By Kayode Olopade
As family members, associates, church leaders and residents across Lagos State celebrate the 66th birthday of Prophet Ambassador Oladele Johnson O. Omoniyi, tributes have continued to pour in for the renowned cleric and humanitarian whose life has been defined by evangelism, grassroots development and service to humanity.
Prophet Omoniyi, founder of the Christ for the Deliverance Empowerement Initiative Incorporated, is widely recognised for his contributions to spiritual growth, education, youth empowerment and community development within Lagos and beyond.
Born in 1960 to the family of the late Elder Jacob Oladele Omoniyi and late Mrs Florence I. Omoniyi, both of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State, the respected prophet has spent decades combining ministry with humanitarian interventions aimed at uplifting the less privileged and strengthening community ties.
Although he once aspired to become a lawyer and journalist in order to defend the oppressed and champion social justice, Prophet Omoniyi said destiny eventually redirected his passion towards full-time ministry following what he described as a divine calling in 1994.
Reflecting on his journey, the cleric noted that his ministry has remained focused on soul winning, prayer, counselling, empowerment and restoring hope to people facing diverse life challenges.
“God called me into His vineyard in 1994, and since then, the journey has been about touching lives, winning souls and supporting humanity through prayer, counselling and empowerment,” he said.
Over the years, testimonies from worshippers and associates have linked his ministry to spiritual healing, deliverance and restoration, while his missionary activities took him across several African and European countries between 1995 and 1997, including France, Ghana, Cotonou, Bamako in Mali and Abidjan, where he engaged in evangelical outreach programmes.
Beyond the pulpit, Prophet Omoniyi has remained active in education, business and community service. An educationist by training, he attended Adeyemi College of Education, Uso Grammar School in Ondo State, Teachers’ Training School and Bible College.
Before dedicating himself fully to ministry, he established nursery and primary schools in Ikole Ekiti, Iluomoba Ekiti and Akure in Ondo State as part of efforts to expand access to education and moral development for young children.
He, however, revealed that the schools eventually collapsed due to what he described as his reluctance at the time to fully embrace God’s call into ministry.
“I resisted the calling initially because I was passionate about education and community development, but eventually I surrendered fully to the work of God,” he stated.
Aside from his religious engagements, Prophet Omoniyi currently serves as President and Founder of Christ for the Deliverance Empowerement Initiative Incorporated, a Lagos-based non-governmental organisation devoted to humanitarian and empowerment initiatives. He is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Christ for the Deliverance Real Estate Properties Limited.
His commitment to societal development has also reflected in his participation in several community and religious organisations across Lagos State.
He previously served as Unit Coordinator of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Alagbado chapter; Assistant District General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA; first General Secretary of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Alagbado-Amje Auxiliary; former Publicity Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Alagbado AIT Chapter; as well as General Secretary of the Olajide Community Development Association, Ilapo, Alagbado.
Community leaders recalled that during his tenure in the CDA, major roads including Adekoya Street, Aina Aladi Road and Old Ota Road were constructed under the administration of former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, significantly improving infrastructure and accessibility within the area.
In recognition of his contributions to grassroots development and community mobilisation, residents also named a bus stop after him — a gesture many described as a testament to his enduring impact on the people.
Currently, Prophet Omoniyi remains an active member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Alagbado AIT Chapter, under the Lagos State chapter, where he continues to contribute to faith-based and community advancement initiatives.
As he marks his 66th birthday, admirers describe Prophet Omoniyi as a man whose legacy transcends the pulpit, reflecting a lifetime devoted to faith, education, service and the empowerment of humanity.
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