Baba Atunbi Jesu Begins Final Journey Home After US, UK Tributes

The founder of Ogo Oluwa Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Prophet Joseph Ijaola Ogunyooye, popularly known as Baba Atunbi Jesu, has begun his final journey home following separate memorial services held in the United States and the United Kingdom ahead of his burial in Nigeria.

The late cleric, who passed away on March 7 at the age of 87, was honoured by family members, church leaders, friends and well-wishers during the services of songs held on May 9 at the Glory of God Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Dallas, Texas, and on May 23 at C&S Eritedo Eromimo Church in Plumstead, London.

At both services, tributes poured in on the impact of the late cleric’s ministry and personal encounters with him over the decades.

Some of the speakers at the events recounted how Baba Atunbi Jesu traversed the United States and the United Kingdom during his evangelical missions, spreading the gospel and strengthening the activities of the white garment church movement in the diaspora.

They also described the late prophet as a disciplinarian and one of the leading figures who expanded the C&S Agbojesu Conference beyond Nigeria, while referring to his exploits in the prophetic ministry and commitment to evangelism.

According to them, many lives were transformed through his spiritual guidance and counselling.

They further described him as a cleric who upheld the doctrines and traditions of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church without compromise.

His eldest son, who is also the leader in charge of GOGCS, Pastor Sam Ogunyooye, told Acts of Seraphs during one of the tributes that the late prophet was a father figure whose influence extended beyond the church into the lives of many families across different countries.

He said, “Baba travelled extensively during his active years preaching the gospel and building bridges among C&S churches abroad. Many people encountered him at different stages of their lives, and their testimonies today reflect the impact he made.”

Ogunyooye added that Baba Atunbi Jesu remained passionate about mentoring younger prophets and church leaders even in old age.

The funeral activities are expected to continue in Nigeria with a service of songs and a Christian wake scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026.

The lying-in-state and funeral service will hold on Friday, May 29, after which the late prophet will be interred at his church located on Dipo Olubi Street, Surulere, Lagos. A reception is expected to follow immediately after the burial.

The funeral programme will conclude with a thanksgiving service on Sunday at Ogo Oluwa C&S Church.

Born on August 20, 1938, in Gbongan, Osun State, Baba Atunbi Jesu was ordained a prophet in 1958 under the mentorship of the late Baba Aladura David A. Akinsola.

He later became one of the prominent figures in the C&S Agbojesu Conference Worldwide and played a significant role in pioneering the church’s expansion into the United States and other parts of the diaspora.

In 1995, he relocated to the United States, where he intensified evangelical missions and facilitated the affiliation of Glorious Morning Star C&S Church in New York with the Agbojesu Conference, making it the first Agbojesu church in the USA and Canada region.

Until his death, he remained the founder of Ogo Oluwa C&S Church in Surulere, Lagos, where he continued his ministry for decades.