Toyyibah Quasim
The Egba Christian Chiefs Council has honoured the memory of the late Chief John Owolotan Okenla, a revered Christian warrior and pioneer of the faith in Egba land, 144 years after his death.
The anniversary was marked with a Thanksgiving Service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Oke-Saje, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Christian leaders and dignitaries celebrated Okenla’s contributions to the growth and spread of Christianity among the Egba people.
Delivering the sermon at the service, Rev. Dr. Olurotimi Afuwape urged Christians to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of past Christian leaders while keeping their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus Christ.
Speaking from Hebrews 12, he encouraged the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith and preserve the legacy of those who contributed to the establishment and development of Christianity in Egba land.
Afuwape stressed that remembering the sacrifices of past heroes should inspire the present generation to deepen its commitment to the Christian faith and service to humanity.
At a reception held after the Thanksgiving Service, the Balogun of the Egba Christian Chiefs Council, Chief Dr. Joseph Oke, expressed satisfaction with the commemoration.
Oke charged younger generations to protect and sustain the legacy handed down by their predecessors, saying the activities of the council continued to demonstrate the enduring influence and importance of Christianity in Ogun State and Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Osi of the Egba Christian Chiefs Council, Mr Festus Kehinde, described Okenla as a courageous warrior and committed Christian who remained steadfast in his faith even during difficult periods.
Kehinde said Okenla was reputed to have gone to war with his Bible, firmly believing that victory could only be achieved through God’s guidance.
According to him, Okenla’s exploits on the battlefield eventually earned him recognition from the Alake of Egbaland, who rewarded him with the title of Balogun.
He added that beyond his exploits as a warrior, Okenla was deeply committed to evangelism and used his lifetime to promote and preach the Christian faith.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Prince Ifekayode Akinbode, who represented the Ogun State governorship candidate of the All Pogressuves Congress, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
Akinbode, in his address, called on Christians to intensify prayers for Nigeria, Ogun State and society, stressing the importance of divine intervention in addressing the challenges facing the country.
He also pledged that any support required by the Egba Christian Chiefs Council would receive the attention and consideration of the governorship aspirant.
The 144th remembrance anniversary provided an opportunity for members of the Egba Christian Chiefs Council, church leaders and other dignitaries to celebrate Okenla’s legacy and reaffirm their commitment to preserving the Christian heritage and history of the Egba people. 
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