General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God,Pastor Enoch Adeboye, have been named winners of the Irohinodua 2025 Persons of the Year Award.
The announcement was made by the editorial board of Irohin Odua, the first pan-Yoruba online news platform, through a statement on its website on Saturday.
The board commended the clergymen for their exceptional commitment to serving God and humanity.
Feyisike Adeoye, who signed the statement, described the duo as pillars of peace and unity in a world increasingly plagued by violence and division.
The statement read in part, “The world and Nigeria are riddled with violence, hate, vengeance and human mystery, and these two individuals with their words and deeds have continued to profess love, peace and brotherhood, not only in Nigeria but across the world.
“In the year 2024, Nigeria in particular, witnessed an upsurge of violence, hate and disaffection, driven by faith and ethnicity, these two individuals, stirred the whirlwind of harmony in every part of the world where their religious institutions have strongholds.
“While others used religion to advance hatred and parochial political and ethnic goals, Pastor Kumuyi and Adeboye converted their multiple platforms to the advancement of peace and good neighbourliness.”
The statement further highlighted how both men remained calm and godly despite enduring harsh criticism from detractors.
It added, “Among over 60 million Yoruba people all over the world, these two individuals remain some of the very few that, though hold no political positions, can knock and open the doors of any president or prime minister all over the world.
“Even though local authorities have not given them recognition, their stars continue to shine all over the world to the glory of the Yoruba nation.”
Adeoye also reflected on their academic and professional achievements, noting that Kumuyi and Adeboye could have thrived in secular fields but chose ministry to positively impact lives.
“It is also important to know that these two individuals are well educated and will be well to do without taking up the pastoral office,” she said.
The statement emphasized the economic and social benefits their ministries provide, even beyond the Christian community.
“The two leaders run faith industries that heal millions of human souls, bring comfort, uplift the spirit and bring hope to the multitude of the hopeless. Apart from spiritual healings, it is important to know that millions of people, including non-Christians derive their livelihood from their tabernacle.”
According to Irohin Odua, the Irohinodua Award, which has existed for over a decade, annually honours the most outstanding Yoruba personality.
Previous recipients include Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Dr. Adeniyan Abraham, and the Olu of Warri.
