The magnificent hall of Whitestone Event Centre, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos State, was filled with excitement on Thursday, August 21, 2025, as renowned gospel music minister, Adeyinka Alaseyori, honoured 29 gospel music legends whose timeless songs have inspired generations across Nigeria and beyond.
The colourful event, tagged “Celebrating the Legends,” was specially dedicated to veteran gospel artistes aged 60 and above, in recognition of their immense contributions to the growth of gospel music and spiritual upliftment over the decades.
For Alaseyori, it was a moment of fulfilment and joy, as the impressive turnout and resounding success of the programme reflected her vision of celebrating the pillars of gospel music.
The event also rekindled bonds of unity among the honourees, many of whom were reunited after years, adding an atmosphere of nostalgia and togetherness.
The honoured legends include Evangelist (Professor) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, Pastor Joseph Adebayo Adelakun of Ayyewa fame, Evangelist (Dr) Funmi Aragbaiye (Mama Sioni), Lady Evangelist Toun Soetan, Lady Evangelist Dupe Olulana, Evangelist Niyi Adedokun (The Glory Singer), Lady Evangelist Dunni. Olanrewaju (Opelope Anointing), Pastor Kunle. Alayi, Evangelist (Dr) Bola Aare, Apostle (DR) J.O Afolabi ( Okoto Jesu), Lady Evangelist Atinuke Obanla, Rev. Shola Rotimi ( Saved to serve singers),
Others are Evangelist Akin Adebayo (Imole Ayo), Evangelist Ojo Ade (Isaac Ojo Adegunna), Pastor Paul Morayo Tao El-Shadai, Bishop (Rev) Margaret Bolanle Odeleke, Evangelist Dr Philip Olufemi Olayiwola (PHOLAT), Lady Evangelist D. A Fasonyin, Pastor Orokoya Telemi, Lady Evangelist Ojonakoku, Pastor Kola Fowowe, Pastor John Oladele Ojo, Pastor Victor Ajayi, Rev. Foluke Awoleye, Pastor Olabisi Afolabi, Evangelist G.A Aworinde (Mo ki Obi mi), Rev. Shola Iyinyemi, Baale Evangelist Remi Aderoju ( Sagbara Olorun) and Evangelist Jacob Kunle Ajomale (Damuso-Rejoice)
The atmosphere was electrifying as the legends, elegantly dressed in colourful attires, rendered some of their evergreen gospel classics to the delight of the audience who filled the hall to capacity.
In her speech, Evangelist (Dr) Funmi Aragbaiye lauded Adeyinka Alaseyori for her thoughtfulness in celebrating the elder statesmen and women of gospel music, describing the initiative as “historical and inspiring.”
Also speaking, Evangelist (Professor) Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, who joyfully reflected on his 70-year journey in the industry since beginning at age 15, described the initiative as “legendary and a landmark development.” He prayed God’s blessings upon Alaseyori for the honour.
In her remarks, the host, Adeyinka Alaseyori, thanked the honourees for gracing the event and reiterated that the vision of Celebrating the Legends was to recognize and appreciate the pioneers and veterans of gospel music whose works have positively touched lives within and outside Nigeria.
The high point of the evening was the presentation of award plaques to each of the legends, followed by a vibrant praise party that left the audience thrilled.
“This year’s edition brought together lovers of gospel music, industry leaders, ministers, and supporters under one roof to celebrate our honourees,” Alaseyori said. “From timeless melodies to unforgettable lyrics, their works continue to inspire both the church and the world at large.”
