C&S Agbojesu Pioneer In Diaspora, Prophet Ogunyooye, Dies At 87

The founder of Ogo Oluwa Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Prophet Joseph Ijaola Ogunyooye, has passed away. He transitioned to eternal glory on Sunday, March 9, at the age of 87 years.

Elder Ogunyooye, popularly referred to as “Baba Atunbi Jesu,” was renowned for pioneering the C&S Agbojesu Conference in the United States and the diaspora.

Born on Saturday, August 20, 1938, to Rebecca Mogbonjuola and Pa Ezekiel Ogunyooye in an Anglican family in Gbongan, Baba Atunbi Jesu attended St. Paul’s Elementary School in Gbongan, Osun State and was discipled by the late Baba Aladura David A. Akinsola, who founded the first C&S church in Gbogan. At the age of 20, he was ordained a prophet in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in 1958. After a brief stint as a teacher in the late 1950s, he dedicated himself fully to the prophetic commission, serving in the first C&S Church, Owo Ope, Gbongan.

In the early 1960s, he relocated to Ibadan, where he was discipled by the late Timothy O. Ibadan, founder of the Jah Jehovah Jireh Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Oke Ado, Ibadan, a close friend of his former principal, D.A. Akinsola. During his time in Ibadan, his ministry as a prophet flourished, gaining regional recognition. A notable highlight was his 40-day trance in 1964, during which renowned traditional rulers, academias and other influential figures sought his spiritual guidance.

His prophetic exploits extended beyond the Western region, earning him nationwide recognition. He was among the prophets who foretold the first Nigerian coup in 1966.

He, however, did not initially begin as a member of the Agbojesu Conference until his encounter with the founder of the conference, Alfred Ajayi Akintobi, Arojibika I. After his 40-day trance, Baba Atunbi Jesu

received the blessings of Baba Akintobi, who attended his descent service.

The visit marked the last missionary journey of Baba Akintobi, who passed away shortly after. The encounter also led Baba Atunbi Jesu to vow to remain a committed member of the Agbojesu movement.

In 1995, Baba Atunbi Jesu relocated to the United States, settling in New York City. He promptly embarked on a series of evangelical missions, with a key outcome being his host church, Glorious Morning Star C & S Church, affiliating with the C & S Agbojesu conference. This milestone marked a historic moment, as the church became the first Agbojesu C & S Church in the USA/Canada region. To this day, the Glorious Morning Star Church, led by Elder Dr. Francis Okhiria, remains the headquarters of the C & S Agbojesu Subconference in the USA/Canada region.

He established his first church at Akindelu Street in Surulere before relocating to a permanent address on Dipo Olubi Street in the same community where he lived until his passing.

Prophet Ogunyooye is the father of Pastor Sam Ogunyooye, who is the convener of the annual White Garment Experience concert and the Pastor in charge of Glory of God C&S church in Dallas, Tx.