By Ajao Stephen
The Oginni Dynasty of Ogbomoso has laid to rest their revered patriarch, Late Pastor Josiah Adegbola Adepoju, in a dignified and heartfelt ceremony that drew dignitaries, family members, friends, and sympathisers from across Nigeria and beyond.
The final rites began with a Christian Wake held in Ogbomoso, where attendees gathered to honour the life and enduring legacy of the man fondly remembered as a humble servant of God, a devoted family man, and a symbol of resilience.
“A Call to Godliness”
In a moving sermon titled “Flee from the Second Death”, Rev’d Sunday Abiodun Ajibowu, Minister in Charge of Ayo-Igbala Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, urged the congregation to emulate Christ and pursue eternal values. He noted that the tributes rendered at the wake testified to a life well-lived in faith and humility, adding that Pa Adepoju’s peaceful passing on Thursday, June 12, 2025, was evidence of divine rest.
Tributes of Legacy and Virtue
The deceased’s younger sister, Mrs. Comfort Moradeke Jacobs, recounted her brother’s unwavering faith and moral discipline.
“Brother Adegbola was a man of prayer and deep integrity. Despite lacking formal education, he taught himself English and spent his old age reading the Bible and biographies of Christian heroes. His contented and godly lifestyle is a legacy we cherish.”
She shared how his Christian devotion led him to correspond with a white missionary couple in the U.S. in the 1970s, who sent him tracts and magazines—evidence of his global Christian connections.
Mr. Debo Adepoju, a nephew based in Maryland, USA, described his uncle as a bridge between generations.
“His passing marks the end of an era. He was the last of the Adepoju Esan lineage—our anchor, a symbol of strength and dignity. We are not broken by his death; instead, we are challenged to uphold the family legacy with love, unity, and resilience.”
Timothy Adepoju Onijesun, one of his sons, painted a poignant picture of his father’s gentleness in adversity.
“I have never met a man as meek and humble as you. Though little known here on earth, I am certain that heaven rejoiced at your arrival. You were a man of prayer whose devotion to the word of God continues to inspire us.”
Another son, Sunday Adepoju, emphasized the significance of their father’s departure:
“Baami’s journey was marked by battles from an early age—first after the death of his father in 1946, and later during his years in Ghana. Despite all odds, he stood firm in faith and humility. His departure is not just personal loss but the close of a chapter in our family’s history.”
A Life of Service, Humility, and Devotion
Born around 1940 into the prominent Adepoju Àkàngbé Esan family of Oginni Compound, Osupa Area, Ogbomoso, Pa Josiah Adegbola Adepoju experienced the hardship of early loss, having lost his father at the age of six. He was raised by his maternal grandfather, Late Pa Ogundeji, alongside his siblings.
In 1957, he moved to the then-Gold Coast (now Ghana), where he worked under the guidance of his aunt, Late Madam Adeboyin. Despite lacking formal education, he attended night school and became fluent in English—testament to his dedication to self-improvement.
He joined the Church of the Lord (Aladura) in Ghana, and upon his return to Nigeria in 1969—following Ghana’s “Aliens Compliance Order”—he continued his service in the same denomination. A committed church worker, he rose to become a deacon and was eventually anointed as a pastor.
A farmer by trade, Pastor Adegbola was known for his prayer life and quiet discipline. He married Deaconess Elizabeth Abemu Adepoju, and their union was blessed with children and grandchildren who now carry his legacy forward.
A Farewell Befitting a Life Well Lived
The burial rites, which culminated in his interment in Ogbomoso, witnessed a remarkable turnout of sympathisers, including:
Mrs. Comfort Moradeke Jacobs, Bible Baptist Church, Ilorin, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Abogunrin, USA, Rev’d & Mrs. Seyi Abigael Babalola, Mrs. Abiodun Awe, Dr. Samuel Oke Ogunniyi, Polytechnic Librarian, Staff and students of The Polytechnic, Ibadan and LAUTECH, Representatives of Senator Abdul-Fatai Buhari, Hon. George Ogunlade and Hon. Taofeek Salawu, Chairman and, Vice Chairman of Ogbomoso North LG, Prof. Raphael Afonja, former Oyo State Commissioner, Mr. Fatai Adiyeloja, retired NTA Deputy Director, Mr. Sayo Alagbe, Publisher of Scoopchase Online, Prince Adegbile Adeomi, A4 Concept Mr. Adewuyi Adegbite, Columnist and Historian, Staff from Royal International Group of Schools and Alaafia Basic School, Ogbomoso
Their collective presence underlined the esteem in which Pastor Adegbola was held and the far-reaching influence of his life.
As the Oginni Dynasty closes this chapter, the family expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during their time of grief.
Late Pastor Josiah Adegbola Adepoju is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, nephews, nieces, and a host of relatives and spiritual children. His memory remains a beacon of faith, humility, and enduring strength
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