TRIBUTE TO A GALLANT RELIGIOUS LEADER Prince James Adewuyi Ajayi!

 

(Baba Ijo Methodist Church Nigeria Oke-Omi Circuit, Osu, Osun State.)

A Renowned Economist and Change Agent. 

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. 

The time of my death is near

I have fought the good fight

I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 

And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. 

And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. {2 Tim 4:6-8}

Biography of Pa. James Adewuyi Ajayi. Papa was born on 23rd August, 1936 in Osu, the headquarter of Atakunmosa West Local Government Area of Osun State into the family of Pa. Joseph Adelusi Ajayi and Madam Abigail Omotunde Ajayi ( Both of blessed memory).

The father is from the Royal lineage of Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland while the mother hailed from the Ojofeyitimi's family of Imelejo Street, Osu.

Late Prince James Adewuyi Ajayi Started his education at Methodist Primary School Oke-Oja, Osu. In 1945. He passed out and obtained Standard Six Certificate in 1952. He gained addimission to wesley college, Ibadan in January 1957 for a 4year grade ll Teacher’s course and graduated in the year 1960. In practice, Papa was posted to Methodist Secondary Modern School, Ago-Iwoye (now in Ogun State) .

He was a dedicated and loyal member of Methodist Church Nigeria (Premier Church) where he served as an assistant organist for 3 years. In December 1963, he was transferred to ibadan and later moved to Osogbo, Ikirun and Ilesa. At the various places and times, he worked tirelessly either as class teacher or head master. 

During the period, Pa Ajayi registered with the then popular Rapid Results college in London for tuition courses in Geography , Government and Economics which he subsequently passed at G.C.E Advance "Level" As a result he gained direct addimission into University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 1971 to undergo first degree programme in Economics.

He finished in 1975 with a second class B.Sc, (Honours)

There after Prince Ajayi started his civil service career in the Federal Ministry of National Planning as an  Economic Planning Officer in 1976.

However, He was there for a short period as he left for the Oyo State civil service. He was deployed to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning as Administrative Cum Economic planning officer.

He spent about 6 years before moving back to the Osun State ministry of commerce and industry. Where he retired as a Director in August 1994 after 35 years of meritorious service.

Prince James Adewuyi Ajayi's life, profession and his death clearly shows that he was not just an ordinary man, but a Man, sent by Almighty God to this Planet Earth, for a special and specific purpose to deliver to every person that he came across, and upon the completion of that project, The Almighty God silently took him away to join the Saint Triumphant. 

On his Family life, he was a complete family man, who trained his children both in the ways of the lord and western education, Majority of them are captain in their chosen profession across the country and he was never engaged in unnecessary misunderstanding with his wife and other people in the Church of in the Town. 

Bàbá Ijo Ajayi was a was a prominent member of Methodist Church Nigeria since 1950. He remained a financial and dedicated member of Methodist Church Nigeria. He and his family become member of Methodist Church Agodi (now Methodist Church Cathedral of Light) 

Though, Prince Ajayi later attended His home church Methodist Church Nigeria Oke-Omi Osu, Circuit. Osun State. Thanks to Agodi Methodist Church. 

Prince James Adewuyi Ajayi became Baba Ijo ( Men's Leader) of Methodist Church Nigeria Oke-Omi Osu in 2015.

Baba was still fresh, agile, healthy and energetic, even till death, he was the Church representative at Christian Association of Nigeria {CAN} both in the Local Government and State for several years, 

 

At this juncture, if some of his achievements are not identified here, one will be accused of being bias or being economical with the truth, therefore, I will x-ray some of his achievements in the Vineyard of the Lord. 

Prince James Adewuyi Ajay, during his lifetime, his midest contribution to the development of the church in some other ways to Methodist Church Nigeria Oke-Omi Osu.

These include provision of an Evangelism bus, Amplifier Engine, Choir robes, painting of the church, cash donation to the new mission house and fensing of the church etc.

Secondly, his style of Evangelism is of bringing people together, pray with them, organizing them in small Christian communities are worthy of emulation in our Dioceses, his last assignment was preparation for the coming of the Prelate His Eminence Uche to  Methodist Church Nigeria Oke-Omi Osu. Before his demise which he couldn’t witness. 

As a Man who has traveled to many Cities and villages, these were the reasons why he freely interact with many people, irrespective of their tribe or religion affiliations, that's why his demise is still like a dream to all Osu Sons and Daughters.

Prince James Adewuyi Ajayi life is beyond what I can document here because he is a complete Book on his own, his Biography is beyond what a single person could write about because he was a different person to different people in virtue and character, Prince Ajayi will surely be missed by all.

Finally, we hereby condole with the Family, the Archbishop and the  Diocese of ilesa for the exit of this Liturgical Teacher, we are happy that Baba lived a fulfilled live that is full of testimonies, may Almighty God grant him eternal rest and grant us the fortitude to bear the loss.

At one time or another , he belonged to a number of social and civic organizations which included:

(I) Member Osu progressive union (OPU)

(ii) Member Osu Community Development Council (OCDC) 

(iii) Member and  first Vice president , Osu Improvement Union (OIU) 

(iV) Adviser Great Reformers Club Osu.

(V) Member and First Vice President Ijesa helpers league.

Prince Ajayi was happly married to Chief (Mrs) Julianah O. Ajayi ( Iya Egbe idapo obinrin) Methodist Church Nigeria Oke-Omi Osu and the marriage blessed with wonderful Children and grandchildren.

Kare Ooo.

Omo Owa, Omo Ekun

Omo Obokun.

Ìjẹ̀sà osere onílé òbí,

Ogun ja Hausa, ó kó Kaun,

Ogun ja Tàpá, ó kó Igunnu,

Ogun ja Ìjẹ̀sà, kò rí Obi kò,

Ọmọ Eleni ateeka,

Ọmọ Eleni Ewele.

Omo Alaro Odo,

Abeja Gbooro Lomi,

Omo Owa, Omo Ekun Laafin Adimula. Sun re o!

Prince Ajayi lived sacrificially to serve his God and humanity until last breath on the 23rd of July, 2021.

We are fully convinced he  finished well and your reward is eternal Rest.

ADIEU, PRINCE JAMES ADEWUYI AJAYI. (Baba Ijo Methodist Church Nigeria Oke-Omi Osu) 

You will forever be missed Good Night.

Signed: Hon Tosin Ogunjuyigbe