Odukoya Siblings, Jimmy and Tolu, Installed As Heads, Fountain of Life Church

Children of the late founders of the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos, Jimmy Odukoya and younger sister, Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun, have been installed as heads of the church.

They will take over from their parent, late Pastors Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya, in an installation ceremony conducted at the church auditorium on Saturday.

While Jimmy was named Senior Pastor, his elder sibling, Tolu, was designated Associate Senior Pastor in a ceremony presided over by Presiding Bishop of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Mike Okonkwo, supported by his wife, Peace.

Other high ranking church leaders at the event include President of the Spirit Ministries, Wale Oke and Senior Pastor, Foundation of Truth Assembly, Yomi Kasali. 

In his sermon before the installation, Wale Oke reminisced on the humble nature of the late Taiwo and his wife, Bimbo, and applauded the church for giving the late Senior Pastor a befitting burial. 

“God used Pastor Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya to found this church, and God is our cornerstone. They spent their years to honour God, and God has done them well.”

Bishop Okonkwo who conducted the installation ceremony of the new heads also reminisced on his relationship with the late founders, whom he said he laid hands on at the foundation of the church.

Bishop Okonkwo who recalled how he guided the duo in the early days, added that God used the founding leaders not as perfect instruments but as he deemed for his purpose. 

 “I remember many years ago, big mummy (his wife) and I laid hands on your parents when this church started, and today, we are also laying hands on both of you. God does not use perfect instruments. He uses those who seem unqualified to the natural eye.”

In his acceptance prayers, Jimmy prayed God to grant him the grace to carry on in his new assignment. 

“As your son, I want to say ‘thank you’. You have seen the sum total of who I am, and have placed me in this position. It is only by your grace that you have put me here.

“Thank you for putting me in the family of Pastor Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya, and for making me carry their name. They stood, and despite the adversity, they carried your flag till their dying breath. Beyond the title, you looked at me and called me worthy,” he said. 

Jimmy Odukoya was born on April 27, 1987 while Tolu was born September 7, two years earlier. Their youngest sibling, Dr Tobi Odukoya-Enuha, was born on June 11,1990