Nigeria Mourns Passing of Esteemed Cleric, Rev. Olugbenga Marcus Adeya

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian Christian community is in mourning following the passing of a revered figure, Reverend Olugbenga Marcus Adeya, founder and General Overseer of Endtime Body of Christ Ministries Worldwide. Rev. Adeya, described as one of Nigeria’s foremost “God’s Generals,” passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the age of 87, having dedicated over 67 years to active Christian mission work.

Born on March 8, 1938, in the quiet riverine town of Obinehin in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, Rev. Adeya was widely recognized for his profound impact on countless lives and his vigorous church-planting efforts across Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, and Delta States. Despite his monumental influence, he was known for his preference for a low profile.

His spiritual journey began with a remarkable divine encounter shortly after gaining admission to the University of Ibadan in September 1967. In his autobiography, Rev. Adeya recounted this pivotal moment: “At the University of Ibadan, I met my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This divine encounter took place at the beginning of my University career. It changed my view of life and from that time on, I see life in terms of eternity in heaven.” He specifically noted October 22, 1967, as the date he committed his life to Christ, describing it as an experience filled with “unspeakable joy and glory.”

Beyond his ministry, Rev. Adeya was a dedicated teacher and educator, having served as a principal in numerous secondary schools, including Ilaje Grammar School, Atijere.

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He often spoke fondly of his wife, Mrs. Tinuke Adeya, expressing gratitude for her partnership: “I thank God for giving to me Miss Tinuke Johnson who became my wife. She has to all intents and purposes become my wonderful helpmate, a companion, my best friend and best adviser. Since our wedding, we have never slept over any quarrel. We agree to disagree and we disagree to agree. My spouse is very loving and caring. Tinuke is very frank to a fault, wise, ingenious, highly enterprising and courageous. We are made for each other.”

The central theme of Rev. Adeya’s ministrations emphasized “Total consecration is a necessary condition for our manifestation as believers,” often quoting 1 Timothy 2:9: “Nevertheless, the foundation of the Lord standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knows those that are His and everyone that nameth the name of the Lord must depart from iniquity.”

The family has announced that burial events for the departed cleric are scheduled for November 13 and 14, 2025. Barrister Tomi Adeya-Adeyinka, one of his children, conveyed this information on behalf of the family, requesting friends, associates, church members, and the wider body of Christ to await more specific details regarding the funeral program in the coming weeks and months.