The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has backed another pastor and Deputy Continental Overseer of the church in the United States of America, Pastor Bayo Adeyokunnu, to emerge as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

Recall that Pastor Adeboye had supported one of his US-based pastors of the church, Ghandi Afọlabi Ọlaoye, as the Soun of Ogbomosoland.

The throne of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland became vacant following the death of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.

According to a report by Church Times, Adeboye endorsed Adeyokunnu as the next paramount ruler of Ijesaland when the Deputy Continental Overseer celebrated his 70th birthday in the US.

According to Church Times, Pastor Adeyokunnu is the younger brother of the wife of Pastor Adeboye, Pastor Folu Adeboye.

At the birthday celebration, Pastor Adeboye said that apart from being his in-law, he had known Pastor Adeyokunnu even before he met his wife.

He said: “I have known him before I got married to his sister and that is for about 60 years now.

“He is the first friend I would have in the Adeyokunnu family apart from my wife.

“He was not a big man like this.

“He was like then the little Bayo.

“But we bonded together speedily.

“He also got born again under my ministry.

“I can still remember the sermon I preached that day, titled: ‘Come and Drink,’ and he is still drinking till today.

“Every opportunity he had, he would want to get a little more.

“He is a warrior.

“He can pray anything out of you.”

Just when Pastor Adeboye was about to conclude his speech and pray for him at the event, he hinted that he may be the next king of Ijeshaland.

He prayed in Yoruba for him while telling participants at the event: “For your information, you don’t speak English in the presence of a monarch in our land because I am also from Ijeshaland.

“So I will not pray in English for him because he is a prince and he may be the next king.”

According to Church Times, apart from being a pastor, Adeyokunnu is a successful businessman with diverse interests in real estate, publishing, aviation, and journalism.

He is of the Bilaro ruling house in Ijeshaland.

His great, great grandfather was Kabiyesi Ofokutu I.

“He is said to have successfully led organisations, handled other men’s burdens, built enterprises, and contributed to community development.

According to a piece by Adunbi Adejuyigbe, which was made available to Church Times, Prince Adeyokunnu began his education at Methodist Primary School and proceeded to Methodist High School, Ilesha.

He later attended the University of Ife (Obafemi Awolowo University), where he bagged a degree in English Studies.

“An erudite scholar who has taught Church History, Philosophy, Christology and Eschatology, and in recognition of these contributions, he was awarded two honorary doctorate degrees in the United States of America,” the author stated

Adejuyigbe said further in the piece that Adeyokunnu’s commitment to community development was evident in his philanthropic endeavours.

He added: “He single-handed spent N7 million of personal fortune to build a security fence around his alma mater, Methodist High School, Ilesha.

“And he has on countless occasions committed funds to the sponsorship of many indigent students of ljesa.

“He built a borehole also in Ira-Ikeji Ijesa.

“These selfless acts earned him accolades from the community and demonstrated his dedication to giving back to society.”

Adeyokunnu is believed to have a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Ijeshas.

Adejuyigbe added: “He has a 20-Year Development Plan: a well-articulated vision for the development and growth of the town, and he is committed to working tirelessly to achieve this vision.

“Prince Bayo’s leadership style is characterised by inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.

“He is a listener, a team player, and a leader who empowers others to achieve their full potential.”