By Christy Anyanwu
Most Superior Evangelist S. Ajani Oyedeji passed unto glory on Sunday September 14, 2025. He was 91.
His daughter, Seun Oyedeji is a veteran broadcaster with over two decades of experience, currently serving as the National News Coordinator at Silverbird Television (STV). She’s known for her work on various programmes and her dedication to bridging the gap between the government and citizens through effective communication.
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Speaking with Saturday Sun, Seun relives the memories of her late dad.
Tell us about your dad. Who was he professionally and where he hailed from?
My dad, Pa Simeon Ajani Oyedeji was a gentleman, loving father, ‘Christianly’ fashionable and servant of God with a passion for the people
He born into the family of Late Pa Josiah Odunoso Oyedeji of Alawonla Compound in Igbore and Late Madam Omokehinde Oyedeji (Nee Ewumi) from Akija Compound in Ijemo, Abeokuta Ogun State.
He grew up with strong values of discipline, integrity, and hard work, which shaped the man he later became.
Although he had only primary and standard school education, his determination and resilience distinguished him among his peers.
His thirst for excellence in whatever he did motivated him to improve his theological knowledge at Faith Bible College, Sango Ogun State.
With deep interest in technical work, he pursued a career in electrical services and acquired requisite trainings to sharpen his mastery of the art and skills
He later worked briefly with the then Electrical Company of Nigeria (ECN) now known as Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
His industrious nature soon transformed him into a renowned licensed electrical contractor.
Through his dexterity and dedication he soon became one of the reputable and respected electrical contractors in Sagamu where he was based then, in the search of greener pasture as a youth.
His diligence, honesty and good service delivery earned him a good reputation that made his name a household one in the field of his discipline with the alias ‘Ajasco’
Pa Simeon Ajani Oyedeji, fondly called ‘S.A’, was born into a Christian family. He attended St John Africa Church, Oke -Igbore, with his parents.
However, in the course of life, his late elder brother, Pa Adesoji Oyedeji, took him to worship with him at The Apostolic Church Igbore.
In his sojourn to fend for himself as a young man, he was led out of personal conviction to join the Celestial Church of Christ, Sagamu Parish 1, under the leadership of late Senior Evangelist Salako on Monday, February 24, 1964.
He later answered the divine call on Sunday, April 7, 1968 and became a devoted cleric in the Celestial Church of Christ at Ijako Parish in Abeokuta
He served as an evangelist across the country. He was used by God to establish and expand the parishes he was posted to serve.
When last did you see your dad? Was there any sign that he would die soon?
At age 91, every child would be afraid of the ‘inevitable’. Whenever I called or visited, the first he’d say after all pleasantries was “kò ì tìì yá’- meaning: “it’s not yet time”.
But that call on Friday, September 12, 2025 changed all that! My elder sister called and said dad wasn’t talking. My siblings and I quickly made some contacts and he was taken to Redwood Hospital in GRA Abeokuta where he breathed his last on Sunday, September 14, 2025
What type of dad was he? Did he over pamper his children or was he a disciplinarian?
He was a loving dad who really pampered his children but never withheld the ‘stick’
We are all nine in number and I am the fifth and the ‘tough one’. So, I got into trouble a lot and in all of that, I can only recollect him beating me only once- he’d rather ‘award the contract’ to my elder brothers and any of my uncles – especially ‘Uncle Coker’ to do the job.
And you know what, he’d still find a way of pulling me close and explain why I had to be punished and reaffirm his love for me- same way he treated all his children
What valuable lessons did your dad teach you that have stuck with you?
Love for God and humanity. Our house was open to all. There was no way you’d come in hungry and leave the same way. He loved people around him. He ensured all his children stayed together in love and that was one wish he had till his last days – that all his children would forever stay united
What are your favourite memories of your dad?
As I said, my dad was very loving and he loved all his children
As kids, he’d ask us to pull his toes to get the ‘click sounds’; scratch his back with our tiny fingers and pull some of his grey hair for rewards of wraps of candies or TUC biscuits. Little did we know then that those moments were more of ‘deliberately’ making efforts to bond with us.
Those were very heart-warming moments, and anytime he travelled, we missed him greatly
What values did your dad instil in you that you will try to pass on to others?
Love, kindness, humility, respect for all and always putting God first in all I do.
What memories or funny stories did you have of your dad that always make you smile?
My dad was very neat, well groomed and classy. Whenever he entered into the church, you would notice him. There are so many stories that bring smiles and heart-warming moments to treasure forever
What’s your dad favourite food?
In his younger days- Pap and Akara every morning. And that could be explained by the fact that my grandmother sold ‘èko’- pap in those years. But as he grew older, he began to love ‘yam with eggs’.
What will you miss about him?
Everything. I’m officially an orphan. I lost my mum in 1998 and now, my father is no more. He will be laid to rest on Friday October 17 2025 in Abeokuta.
The post Dad pampered his children but never withheld the ‘stick’ –Seun, broadcaster daughter of late cleric, Pa Oyedeji appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
