Prophet and Pastor Akintayo Yusuf is a seasoned media practitioner who has served as a Special Adviser to various notable politicians at both local and national levels in Oyo State and Nigeria. In this exclusive interview, Yusuf, also known as Kengbe Oro in broadcasting circles, shares how he received the call to serve God and the journey that led him to the pulpit.
How did you receive the call to work for God, and how did your journey begin?
First, I thank God Almighty for His grace and mercy upon me. I never intended to do God’s work, even though I am the son of a well-known pastor. It never crossed my mind to become a prophet or servant of God. My father, Pastor Philip Yusuf, is respected in the Christ Apostolic Church, and Pastor J.F. Agbeniga, the founder of a Bible church in Ibadan, also knew him well.
Until 2018, I was working in the media. That year, the Lord called me to expand His kingdom. I had held various positions as a Special Adviser to politicians, but one day, God instructed me to meet Him on a mountain on a Sunday at 9 a.m.
When I arrived at the mountain, I didn’t hear anything from God. I called my wife to tell her I hadn’t heard from the Lord. I returned the next Sunday and still heard nothing. On the fifth Sunday, God spoke to me, instructing me to stay on the mountain until He said otherwise. He also asked me to complete a three-day dry fast. Afterward, He told me to start His work, and I began immediately with a program the following Tuesday, which was well attended. This confirmed to me that God had truly called me.
When did your ministry begin at its current location?
We began in 2022. Initially, the Lord sent me to Lagos for certain assignments, but He later asked me to return to Ibadan to start the ministry at Foworogun, in Ona Ara Local Government Area. I first met with the Baale (the local chief) and resolved some issues with the landowners, who were hesitant about financial matters. However, God intervened, and the matter was settled.
Foworogun was known for its strong ties to Islam and traditional religion, with many fetish practices. But through God’s revelation, the community accepted that the Lord had called me. The church has grown steadily since then, with God’s presence bringing transformation to the area.
What has been your experience since you began the ministry at Foworogun?
To the glory of God, there have been numerous testimonies of healing, deliverance, and breakthroughs since we started. When we first arrived in 2022, nothing seemed to work in the community. But through God’s mighty miracles, people began to attend the services, and we’ve since witnessed a spiritual revival in the area.
The church, Who is Jesus, is flourishing, and many of those who patiently stayed with us are now doing well, confirming that the Lord is truly at work. We’ve also expanded our space to accommodate more worshippers, and the community has embraced Christ more fully.
How did the name of your church, Who is Jesus, come about?
The Lord Himself gave me the name to spread His power and works so that people may know Him.
Tell us about your upcoming November revival.
This revival is a command from the Lord. It is an annual programme to seek God’s face. The revival will run from Friday, November 1st to Thursday, November 7th, 2024, at our church in Foworogun. Time is 4:30 on to 7;30 on daily. Theme of the program is, “Who’s The Phinehas of Our Time”. The Lord has directed me to use this programme to demonstrate His power and greatness to Nigerians.
Many people are blaming President Bola Tinubu for the nation’s hardships, but the issue is not with him. The suffering is a result of Nigerians turning away from God. The Lord warned me in 2023 that hardship would increase unless the people returned to Him. The same message was repeated for 2024, and I am again warning that 2025 will be even harder if there is no repentance.
The revival will feature fervent prayers and supplications from 7:30 a.m. daily, continuing day and night. I am inviting everyone to attend, as I believe we will witness even greater testimonies than before.
What advice do you have for Nigerians, their leaders, and religious leaders?
My advice is simple: Nigerians must return to God. The nation has sinned greatly and strayed from His presence. Only through repentance, prayer, and submission can God show mercy on this land. Leaders should also seek divine wisdom and lead with honesty and accountability. Religious leaders must rise to the challenge and be diligent in their work for the Lord.
