End of an Era: Former CAC President Abraham Akinosun Passes at 80

IBADAN, NIGERIA — The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Nigeria and Overseas is mourning the transition of its seventh President, Pastor Abraham Olukunle Akinosun, who passed into glory on March 22, 2026. He was 80 years old.

​The church leadership confirmed the news in an official statement, sparking a wave of tributes for a man whose life mirrored the evolution of Nigeria’s Pentecostal movement. Pastor Akinosun, who retired in 2020 after an eight-year tenure, is being remembered as a “consensus builder” and a disciplined reformer.

​From Trade to Pulpit

​Born on February 27, 1945, Akinosun’s journey was far from conventional. Before finding his calling, he was a skilled pipe fitter, holding Grade 2 and 3 Federal Trade Tests. He worked with industry giants like Julius Berger Nigeria and G. Cappa before resigning in 1972 to pursue full-time ministry.

​His theological journey took him across borders. After initial training at the CAC Bible Training College (1973–1975), he spent years in West Germany, Sweden, and Belgium. He eventually earned a degree in Biblical Studies from the Continental Theological Seminary in Belgium, returning to Nigeria with a global perspective that would later define his presidency.

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​A Legacy of Reform

​Ordained in 1981, Akinosun rose steadily through the ranks. His career highlights included:

• ​Academic Leadership: Serving as a lecturer at the CAC Theological Seminary, Ile-Ife.
• ​Ecumenical Impact: Serving as the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Osun State Chapter (2002–2010).
• ​Administrative Reform: As President (2012–2020), he was credited with massive infrastructural development at the Ikeji Arakeji Prayer Camp and the church’s General Secretariat in Ibadan.

​Under his watch, the CAC expanded its footprint across Europe and Africa, while he personally authored 12 books, including the widely read Pastoral Theology in Action.

​”A Steady Hand”

​The incumbent President, Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele, previously praised his predecessor for his “humility and team spirit,” noting that Akinosun’s leadership was defined by collective decision-making rather than unilateral authority.

​In recognition of his service to humanity, the Osun State Government conferred upon him the title of Justice of the Peace (JP) in 2002.

​Pastor Akinosun is survived by his family and a global congregation of millions. Burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the church authority in the coming days.