The town of Ejigbo was once again home to members of Lagos based Divine Favour Ministry, as the General Superintendent of the Ministry, Prophetess Modupeola Ilupeju gave a befitting burial to her father in law and patriarch of the family, Pa Simeon Akano Ayangbemi Kojo Ilupeju who died at 96 years of age.
Prophetess Ilupeju was married to the deceased’s first son, Mr. Phillip Illupeju who also passed on nearly three decades ago.
Prophetess Ilupeju was joined by her children Abimbola and Canada based Abayomi to give the patriarch of their family a rousing departing gift.
Pa Ilupeju died on January 24, 2025, and the burial rites were held between Thursday April 24 and finally on Friday April 25, at First Baptist Church, Oke Balogun, Ejigbo, Osun State.
The burial was witnessed by other children of the deceased who came from different parts of the world to bury their father.
Pa Simeon Akano Ilupeju aka Baba Jerusalem while alive was a famous, well travelled Nigerian who led many sons and daughters of Ejigbo to sojourn and do business in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, (Cote d’Ivoire) in the West African Coast.
Ejigbo Nigeria has a very close rich business relationship with Ivory Coast, and many famous business men and women of Ejigbo were raised and nurtured in Ivory Coast.
Pa Ilupeju who was a very prominent commercial transporter followed his brother Samuel Ilupeju to Abidjan and lived in Akoupe and later Adjame. After becoming a successful transporter with many drivers under his fleet, he veered into buying and selling which made him go into trading in lace materials, gold and cosmetics.
It is on record that Pa Ilupeju took his trade to prominent countries and cities like London, Germany, France, Austria, and New York in the United States of America. Pa Ilupeju a polyglot was able to speak 26 languages.
Pa Ilupeju who was also nominated as the representative and leader of Nigerians in Ivory Coast was also known for his generosity and love to all.
After having encounter with Christ in 1981, he became a full member of First Baptist Church in Adjame, Ivory Coast and Oke Balogun, Ejigbo, Nigeria, and later became the chairman of First Baptist church, Abidjan. He was once the Chairman of the Prayer Warrior of First Baptist Church in Adjame.
In 1983, Pa Simeon Ilupeju paid holy pilgrimage to Israel which popularly earned him the appellation Baba Jerusalem.
While alive Pa Ilupeju was a well-respected Community leader, and a courageous man who was art of those who championed the building of Baptist Hospital in Ejigbo in 1991. He finally returned home in the year 2007 after spending about 60 years in Abidjan, Ivory Coast engaging in community service until he breathed his last on Friday January 14, 2025.
The funeral service was well attended by members of Ejigbo community, as well as top ministers of God from the Baptist Church among which were Rev. Dr. Olubunmi Obalade, the President of Osun Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. S.O. Atoyeje, Pastor Mrs. Sarat Akintola, Rev. Kanmi Kehinde, Rev. Sunday Ogunremi, Pastors Oyelude and Okeleye and other ministers.
Among the distinguished guests of Prophetess Ilupeju was the wife of the late Ibadan based Prophet Michael Ojo Olowere, Prophetess Olowere and a host of other members of the Divine Favour Ministry.
In their various tributes by the Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Pa Simeon, Akano Ayangbemi Kojo Ilupeju would be well remembered as a committed father, full of love to the members of his family and all that came his way, a man full of wisdom and known for integrity who has left indelible marks on the sand of time.
According to Rev. Dr. Paul O. Kolawole of Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, in his own tribute, “Pa Ilupeju was a man of unwavering commitment to God’s work. His love for ministers of God and his passion for the kingdom were evident in all he did. He lived a life of humility and fervent prayers, always seeking to glorify God in his service. Whether in Cote d’Ivorie or back home in Ejigbo, Nigeria, his dedication to God’s vineyard remained steadfast and commendable.”
He is survived by wives, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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