From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I and other eminent Nigerians at the weekend converged on Ibadan to celebrate with Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the founder of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Ibadan on his 60th birthday.
The birthday, which coincided with the grand finale of the 34th edition of Holy Ghost Convention of the ministries tagged: God that Answers by Fire, took place at the headquarters of the church, Garden of Victory, Olaogun, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
In his tribute, Osinbajo described Oke as an exceptional human being, who had served the Lord, preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ locally and internationally in the past 34 years.
He noted that Oke had helped many people to build their lives, adding that, “most of the people in the position of leadership need prayers and Oke has been interceding for leadership of this country in a worthy manner.
The General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Adeboye, in the sermon noted that he had known Oke for more than 40 years ago. He said Oke was his student when he was a lecturer at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
He said at 2.00pm on December 24, 1979, Oke, who was a student in UNILAG then prayed and God gave him a prophecy, which he (Oke) brought to him, saying: “He wrote down the prophecy and brought it to me. Immediately I took it from him, I knew it was meant for me. I took the prophecy like a mathematician and broke it down to 28 promises of God for my life.
“From that 1979 and today, 27 of the promises have come to pass. He is a prophet sent from God. But many did not know.”
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adetunji, who led some members of Olubadan-in-Council to the programme, also prayed for long life for the cleric and his ministry.
The programme was attended by Bishop of Ibadan South, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Jacob Ajetunmobi; former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola;; former governorship aspirant in Oyo State and Mr. Seyi Makinde.
The representatives of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, Revd. Supo Ayokunle, also graced the occasion.