Missionary Journey, Persecution, and Vindication

The story

On November 27, 1955, he was spiritually directed to preach in Ilaje. On November 30, 1955, he embarked on the journey to Ilaje, preaching the gospel at Ibajakare, Odun Oyibo, Ajegunle, and Ugbonla. In Ugbonla, the message was met with severe hostility. Accused of preaching without due permission, he was flogged, wounded, and publicly punished for three days by the committee.

On December 18, 1955, he moved to Ori Oke Iwa Mimo, where his wounds were treated by King Oba Alafia, the Ogbon Olorun of Oke Iwamimo. At Ori Oke, he joined the Church of the Apostles and began itinerant preaching, visiting Mogbojuri, Zion-Pepe, and other towns to proclaim the Gospel of Christ.

At Zion Pepe, he worshiped with Baba Mafo (the founder of Episcopal Zion) and his senior colleague Baba Omowole (V.O.G 1). In the midst of this ordeal, he sang “Mo dúpẹ́ lọ́wọ́ Oluwa tó fi ẹ̀rí ìhìn rere fún wa, tó fi èdídí Òtítọ́ fún wa”, expressing thanksgiving to God for the seal of truth and good witness, and giving an account of his missionary journey to Ilaje. He also stated his reasons for going to Ugbonla in verses 2 and 3 of his collaboration song with Baba Wole, “Ṣọ fún mi Olùgbàlá,”.

Hymns from these years record where and when they were given. At Mogbojuri he wrote “Krist ti oke ọrun la ọna igbala wa” at noon on December 20, 1958, and “Mo gbọro pe ẹmi ko si laiye” on top of Mogbojuri hill the next day. On December 22, 1958, on top of Zion hill, he wrote “Wo Woli Siloh to ti Judiah sọkalẹ”. At Ugbonla Zion on January 8, 1959, he wrote “Mo nikan wa ninu Ogba”, and two days later, in the town of Motoro, “Ni Fluested, ni Fluested”.

He later returned to Okomuta in what was then Cross River State before a new chapter opened.