Pastor Bayo Adeyokunnu, deputy continental overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the United States, has indicated his intention to contest for the revered throne of the Owa of Obokun in Ijeshaland, Osun State.
Pastor Adeyokunnu, younger brother of Pastor Folu Adeboye, wife of RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has expressed his desire to serve his people in this traditional capacity.
The Owa of Obokun stool became vacant following the demise of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran on September 12. If successful, Pastor Adeyokunnu will become the second RCCG pastor from the US to ascend to a traditional throne, following the footsteps of Oba Ghandi Afolábí Oláoyè, who became the Soun of Ogbomoso in Oyo State last year.
Pastor Adeboye, while attending Pastor Adeyokunnu’s 70th birthday celebration at RCCG Victory Temple, Bowie, Maryland, on October 16, 2024, hinted at his potential new role. In a heartfelt speech, Pastor Adeboye reminisced about their 60-year relationship, describing Adeyokunnu as a prayer warrior and devoted Christian.
“He may be the next king of Ijeshaland,” Adeboye stated while offering prayers in Yoruba, reflecting their shared heritage from Ijeshaland. At the birthday service, Pastor Adeboye said apart from being his in-law, he had known Pastor Adeyokunnu ever before he met his wife. “I have known him before I got married to his sister and that is for about 60 years now.
“He is the first friend I would have in the Adeyokunnu family apart from my wife. He was not a big man like this. He was like the little Bayo. But we bonded together speedily. He also got born again under my ministry. I can still remember the sermon I preached that day, titled, Come and Drink and he is still drinking till today. Every opportunity he had he would want to get a little more. He is a warrior. He can pray anything out of you.”
Just before Pastor Adeboye was about to conclude his speech and pray for him at the event, he indicated that he may be the next king of Ijeshaland.
He prayed in Yoruba for him while telling participants at the event: “For your information, you don’t speak English in the presence of a monarch in our land because I am also from Ijeshaland. So, I will not pray in English for him because he is a prince and he may be the next king.”
A close associate of Pastor Adeyokunnu revealed that his bid for the throne aligns with his retirement from RCCG at 70 and his desire to contribute to the development of Ijeshaland.
Adeyokunnu, a member of the Bilaro Ruling House, is the great-great-grandson of Kabiyesi Ofokutu I. He boasts an impressive resume that includes successful ventures in real estate, publishing, aviation, and journalism.
As an erudite scholar, he holds a degree in English Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University and has received honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of his contributions to education and theology.
His commitment to community development is evident in several initiatives, including funding a N7 million security fence for Methodist High School, Ilesa, his alma mater, sponsoring indigent students, and building a borehole in Ira-Ikeji Ijesha.
Pastor Adeyokunnu has outlined a 20-year development plan aimed at addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities in Ijeshaland. His leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, transparency, and a focus on empowering others.
His candidacy has generated excitement among community members, who see his combination of spiritual leadership and developmental vision as a beacon of hope for the growth and prosperity of Ijeshaland.
As the selection process unfolds, all eyes are on Pastor Bayo Adeyokunnu as he seeks to bring his transformative leadership to the traditional throne of the Owa of Obokun.