By Dayo Johnson
Akure — WORLD renowned televangelist and founder of World Soul Winning Evangelical Mission, WOSEM, and General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Prophet Timothy Obadare, is dead.
Obadare, who was the second-in-command to Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola at CAC, died yesterday morning at an undisclosed private hospital in Akure after a protracted age-related ailment. He was aged 83.
Popular for his monthly crusade, Koseunti, that drew Christians from all denominations to Akure, Ondo State capital, Baba Obadare, as he was popularly called, was formerly of the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, until he formed his own ministry, WOSEM.
Prophet Obadare’s son, Pastor Abraham Obadare and the Ondo State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bishop Joshua Ketiku, both confirmed that Baba Obadare died in an Akure hospital.
US-based Pastor Obadare Jnr., who was said to have graduated from Hunter College of City University, New York, is a District Superintendent in charge of CAC WOSEM churches in the United States and Canada.
Prophet T.O Obadare
The visually-impaired evangelist had travelled across the nations of the world on evangelical mission with signs and wonders reportedly following his ministrations.
Bishop Ketiku said the deceased lived a good life and had gone to rest, saying “Baba is happier where he is now.”
One of the children of the late prophet, Mr. Joseph Obadare, said his father lived a fulfilled life. He added that the family was waiting for the eldest son before any comment.
Speaking with newsmen in Akure, Media Aide to late Obadare, Pastor Michael Awe, described him as a great evangelist, who travelled wide within and outside the country on evangelism activities.
Pastor Awe, who said there was no faction in CAC Worldwide, said WOSEM had always being an evangelical arm of the church.
Also, Publicity Secretary of CAC Worldwide, Pastor Adeemisoye Alawode, said the entire CAC was shocked on the news of the prophet’s death.
Alawode said the President of CAC Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akioso, had condoled with the entire members of the Church and the family of the deceased.
He said during the lifetime of Obadare, he worked like a General in Jesus Army, saying he did his best for the Church.
Mimiko pays tribute
Governor Olusegun Mimiko, said the death of Obadare was an example of the marching on of a saint.
Mimiko, in a statement yesterday, said Obadare’s life, ministry and influence could be likened to those of saints, rare and uncommon.
He said: “In his way of life, concern for the lost soul and uplifting of the name of God, Obadare stands tall among the prophets of his generation and broke barriers that health attempted to place on his way.
“He was consistent and controlled, aggressive yet unobtrusive and had no pretensions about his faith and God. Prophet Obadare made the life of the poor and the down-trodden his and helped many to rediscover their connections to God.
“His strident cries against sin and warnings to those departing from what is right and just will be sorely missed.”
The governor recalled the evangelistic exploits of the late cleric in the face of sight challenge, saying “Prophet Obadare’s mastery of bible verses and lines underlines the fact that he was indeed a prophet called for a purpose by God.
“He, it appears, has discharged his duties and deserves blissful rest in the bosom of his maker. Our hearts go to his many disciples and members as well as family this period. We ask that the good Lord send consolation their ways.”
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