The General Overseer and President, United Apostolic Church of Christ UACC, Worldwide, Rev’d Dr James Bayo Owoyemi has announced plans by the church to Immortalise the pioneer president of the church, late Archbishop Solomon Awoniyi Adetisola 27 years after his passing
The cleric said the decision was borne out of the late Archbishop Awoniyi Adetisola’s positive impact on the church and society , describing him as a man whose dedication to God and service to humanity has left an indelible legacy in the church and his community .
He made this known on Saturday at the posthumous and memorial service In honour of the late patriarch of the church held at the UACC, Mount Zion International Prayer Center, Ologuneru Ibadan as part of activities marking the Church’s 60th Pastor’s Conference
According to Rev’d (Dr ) Owoyemi,
Archbishop Adetisola was not just a visionary leader; he was a shepherd to many, a father figure, and an
unwavering beacon of faith.
“His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel have left an indelible mark not only within our church but throughout the communities he touched.
“His legacy is one of love,compassion, and unyielding service. Today, as we lay him to rest in a manner befitting his
contributions, we also immortalize his memory, ensuring that his spirit continues to guide and inspire us” , he said
Rev’d Owoyemi explained that the posthumous service is meant to give the first president of the UACC a befitting burial he deserves having committed his entire life to the service of God and humanity adding that it has been his wish to bury the late cleric at the church.
The UACC president at the ceremony,
announced the inauguration of the Solomon Awoniyà Adetisola Foundation, which he said will be dedicated to supporting widows, orphans, and the less privileged in our communities.
Similarly, the cleric declared that the UACC Mount Zion International
Prayer Center, currently under construction, shall be dedicated in memory of Archbishop Adetisola upon completion.
“This center will serve as a place of refuge, prayer, and spiritual nurturing, reflecting the values and teachings he instilled in
each one of us.” He said
He added that the church is also committed to establishing an academic institution to be named Solomon Awoniyi
Adetisola University (SAAU) in the near future to empower the next
generation.
The university, he said “will stand not only as a testament to his life’s work but also as a platform for
spiritual and intellectual growth, fostering leaders who will continue to carry forward the principles he lived
by.”
In a brief sermon, the UACC President, Rev’d James Bayo Owoyemi who took his text from the book of Proverbs 10:9, highlights the importance of living a righteous life, as the memory of those who do so will be honored and blessed.
One of the daughters of the late cleric, Mrs Moradeun Ilori appreciated the church on behalf of the family for not only according to their late farther a befitting burial, but also immotalising him stating that it has always been what they wished for .
Others who paid glowing tributes on the late former general overseer of the church, include: Deaconess Bolatito Adedoyin, Rev’d Segun Oderinde, Pastor (Mrs) Cecilia Ogunlade, Rev’d Samuel Balogun,Rev’d Joseph Fayehun and Pastor (Mrs) Balogun .They all described the deceased as a visionary leader, disciplinarian and time conscious individual among other qualities.
Right Rev Archbishop Solomon Awoniyi Adetisola was born in the year 1914 to the family of Pa and madam Adefaratisola though he chose to be called Adetisola. He hailed from Ayoyen’s compound in Igasi Akoko, Ondo state.
By the guide of Holy Spirit, he, in collaboration with some men of God formed United Church of Christ (
UCC) in 1965. Being the only ordained Pastor then, and through the leading of the holy Spirit, he was made the 1st President and General Overseer of the church which later became the United Apostolic Church of Christ (UACC) during his time.
He was consecrated a Bishop in November 1993 during convention at the UACC Missionary Headquarters, Oke Aro, Akure, Ondo State. He successfully led the church for 33 years.
He moved from llesha to Akure, he toured different towns and cities for his ministerial duty before he came
to settle at Elekuro lbadan.
He moved to Sabo lbadan after his friend, late Chief Lanlehin released the piece of land where UACC Sabo is now to him.
He died on March 23rd 1998 after a brief illness and was survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
