Pastor Olayemi Adeleke’s life journey is a captivating narrative of love, faith, and family, intricately woven with her dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Born again at the age of 16, Olayemi’s story took a profound turn when she crossed paths with Andrew Adeleke. Their courtship, lasting five years, unfolded within the vibrant community of Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan, where they were both members of the Gospel Group.
Pastor Olayemi Adeleke: A Mother, Wife, and Ministry Partner
On the 1st of October 1988, Olayemi and Andrew, aged 24 at the time, exchanged vows at St. Luke’s Anglican Church Okeigbo, her family church. Little did they know that their years of training at Oritamefa Baptist Church had subtly prepared them for the pastoral ministry and church planting endeavors that lay ahead.
In February 1989, Olayemi made a significant move to London, a move she later recognized as one of destiny. Initially intending to return to Nigeria after delivering her baby, God had other plans. Joined by her husband in July 1989, they embraced a new chapter of their lives in the UK.
The joys of motherhood accompanied Olayemi’s journey, with the birth of their first son, Aaron Adeleke, in September 1989, when she was 25. Philemon Adeleke, their second son, arrived in January 1993, marking another milestone in her journey as a mother. Balancing her roles, Olayemi worked as a Personal Assistant in various esteemed organizations, including UCH, UCL, Esso, Onyx, NYSCC, among others.
A home filled with Joy and a Life of Legacy
In 1990, the Adelekes were invited to the Redeemed Christian Church of God at Marylebone/Angel, where Pastor Andrew contributed to pastoral leadership. This experience paved the way for the founding of House of Praise, a ministry where Pastor Olayemi found her calling and purpose. The couple’s partnership in ministry saw them plant churches not only in the UK but also in locations such as Germany, Canada, the USA, and beyond. Over 100 churches trace their roots back to the seed planted at House of Praise.
During the third decade of her life, Pastor Olayemi pursued further spiritual education, earning a Post Graduate Diploma from the Redeemers Bible School. Her commitment to continuous growth and learning reflected in the exponential impact she and Pastor Andrew had on the lives of individuals and communities.
Today, Pastor Olayemi Adeleke stands as a testament to the transformative power of faith, a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and a trailblazing minister who has left an indelible mark on the landscape of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. With three beloved children—Aaron, Philemon, and Beulah—and three grandchildren, her legacy of love, faith, and service continues to resonate through generations.