Francis Olubowale Aderibigbe Oke[1] (born 8 September 1956) is a Nigerian author, Christian leader and televangelist. He is the founder and presiding Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries. He also serves as the current President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU) in Ibadan.[2]
Bishop Francis Wale Oke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 7th President of PFN | |
| Assumed office 3 March 2021 | |
| Deputy | John Praise Daniel |
| Preceded by | Felix Omobude |
| Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University | |
| Assumed office 11 November 2022 | |
| Vice-Chancellor |
|
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Francis Olubowale Aderibigbe Oke[1] 8 September 1956 Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Spouse |
Victoria Tokunbo Oke
(m. 1983) |
| Children | 2 |
| Occupation |
|
Early life
editOke was born in Kasumu village, Egbeda local government area of Oyo State, Nigeria, on 8 September 1956. Spending his formative years in Kasumu, he later relocated to Ibadan at the age of 11. In Ibadan, he attended Wesley Teachers' College before furthering his education at a polytechnic. Subsequently, he gained admission to the University of Lagos, where he pursued studies in Land and Engineering Survey.[3]
During his time at the university, he felt called to the ministry and became associated with influential figures in Nigerian Christianity, such as E. A. Adeboye, Kumuyi, Benson Idahosa, and David Oyedepo. Notably, Adeboye lectured Oke in Mathematics in 1977.[4]
Ministry
editOke responded to his calling in December 1975 and established Sword of the Spirit Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, following his university education. He transitioned to full-time ministry on 17 May 1982.[5]
In May 1990, Oke founded the International Bible College of Ministries (IBCOMS) to provide training for ministry.[6] Additionally, after a period of itinerant ministry across Nigeria, he founded Christ Life Church in February 1989 – a church arm of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries.[7]
Oke hosts "The Voice of the Lord", a daily broadcast on Nigeria national radio and television stations FRCN and NTA, Ibadan, and leads a prayer and intercession programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria, known as The Nigeria Turning Point.[8]
Acknowledged for his contributions to world evangelism, Oke received an honorary doctorate from All Nations for Christ Bible Institute in November 1991, under the auspices of Oral Roberts University. He was also honoured with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria's (FRCN) award for contributions to religious harmony and human development.[9][3]
In 1999, Oke was consecrated as a Bishop.[9] The Annual Holy Ghost Convention, which he hosts, has served as a platform for spiritual renewal. Under him, Sword of the Spirit Ministries expanded its reach within Nigeria and to other countries such as the United Kingdom, Russia, and the United States.[10]
Oke also serves as the Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria since 11 November 2022.[11] On 3 March 2021, he was appointed the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, after previously serving as its Deputy President.[12][13]
Personal life
editFrancis Wale Oke is married to Victoria Tokunbo Oke. After proposing to her on 19 May 1982, the couple got married on 17 December 1983.[14] Together, they had two children. Their daughter, Dorcas, died in 2001 due to complications related to adulterated drugs. In response to this loss, they established the Dorcas Oke Hope Alive Initiative (DOHAL), a humanitarian organisation dedicated to addressing health, humanitarian, and poverty-related issues affecting African youth and children, in memory of their daughter.[15][16]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b "Rt. Revd. Francis Aderibigbe Olubowale Oke At 60:Celebrating A General Of Breakthrough Evangelism". 29 August 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Bishop Wale Oke reiterates zero-tolerance to promiscuity, violence at PCU". The Guardian. 4 December 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ a b "Wale Oke". Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ "Biography of Bishop Wale Oke". Believers Portal. 28 September 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ "Bishop Francis Wale Oke clocks 63". The Guardian. 8 September 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ "Bible College – Sword of the Spirit Ministries". Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ "Christ Life Missions". Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ "Bishop Francis Wale Oke {ndash} ICPMLW". Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ a b Vincent, Nelson (2 April 2024). "Biography of Bishop Francis Olubowale Oke". Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ "About Bishop Francis Wale Oke". Retrieved 24 April 2024.
- ^ Ojo, Funmilayo (13 November 2022). "Bishop Wale Oke resumes as Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University". National Telescope. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ "Bishop Francis Wale Oke Emerges President of PFN". 4 March 2021. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ "Wale Oke emerges PFN President". The Guardian. 4 March 2021. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ^ "In our marriage, we agreed to settle our disagreements by ourselves. It's a standing rule not to divulge any issue we had to outsiders – Bishop Wale Oke and wife (Rev. Victoria Tokunbo)". Oyo Reporters. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ "19 years after Bishop Wale Oke lost his only daughter to fake drug, See his beautiful granddaughters". Nobelie. 5 December 2020. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
- ^ "DOHAL: Life, hope from a bishop's daughter's death". The Nation. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2024.