastor S. D. A. Adelakin, the District leader.

          While the church building was in progress, attempt made to renew our tenancy in the rented apartment for another twelve months was faced with frustration. The tenancy was extended for only six months (6) terminating on 31^st December, 2000. When it became apparent that our church building could not be completed by that 31^st December, we had to plead with the landlord who extended the tenancy to the end of March, 2001.

          To our dismay, on Wednesday 24^th of January, 2001, the hall was found Jam-packed with school lockers and chairs of some extra mural students, leaving no space for easy movement. That hindered our mid-week prayer. Consequently, the Sabbath service of 27^th of January, 2001 was held in the neighboring Rhema Church. The situation forced us to move into an uncompleted residential building belonging to Elder & Mrs. Dele Ajibade, a broth to one of our church members. Despite the fact that the place was not all that spacious, we were saved from the embarrassment of not having a place of worship.

          On Thursday, 3^rd May, 2001, the roofing of Opopogboro church auditorium was by the grace of God completed and the first Sabbath worship was observed there on the 12^th of May, 2001.

          ORGANIZATION

          The organization of the church company look place on Saturday 18^th of August, 2001 by officers from the South West Nigeria Conference (S.W.N.C), under the leadership of Pastor Dr J. M. A. Oyinloye. In a miraculous way, indescribable progress took place in the church both physically and spiritually, the pews were constructed and other fittings done through freewill donations of members. Membership of the church grew from forty-Nine (49) in 1998 to one Hundred and fifty (150) in 2008. Two churches already grew out of the church: S. D. A. Church, NOVA and Olorunda/Olorunsogo Churches.

          At this juncture, we appreciate God Almighty for the lives of the Adefajos and the Ajibades and all other church members who made their properties readily available for the progress of God’s work on earth. Their inestimable contributions shall ever remain indelible in the history of Opopogboro church.

          Similarly, it should be remarked that the members were wonderful, dutiful, dedicated and committeed to God’s course. They willingly sacrificed their time, talents and resources to ensure smooth and effective take off/advancement of the church. For instance, Princess Iyabode Olajide did a lot motivating Sabbath School members then to contribute towards the purchase of another parcel of land contiguous to the one earlier bought for the erection of the church building.

          She devised a contributory system later tagged “Voluntary Donation Strategy” through which the church was able to pay for the contiguous parcel of land. The building erected on the said parcel of land had its foundation laid on Sunday, 25^th of February, 2007 by Pastor E. A. Adeleye. The ground floor of the building was initially earmarked as the children Department only, but it now accommodates the Opopogbooro District office as well as the Children Department while the upper floor originally meant to serve as the Pastor’s residence is now being used as the temporary office of Ekiti Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist Church. (To God be the glory).

          The Church Building was dedicated on Saturday 22^nd of March, 2008 by Pastor E. A. Adeleye- the President of SWNC.

Former pastors

1.       Pastor E.A Adeleye                           District Pastor

2.       Pastor S.D.A Adelakin                     District Pastor

3.     Pastor J. A. O. Babalola    - Church Pastor     2002-2004

4.       Pastor Onugha Wen       - Church Pastor     2004-2006

5.       Pastor E.O. Obebe                       Church Pastor               

6.       Pastor D. O. Dada                       Church Pastor

7.       Pastor I. O. A. Osagunna             Church Pastor

8.       Pastor E. O. Obebe                      Church/District Pastor

9.       Pastor O. S. Alofe Current Church/Disttrict Pastor Jan 2014 – June 2017

          May the church of God continue to march forward in the name of Jesus.

THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, IFAKI -EKITI

          The Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ifaki-Ekiti came to being as families affairs as Adventist members worshipped in their different places or residence on Saturdays. On the 5^th day of January, 1991, the families of Elder J.A Agboola and Mrs F. D. Oluwatoba came together to worship of the residence of Elder Agboola. The place of worship then was No12, Imose Street, Ifaki Ekiti. They worshipped at Elder J. A. Agboola’s residence for about two years. The Church was operating under Ayetoro District. Pastors E A Okunlola and Adegbite used to visit the worshippers at Ifaki.

          The Pioneer members were; Elder J. A. Agboola, Mrs D. M. Agboola, Mrs F. D. Oluwatoba, Master Adedoyin Agboola, Alice Ibidun, Master Segun Oluwatoba, Miss Jumoke Tosin, Miss Ponmile Agboola, Miss Sade Oluwatoba, Master Remi Agboola, Master Wunmi Agboola, Miss Joke Agboola, Miss Nike Agboola, and Master Wole Agboola.

          On the 25^th of May 1995, two Pastors came from Ado-Ekiti to visit the church in Ifaki. They were Pastors E. A. Adeleye and Alabi. They advised the members to look for a more suitable place for church activities.

          Elder J. A. Agboola and Pastor J. A. Adesina helped to get one big cocoa store. It was rehabilitated and made fit for worshipping. On 17^th June 1995, five families worshipped together in the new venue and that was the beginning of full worship as Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ifaki-Ekiti.

          The Families in attendance were those of Elder J.A. Agboola, Mrs F. D. Oluwatoba, M. A. Babatunde, Mrs Adetiloro and Pastor J.A Adesina.

          By the special grace of God, the church continued to grow and increase in membership. This made members to look for a more spacious building. The church moved to Mr. Adeosun’s residence along Ifaki/Iworoko Road and later Iwore Town Hall. A retreat was conducted and thirty (30) souls were baptized. As the church continued to grow members decided to look for a plot of land where a church building could be built. After the departure of Pastor J. A. Adesina, two other lay preachers came to Ifaki. They were: Mr M. O. Ajibola (now a Pastor) and Mr S. O. Ogunmola (now an Elder). They both contributed to the growth of Ifaki Church.

          To enable the work of God to continue, Elder Michael Olu-Ajayi was sent from Ado-Ekiti to Ifaki-Ekiti Church and his coming was quite timely. Another person from Ado-Ekiti was Elder Adeniyi who did a lot for the construction of the church building under the supervision of Elder M. Olu-Ajayi

          Elder S. O. Olaseinde, a teacher in Ifaki Methodist Girls High School, was a useful vessel in the hand of God because he contributed immensely to the development of Ifaki Church. National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members also came in each year to worship in the church.

          On the 3^rd of August, 1995, Adventist Women Ministry came in for a retreat at Ifaki while Pastor E. A. Adeleye conducted a weekend revival there on the 10^th of October, 1996. The church had its first baptismal service conducted by Pastor J. O. Wojuade on the 12^th of October, 1996. The three souls baptized were Elder M. A. Babtunde, Mrs D. O. Babatunde and Miss Adenike Agboola. The first harvest thanksgiving of the church took place oon 15^th December, 1996. The Adventist Youth Ministry held their retreat at the Methodist Primary School hall, Ifaki-Ekiti from October 31^st to November 2^nd 1996.

          Ifaki church has steadily continued to grow under the grace of God.

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, OYE EKITI

The Seventh-Day Adventist message came to Oye Ekiti when Pastor Tunde Ojewole held an open air crusade in 1995. There were baptisms and a building of two flats was donated to the church by Mrs. Bamise, (a non Adventist) though in 2001 the building was forcefully taken over by her siblings. The first place of worship was in an uncompleted building.

          In early 1996 the arrival of Pastor Joshua A. Adesina to oversee Oye and Ifaki Churches led to the use of the building donated to the church by Mrs. Bamise. One flat was used as Pastor’s residence and the other as a worship hall. Work started. The pastor’s effort however sowed seed in many hearts and the family of Mr. Adameji Omoniyi, an indigene was won into the fold.

          In October 1996, the creation of Ekiti State brought the family of Mr. Ogunmola, S.O. to Itaji Ekiti.  However, they settled at Ilupeju Ekiti. Ilupeju Ekiti was about four (4) kilometers away from Oye Ekiti.  Mr Ogunmola S. O. and his family always trecked to Oye  Ekiti every Sabbath day to worship, until in late 1997 when Pastor Onaolapo Ajibade, the President West Nigeria Conference, visited Oye and appointed Mr. Ogunmola, S. O. as  volunteer pastor to replace Pastor Adesina J.A. who was to further his education at the Adventist Seminary of West Africa now Babcock University. The departure of  Pastor J. A. Adesina brought Ogunmola’s family to live at the Pastor’s residence.

          In year 2000 when the South West Nigeria Conference took step to rennovate the building donated to the church and to reconstruct the second flat to a church auditorium, Mrs. Bamise’s siblings became violent to the point of removing louver blades, carried away church blocks and even arrested Elder S. O. Ogunmola. Pastor S.D.A Adelakin, the District Pastor took the matter up to the Conference but the Conference authority resoved to let go all matters relating to the building. The Ogunmola’s family had to pack out of the house within a month.

          Worships were held in sitting rooms for years afterwards. Devoted Adventists that were civil servants like Mr. and Mrs. Ajisegbede and NYSC members came and did their best and left but the church remained. In 2010, the presence of Late Elder Bisi Arije as the church leader with his family and the family of Mr. and Mrs. Adeoye was a morale booster. However, the sudden demise of Mrs Dupe Arije and Elder Bisi Arije in 2011 was a hard blow on the church.

          In January 2012, the church worshipped for the first time on her land under an uncompleted lamb shelter. On a visit, Pastor Osaguna was encouraged by the level of development he saw that he appealed to Opopogbooro S.D.A. Church, (the mother church) for assistance. They approved a sum of fifty thousand naira to complete the lamb shelter.

In year 2013, the church began to mould blocks and by year 2015 the members through joint efforts and sacrifice started the church building. The members were never levied but they gave as they were blessed. Through their dedication, sacrifice, love and unity, the church was roofed in year 2016. Thanks to Elder Ogunmola S. O. the Church Leader and Deacon Adeoye P. O. who shouldered the bulk of the work.

Pastor Olona S. O., Mrs Ogunmola M. O., Mrs Adeoye A. R., Mrs Adameji Christianah, and Sister Omopeluola Esan donated generously.  Mr Ekundayo Williams, Mrs Adu A. O., gave as they were blessed.

Elder Olatiilu, Elder Adedoyin and others would always donate their widow’s mite any time they came to worship with us

During Annual Ingathering Services of the Church, members always dedicate their time, money and properties for the work of God.

Today there are five (8) families with fourteen (15) baptized members and about eight (8) children in the church.

Families in Oye Church

1.     Mr Adameji Omoniyi.

2.     Elder Ogunmola S. O.

3.     Mr Adeoye P. O.

4.     Mr Ekundayo W. S.

5.     Mr Adu

6.     Mr Ofori

7.     Mr Omowaye Emmanuel

8.     Mrs Esan Omopeluola.

Pastors that have served in Oye Church

1.     Pastor Adesina Joshua A.

2.     Pastor Ajibola M. O.

3.     Pastor Olona S. O.

Laymen that have served

1.     Late Elder Bisi Arije.

2.     Elder Ogunmola S. O.

Many Corpers have come and left but up till today most of them are still in contact with the church. Among them are:

1.     Mr Akindele

2.     Miss Isaac Maureen

3.     Miss Yusuf  Peace Shalom (Children Teacher)

How Far We Have Gone

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, AAYE EKITI

IDO/OSI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

          Seventh-Day Adventists got the opportunity of establishing the Church in Aaye Ekiti, through Mr. Ajiboye, Femi - a Lecturer at Ekiti State University. Mr Ajiboye was in the house of Elder Babatunde, M. A. where he met Pastor Olona, S. O. There was a discussion concerning one of the beliefs of the Seventh-Day Adventists on the state of the dead. It was this discussion that Mr. Ajiboye Femi embraced. He therefore invited Pastor Olona, S.O to the palace of Oba of Aaye Ekiti, His Highness Oba Theophilus Adegoke. Before this time there was a weekly programme championed by the Deeper Life Bible Church at the palace of Oba of Aaye headed by Mr. Ajiboye Femi.

          Pastor Olona, S.O. was formerly invited to continue the weekly bible studies in the year 2012.

          It was this weekly programme that enabled Opopogbooro District in Ado-Ekiti to conduct an evangelism tagged, “Aaye for Christ” in July, 2013. The evangelism was conducted by Pastor Olakunle E. Obebe, the Sabbath School/Personal Ministries and Evangelism Director of Ekiti Conference, as well as opopogbooro district pastor then. At the end of the outreach (16) sixteen souls were baptized. Other churches that played significant roles at the evangelism were Ido and Ifaki Churches.

          After the crusade, in order to make the effect of the crusade be in the mind of the new souls, Pastor Olajide S.O. was posted to Aaye Ekiti as a pioneer Pastor of the Church.

Other members on ground were:

1.       Taye Osannilusi’s family

2.       Mr. Charles, an NYSC member

3.       Seun

4.       Omolayo Atilola

5.       Kehinde Osannilusi

          For the new church to have a site of her own, a plot of land was bought from Mr. Ajiboye Femi, the same person through whom the church got to Aaye Ekiti in the year 2012.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, IWOROKO EKITI

  The Seventh Day Adventist Church started at Iworoko Ekiti in the year 2003. Before her establishment, Adventist members in Iworoko Ekiti were traveling to Ifaki-Ekiti (a neighouring town, about 9km away) to worship on Sabbath days. On a particular Sabbath, members trekked to Ifaki but on getting to the place of worship, they could not find any member and there was no information about their whereabouts or where the service was holding. They had to treck back to Iworoko and it was along the way that they took a positive decision to have a branch at Iworoko Ekiti.

          They started worshipping at Iworoko in a room in January 2003 with seven members in attendance. About six months later, they moved to Mr. J. A. Akinwumi’s house where they continued to worship in the sitting room.

          Later, some members from Ado-Ekiti were coming to worship with them, especially Elder E. A. Adedoyin and Elder (Dr.) Tunde Omole and their families who contributed immensely to the growth of the church teaching members the right doctrines of the church. With the help of God, Mr J. A. Akinwumi gave a portion of his land to the church on which a small church building has been erected. Members have been worshipping in this church building for the past nine years.

          The foundation members of the church include

1.       Deacon J. B. Akinwumi (now the church leader)

2,    Late Akoni Yinka Akande (died in April 2009) who was the Sabbath School Superintendent 

3.       Miss Funke Akinwumi

4.       Late Madam Beatrice Akinwumi

5.       Miss Kehinde Comfort Akande, now Mrs K. C. Omotoso

6.       Mr Akinwumi Iwalewa-Sabbath School Teacher

7.       Miss Damilola Akinwumi – Sabbath School Superintendent

          The history of the church will not be complete without mentioning some other people whom the Lord had used to contribute to the growth of the church both spiritually and physically. Among them were Elder J. B. Fasusi, Elder David Ajayi (Davies Binder), Deacon Biyi Oyinloye, Mrs. Olanrewaju and their families and many students of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, IYIN EKITI

          A functional Seventh-Day Adventist Church became existent in Iyin Ekiti following the arrival of Mr. Kolawole Abraham Taye from Oke Ila Orangun in Osun State. He was employed by the Ekiti State Local Government service Commission and upon his arrival at Iyin Ekiti, he joined the group of Adventist worshippers at Aramoko Ekiti along with Mr. Akinyemi from Otun-Ekiti.

          However, when he had a family of his own, he began Sabbath worship at his residence in Iyin-Ekiti. The first Sabbath service was held in the living room of his residence, beside the palace of Oluyin in Iyin Ekiti on the 2^nd of May, 2009 with his family totaling four people (i.e. husband, wife and two children). In the year 2010, the families of Mr. and Mrs. Kolawole Tope from Epe Ekiti and Dr. and Mrs. Bakare from Omuo Ekiti swelled up the membership at Iyin Ekiti Church.

          Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, the small group of worshipers embarked on house to house evangelism which afforded them the opportunity to meet with Mr. Ogundugba who is a converted Adventist from Iyin Ekiti. He had relocated to Iyin Ekiti from Oke Bola in Ibadan and has since then been worshipping at our church in Iyin Ekiti with his family.

          Towards the end of year 2011, Opopogbooro Church, under the leadership of Pastor Osagunna took a far-reaching decision to post the Solid Rock Singing group to the church to join them in service every Sabbath. The presence of the group and its associates in Iyin Ekiti Church has recorded a landmark advancement in the activities and the evangelistic efforts of the church. 

          Sabbath service continued at the residence of Mr. Kolawole Taye until January, 2014 when by Divine providence and through the support of Opopogboro Church, the church Iyin was able to secure a better place of worship with an annual rent of N18,000.00.

          The present membership at the church in Iyin Ekiti comprises of the following families: Mr. & Mrs. Kolawole Taye, Mr. & Mrs. Ogundugba (they attend when present in Iyin Ekiti), Mr. & Mrs. Atoki (they switch between Iyin and Igede churches) and the Singing Group visiting from Opopogboro Church in Ado-Ekiti.

          Gratitude to God on behalf of Brother Seyi Dada who sponsored the design of the church’s sign post as well as whose vehicles have been useful in the conveyance of the group from Opopogboro Church to and for Iyin Ekiti.

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, OLORUNDA/OLORUNSOGO, ADO - EKITI

          The idea to establish a Branch Sabbath School at Olorunda area in Ado-Ekiti came up from Pastor Osagunna and it was supported by the following people among others: Elder J. A. Oso, Elder I. O. Olatilu, Elder E. A. Adedoyin, Mrs. R. A. Fatoke, Mr. J. B. Agbetayo, Mrs. V. M. Ojo, Deacon D. A. Afolayan, Mrs V. G. Onipede, Deacon I. K. Ajisegbede, Deacon A. O. Akinwale and Deacon I. O. Omolewa. The suggestion was due to the long distance of member residences from Opopogboro and Nova churches which made it difficult for some members to attend week days programmes regularly.

          The Church Board of Opopogboro met on the 11^th of September, 2011 and voted the establishement of Olorunda Branch Sabbath School under the chairmanship of Pastor

E. O. Adeniyi. Elder (Dr) Tunde Omole was appointed as the Church Leader, Deacon Ajisegbede I. K. as Church Treasurer and Deacon Afolayan, D.A as Sabbath School Superintendent.

          Olorunda Branch Sabbath School was inaugurated on the 7^th of January 2012 by Pastor E. O. Adeniyi, the Ado District Pastor and Sabbath School Director of South West Nigeria Conference at Mrs. R. A. Fatoke’s residence.

Foundation Members

1.       Pastor E. O. Adeniyi – District Pastor

2.       Elder (Dr) Tunde Omole – Church header

3.       Deacon I. O. Omolewa

4.       Mrs. R. A. Fatoke

5.       Mr. Goke Oyewole

6.       Mr. Olabisi Awe

7.       Mrs A. K. Akinwale

8.       Mr Kole Fatoke

Church growth and development

          With the help of God, Olorunda Branch Sabbath School was able to secure two plots of land at Olorunda area along Health Centre Road at a cost of N820,000.00 from late Mr. Isaac Ojo to erect a permanent place of worship. On the 18^th of December, 2012 a lamb shelter was erected on the land to commence worship.

          To God be the glory that the foundation-laying ceremony for the church building was performed on the 27^th of November, 2015 by the Ekiti Conference President, Pastor Oluwafemi Samuel Alofe, the Executive Secretary, Pastor Christopher O. Ogah and Pastor Festus Alabi together with other church members.

          We thank God that generally the members at Olorunda Branch Sabbath School are wonderful people in terms of Unity and cooperation.

          Currently, the church is under the leadership of Elder J. O. Dada and through him, God has been using the members in a miraculous way. Members willingly and dedicatedly sacrificed their time, talents and resources to ensure effective advancement of the church.

          We thank God that Olorounda church was organized on the 21^st of May, 2016 while the members have risen to 35 adults and 23 children.

          The main challenge facing the church today is the completion of the on going church building and a befitting parsonage with drainage around the premises.

  

 

 THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN NOVA,

 ADO- EKITI

          The idea to establish a Branch Sabbath School at Nova area of Ado-Ekiti came up as a result of the rapid growth in the membership of Opopogboro Church and the long distance from that area to Opopogboro.

          In September 2008, the church Board of Opopogboro under the chairmanship of Pastor David Dada in one of its meetings voted and approved a Branch Sabbath School for NOVA. The first worship took place on October 4^th, 2008 under a rented canopy at the premises of Elder and Mrs. Kunle Adesina. There were twenty-five members (fifteen adults and ten children) in attendance that day. Subsequent worship services continued in the Adesina’s premises until a lamb shelter that could take about 60 people was erected.

          On the 20^th of June, 2009, the branch Sabbath School was formally inaugurated by Pastor E. O. Adeniyi. In October, 2009, 2 plots of land were purchased for one million naira (1,000,000.00) as the permanent site. Pastor E. A. Adeleye (the Conference President) laid the foundation of the church auditorium on April 25^th, 2010 while church services continued under the lamb shelter until December, 2010 when the church relocated to the Church building under construction.

          The church was organized on May 28^th, 2011 with a membership of 65.

The following pastors have served in the church

1. David O Dada                          2008 - 2009
2. I. O. A. Osagunna                    2009 – 2012
3. O. E. Obebe                             2012 – 2015
4. Festus Iyiola Alabi                   2015 to date

To God be the glory

RESTORATION HILL, SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, BASIRI, ADO- EKITI

          Restoration Hill came to existence on July 1, 2006 by inspiration from God. It was initiated through the group then known as Covenant Generation which started sometimes in 2001.

          This group comprised members of Seventh Day Adventist Church in the then Ado District which included:

Foundation members

Elder James Abayomi Oso (now Pastor Dr. Oso) as the leader

Deacon Banjo Ezekiel Abolarin

Miss Adeola Adefajo (now Dr. Mrs. Oso)

Miss Jumoke Komolafe (now Mrs Jumoke Ogunrinde)

Sister Yemi Abolarinde (Treasurer)

Bro Bukola Awoniyi (Secretary)

Elder Deji Dada

Miss Joke Adeniyi

Miss Kemi Ayeni

Miss Funke Ibijola (now Mrs Abolarin)

Mrs Kemi Aseperi

Bro Bayo Omodan

Miss Folasade Adeniran (now Mrs. Oso)

Sis Fisola Ajibaye

Miss Yetunde Alebiosu (now Mrs. Makanjuola)

Mr. Ajisegbede Seun

Miss Ayo Falade (now Mrs Adesina)

Miss Gbemi Aina

Reason for the establishment

          They were young and vibrant members that came together with no other mission but to spread the gospel. The group considered herself to be an ambassador of God and was able to contribute immensely towards evangelism.

          In 2006, the group came together in conjunction with Victory Sanctuary of Seventh Day Adventist Church, and prayerfully agreed to establish an Outreach of the SDA church with the intention of fulfilling the Mission of the World Church using the most effective means and with a vision of making Jesus real to people.

          The church was officially inaugurated with ministrations from Pastor Kayode Arigbede and Pastor Grillo from the old South West Nigeria Conference on July 1, 2006 at the residence of Late Elder D. O. Babajide in Basiri, Ado-Ekiti.

Church growth

          The residence served as the first and temporary place of worship and the outreach began to grow in strength and membership to the glory of God. Other families that started the branch were Elder & Mrs. D. O. Babajide, Elder & Mrs. S. K. Dada, Mr & Mrs. Arowosegbe, Deacon & Mrs M. D. Babalola, Mr & Mrs. G. O. Oni, Mrs. Deborah Faleye and others that may not be remembered due to shortness of human memory and not in any way to disregard any one.

          As a sign of progress, in August 2006, the followship moved from Late Elder Babajide’s residence to a rented aparptment at Paradise Estate beside the current ECO Bank Plc along the State Secretariat Road, Ado-Ekiti. As at the time the church moved, the membership was about 50. The church embarked on various teachings, including the Bible School in order to equip the members for mission. The church purchased three plots of land along New Iyin/INEC Road upon which the church is currently located. The property was located through a link from late Elder S. K. Dada during the time the fellowship just started and by implication had no money to procure land. It is good to note that during one of the visits of our brethren from Victory Sanctuary in 2006, the church was encouraged to possess the land by faith.

          Consequently, the team with the Restoration Hill members went up to the land and prayed for its possession. Even though for sometime after the prayer, the Church was not able to gather enough money to pay for the land, but no one came to buy the land as well. With the help of God, as at the time the money for the land was ready, the owner of the land was amazed because no one came to negotiate for the land, despite the strategic location of the property.

          In December 2009, the fellowship decided to go up to the land and began our services even though there was no building on it. For several worship days, we made use of canopies for our Sabbath worship and weekly services. The idea then was that instead of paying rent for another year, we should move believing that God would make a way. By his grace, the construction of the temporary building started with late Elder S.K. Dada as the leader of the project team.

          Through the amazing grace of God, the church has experienced much development since its inception. One of the major testimonies of the church was the birth of another outreach named Calvary outreach under the vision 2020 programme organized by Victory Sanctuary Seventh Day Adventist Church.

          While we are thanking God for what he has done so far, we still remain focused and committed to our vision of Making Jesus Real to the people”. We believe the task is enormous but that with the help of the Lord God Almighty we shall not derail but remain steadfast and sure even while the billows may roll.

Thank you.

HISTORY OF THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 

OTUN DISTRICT

THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH I, ELETI, OTUN EKITI

In 1922, Pastor I. A. Balogun was sent to Otun Ekiti to preach the Adventist message. He preached the message to the neighouring communities, and the king on the throne was His Roral Majesty, Oba Ariyowaye, the Oore of Otun.

          On arrival, Pastor Balogun lodged in the house of Mr. Alabi Odo Oja, Otun Ekiti. He met a peer group get together meeting hosted by David Ajayi Erinfolami, a younger brother to Mr. Alabi. They were discussing relevant issues as palm wine was served round and Pastor Balogun was warmly received as he too was served a cup of palm wine. He held on to the cup for a while and as the Holy Spirit directed, he addressed the group on the issue of Adventism and how they can read and write as well as study the Bible starting with ABDEF… (Alawiye/Olope).

          The group was overwhelmingly happy about the Pastor’s teaching and many of them were unaware as Pastor Balogun cleverly handed back the cup of palm wine to the next person sitting close to him. Pastor Balogun scheduled himself for regular lectures shuttling Otun to Ipoti, teaching them how to read ABD Alawiye and continued to instill Adventists Doctrine in them.

          Pa David Ajayi Erinfolami (then a young man) eventually became the first to memorize a quotation taught by Pastor Balogun. It goes thus: “Jesu Omo Olorun, Jesu Olugbala, gba mi la, dari ese mi ji mi, fi ona re han mi” (i.e. “Jesus, Son of God, Jesus the Saviour, save me, forgive my sins, show me thy way”).  Pa Erinfolami eventually became the anchor man to gather the people every 18 days (usual meeting time) pending the arrival of Pastor Balogun, and he also was the middle man that consulted with HRM Oba Ariyowaye the Kabiyesi that donated land for church use. Thus Adventist Church took off at Otun in 1923. Among those that were studying with Pastor Balogun were the following elderly people like Alabi (his Landlord), Adewumi of Idofin, Olaloti of Odo Oja, Ogunleye of Odo Oja and others. We also have the following young ones among them like David Ajayi Erinfolami, Joseph Fadeyi and others. Majority of those mentioned above had served as elders in the church in Otun Ekiti.

          Another set of people that followed those mentioned above who also accepted the Seventh-Day Adventist Church message included Robinson Abolarin Ajayi, Asunmatiku, Jacob Aina of Ilaro, Aina (Abilomu), James Dada Oke Epe and many others. Among the women that accepted Adventist faith were: Ajayi Fayori of Amututu, Omolewo Adebayo of Inisa, Adegbenle and Egberongbe of Ilotin. After sometimes, other women also joined the church.

The first mission house was built in 1924 at oke Omi Eleti for the pioneer pastor, Late Pastor Isaiah Balogun between 1923 and 1924. Other mission house was bult at Orita Oke Eju behind the border of Aragan now known as (Araromi in Otun Ekiti). The mission house here was meant to house both the white missionaires and teachers of the Central School which replaced the Sao Central School. The mission house along Oke Eju was very spacious and the place was used as worship centre until the first church building was completed in 1926. The first baptism took place in 1926. Those that got baptized were James Ajayi, John Obebe, Robinson Abolarin, Samuel Jegede and Joseph Ayegbusi. As the church continued to expand, the first church building could no longer contain the members. The need to build a bigger church necessitated the invitation of Chief Dada, the Odofin of Ipoti Ekiti by Late Elder Daniel Olomojobi for the roofing of the second church. It must be noted that corrugated iron sheet was used to roof the second church. No amount was charged for the roofing work.

          The political riot that started in 1912 which led to the burning of many houses in Otun Ekiti in 1914 affected the existing Anglican (CMS) Church. This means there was no Christian Church in Otun Ekiti until 1922 when Pastor Balogun brought the Adventist message to Otun. CMS later resurfaced in 1936. They had their church building at Oke Ilero. The Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) came to Otun the same year. After some years the church kept expanding and there was a need to have a bigger and beautiful church in Otun Ekiti. That was how the present church building came into being which at present is the biggest Adventist Church in Moba land. SDA Church Eleti was organized in 1954.

          In addition to the Seventh – Day Church at Omi Eleti which is the District headquarters, four other churches have been established in Otun Ekiti; each having her own church buildings, namely: Inisa, Imayan, Araromi and Oluwatedo. This is a result of the success recorded in evangelism in the town. The four churches that grew out of Eleti have all being organized. We give glory to God today that the Adventist Church in Otun Ekiti had grown beyond the dream of Pastor I. A. Balogun. The church attach much importance to education, this was the reason why a number of schools were established in Otun Ekiti by the early missionaries. The church asked for land that could be used to build school from Oore Ariyowaye who gave to the church Oke Ogba in Oke Omi Eju. The two missionaries that started this school project were: Mr. J. E. Borgeaurd and Pastor W. G. Till who came from Sao. The school building project and staff quarters were completed in March 1924 and the mission house in June the same year. The following schools were established in Otun Ekiti by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church mission.

SDA Central School                         -        1924

Teacher Training College                  -        1955

Secondary Modern School                -        1958

          All these schools are history now but the church established Adventist Comprehensive High School, Otun Ekiti in 1999 which is still waxing strong.

          The Presence of these schools had brought a lot of development to Otun Ekiti Community as many products of these schools have become prominent people in our society today. Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Otun Ekiti has also produced prominent leaders of the church who have served the church in various capacities, among them were: Late Pastor Dr. D. T. Agboola, the first Education Secretary of the defunct Nigeria Union Mission, Pastor Dr. Joseph Adebisi Ola, the longest serving Union President (1995-2010), Pastor Professor J. M. Ajibade Oyinloye, the pioneer President of the former South West Nigeria Conference (1998 – 2001), Pastor (Dr.) E. O. Adeniyi, the Pioneer President of Lagos Mainland Conference, Just to mention a few.

          It is very important to note that through the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Otun Ekiti, the Adventist message has spread to every nook and crannies of Moba Land.

          The Church in Otun Ekiti has been served by the following Pastors:

1.       Pastor I. A. Balogun                         -                  1922-1933

2.       Pastor D. B. Alabi                            -                  1933-1936

3.       Evang. D. Atolagbe                           -                  1936-1940

4.       Pastor J. B. Oriola                           -                  1941-1954

5.       Pastor J. A. Adeogun                        -                  1954-1955

6.       Pastor J. E. Adewoye                        -                  1955-1956

7.       Pastor J. A. Adeogun                        -                  1957-1958

8.       Pastor J. O. Olomojobi                     -                  1958-1962

9.       Pastor S. A. Majolagbe                     -                  1963-1965

10.     Pastor E. O. Akintunde                     -                  1966-1969

11.     Evang. J. A. Fatunbi                         -                  1989-1970

12.     Pastor E. O. Akintunde                     -                  1970-1971

13.     Pastor D. K. Omoleye                       -                  1971-1973

14.     Pastor I. O. Adewusi                         -                  1973-1975

15.     Pastor A. F. Oloyede                        -                  1975-1984

16.     Pastor J. A. Alade                            -                  1984-1986

17.     Pastor F. Fadare                               -                  1986-1987

18.     Pastor J. A. Fatunbi                          -                  1987-1992

19.     Pastor M. O. Ajao                             -                  1992-1997

20.     Pastor J. A. Dada                            -                  1997-1998

21.     Pastor A. A. Elusode                        -                  1998-1999

22.     Pastor B. K. Ogundeji                       -                  1999-2001

23.     Pastor D. O. Onifade                        -                  2001-2008

24.     Pastor T. O. Olaoye                      -               2008-April 2014

25.     Pastor O. A Oludumila                     -         April 2014 till date

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVNETIST CHURCH, 

OKE INISA OTUN-EKITI

The genesis of Seventh Day Adventist Church, Oke Inisa was as a result of the following:

1.    Seventh-Day Adventist Church I (Eleti) the only Church in Otun, was full beyond its capacity and the need to plant another church became necessary.

2.    There were lots of old men and women that could not trek the long distance from Inisa to the church any longer.

3.    There were so many backsliding members among Inisa Seventh Day Adventist members and they needed to be revived

4.   Decision was taken at the headquarters of the West Nigeria Conference to encourage members to worship closer to their houses.

          For these reasons, the church at the Conference level sent Evangelist Job Adeyanju to Inisa church for revival programme.

          In his house to house reawakening Bible Studies, Home fellowships, visitations, many backslidden members were revived. With this achievement, they decided to gather at late Elder T. A. Osasona’s house to worship for the first time on May 23^rd, 1987. Those that attended, experienced the outpouring of Holy Spirit. They worked hard among themselves, spreading the news of a new beginning. More people trooped out on the next Sabbath to the extent that the space could not accomdate them. Joyous as it was then, Elder D. D. Adeleye released his workshop for the third church service on the 6^th of June, 1987.

          Within a short time, the members commenced working to become an organized church. They decided to look for a permanent site. Because all the members were united and filled with selfless spirit, Pa David Dada Adedoyin to the Inisa family for the purchase of the land. Immediately, the church arranged and purchased the land. Under the able and dedicated leadership of Late Elder D. Ajibade and Late Pastor J. A. Fatunbi, they applied for Church Organization from the West Nigeria Conference at Ibadan. The Conference President, Pastor D. O. Babalola with his team came to Inisa Church for organization on the 23^rd of April, 1988. The following three people were chosen to be the necleus (foundation) members of the church

1.       Pa Elder D. Ajibade

2.       Elder D. D. Adeleye

3.       Elder D. O. Jayeola

          One after the other about 100 baptised members were voted to the fellowship of Inisa Seventh Day Adventist Church. Few among them are: Pa Joseph Agboola, Madam Florence Wuraola Aremu, Madam Comfort Adepoju, F.A. Osasona, James Olaleye Ajibabi, Asake Olajide, J. K. Adedoyin, Dada Ogunyemi, Madam Ajibade, Daniel Ogunyemi, Serah Adedoyin, Madam Osafunmi Awoyinka, Alagba Jayeola Joseph, Adeoye Adekanye, Ogunleye Ale Falana Oladipo, Adeoye Osasona, Adedun Adeniran, Rotimi Adedoyin.

          The foundation of the first church building was laid on February 7^th 1993. Members pulled their resources together and within a few years, the building was completed and the first service was held in the new church building. The journey was so sweet, fulfilling and progressive due to selfless spirit that reigned among members. Incredible but true, God has blessed the members both at home and diaspora that on June 16^th, 2015 a foundation of a cathedral worth N30m.  Right now the work had reached roofing level. The committee members below are in charge of the building to see to the on-going project. They are: Pastor Aremu, J. O., Elder Onifade, J. O. and Mrs Olajide Bolatito. May God continue to remember, bless and favour all his chosen, anointed and dedicated member that have been assisting the work and services of His work at Inisa.

          We lost some that were so illustrious to us by death some of which were as follows:

Pioneers members

Pa D. Ajibade, James Olaleye, J. K. Adedoyin, Dada Ogunyemi, D. O. Ogunyemi, Mrs Wuraola Aremu, Asake Olajide, Mrs Ajibabi.

          We believe when Jesus shall come, we who living shall be joined with them as the risen ones finally to separate no more. Many children were born while we are expecting more. Many marriages solemnized in this church. Yearly more souls are added to the church by baptism, transfer of membership and profession of faith. We glorify God for the growth. We are indebted to followings Pastors: F. O. Fadare, J. A. Fatunbi, M. O. Ajao; J. A. Dada A. A. Elusode, B. K. Ogundeji D. O. Onifade, T. O. Olaoye, O. A. Oludumila, J. O. Aremu, James Adeoye, Late J. F. Familusi, Elder J. P. Babalola and Deacon T. F. Omotoso.

          They were dedicated servants of God, may God take pre-eminence in their families (Amen).

Acknowledgements:

          Elder Ephraim Ajibade, Professor Ebun Atolagbe, Sunday Ajibade, and Mr. Bolarinde Ojo

         

      HISTORY OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVNETIST CHURCH IMAYAN OTUN-EKITI

OTUN DISTRICT

          The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Imayan Otun Ekiti was founded in April, 1988 after an open air crusade conducted by Pastor Fatunbi, the District Pastor. The two-week crusade was conducted in front of Late Elder N. F. Aina’s house. Twenty-five (25) souls were baptized. The group began a Branch Sabbath School branch at Elder J. A. Aina’s house (IMOPE) and after eight (8) years, they moved to Mama Arije’s house where they worshiped for six (6) months before they moved to their permanent site.

Foundation

          The foundation members were: Madam Comfort Bamidele Aina, Madam Alice Aina (Iya Oyinade), Alice Oyinloye Agbeke, Tomori Aina, Mrs. Daramola from Oke Iladun, Aweru Abegunde, Madam Faponle Adeyemi, Madam Ebe Olawumi, Osasona Oyinade, Mrs. Deborah Iranlade, Olajide Omowumi Abegunde, Elder Atejioye, Elder Afolayan James from Imoya, the families of Ogunleye, Adeoye, Afolayan from Oke Epe, Elder J. A. Aina, Seriki Sunday, Oladiipo, Pa Oyerinde, Elder Idowu and others.

          For the permanent site to be in place, Late Elder Dr. N. F. Aina and Late J.A. Atejioye struggled to have a plot of land around Otun Library but because of late payment we lost the site. The two elders did not stop there but continued the search until they purchased four plots where the church is today.

Organization

          The church was organized in the year, 1998 by Pastor Onaolapo Ajibade, the President of former West Nigeria Conference (W.N.C), Ibadan.

After the organization, Late Elder J. A. Atejioye was elected the first elder while the serving elders were: J. A. Idowu and J. A. Aina.

The church building was erected without levying any member. Elder Atejioye, Elder Dr. N. F. Aina and Mrs Ogunleye G. T. went round to solict for financial assistance. Those that assisted then were Dr. Deji Adeleke (from Ede), Mr. Ogunleye (Emiloju), Late Senator Kolawole.

We can not but mention the part played by late Senator Kolawole Olagunju in the development of the church. He single handedly financed the flooring and the painting of the church, he also contributed immensely in the electrification project of the church. He also contributed his own quota towards the new church building before his death.

          He would forever be remembered.

          To the glory of God, S.D.A. Church Imayan is growing and it shall continue to grow spiritually and physically in Jesus name.

    

  

THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH ARAROMI, 

OTUN EKITI,

Preamble:

          Seventh-Day Adventist Church Araromi Otun Ekiti came into being as a result of a two-week effort conducted by Pastor B. K Ogundeji in the year, 2001. The two weeks public outreach brought five souls into the church: this helped to motivate the members living in the area to start a fellowship centre at the Seventh-day Adventist Primary School, Ilero Araromi, Otun Ekiti. Majority of the present members migrated from Eleti Church even though we also have some from Inisa Church. What could be figured out of this group of people was the zeal to expand the work of God in Otun-Ekiti.

Inauguration:

          Araromi Church was inaugurated on the 27^th of January, 2001 by Pastors B. K. Ogundeji and A. A. Elusode. The Church started with 33 members, some of who are: Pa Olasehinde, Late Mrs. Alice Abiola, Elder J. A. Omolabi, Elder M. Adeoye, Deacon J. O. Adeleye, Abodunde and others. They used the Seventh-day Adventist Primary School Ilero Araromi, Otun Ekiti for a period of time, after which the school’s head kicked against the continue use of the school as a worship centre.

          The church later moved to Elder Moses Adeoye’s new house at Ilero, Araromi, Otun Ekiti. It was this house the church used until they moved to the new church building. The first pioneering leader was Elder J. A. Omolabi and Later Elder M. Adeoye took over from him.

Permanent site:

          It took the church members a lot of efforts to secure a permanent site for the church. Two plots of land were bought by the church at Odo Ira, Otun Ekiti but when it was discovered that the place was not conspicuous enough, the church decided to look for a new place through the effort of His Royal Majesty, the Oore of Moba Land, Oba James Adedapo Popoola and Late Justice J. Babalola, the church was able to secure the present site. The foundation of the church was laid by Pastor D. O. Onifade on behalf of the President of the South West Nigeria Conference on the 10^th of January, 2006.

          The funding of the church building project was through donations from both church members, groups and inidviduals.  Some notable among them are: Oore Adedapo Popoola, Otun Adventists in the U. S. A coordinated by Elder Dele Ajibade, the former South West Nigeria Conference, and the West Central Africa Division (WAD) that donated one million and eight hundred thousand naira (N1.8 million) to the church through the efforts and influence of the immediate past President of the defunct North Western Nigeria Union Mission, Pastor Dr. J. A. Ola and the incumbent President, Pastor Dr. Oyeleke Owolabi. We cannot forget the contribution of Pastor Professor J. M. A. Oyinloye both financially and morally to the church. It is the donations that has been used to develop the church project to the present level.

          The church moved to the new building on November 13^th, 2010. The first service held in the church was led out by the Church/District Pastor, T. O. Olaoye.

Evangelism and baptism

          Through many revival programmes conducted in the church and Small Groups activities; many souls have been baptized into the church. The church now has 118 members.

Stewardship

          A lot has been done to make sure that the church is financially viable, through training and revivals conducted by Pastor T. O. Olaoye.

Church leadership

          We thank God on behalf of those that God has been using to lead out in the church activities in the Past; at present the church has a lot of capable hands that can hold responsible position in the church

          The following Pastors have served in the church namely: B. K. Ogundeji 2001-2002, D. O. Onifade 2002-2008 and T. O. Olaoye from 2008-2014, Aremu Yemisi, January –December 2015 and O. A. Oludumila January 2016 till date. The Church organization was done on the 11^th of August, 2012 by Pastor Dr. E. A Adeleye. The finishing work is ongoing on the church building project.

THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH OLUWATEDO, 

OTUN - EKITI

          Oluwatedo Church came into existence after a three week joint Elder’s and Pastors outreach which started with a week door to door visitations, prayers, and tracts distribution from November 15 to 22, 2014 and concluded with two weeks open air outreach from November 22 to December 6, 2014 led by Pastor O. A. Oludumila. The outreach was done at Late Pa. Johnson Afolayan’s Compound, Ogbon Isao behind Ayoolu Hotel. Many souls were baptized. Oluwatedo Branch Sabbath School started on the 13th of December, 2014 at Pastor and Mrs. E. O. Aina’s house in Otun-Ekiti with sixty four members. The Church has moved to the permanent site on the 12^th of December, 2015 with a spacious lamb shelter and hopefully the building will soon be completed.

Foundation members

          The Otun District Council meeting held on December 7^th, 2015 appointed Elder Isaac Oni as the Church Leader and Deacon Niyi Olajide as Financial Secretary, Mrs. Funso Bankole as Sabbath School Secretary. The pioneer member is Pa. Johnson Afolayan. The first Harvest Thanksgiving was held on December 20^th, 2015.

          The foundation of Oluwatedo Church was laid by Pastor O. A. Oludumila on the 24^th of March, 2016.

          The church organization took place on September 10^th, 2016. The church organization was presided over by Pastor Olufemi S. Alofe, President, Ekiti Conference of S.D.A.

Challenge

          The church building is under construction

Appreciation

          The contribution of Oba Oladele Adedapo Popoola in securing the land on which the church is built is highly appreciated. It is also note worthy that the following also contributed to the progress of the church, Pastors O. A. Oludumila and E. O. Aina

Conclusion

          We thank God that His Church at Oluwatedo is progressing and we believe that very soon, we will complete the church building. We pray that as we are expecting the second coming of Christ, we shall go to heaven with him when He comes. (Amen).

          NOTABLE PIONEERS

• 1.     PA. ISAIAH AINA BALOGUN
• 2.     HRM OBA ARIYOWAYE, THE OORE OF OTUN
• 3.     LATE FOLA ABOLARINDE
• 4.     ELDER J. A. ADENIYI
• 5.     PA DANIEL OGUNJOBI

EKITI CONFERENCE INSTITUTIONS

• 1.     Adventist Nursery and Primary School located at Oke-Ila     Church, Housing Road, Ado-Ekiti.
• 2.    Advanced Nursery and Primary School located at Otun-Ekiti, Ekiti Church.
• 3. Adventist Comprehensive High School, Otun-Ekiti along OmuAran Road.

END NOTES

• 1.     Centenary Celebration Programme Booklet of Ekiti Conference 2014
• 2.     Centenary Celebration Programme Booklet of Ekiti Conference 2015
• 3.     The history records of the Churches in Ekiti Conference of            Seventh-Day Adventist.
• 4.     Oral interview with Elder E.O. Omotoso from Ipoti.
• 5.     Oral interview with Elder J. A. Adeniyi (Ado-Ekiti)
• 6.     The history of OORE OTUN and MOBA by D. A. Atolagbe (MAY 10, 1991).
• 7.     Elder S.A. Ilesanmi Omuo-Ekiti (Oral Interview)
• 8.     Ekiti Conference Inauguration and First Constituency Session,      November 15-17, 2012.