Our History
From humble beginnings in a barber's shop to a thriving community of faith.
OUR STORY
THE BEGINNING: A VISION PLANTED BY GOD
In mid-1969, the Holy Spirit stirred the heart of Mr. Timothy Adebayo Adewuyi, Financial Secretary of Gateway Baptist Church, Sango, to establish a gospel outpost in the Samonda-Agbowo area of Ibadan. This was no small undertaking because Agbowo was a growing university community hungry for spiritual guidance, but there was no Baptist witness in the area.
Mr. Adewuyi reached out to Mr. Timothy Adetola Ogundeji Ojo (now Deacon), then a Cashier at Zion Chemist, Orita U.I., and a faithful member of Salem Baptist Church, Yemetu. Together, these two Timothys; men of faith and vision, began to pray and plan.
Gateway Baptist Church, though supportive, lacked the resources to mother a new preaching station. So the vision was brought to Salem Baptist Church, Yemetu, led by Revd. E. A. Adelaiye. Salem responded with an enthusiastic “yes,” provided two conditions were met: sufficient people to start the church, and a suitable meeting space.
God provided both.
NOVEMBER 23, 1969: THE FIRST SERVICE
On a historic Sunday morning, November 23, 1969, the first worship service of what would become Ajegunle Baptist Church was held in a humble barber/tailor’s shop in Agbowo.
Deacon G. O. Ogunsola of Salem Baptist Church conducted the service. Thirty-three (33) worshippers gathered; 19 from Salem Baptist Church and 14 from the Agbowo-Samonda community. Among those pioneering 14 were:
- Mr. T. A. Adewuyi
- Mr. T. A. O. Ojo
- Mr. S. O. Olaniran
- Mr. Joshua Ogbenege
- Mr. John Ojelade
- Mr. S. A. Adebayo
- Mrs. F. Amos
- Mrs. F. Ogbenege
- Mrs. A. Adebayo
- Ms. Serifatu Adewuyi
- Four children
Deacon A. O. Okewusi of Salem Baptist Church read the Scriptures (Genesis 28:10-22; Mark 16:15-18). The offering collected that morning was £2:8:8d (Two pounds, eight shillings, and eight pence), equivalent to ₦4.87, a small financial seed that would grow into a mighty harvest.
That barber’s shop became sacred ground, a place where heaven met earth, where the gospel took root in Agbowo soil.
THE EARLY YEARS: GROWTH AMID CHALLENGES (1969-1973)
First Sunday School: December 28, 1969
Just over a month after the inaugural service, the church held its first Sunday School on December 28, 1969. The offering collected was 2 shillings, 2 pence (21 kobo), a mustard seed of faith from which the ministry would flourish.
First Evening Service: July 5, 1970
The church expanded its ministry rhythm with its first evening service on July 5, 1970, attended by 13 worshippers. Slowly but surely, the church was establishing spiritual rhythms of worship, teaching, and fellowship.
A Temporary Shed: 1970-1972
By late 1970, the barber’s shop was no longer adequate. With the assistance of Salem Baptist Church, a temporary shed was constructed and served as the church’s home from 1970 to 1972.
Rapid Growth Through Witnessing: 1971-1973
Between 1971 and 1973, something beautiful happened. The church experienced rapid membership growth, not through marketing campaigns or programmes, but through faithful witnessing. Members shared the good news of Jesus Christ with their neighbours in Samonda and Agbowo, and people responded.
This was organic, Spirit-driven growth; the kind that transforms communities.
A TRIAL OF FAITH: THE 1971 POLICE INCIDENT
In 1971, the young church faced an unexpected test. Despite paying ground rent faithfully, the landlord threatened the congregation during a Sunday morning service. A policeman arrived to arrest Mr. G. A. Odekunle, the preacher that day, accusing the church of trespassing.
But God had positioned the right person in the right place at the right time.
Deacon G. O. Ogunsola of Salem Baptist Church, who was also a Magistrate, was present. He ordered the policeman out of the church, and the service continued. After worship, church members went to the University of Ibadan Police Post to answer the summons. When documents proving payment of ground rent were presented, all charges were dropped, and the members were released.
This incident could have scattered the young congregation, but instead, it strengthened their resolve. God was with them, and no weapon formed against them would prosper.
FAITHFUL PREACHERS AND SHEPHERDS (1969-1973)
During these formative years, various faithful men of God preached and pastored the congregation, including:
- Deacon G. O. Ogunsola
- Deacon S. O. Babatunde
- Deacon A. O. Okewusi
- Mr. G. A. Odekunle
- Mr. T. A. Adewuyi
- Revd. E. A. Adelaiye
- Revd. Dr. W. R. Ola Ojo
- Revd. Leftwish
- Pa. R. A. Awujoola
These men laid a foundation of biblical teaching and godly leadership that continues to bear fruit today.
THE SEARCH FOR A PERMANENT HOME (1973-1974)
By late 1973, it became clear the church needed a permanent home. God began to open doors.
The First Attempt: January 14, 1974
The church approached Baba S. B. Ogun, owner of the land on which Mobil Petrol Station is now sitting, about purchasing property measuring approximately 200 by 150 feet. His asking price: ₦12,000.
The church had less than ₦1,000 in the treasury.
Undeterred, church leaders wrote letters requesting assistance or loans to:
- Nigerian Baptist Convention
- Ibadan Baptist Association
- Three sister churches
The Nigerian Baptist Convention regretted not being able to provide a loan. But God had another plan.
Divine Connections: Dr. J. T. Ayorinde’s Intervention
Late Dr. J. T. Ayorinde, then General Secretary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, became an angel to the struggling church. Though the Convention could not help officially, Dr. Ayorinde personally connected the church with Nigerian Acceptances Limited for a ₦10,000 loan.
He then contacted Deacon Gamaliel O. Onosode, Chairman of Nigerian Acceptances, who favourably considered the church’s application. While waiting for loan approval, Dr. Ayorinde arranged for the Baptist Foreign Mission of Nigeria to release ₦10,000 as a bridging loan.
Additionally, on February 27, 1974, First Baptist Church, Idikan sent ₦1,000 in aid.
To God be the glory for these faithful benefactors!
A Shocking Twist
When the church presented the ₦12,000 to Baba S. B. Ogun, he shocked everyone by announcing he would only sell half the negotiated land (200 by 75 feet) for the same price. The church deemed this unfair and declined the purchase.
The ₦10,000 was immediately refunded to the Baptist Foreign Mission.
God had a better plan.
GOD’S PROVISION: THE CURRENT SITE (1974)
The church then rented the current site from Mr. Mosobalaje Ojo at an annual rent of ₦25.
But God’s plan was ownership, not perpetual renting.
A Night in Military Detention
The path to purchasing the property was not smooth. One evening, Messrs. Adewuyi and Odekunle visited Mr. Mosobalaje Ojo at his Mapo residence to negotiate the sale. Due to a military curfew imposed after a government change, they could not return home that night and were detained overnight by military officers at the Secretariat area.
Even this obstacle didn’t stop them.
Victory at Last
After a series of disputes and negotiations, the land was eventually purchased, and the church secured its permanent home—the very site where we worship today.
HONOURING OUR HEROES OF FAITH
We sincerely appreciate those whose sacrificial efforts made our establishment, development, and sustenance possible in the early years:
Nigerian Baptist Convention Leaders:
- Late Revd. Dr. J. T. Ayorinde – Our champion who connected us to resources
- Late Deacon Ogunniyi
- Late Revd. S. O. O. Oyaniyi
University of Ibadan Advocates:
- Professor J. T. Okedara
- Professor (Mrs.) C. O. Okedara
Salem Baptist Church Leaders:
- Late Deacon A. O. Okewusi
- Revd. E. A. Adelaiye
Financial Benefactors:
- Deacon and Deaconess Gamaliel O. Onosode (Nigerian Acceptances)
- First Baptist Church, Idikan, Ibadan
Founding Members and Supporters:
- Mr. M. B. O. Ajagbe
- Mr. Okanlawon
- Mr. I. O. Opatola
- Mrs. C. Ajagha
- And many others
We pray that God rewards them with goodness and fulfillment of His purposes in their lives, both in this life and eternity.
DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES
1975: A DECISIVE YEAR
The year 1975 marked a turning point in the church’s history. A passionate debate arose: Should the church call a trained, full-time pastor now, or wait?
Arguments on both sides were heated. Some members even volunteered to personally pay the pastor’s salary. The Executive Committee voted, and the result was a tie. The Church Leader and Secretary hadn’t voted yet.
When the Secretary cast the deciding vote, he voted against immediate pastoral appointment. The decision was made: the church would work toward calling a full-time pastor by the end of 1979.
On February 17, 1975, a seven-member committee was established to work on church organization. The church was formally organized on July 4, 1976, a day of celebration and new beginnings.
MAY 19, 1975: PURCHASE OF THE ORGAN
On May 5, 1975, the church decided to purchase an organ before the first Song Service scheduled for May 25, 1975. The organ was purchased on May 19, 1975, for ₦332.
The inaugural Song Service was held on May 25, 1975, under the chairmanship of Deacon J. L. Ladipo (of blessed memory). Since then, Song Services have become a cherished annual tradition, celebrating God’s faithfulness through music and testimony.
DECEMBER 8, 1975: BUILDING FUND LAUNCHED
The Church Building Fund was launched on December 8, 1975. A total of ₦1,313.75 was collected, a significant sum that demonstrated the congregation’s commitment to building a house of worship.
The foundation of the church building was laid on April 24, 1976. Since then, there have been multiple phases of restructuring and expansion, bringing us to the facility we enjoy today.
1977-1979: CONSTITUTION AND BYE-LAWS
On April 25, 1977, a seven-member committee was established under the chairmanship of Mr. A. M. Okunade to draft the church constitution. Mr. I. A. Akinleye (now Revd.) served as secretary.
The constitution was approved by the Church-in-Conference in January 1979, providing a biblical and organizational framework for governance.
The constitution has been reviewed three times since then (1989, 2003, and 2009) to ensure it remains relevant and faithful to Scripture.
PARTNERSHIP AND MISSION
Joining the Baptist Family: 1974
On the advice of Deacon A. O. Okewusi and with the blessing of Salem Baptist Church, Ajegunle Baptist Church became a member of the Ibadan Baptist Association in 1974.
Since then, we have been active members of:
- Ibadan Baptist Association
- Ibadan North Baptist Association
- Champion Baptist Association (currently)
We have faithfully supported evangelical, financial, social, and spiritual initiatives at the associational level, and we are proud cooperating members of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
Church Planting: 1991
In 1991, Ajegunle Baptist Church joined three other churches, Omowole, Alaafia-Oluwa, and Shallom Baptist Churches, to co-found Arulogun Baptist Preaching Station (now known as Imole Oluwa Baptist Church, Arulogun).
This preaching station was later adopted by Ibadan North Baptist Association and is now under Champion Association. This reflects our commitment to the Great Commission and church multiplication.
TODAY: CONTINUING THE VISION
Five decades have passed since that first service in a barber’s shop. From 33 worshippers to hundreds, from a rented shed to a beautiful facility, from uncertainty to stability, God has been faithful.
But our story is not just about buildings or numbers. It’s about transformed lives. It’s about students finding Christ at UI. It’s about families being restored. It’s about young people discovering their calling. It’s about a community experiencing the love of God.
The vision of those two Timothys, Timothy Adebayo Adewuyi and Timothy Adetola Ogundeji Ojo, still burns brightly today:
“To build Godly people who choose to win by righteousness.”
This is not just our history. This is our heritage. This is our calling.
And by God’s grace, we will continue this mission for generations to come.
ÌTÀN WA
ÌBẸ̀RẸ̀: ÌRÍ-AYÉ TÍ ỌLỌ́RUN GBÌN
Ní àárín ọdún 1969, Ẹ̀mí Mímọ́ ru ọkàn Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Timothy Adebayo Adewuyi, Akọ̀wé Owó ti Ìjọ́ Gateway Baptist, Sango, láti dá ibùdó ìhìnrere kan sílẹ̀ ní agbègbè Samonda-Agbowo ní Ìbàdàn. Èyí kò jẹ́ iṣẹ́ kékeré torí pé Agbowo jẹ́ agbègbè ilé ẹ̀kọ́ yunifásítì tí ó ń dàgbà tí ó ń wá ìtọ́sọ́nà ti ẹ̀mí, ṣùgbọ́n kò sí ìjẹ́rìí ijo Onítẹ̀bọmi ní agbègbè náà.
Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Adewuyi kàn sí Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Timothy Adetola Ogundeji Ojo (Díakonì báyìí), tí ó jẹ́ Akọ́wé Owó ní Zion Chemist, Orita U.I., tí ó sì jẹ́ ọmọ ìjọ́ olóòtítọ́ ní Ìjọ́ Onítẹ̀bọmi Salem, Yemetu. Pápọ̀, àwọn Timothy méjèèjì yìí; ọkùnrin tí ó ní ìgbàgbọ́ àti ìran, bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí í gbàdúrà àti ṣètò.
Ìjọ́ onítẹ̀bọmi Gateway, bí ó tilẹ̀ ṣe àtìlẹ́yìn, kò ní agbára láti bí ìjọ́ tuntun. Torí náà, a gbé ìran náà lọ sí Ìjọ́ onítẹ̀bọmi Salem, Yemetu, lábẹ́ Pásítọ̀ E. A. Adelaiye. Salem dáhùn pẹ̀lú “bẹ́ẹ̀ni” tí ó kún fún ìtara, pẹ̀lú àwọn àdéhùn méjì: àwọn ènìyàn tó tó láti bẹ̀rẹ̀ ìjọ́, àti ibi tó yẹ fún ìpàdé.
Ọlọ́run pèsè méjèèjì.
NOVEMBER 23, 1969: ÌSÌN ÀKỌ́KỌ́
Ní òwúrọ̀ Ọjọ́ Ìsinmí tó ṣe pàtàkì kan, November 23, 1969, ìsìn ìjọ́sìn àkọ́kọ́ ti ohun tí yóò di Ìjọ́ Ajegunle Baptist wáyé ní ilé onígerun/aranṣọ̀ ní Agbowo.
Díakonì G. O. Ogunsola ti Ìjọ́ onítẹ̀bọmi Salem ṣe amójútó ìsìn náà. Àwọn olùsìn mẹ́tàlélọ́gbọ̀n (33) péjọ; mọkandilogun (19) láti Ìjọ́ Salem Baptist àti mẹrinla (14) láti agbègbè Agbowo-Samonda. Lára àwọn akọ́kọ́ mẹ́rìnlá yẹn ni:
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni T. A. Adewuyi
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni T. A. O. Ojo
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni S. O. Olaniran
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Joshua Ogbenege
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni John Ojelade
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni S. A. Adebayo
- Ìyáfin F. Amos
- Ìyáfin F. Ogbenege
- Ìyáfin A. Adebayo
- Ọmọbìnrin Serifatu Adewuyi
- Àwọn ọmọdé mẹ́rin
Díakonì A. O. Okewusi ti Ìjọ́ onítẹ̀bọmi Salem ka Ìwé Mímọ́ (Genesis 28:10-22; Mark 16:15-18). Ọrẹ tí a kojọ ní òwúrọ̀ yẹn jẹ́ £2:8:8d (Pọ́únù méjì, ṣílíìnì mẹ́jọ, àti pénsì mẹ́jọ), tó bá ₦4.87 dọ́gba, irúgbìn owó kékeré tí yóò dàgbà di ìkórè ńlá.
Ilé onígerun yẹn di ilẹ̀ mímọ́, ibi tí ọ̀run ti pàdé ayé, níbi tí ìhìnrere gbé tan ìmọ́lẹ̀ sí ilẹ̀ Agbowo.
ÀWỌN ỌDÚN ÌBẸ̀RẸ̀: ÌDÀGBÀSÓKÈ LÁÁÁRÍN ÀWỌN ÌDÁSÍLẸ̀KO (1969-1973)
Ìlé-ìwé Ọjọ́ Ìsinmí Àkọ́kọ́: December 28, 1969
Ní ìwọ̀n bí oṣù kan lẹ́yìn ìsìn àkọ́kọ́, ìjọ́ ṣe Ìlé-ìwé Ọjọ́ Ìsinmí àkọ́kọ́ rẹ̀ ní December 28, 1969. Ọrẹ tí a kojọ jẹ́ 2 ṣílíìnì, 2 pénsì (21 kóbó), irúgbìn ìgbàgbọ́ kékeré tí iṣẹ́ ìhìnrere yóò ti sọ̀rọ̀ jáde.
Ìsìn Àṣálẹ́ Àkọ́kọ́: July 5, 1970
Ìjọ́ fẹ̀ iṣẹ́ ìhìnrere rẹ̀ sí i pẹ̀lú ìsìn àṣálẹ́ àkọ́kọ́ rẹ̀ ní July 5, 1970, tí àwọn olùsìn metala (13) wá sí. Díẹ̀díẹ̀ ṣùgbọ́n dájúdájú, ìjọ́ ń fi ìdí ìlànà ìsìn, ẹ̀kọ́, àti ìdàpọ̀ mulẹ̀.
Àgọ́ Ìgbà Díẹ̀: 1970-1972
Ní ìparí 1970, ilé onígbárí kò tó mọ́. Pẹ̀lú ìrànwọ́ Ìjọ́ onítẹ̀bọmi Salem, wọ́n kọ́ àgọ́ ìgbà díẹ̀ kan tí ó sì jẹ́ ilé ìjọ́ láti 1970 sí 1972.
Ìdàgbàsókè Kíákíá Nípasẹ̀ Ìjẹ́rìí: 1971-1973
Láàárín 1971 àti 1973, ohun meremere kan ṣẹlẹ̀. Ìjọ́ ní ìdàgbàsókè kíákíá nínú iye ọmọ ìjọ́, kìí ṣe nípasẹ̀ ètò tàbí ìpolongo, ṣùgbọ́n nípasẹ̀ ìjẹ́rìí olóòtítọ́. Àwọn ọmọ ìjọ́ sọ ìhìnrere ti Jesu Kristi fún àwọn aládùúgbò wọn ní Samonda àti Agbowo, àwọn ènìyàn sì dáhùn.
Èyí jẹ́ ìdàgbàsókè àdáyébá, ti Ẹ̀mí-Mímọ́ ń darí; irú tí ń yí àwọn agbègbè padà.
ÌDÁNWÒ ÌGBÀGBỌ́: ÌṢẸ̀LẸ̀ ỌLỌ́PÀÁ 1971
Ní 1971, ìjọ́ ọ̀dọ́ yìí kojú ìdánwò àìrètìí kan. Bí ó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé wọ́n ń san owó ìwọ̀lé ilẹ̀ lóòtítọ́, onílé halẹ̀ sí ìjọ́sìn lákokò ìsìn òwúrọ̀ Ọjọ́ Ìsinmí. Ọlọ́pàá kan dé láti mu Ọ̀gbẹ́ni G. A. Odekunle, ẹni tí ó ń wàásù lọ́jọ́ yẹn, wọ́n sì fi ẹ̀sùn kàn ìjọ́ pé wọ́n wọ ilé lọ́fíìfà.
Ṣùgbọ́n Ọlọ́run ti gbe ènìyàn tó yẹ sí ipò tó yẹ ní àkókò tó yẹ.
Díakonì G. O. Ogunsola ti Ìjọ́ onítẹ̀bọmi Salem, tí ó tún jẹ́ Adájọ́, wà níbẹ̀. Ó pàṣẹ fún ọlọ́pàá náà láti jáde kúrò nínú ìjọ́, ìsìn sì tẹ̀síwájú. Lẹ́yìn ìjọ́sìn, àwọn ọmọ ìjọ́ lọ sí ilé-iṣẹ́ ọlọ́pàá Yunifásítì Ìbàdàn láti dáhùn ìpè náà. Nígbà tí wọ́n fi àwọn ìwé tó fihàn pé wọ́n ti san owó ìwọ̀lé ilẹ̀ hàn, wọ́n da gbogbo ẹ̀sùn nu, wọ́n sì dá àwọn ọmọ ìjọ́ sílẹ̀.
Ìṣẹ̀lẹ̀ yìí kò tú ìjọ́ ọ̀dọ́ náà ká, dípò bẹ́ẹ̀, ó mú ìpinnu wọn lágbára. Ọlọ́run wà pẹ̀lú wọn, kò sì sí ohun ìjà tí wọ́n ṣe sí wọn tí yóò ṣe déédé.
ÀWỌN ONÍWÀÁSÙ ÀTI OLÙṢỌ́-ÀGÙNTÀN OLÓÒTÍTỌ́ (1969-1973)
Ní àkókò ìdásílẹ̀ wọ̀nyí, ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ ọkùnrin olóòtítọ́ ti Ọlọ́run wàásù àti ṣe olùṣọ́-àgùntàn fún ìjọ́sìn, pẹ̀lú:
- Díakonì G. O. Ogunsola
- Díakonì S. O. Babatunde
- Díakonì A. O. Okewusi
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni G. A. Odekunle
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni T. A. Adewuyi
- Pàsitọ́ E. A. Adelaiye
- Pàsitọ́ Dókítà W. R. Ola Ojo
- Pàsitọ́ Leftwish
- Bàbá R. A. Awujoola
Àwọn ọkùnrin wọ̀nyí fi ìdí ẹ̀kọ́ Bíbélì àti ìdarí ọlọ́run-bìbẹ̀rù tí ó ń so èso títí di òní.
WÍWÁ ILÉ TÍTẸ̀DÁNÍ (1973-1974)
Ní ìparí 1973, ó di mímọ̀ pé ìjọ́ náà nílò ilé tírẹ̀. Ọlọ́run bẹ̀rẹ̀ sí í ṣí àwọn ìlẹ̀kùn.
Ìgbìyànjú Àkọ́kọ́: January 14, 1974
Ìjọ́ kàn sí Bàbá S. B. Ogun, ẹni tó ní ilẹ̀ ibi tí Pétíróòlù Mobil gbé wà báyìí, nípa rírà ilẹ̀ tó tó ìwọ̀n 200 x 150 fíìtì. Iye owó tó béèrè: ₦12,000.
Ìjọ́ ní ìwọ̀n kéré jù ₦1,000 nínú ilé-ìfowópamọ́.
Láìdààmú, àwọn olórí ìjọ́ kọ àwọn lẹ́tà tó béèrè fún ìrànwọ́ tàbí yáwòó sí:
- Àjo Nla Ijo Onitebomi ni Nàìjíríà
- Àjo ipinle Ijo Onitebomi ni Ibadan.
- Àwọn ìjọ́ onítẹ̀bọmi mẹ́ta ni agbegbe
Àjo Nla Ijo Onitebomi Nàìjíríà sọ pé àwọn kò lè pèsè iyáwòó. Ṣùgbọ́n Ọlọ́run ní èrò míràn.
Àsopọ̀ Ọlọ́run: Ìlọ́wọ́sí Dókítà J. T. Ayorinde
(Oloogbe) Dókítà J. T. Ayorinde (Akọ̀wé Àgbà Àjo Nla Ijo Onitebomi ni Nàìjíríà nígbà náà), di angẹli sí ìjọ́ tí ó ńi ipenija. Bí ó tilẹ̀ jẹ́ pé Àpapọ̀ náà kò lè ran wọn lọ́wọ́ lọ́nà fifi owo sile, Dókítà Ayorinde ṣe àsopọ̀ ìjọ́ náà lọ́dọ̀ Nigerian Acceptances Limited fún iyáwòó ₦10,000.
Ó sì kàn sí Díakonì Gamaliel O. Onosode, Alága Nigerian Acceptances, tí ó rò nípá ìbéèrè ìjọ́ náà dáradára. Nígbà tí wọ́n ń dúró fún ìfọwọ́sí yáwòó, Dókítà Ayorinde ṣètò fún Baptist Foreign Mission ni Nàìjíríà láti tu ₦10,000 sílẹ̀ gẹ́gẹ́ bí iyáwòó ìgbà díẹ̀.
Síwájú sí i, ní February 27, 1974, Ìjọ́ Onitebomi Akoko, Idikan fi ₦1,000 ránṣẹ́ bí ìrànwọ́.
Kí a fi ògo fún Ọlọ́run fún àwọn olùrànlọ́wọ́ olóòtítọ́ wọ̀nyí!
Ìyàlẹ́nu Ńlá
Nígbà tí ìjọ́ fi ₦12,000 hàn sí Bàbá S. B. Ogun, ó yà gbogbo ènìyàn lẹ́nu nípa kíkéde pé òun yóò ta ìdajì ilẹ̀ tí wọ́n ti ṣèdéédé rẹ̀ (200 x 75 fíìtì) fún iye owó kannáà. Ìjọ́ rò pé èyí kò tọ́, wọ́n sì kọ̀ láti ra ilẹ̀ náà.
Wọ́n dá ₦10,000 náà padà sí Baptist Foreign Mission lẹ́sẹ̀kẹsẹ̀.
Ọlọ́run ní èrò tó dára jù.
ÌPÈSÈ ỌLỌ́RUN: IBÌ TÍ A WÀ BÁYÌÍ (1974)
Ìjọ́ náà lẹ́yìn náà ya ibì tí a wà báyìí láti ọ̀dọ̀ Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Mosobalaje Ojo ní owó ìyalo ọdún ₦25.
Ṣùgbọ́n èrò Ọlọ́run ni kí ìjọ́ ní ilẹ̀ náà, kìí ṣe láti máa yalè títí.
Òru Nínú Àtìmọ́lé Ológun
Ọ̀nà tí wọ́n gbà rà ilẹ̀ náà kò rọrùn. Ní àṣálẹ́ ọjọ́ kan, Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Adewuyi àti Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Odekunle lọ sí ilé Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Mosobalaje Ojo ní Mapo láti sọ̀rọ̀ nípa títa ilẹ̀ náà. Torí pé ìjọba ti fi ofin konleogbele sílẹ̀ lẹ́yìn àyípadà ìjọba, wọn kò lè padà sí ilé ní òru yẹn, àwọn ológun sì dá wọn dúró ní agbègbè Secretariat fún òru.
Kódà ìdíwọ́ yìí kò dá wọn dúró.
Ìṣẹ́gun Nípari
Lẹ́yìn ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ ìjiyàn àti ìjíròrò, wọ́n ra ilẹ̀ náà nípari, ìjọ́ sì gba ilé títẹ̀dání rẹ̀—ibì gan-an tí a ti ń sìn sí lónìí.
ỌLÁ FÚN ÀWỌN AKỌNI ÌGBÀGBỌ́ WA
A dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ àwọn tí ìsapá rírú ẹbọ wọn mú kí ìdásílẹ̀, ìdàgbàsókè, àti àtìlẹ́yìn wa ṣe é ṣe ní àwọn ọdún ìbẹ̀rẹ̀:
Àwọn Olórí Àpapọ̀ Baptist Nàìjíríà:
- (Oloogbe) Pàstọ́ Dókítà J. T. Ayorinde – Akọni wa tí ó so wa pọ̀ mọ́ àwọn ohun èlò
- (Oloogbe) Díakonì Ogunniyi
- (Oloogbe) Pàstọ́ S. O. O. Oyaniyi
Àwọn Agbẹnusọ Yunifásítì Ìbàdàn:
- Ojogbon J. T. Okedara
- Ojogbon (Ìyá) C. O. Okedara
Àwọn Olórí Ìjọ́ Onitebomi Salem:
- Díakonì A. O. Okewusi tó kú
- Pàstọ́ E. A. Adelaiye
Àwọn Olùrànlọ́wọ́ Owó:
- Díakonì àti Díakonìsi Gamaliel O. Onosode (Nigerian Acceptances)
- Ìjọ́ First Baptist, Idikan, Ìbàdàn
Àwọn Ọmọ Ìjọ́ Àkọ́kọ́ àti Olùrànlọ́wọ́:
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni M. B. O. Ajagbe
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni Okanlawon
- Ọ̀gbẹ́ni I. O. Opatola
- Ìyá C. Ajagha
- Àti ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ àwọn míràn
A gbàdúrà pé Ọlọ́run yóò san ẹ̀san oore fún wọn àti ìmúṣẹ ète rẹ̀ nínú ìgbésí ayé wọn, nínú ìgbésí ayé yìí àti àìnípẹ̀kun.
ÀWỌN ILÉ-IṢẸ́ ÌDÀGBÀSÓKÈ
1975: ỌDÚN ÌPINNU
Ọdún 1975 jẹ́ àmì ìyípadà nínú ìtàn ìjọ́. Àríyànjiyàn tó kún fún ìtara dìde: Ṣé ìjọ́ yẹ kí ó pè pàstọ́ tí a ti kọ́ níṣẹ́, tó sì ń ṣiṣẹ́ ní kíkún báyìí, tàbí kí a dúró?
Àríyànjiyàn ní ẹ̀gbẹ́ méjèèjì gbóná púpọ̀. Àwọn ọmọ ìjọ́ kan kódà ṣe àṣẹ láti san owó-oṣù pàstọ́ fúnra wọn. Ìgbìmọ̀ Ètò dìbò, èsì sì jẹ́ dọ́gbadọ́gba. Olórí Ìjọ́ àti Akọ̀wé kò tíì dìbò.
Nígbà tí Akọ̀wé da ìdìbò tó ń ṣe ìpinnu, ó dìbò sí àtakò pípè pàstọ́ lẹ́sẹ̀kẹsẹ̀. Ìpinnu ti parí: ìjọ́ yóò ṣiṣẹ́ láti pè pàstọ́ tó ń ṣiṣẹ́ ní kíkún ní ìparí 1979.
Ní February 17, 1975, wọ́n dá ìgbìmọ̀ ọmọ méje sílẹ̀ láti ṣiṣẹ́ lórí ètò ìjọ́. Wọ́n ṣètò ìjọ́ ní ọ̀nà òfíṣíàlì ní July 4, 1976, ọjọ́ àjọyọ̀ àti ìbẹ̀rẹ̀ tuntun.
MAY 19, 1975: RÍRÀ ÒGÁ (ORGAN)
Ní May 5, 1975, ìjọ́ pinnu láti ra ohun elo orin (organ) ṣáájú Ìsìn Orin àkọ́kọ́ tí a ti ṣètò fún May 25, 1975. Wọ́n ra òrígà náà ní May 19, 1975, fún ₦332.
Ìsìn Orin ìbẹ̀rẹ̀ wáyé ní May 25, 1975, lábẹ́ ìdarí (Oloogbe) Díakonì J. L. Ladipo. Láti ìgbà náà, Ìsìn Orin ti di àṣà ọdọọdún tí a nífẹ̀ẹ́ sí, tí a fi ń ṣe àjọyọ̀ òtítọ́ Ọlọ́run nípasẹ̀ orin àti ẹ̀rí.
DECEMBER 8, 1975: ÌFILỌ́LẸ̀ OWÓ KÍKÓ ILÉ
Wọ́n ṣe ìfilọ́lẹ̀ Owó Kíkọ́ Ilé Ìjọ́ ní December 8, 1975. Wọ́n kojọ ápapọ̀ ₦1,313.75, iye owó pàtàkì tó fihàn ìpinnu ìjọ́sìn láti kọ́ ilé ìjọ́sìn.
Wọ́n fi ìdí ilé ìjọ́ lélẹ̀ ní April 24, 1976. Láti ìgbà náà, ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ àkànṣe àtúnṣe àti ìfẹ̀sí ti wáyé, tí ó mú wa dé ilé tí a ń gbádùn lónìí.
1977-1979: ÌLÀNÀ ÀTI ÒFIN
Ní April 25, 1977, wọ́n dá ìgbìmọ̀ ọmọ méje sílẹ̀ lábẹ́ ìdarí Ọ̀gbẹ́ni A. M. Okunade láti kọ ìlànà ìjọ́. Ọ̀gbẹ́ni I. A. Akinleye (Pàstọ́ báyìí) jẹ́ akọ̀wé.
Àpéjọ Ìjọ́ fọwọ́sí ìlànà náà ní January 1979, tó pèsè ètò Bíbélì àti ètò ìṣàkóso.
Wọ́n ti ṣe àtúnyẹ̀wò ìlànà náà nígbà mẹ́ta láti ìgbà náà (1989, 2003, àti 2009) láti rí dájú pé ó ṣì wúlò tí ó sì jẹ́ olóòtítọ́ sí Ìwé Mímọ́.
ÌṢỌ̀WỌPỌ̀ ÀTI IṢẸ́ ÌRÁNṢẸ́
Dídarapọ̀ mọ́ Ìdílé Baptist: 1974
Lórí ìmọ̀ràn Díakonì A. O. Okewusi àti pẹ̀lú ìbùkún Ìjọ́ Onitebomi Salem, Ìjọ́ Onitebomi Ajegunle di ọmọ ẹgbẹ́ Ẹgbẹ́ AjoOnitebomi Ìbàdàn ní 1974.
Láti ìgbà náà, a ti jẹ́ ọmọ ẹgbẹ́ tó ń ṣiṣẹ́ lọ́wọ́ nínú:
- Ẹgbẹ́ Ajo onitebomi Ipinle Ìbàdàn.
- Ẹgbẹ́ Ajo onitebomi Ipinle Àríwá Ibadan.
- Ẹgbẹ́ Ajo onitebomi Champion (báyìí)
A ti ṣe àtìlẹ́yìn olóòtítọ́ fún àwọn ètò ìhìnrere, owó, àwùjọ, àti ẹ̀mí ní ipele ẹgbẹ́, a sì jẹ́ ọmọ ẹgbẹ́ olùṣọ̀wọ̀pọ̀ Àpapọ̀ Baptist Nàìjíríà tí a fi ògo sí.
Dídá Ìjọ́ Sílẹ̀: 1991
Ní 1991, Ìjọ́ Onitebomi Ajegunle darapọ̀ mọ́ àwọn ìjọ́ mẹ́ta míràn, awon ijo onitebomi Omowole, Alaafia-Oluwa, àti Shallom, láti dá Ibùdó Ìwàásù Arulogun sílẹ̀ pápọ̀ (tí a mọ̀ sí Ìjọ́ Onitebomi Imole Oluwa, Arulogun báyìí).
Ibùdó ìwàásù yìí ni Ẹgbẹ́ Ajo onitebomi Ipinle Àríwá Ìbàdàn gbà sílẹ̀ lẹ́yìn náà tó sì wà lábẹ́ Ẹgbẹ́ Ajo onitebomi Champion báyìí. Èyí ṣàfihàn ìpinnu wa sí Àṣẹ Ńlá náà àti ìṣọpọ̀ ìjọ́.
LÓNÌÍ: TÍTẸ̀SÍWÁJÚ ÌRAN NÁÀ
Àádọ́ta ọdún ti kọjá láti ìsìn àkọ́kọ́ yẹn nínú ilé onígbárí. Láti ọmọ ìjọ́ 33 dé ọ̀pọ̀ ọgọ́rùn-ún, láti àgọ́ tí a yá dé ilé ẹlẹ́wà, láti àìdájú dé ìdúróṣinṣin, Ọlọ́run ti jẹ́ olóòtítọ́.
Ṣùgbọ́n ìtàn wa kìí ṣe nípa ilé tàbí onka nìkan. Ó jẹ́ nípa àwọn ìgbésí ayé tó ti yípadà. Ó jẹ́ nípa àwọn akẹ́kọ̀ọ́ tó rí Kristi ní Yunifásítì Ìbàdàn. Ó jẹ́ nípa àwọn ìdílé tí a ti mú padà bọ̀ sípò. Ó jẹ́ nípa àwọn ọ̀dọ́ tó ń ṣe àwárí ìpè wọn. Ó jẹ́ nípa agbègbè tó ń ní ìrírí ìfẹ́ Ọlọ́run.
Ìran àwọn Timothy méjèèjì náà, Timothy Adebayo Adewuyi àti Timothy Adetola Ogundeji Ojo, ṣì ń jó dáradára lónìí:
“Láti kọ́ àwọn ènìyàn ọlọ́run tó fẹ́ ṣẹ́gun nípa òdodo.”
Èyí kìí ṣe ìtàn wa nìkan. Èyí ni ogún wa. Èyí ni ìpè wa.
Àti nípa oore-ọ̀fẹ́ Ọlọ́run, a ó tẹ̀síwájú pẹ̀lú iṣẹ́-ìránṣẹ́ yìí fún àwọn ìran tó ń bọ̀.