Written By: Tosin Ajogbeje /Date: 2021/02/13
Black History Month is an annual celebration of the many contributions and achievements of the African diaspora culture. Originating in the U.S., historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson was the brainchild of the observance of Black History. Today, every February, black communities across the world commemorate the transformative work of Black leaders in various fields of science, politics, sports, the arts, entertainment and many others.
Celebrating black history month goes beyond discussions of slavery and racism, but engages more with Black histories. In this era, it is critical to amplify Black voices and historic anecdotes as we work towards confronting the harsh reality of racism, and building inclusive societies, as well as embracing the core of “black consciousness”. Our ancestors are worth remembering, especially when they independently did extraordinary things with good intentions.
Interestingly, my great-grandfather aka Baba Ijo was one of the first leaders of the Bethel African Church. According to a research compiled by an Author, Peter A. Adebiyi, Pa Gabriel Ajogbeje was instrumental in the expansion of the African Church at Afao, which eventually became the strongest church in Ikere within three years of its establishment. Before going into detail about his inspiring achievements, we need to explore the emergence of the African Church in Ekiti land.
According to research, the African Church was established in two towns in Ekiti as a result of an internal crisis within the Anglican Church. The Anglican Church at Ikere-Ekiti had already been divided into three parts- Iro, Odo-Oja and Oke’ Kere. Research claims that the first church was built at Iro Quarters (St .Luke’s Church), also the main quarter of the Ogoga of Ikere. After the immediate introduction of Christainity, Odo-Oja and Oke’Kere felt it was demeaning for them to go to Iro quarters to bow down for the Ogoga of Ikere and again go back to Iro to worship at the church every Sunday.
Because of this, Odo-Oja and Oke’Kere decided to establish their own churches, Holy Trinity and St. Peter’s Church respectively. During the Ekiti-Parapo conflict, and the civil war between the Yoruba people at that time, people from Are, Afao, Agbado, and Ilu-Omoba came to settle in Ikere. The people from Afao and Are also joined the people of Oke'Kere to build St. Peter’s Church. Soon after, the people of Oke’Kere did not recognize the contributions of Afao and Are residents, and did not consider them in leadership roles. As a result of this tension, the people of Are moved out of St. Peter’s Church and built their own Anglican Church in their Quarters and named it St. John’s, Are.
Two men from Afao, Agbaje and Adeola also left St. Peter’s Church and travelled to Lagos. They also convinced some of their people to leave St. Peter’s Anglican Church. While in Lagos they worked, drafted a thought out plan and decided to establish their own denomination, and called it Bethel African Church. Then, they inducted the foremost leaders of the church, Gabriel Ajogbeje, Josiah Adu (the grand-father of famed singer, Sade Adu), Obatayo and Faleye, and many other great leaders. In the course of time, several independent churches and western-oriented missionary churches have spread across Ekitiland.
Pa Gabriel Ajogbeje was a selfless leader who played fundamental roles in the development of the Bethel African Church. He had a long history of commitment to human rights and the fair treatment of people of all tribes, and ethno-cultural groups. As a preacher and social activist, he advocated for marginalized communities in Ekitiland and beyond, and campaigned for a pluralistic society. He condemned the oppression of others, and maintained his peaceful stance in incorporating ethics in community values. For example, he championed the opportunity for people from different cultural backgrounds, and those from polygamous marriages and homes to take part in baptism activities at the church. Pa Gabriel Ajogbeje single-handedly made a name for himself, gave the little he could give through his hard work and persistence, and in return received accolades and recognition domestically and internationally.
His apostolic work and dedication serve as a powerful reminder that hatred and acrimony for others never make or leave a lasting impact in today’s world. Many years ago; one of his sons, my grand-father, Pa Jonathan Ajogbeje aka Abaluduru told me that making an impact in a community comes with rejecting the notion of self-entitlement and expressing gratitude to those who have paved the way for change. Pa Gabriel Ajogbeje’ s role in the African Church is still relevant today and he remains a notable figure in the development of Bethel African denomination.
It is impossible to end this piece without extending a big thank you to God, Stanford University and its Interlibrary Department for providing me with Peter A. Adebiyi’s book and the relevant resources to compile this archival piece.
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