AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Expectation is high that the Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide may soon convene a ground breaking revival in the country as Prophet Richard Kolawole becomes the General Evangelist of the church.
The inauguration of Prophet Kolawole, a.k.a. Arogungbogunmi, as the General Evangelist of CAC in Nigeria and Overseas, alongside the acting Zonal Evangelists, was held on Saturday, March 2 at CAC Oniyanrin, Ibadan, Oyo State.
On the occasion, Dr Henry Ojo, President, CAC, Nigeria and Overseas, advised both the spiritual and political leaders in the country to conduct themselves with the fear of God, knowing that they would be rewarded based on how they conducted themselves in their various positions.
Stating that prizes and perils are attached to every position in life, he urged the leadership to be careful and perform their obligations faithfully because posterity would judge them.
Pastor Ojo, who said that positions of leadership often attract envy and jealousy from detractors and haters, cautioned that leaders should eschew evil but strive to do good to support humanity. In addition, he said they should “Let their eyes be upon God” for posterity sake.
According to him, although many leaders are not celebrated during their lifetime, their records will be etched on the book of history, be it positive or negative. He urged both the political and spiritual leaders to endeavor to live up to the expectations of the led.
He said, “Be it political or religious leaders, they are mostly not celebrated during their life- time. They are criticized, vilified and even traumatized psychologically for whatever they do. But a leader who is conscious of this and sets his mind on achieving good result will not be deterred, but remain focused to act according to the dictates of God.
“If you do so, posterity will judge you right and your name will be written in gold. Conversely, people will also remember you and talk about you after your demise, if you do evil during your leadership era.
“Leaders will face criticisms, castigation, envy and jealousy. You cannot have progress and joy without making enemies who will push you into it. Every creature has enemies, even among the animals in the forest. The higher you go in leadership, the more enemies you must have. But be firm and be on the positive side.”
Pastor Ojo charged Kolawole, the newly-inducted General Evangelist to act like the late Apostle Ayo Babalola, his predecessor in office, who once held the position; and like Chief Obafemi Awolowo whose legacies are still being referenced till date.
On the current state of the nation, he lamented that “Our farmers have been driven out of the farmland by herdman, bandits and kidnappers and this is the cause of the present scarcity and the increase in the prices of foodstuffs in the country.
“If the present government can tackled this, it will reduce the hardship of the people.”
Questioned on the worsening economy, he said, “Look at what is happening around the world, it is not limited to Nigeria. If you go to the United Kingdom, United States of America and other nations of the world, things are more expensive.
“It is a pity that many of us don’t have understanding of what is going on around the world. For instance, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia is taking its toll on the global economy.”
Kolawole, who described his elevation to the position of General Evangelist of CAC Worldwide as a call to service, called for the prayers of the saints to strengthen him for the big task.
Prophet Kolawole, who was born on November 25, 1966, is a native of Ido-ani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. He was born in Ibadan to the family of Pa. Joseph Kolawole and Mrs Lydia Olamitan Awolu (now deceased).
He attended Muslim Primary School, Ikare-Akoko and Holy Trinity Anglican Primary School, Ido-ani before proceeding to Ire-Akari Grammar School, Ido-ani for his secondary school education. He later attended the Institute of Professional Studies, Ibadan where he obtained a Diploma in Business Administration and Advanced Diploma in Sales Management.
In addition, he obtained a Certificate in Theology from Calvary International Bible College, Odo-Ona, Ibadan; Diploma in Theology from United Missionary College, Lagos; Diploma in Religious Studies from the CAC Theological Seminary; and B.A and M.A. degrees in General Bible Knowledge from United Christian International Bible Institute, USA (Lagos Campus).
Among others, he worked as an Assistant Manager (Stores) at GA Tewogbade and Sons Limited, Ibadan; Area Manager, Kolly-Bolly Nigeria Limited, Ibadan; Sales Executive, City Mirror Newspaper, Ibadan; and Administrative Manager, Fadairo Engineering, Ibadan.
The prophet was sponsored through tertiary institution by Mama Alice Mosunmola Apata of blessed memory. Prophet Kolawole became born again and a member of CAC through late Mama Apata. He later received the divine call in 1986 at Mama Alice Apata’s house at Ire-Akari, Inalende, Ibadan.
