When and where were you born?
I was born on June 26, 1936 into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ojo Adepoju, a royal family at Ilare-Ijesha, in Obokun East Local Government Area, Osun State. I was born into a polygamous home. My mother gave birth to six children; I am the fifth and the only surviving child. I was born at a revival ground organised by the late Apostle Ayo Babalola, who instructed my mother not to take me to my father’s house to prevent me from pre-mature death. I was named John on the eight day, by my mentor, the late Prophet D.O.A Babajide. Babajide and Babalola founded Christ Apostolic Church. I lived with Babajide for some time.
You founded a church, Christ Apostolic Church, Odi-Ajaye. Did you know from childhood that you would become a pastor eventually?
No, I did not. My parents also did not know. My father’s other wife did not allow my father to know that I was existing. He did not spend any kobo on my education or welfare. I never lived in my father’s house for one day. But I thank God for the people God used to raise me up and help me.
What was your childhood like?
It was tough and challenging. My mother died while trying to give birth to her sixth child. I was only three years old at the time. Then, I was not living with my father, and he did not spend a dime on me till he died. So, I had no one but family members from my mother’s side to take care of me. They did not have money, but in times of difficulty, they offered me words of encouragement. I survived simply by the grace of God.
Where did you school?
Due to lack of funds, I started schooling very late. I started primary education in 1949, when I was about 13 years old. I schooled at Methodist Primary School, Ilare-Ijesha, Osun State until 1956. I later went to Otan Ile Modern School for my secondary education.
How did you pay for your schooling since your parents were not there to cater for your needs?
I trained myself. I learnt how to make baskets in my childhood. So, I earned money by making baskets and trading them for three or four chicks from customers. To earn money, I would rear the chicks for about two or three months until they were matured enough to be sold. I also raised money from the proceeds of a small farm where I planted maize; I used the maize to feed the chicks, while I sold the rest. This was how I was able to raise money for my school fees through primary and secondary schools. I also worked as a petrol attendant and saved enough money to further my education. I then proceeded to Kabba Trade Centre, Kogi State, where I obtained a Diploma in Civil Engineering. Later, I attended Igbaja Bible Seminary College, Kwara State and Emmanuel College, Ibadan, Oyo State. In 1996, I also obtained an honorary doctorate degree (Doctor of Divinity D.D. Hons) from Faith University, Columbia, USA. God has been good to me.
Where did you work before your call into ministry as a pastor?
I worked as a primary school teacher at Methodist Church, Yaba, Lagos State, for some years. Afterwards, I worked with Nigeria Concrete Industries, Mushin, as a sales manager. From there, I worked as a sales and production manager at an engineering company in Ifako. I was there for 13 years before I decided to establish my own company, Bliss Needful Co. Limited.
What year did you establish the Christ Apostolic Church, Odi-Ijaye, which you oversee today?
Before I founded CAC, Odi-Ijaye, I had supported many churches as a worker. These include Atunda-Olu Apostolic Church, Mushin. I also served at the African Church, Ifako, as a worker and an acting pastor for Revd. Bamgboye when he was on study leave. He was then the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Ogba-Ikeja Zone for four and a half years.
Back to your question, I founded Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Iyanu, now known as Odi-Ajaye, Ogba, Lagos, in 1982. I started it by using my personal residence. I was officially ordained a pastor a few years later in CAC, Akure, Ondo State. I have been involved in ministry work for many decades now and I have been evangelising through a sponsored television programme on Ogun State Television (and later Lagos Television) for over 23 years. God has been my helper throughout life. My difficult childhood also has motivated me to become a giver and be involved in philanthropic activities. For example, aside from the work my church does in helping the less privileged, we also have a foundation that takes care of the less privileged people, widows, orphans, and those with disabilities.
How did you meet your wife?
I met my wife, Evangelist (Mrs.) Bisi Ojo, while I was working as a teacher at Methodist Church, Yaba. She had relocated from Abeokuta then. The Methodist compound was so big so I used to see her around the area. I noticed her cheerfulness and beauty. In fact one brother there wanted her to marry his co-worker; the man had more money than I did, he could even buy me if he had wanted to. But she refused, saying that it was me she wanted to marry. We eventually got married in 1972. She has been a tremendous pillar of support to me. We have six biological children, one is late now. I have grandchildren and great grandchildren. I have many more non-biological children.
What is your advice to young women and men about marriage?
If they want to get married, they should be prayerful about finding their partner. Also, it is important for them to know the background and family of their intended partner. A young lady should not decide to marry a man simply because he drives a jeep or a big car. Some women don’t even know the source of the wealth. Don’t marry simply because the person is rich; the character of the man or woman is also important.
What are the major ingredients that make a successful marriage?
Studying the bible and practising the principles therein are major factors. They should follow God’s word. Also, tolerance, good communication and understanding are necessary ingredients.
Being the only surviving child of your mother, did you know that you would live this long?
I would say I knew I would, because I had realised from reading the bible that all things are possible with God. The reason I have lived this long is God’s grace. Also, being the only surviving child of my parents, I ensured that I avoided some habits and bad company. I don’t drink alcoholic drinks and don’t socialise anyhow. The only day I drank alcohol, I felt sorry for myself. When I was a relatively young adult and bachelor, some people I had sold materials to then urged me to take something they called rum. When I tasted it, it was sweet. Afterwards, it was not a pleasant experience, so much so that I left my motorcycle there. From that day, if someone said rum, I would choose to run instead. I promised myself never to touch it again.
Do you have a favourite food?
No, I don’t. I eat any good food. I had a cook at home for about 20 years now. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and I also take food supplements.
Would you like to live up to 100?
I don’t mind living up to 200, but with good health.
What kind of exercise do you do?
I have some exercise machines at home such as the exercise bicycle. But it is in need of a replacement. I do stretch exercises at home.
What is the place of religion in developing society and helping the country to be more united?
I was made an Ambassador of Peace by the Inter Religious and International Federation for World Peace, with headquarters in New York, US. When I was given that honour in Abuja, we had more than 40 Islamic scholars there. So, the body was trying to unite the different religions. My golden advice to all Nigerians is that we should try to keep our unity. In my church, I have female members whose husbands are Muslims. Nigerians should live as one.
Do you have any regrets?
God has already given me joy to forget those things in the past. I don’t want to remember them anymore. God has helped me to overcome many problems in the past.
What are you most fulfilled about in life?
I am fulfilled that I can help a lot of people through my work and charity organisation, the foundation I mentioned earlier. I have had a passion to help the less privileged people right from my childhood days because of my own experience. I love helping people and I will continue to do so till I meet my maker. God has done so much for me.
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