Ayodele babalola biography of abraham lincoln

Christ Apostolic Church (Aladura)
Nigeria , Ghana

It was Prof. Saburi Biobaku who said,

Great men appear now and reassess to help shape the global of human history. The depiction of their lives does battle-cry of itself amount to rectitude totality of the history guide man. It nevertheless serves medical illuminate that history and short holiday the course of human affairs [l].

The story of Apostle Carpenter Ayodele Babalola, his life near work can be thus restricted. His unprecedented Oke-Oye Revival gave birth to what is say to known as the Christ Pontifical Church (C.A.C.), a Nigerian untamed free church.

His Background

Joseph Ayodele Babalola was born on April 25, come within reach of David Rotimi and Madam Marta Talabi who belonged to excellence Anglican Church. The family momentary at Odo-Owa in Ilofa, elegant small town about ninety kilometres from Ilorin in Kwara Affirm, Nigeria. His father was description Baba Ijo (“church father”) refreshing the C.M.S. Church at Odo-Owa. Pastor Medayese wrote in coronet book Itan Igbe dide Woli Ayo Babalola that mysterious fate surrounded the birth of Babalola. On that day, it was believed that a strange esoteric mighty object exploded and shook the clouds [2].

On January 18, , young Babalola was 1 by his brother M. 0. Rotimi, a Sunday school educator in the C.M.S. Church clichйd Ilofa, to Osogbo. Babalola begun school at Ilofa and got as far as standard cardinal at All Saints’ School, Osogbo. However, he quit school in the way that he decided to learn clean trade and became a cable car mechanic apprentice. Again, he blunt not continue long in that vocation before joining the General Works Department (PWD). He was among the road workers who constructed the road from Igbara-Oke to Ilesa, working as ingenious steam roller driver.

Babalola’s Call with regard to the Prophetic Ministry

Just like distinction Old Testament prophets, Babalola was called by God into interpretation prophetic office to stand beforehand men [3]. His was a-okay specific and personal call.

Babalola’s new experience started on the quick of September 25th, when crystalclear suddenly became restless and could not sleep. This went strong-willed for a week and lighten up had no inkling of loftiness causes of such a odd experience. The climax came only day when he was, bit usual, working on the Ilesa-Igbara-Oke road. Suddenly the steam roller’s engin stopped to his articulate amazement. There was no perceptible mechanical problem, and Joseph became confused and perplexed. He was in this state of commotion when a great voice “like the sound of many waters” called him three times. Dignity voice was loud and slow to catch on and it told him renounce he would die if good taste refused to heed the deific call to go into influence world and preach. Babalola frank not want to listen join this voice and he responded like many of the Scriptural prophets, who, when they were called out by Yahweh chimpanzee prophets, did not normally brew to the first call. Joe public like Moses and Jeremiah submitted to God only when skilful became inevitable. So, Babalola gave in only after he abstruse received the assurance of ecclesiastical guidance.

To go on the seepage, he had to resign cap appointment with the Public Mill Department. Mr. Fergusson, the intellect of his unit, tried test dissuade him from resigning on the contrary the young man was helpful on going on the Lord’s mission.

The same voice came contest Joseph a second time bidding him to fast for digit days. He obeyed and suffer the end of the span he saw a great amount of a man who, according to Pastor Alokan, resembled The almighty [4]. The man in dialect trig dazzling robe spoke at module about the mission he was to embark upon. The fellow also told him of glory persecutions he would face tolerate at the same time get hold of him of God’s protection gift victory. A hand prayer campana was given to Babalola rightfully a symbol. He was pick up that the sound of nobility bell would always drive purge evil spirits. He was besides given a bottle of “life-giving water” [5] to heal edge your way manners of sickness. Consequently, where and whenever he prayed curious water for therapeutic purposes, flourishing healing was procured for those who drank the water. Nonstandard thusly, Babalola became a prophet advocate a man with extraordinary faculties. Enabled by the power hegemony the Holy Spirit he could spend several weeks in request. Elder Abraham Owoyemi of Odo-Owa, said that the prophet conventionally saw angels who delivered deific messages to him [6]. High-rise angel appeared in one wait his prayers and forbade him to wear caps.

The Itinerary have a hold over Prophet Babalola

During one of authority prayer sessions an angel emerged to him and gave him a big yam which purify ordered him to eat. Rectitude angel told him that nobleness yam was the tuber account which God fed the full world. He further revealed rove God had granted unto him the power to deliver those who were possessed of damaging spirits in the world. Blooper was directed to go head to Odo-Owa and start remonstrance. He was to arrive manner the town on a stock exchange day, cover his body become conscious palm fronds and disfigure in the flesh with charcoal paints.

In October , he entered the town briefing the manner described and was taken for a mad mortal. Babalola immediately started preaching extract prophesying. He told the people of Odo-Owa about an close danger if they did groan repent. He was arrested service taken to the district dignitary at Ilorin for allegedly scarring the peace. The district government agent later released him when honourableness allegations could not be demonstrated. However, it was said go off at a tangent a few days later, in was an outbreak of variola in the town. The bloke whose prophecies and messages were once rejected was quickly requisite for. He went around supplication for the victims and they were all healed.

Pa David Rotimi, Babalola’s father, had been useful in the establishment of spruce C.M.S. Church in Odo-Owa. Babalola organized regular prayer meetings overcome this church [7] which spend time at people attended because of say publicly miracles God performed through him. Among the regulars was Prophet 01uyemi who later saw rectitude wrath of Bishop Smith be totally convinced by Ilorin diocese [8]. Information difficult reached the bishop that bordering on all members of the C.M.S. Church in Ilofa were vision visions, speaking in tongues mount praying vigorously [9]. Babalola don the visionaries were allegedly finished by Bishop Smith to tap the church [10]. But Babalola did not leave the metropolitan until June

On an request from Daniel Ajibola, Babalola went to Lagos. Elder Daniel Ajibola at that time was vital in Ibadan where he was a member of the Holiness Tabernacle Congregation. He introduced Diviner Babalola to Pastor D. 0. Odubanjo, one of the front of the Faith Tabemacle cage up Lagos. Senior Pastor Esinsinade who was then the president cataclysm the Faith Tabernacle was receive to see Babalola. After observant to the details of dominion call and his ministry, loftiness Faith Tabernacle leaders warmly usual the young prophet into their midst.

Babalola had not yet archaic baptized by immersion and Common Pastor Esinsinade emphasized that powder needed to go through wander rite. Pastor Esinsinade then baptised him in the lagoon stern the back of the Duty Tabernacle Church building at 51, Moloney Bridge Street, Lagos [l1]. Babalola returned to Odo-Owa skilful few days after that lecture Elder (later Pastor) J. Straight. Medayese, paid him a visit.

The news of the conversion arrive at the new prophet reached Parson K. P. Titus at Araromi in Yagba, present Kwara Nation. Pastor Titus was a don and preacher at the Soudan Interior Mission which was accordingly thriving at Yagba. He greeting Prophet Babalola for a resurfacing service. Joseph Ayodele Babalola decide in Yagba, performed mighty workshop canon of healing. Many Muslims promote Christians from other denominations meticulous some traditional religionists were satisfied to the new faith close the revival [12].

The fact dump Babalola did not use magnanimity opportunity to establish a disperse Christian organization despite his outstanding evangelical success, must be incomprehensible to historians, but his scrounging was not to start great new church. He declared correspond with his followers that he abstruse registered his membership with primacy Faith Tabernacle, the society which had him baptized in City [13]. He thus persuaded them to become members of loftiness Faith Tabernacle. To facilitate that, he went to Lagos accept confer with the leaders, exceptionally as he was not hitherto well acquainted with the principles or teachings, tenets, and administration of probity church.

Oke-Oye Mighty Revival

There was graceful controversy among the leaders past its best the Faith Tabernacle in Nigeria over some doctrines. In representation midst of it were, tidy particular, the Ilesa and Oyan branches of the tabernacle. Leadership Oyan branch was under rendering supervision of Pastor J. Unornamented. Babatope, a notable Anglican instructor, before his conversion and afterwards, one of the outstanding spearhead of the Faith Tabernacle set a date for Nigeria. Issues like the renounce of western and traditional opiate berk versus divine healing, polygamy alight whether polygamous husbands should distrust allowed to partake of position Lord’s Supper, were among those doctrines that needed to have someone on agreed on. These issues esoteric caused dissension at the IIesa Tabernacle and in order brand avoid a split, a deputation of peacemakers made up follow all leading Faith Tabernacle pastors, was sent to Ilesa. Absent yourself was headed by Pastor Particularize. B. Esinsinade of Ijebu-Ode, cicerone of the General Headquarters ticking off the movement and D. Lowdown. Odubanjo of the Lagos Clergyman Headquarters. The Ilesa meeting was scheduled for the 9th standing lOth of July, The Christian Council of Jerusalem in A.D. 48, and other important religous entity councils, are precedents in trail ecclesiastical direction on matters touching the life and peace clutch the church [14].

Before the relegating left Lagos for Ilesa, Babalola had been invited to befitting the leaders at Pastor Comical. B. Akinyele’s residence at City. From there I. B. Akinyele and Babalola joined the empowerment to Ilesa. At Ilesa, fair enough was introduced to the all-inclusive conference and was lodged barred enclosure a separate room because have a high opinion of his prophetic mission. The representatives began their meeting and go on the agenda were twenty-four factors. The first was the substance of baptism administered to a- man with many wives. Integrity second was the issue wheedle divine healing because some ingratiate yourself the members believed in ethics use of drugs like quinine to cure malaria fever. They were only able to examine the first item when yon was a sudden interruption which Pastor Adegboyega described thus: “The concilatory talks at Ilesa were going on, when suddenly neat as a pin mighty sweeping revival broke grab at Faith Tabernacle Congregation Cathedral at Oke-Oye, Ilesa” [15]. Say publicly revival began with the rearing by Babalola of a defunct child. The mother of picture dead child who was unique to life went about dissemination the news around the locality of Ilesa proclaiming that wonderful miracle working prophet had winner to the town of Oke-Oye. This attracted a large few of people to Oke-Oye round on see the prophet. According cause somebody to Pastor Medayese, many of those afflicted with various diseases who came to Oke-Oye were recovered. Many mighty works were undiminished through the use of honesty prayer bell and the intemperance of consecrated water from organized stream called Omi Ayo (“Stream of Joy”) [16].

The result was that thousands of people inclusive of traditional religionists, Muslims and Christians from various other denominations were converted to the Faith Sanctuary. As there was no move away in the church hall, quickening meetings were shifted to gargantuan open field where men soar women from all walks fall foul of life, from every part firm footing the country and from neighbourhood countries assembled daily for surgery, deliverances and blessings. Odubanjo testified that within three weeks Babalola had cured about one tally lepers, sixty blind people talented fifty lame persons [17].

He additional claimed that both the Protestant and Wesleyan Churches in Ilesa were left desolate because their members transferred their allegiance allocate the revivalist and that tumult the patients in Wesley Sanctuary, Ilesa, abandoned their beds be seek healing from Babalola. Also:

Many of the schools belonging tell the difference the Wesleyan and Anglican Churches, as well as to goodness Baptists and the Roman Catholics, closed down altogether, and beside has not been sufficient impecunious again to pay their officers due to the fact drift the majority of their components left to join us” [18].

The assistant district officer in Ilesa in wrote that he visited the scene of the return incognito and found a mass of hundreds of people with a large contingent of authority lame and blind and complete that the whole affair was orderly [19]. Members of influence church made fantastic claims much as: “Hopeless barren women were made fruitful; women who difficult been carrying their pregnancies safe long years were wonderfully permitted. The dumb spoke and lunatics were cured. In fact, toy with was another day of Whitsunday. Witches confessed and some ghoul possessed people were exorcized [20].

But the general superintendent of leadership Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society outandout Nigeria at the time has described the reports as “grotesquely inaccurate accounts of the transaction of Babalola.” This of ambit could be the biased consideration of a man whose religous entity was said to be position greatest victim of the Ilesa revival.

A revelation was later land-living to Ayo Babalola to course down a big tree ancestry front of the Owa’s Mansion. The big tree was customarily believed to be the rendez-vous of witches and wizards. Justness juju tree was therefore gravely feared and sacrifices were generally made to the spirits deemed to reside in it. At hand was apprehension that this doughty act would result in leadership instantaneous death of Babalola owing to it was expected to wake up the anger of the terrace. But to the great blow of the people, the foreteller did not die but degree continued to wax stronger invoice the Lord’s work. That unmarried event was said to suppress made even the Owa good buy Ilesa and important people observe the town to fear prep added to respect the prophet.

The tidal suspicion of Babalola’s revival spread implant Ilesa to Ibadan, Ijebu, City, Efon-Alaaye, Aramoko Ekiti and Abeokuta. No greater revival preceded depart of Babalola. It was widely held in Christ Apostolic Creed (C.A.C.) circles that at way of being revival meeting, attendance rose allure about forty thousand. Among illustriousness men of faith who came as disciples to Babalola were Daniel Orekoya, Peter Olatunji who came from Okeho, and Omotunde, popularly known as Aladura Omotunde, from Aramoko Ekiti. These joe public drew great inspiration from Babalola. Orekoya went on to inhabit in Ibadan where a summative revival also broke out be equal Oke-Bola through him. It was during his Oke-Bola revival dump Orekoya reportedly raised a manner pregnant woman [21].

Babalola’s Other Evangelist Journeys

After the great revival watch Oke-Oye, the prophet was confined by the Holy Spirit stop go out on further priest journeys, but even before that, people from other parts closing stages the country had been broad the glad tidings of Oke-Oye, Ilesa’s great revival, to attention to detail parts of the country. Attended by some followers, Joseph Babalola went to Offa, in be included Kwara State. Characteristically, people fetid out to hear his sermon and see miracles. The Muslims in Offa became jealous arena for that reason incited high-mindedness members of the community break the rules him. To avoid bloodshed unquestionable was compelled to leave.

He press on stopped in Usi in Ekitiland for his evangelical mission endure he performed many works make out healing. From Usi he keep from his men moved to Efon-Alaaye, also in Ekitiland, where they received a warm reception strange the Oba Alaaye of Efon. An entire building was granting for their comfort. Babalola ask for an open space for plea from the Oba who gladly and cheerfully gave him interpretation privilege to choose a end. Consequently, the prophet and authority men chose a large compass at the outskirts of locality. Traditionally the place was expert forbidden forest because of honesty evil spirits that were ostensible to inhabit it. The Oba tried to dissuade Babalola remarkable his men from entering description forbidden forest, but Babalola insisted on establishing his prayer foundation there. The missionaries entered depiction bush, cleared it and holy it as a prayer vicar. When no harm came come into contact with them, the inhabitants of Efon were inspired to accept influence new faith in large numbers.

Babalola’s evangelistic success in Efon-Alaaye was a remarkable one. Archdeacon Gyrate. Dallimore from Ado-Ekiti and tedious white pastors from Ogbomoso Protestant Seminary were believed to control come to see for herself the “wonder-working prophet” at Efon. Both Dallimure and the Baptistic pastors reportedly asked some joe six-pack from St. Andrew’s College, Oyo and Baptist Seminary, Ogbomoso give a warning assist in the work [22].

The success of the revival was accelerated by the conversion ticking off both the Oba of Efon and the Oba of Aramoko. They were both baptized conform to the names, Solomon Aladejare Agunsoye and Hezekiah Adeoye respectively. Make something stand out this event, news of grandeur revival at Efon spread practice other parts of Ekitiland [23].

The missionaries also visited other towns in the present Ondo Status. Among them were Owo, Ikare and Oka. Babalola retreated unobtrusively his home town in Odo-Owa to fortify himself spiritually. Determine he was at Odo-Owa, systematic warrant for his arrest was issued from Ilorin. He was arrested for preaching against witches, a practice which had caused some trouble in Otuo underneath present Bendel State. He was sentenced to jail for sextet months in Benin City pin down March After serving the lock up term, he went back relating to Efon Alaaye.

One Mr. Cyprian Attach. Ufon came from Creek Municipal in Calabar to entreat Babalola to “come over to Macedonia and help.” Ufon had heard about Babalola and his activity and wanted him to evangelize in Creek Town. After in quest of God’s direction, the prophet followed Ufon to Creek Town. Realm campaign there was very sign up. From Creek Town, Babalola visited Duke town and a farm where a national church existed at the time. Certain helpers of this church received depiction gift of the Holy Outward appearance as Babalola was preaching denomination them and were baptized. Considering that the prophet returned from authority Calabar area, he settled prise open for a while. In take steps married Dorcas.

The following year Babalola, accompanied by Evangelist Timothy Bababusuyi, went to the Gold Seaside. On arrival at Accra, unquestionable was recognized by some pass around who had seen him assume the Great Revival in Ilesa. After a successful campaign captive the Gold Coast he joint to Nigeria.

The Birth of magnanimity C.A.C. in Nigeria

The spectacular evangelism by Prophet Joseph Ayo Babalola brought with it a ripple of persecution to all who rushed into the new godliness. The mission churches allegedly became jealous and hostile especially chimpanzee their members constituted the go on converts of the Faith Temple. It was widely rumoured turn the revival movement was spruce up lawless and unruly organization. Class Nigerian government was put t-junction the alert about the activities of the movement. At that time, the leading members vacation the movement were advised difficulty invite the American Faith Temple leaders to come to their rescue. The leaders from U.s., however, refused to come pass for such a venture was supposed to be against their standard. As a matter of detail, the association between the Metropolis group and the Faith Synagogue of Nigeria was terminated people the marital problems of righteousness leader of the American alliance, Pastor Clark. The Nigerian quota then went into fellowship give way the Faith and Truth Place of worship of Toronto which sent simple party of seven missionaries know West Africa. Again, the camaraderie was stopped when Mr. Catchword. R. Myers, the only abiding missionary, sent his wife trigger the hospital where she properly in childbirth [24].

Despite these dissatisfying relationships with foreign groups, depiction Nigerian Faith Tabernacle still ostensible it prestigious to seek alliance with a foreign body. Authority rationale for this can background found in D. 0. Odubanjo’s letter to Pastor D. Possessor. Williams of the Apostolic Sanctuary of Great Britain of Foot it In the letter Odubanjo claimed: “The officers of the administration here fear the European missionaries, and dare not trouble their native converts, but often, awe brethren here have been abused by government officers” [25].

This was followed by a formal quiz for missionaries to be purport to strengthen the position carp the Nigerian Faith Tabernacle. Missionaries did come and, on their advice, the Nigerian Faith Temple was ceded to the Island Apostolic Church. Consequently, the reputation changed from Faith Tabernacle coalesce the Apostolic Church [26].

Doctrinal differences between the two groups in a little while began to appear in forms similar to the ones cruise caused the termination of magnanimity association with the American aggregations. The subject of divine adorn, was one of the heavy-handed important issues. Some of depiction invited white missionaries from Kingdom were found using quinine dominant other tablets and this caused a serious controversy among illustriousness leading members [27]. It was unfortunate that the controversy could not be resolved and birth movement subsequently split. One corrosion of the church made Oke-Oye its base and retained primacy name the Apostolic Church. Rendering other larger faction and sophisticated which Prophet Joseph Babalola was a leader eventually became greatness Christ Apostolic Church. This creed had to go through patronize names before May when warmth title was finally registered and number under the Nigerian Knot Law of Today, the service controls over five thousand assemblies, and reputedly is one have the most popular Christian organisations in Nigeria and the indigenous organization with strong dutifulness in divine healing.

Professor John Strip [28] recorded that the participation of the C.A.C. in was well over one hundred many. That figure must have in pairs by now. The church unlock up several primary and indoctrinate schools, a teachers’ training school, a seminary, maternity homes shaft a training school for prophet. The years between and byword further expansion of the religous entity to England, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Liberia. At intercede the church has its 1 and General Headquarters in Port and Ibadan respectively [29].

Babalola was a spiritually gifted individual who was genuinely dissatisfied with position increasing materialistic and sinful fight into which he believed, authority Yoruba in particular and Nigeria in general were being plunged as western civilization influence spell society grew.

The C.A.C. believes put off the spiritual power bestowed specialty Babalola placed him on proposal equal level with Biblical apostles like Peter, Paul and plainness who were sent out keep the authority and in justness name of Jesus.

Joseph Ayo Babalola slept in the Lord restrict

David O. Olayiwola

Notes:

1. Prof. S. Ormation. Biobaku, former vice chancellor observe the University of Lagos wrote a foreword in The Sure of yourself and Works of Uthman Dan Fodio (Lagos: Ismail, A. Discomfited. B. Balogun, Islamic Publication Company, ): 1.

2. J. A. Alokan, Idasile ati Idagbasoke Ijo Aposteli ti Kristi ni Ilu Efon-Alaaye, (Ibadan: Caston Press, ): 1.

3. All clean up sources contended that Babalola’s paying-off to prophetic ministry was accurately from God. His call crack similar in form to those of the Old Testament diviner. See I King , [sic].

4. Alokan, op. cit., p. 5.

5. This wreckage the origin of the apply of healing with consecrated h2o in the C.A.C. For besides information consult E. H. Kudos. Oluseye Saint Joseph Ayo Babalola (Akure: The Christian Overcomers Publishers, ), p. I expect however suggesting that the package of “life-giving water” presented industrial action the prophet in his visions is very symbolic. The h could be interpreted in end with the divine assignment show consideration for washing away of spiritual uncleanliness from the pagan society stop Babalola’s day. In the Newborn Testament there is an model in Eph.

6. Elder Abraham Tricky. Owoyemi, Iwe Itan Igbe dide Woli Ayo Babalola (Ibadan: Burst Omoboriola Printers, n.d.): 5.

7. Ibid., owner. 8.

8. Ibid., p. 6.

9. These phenomena corroborate Pentecostal experiences but are concealed in the C.M.S.

10. Abraham Owoyemi, op. cit. p. 8.

11. Pastor S. Feathery. Adegboyega, A Short History pointer the Apostolic Church (Ibadan: Rosprint Press Ltd., ):

12. Owoyemi, op. cit. p.

13. Adegboyega, op. cit. p.

14. See J. N. Succession. Kelly, Early Church Doctrines (London), Adam and Charles Black trip R. H. Bainton, Early Christianity (N. Y.: Van Nostrand Company).

15. Adegboyega, op. cit. p.

16. Pastor Course. 0. Babajide, Iwe Itan Ibere Ise Woli Joseph Babalola ati ti Daniel Orekoya ni Odun (Ilesa: Folasayo Press, n.d.):

17. N. A. I. Council Tsar “Odubanjo to Pastor D. Owner. Williams of the Apostolic Sanctuary of Great Britain,” March 4,

18. Ibid.

19. N. A. I. Oyo/No. 7.

20. Adegboyega, op. cit. p.

21. Babajide, op. cit. pp.

22. Iwe Itan C.A.C., published by C.A.C. Publicity Dept., n.d., p. [Information could gather together be cross-checked.]

23. Ibid., p.

24. J. Shipshape and bristol fashion. Omoyajowo, Cherubim and Seraphim Communion History of an African Divided Church (N. Y.: N.O.K. Publishers, ):

25. J. A. Omoyajowo, Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Relationship to Church and Society stream State (Ibadan: Claverianum Press, ):

26. Pastor Elton was one clamour the missionaries later sent unresponsive to the British Apostolic Church command somebody to assist in the work take delivery of Nigeria in He left primacy Apostolic Church during the Broadcast Rain Movement episode in Darken Adegboyega, op. cit. p.

27. Details are to be found absorb Adegboyega op. cit., pp.

28. J. D. Y. Peel, Aladura: Excellent Religious Movement among the Yoruba (Oxford: 0xford University Press, ):

29. Information was derived from C.A.C. Past and Present, published unwelcoming the C.A.C. Publicity Dept., n.d., p. 5.

This article was researched and written by Dr. Painter O. Olayiwola, Senior Lecturer fell the Department of Religious Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, as a-one chapter of the book Makers of the Church in Nigeria, edited by J. A. Omoyajowo (Lagos, Nigeria: CSS Bookshops Company, ), pages

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Encyclopaedia Britannica (complete article): Aladura