By 'Gbenga Bankole
“Though your beginning was insignificant, yet your end will increase greatly" says the Bible and so it was for the immediate past Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Ibadan Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC), Ibadan, Pastor Sunday Akinlabi Omosanya at his retirement service held on Saturday October 14, 2023.
Pastor Omosanya who started his ministerial journey in 1962 at age 14 bidded farewell at the retirement service organised for him by Ibadan DCC held at the DCC headquarters, Agbokojo, Ibadan.
The Cleric, transferred on promotion from CAC Oke-Ayo Zone to Ibadan DCC in 2016 was overwhelmed with joy as he was given a befitting retirement service.
Major feature of the programme was DCC Choir, Good Women Choir, Juvenile Choir ministrations, presentation of gifts to the celebrant, exhortation and many others.
Speaking at the programme, Pastor Omosanya appreciated God for how far He has helped him.
He specially appreciated his wife for her contributions and his children for their total support.
While saying one of the attitudes of Apostle Paul is to pray for the church, the Clergyman said the church can grow in two sides, the Word of God and prayer, urging the congregation to always pray for the church.
Also speaking at the service on behalf of the Regional Superintendent of CAC Babalola Region, Pastor G. S. Dada, the Regional Secretary of Babalola Region, Pastor A.O. Akinpelu described Pastor Omosanya as one of the pillars of the church and he will be greatly missed.
He noted that Pastor Omosanya is one of the fathers one will like to hear his voice because he's lover of the progress of the young ones.
The service had in attendance the presence of the DCC Superintendent of CAC Sanngo DCC, Pastor J. B. Agunbiade; DCC Superintendent of CAC Odi-Olowo DCC, Lagos, Pastor D.O. Ogungbenjo; Vice Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Professor O.A. Fakolujo and many others.
Profile of Pastor Sunday Akinlabi Omosanya
Pastor Sunday Akinlabi Omosanya, born on Monday 18th of October, 1948 in Adebunmi village, Elekuru Area in Akinyele Local Govt. Ibadan to the family of late Elder and Mrs Solomon Ogunlade Omosanya of Ile Alawo, opposite Christ Church, Mapo, Beere, Ibadan. The third child, and the first son of his parents, he attended Baptist Central School, Ijaye -Orile, via Ibadan in Akinyele Local Govt., completed his primary education in 1960.
CALL & MINISTRY
As the first son, the young Sunday Akinlabi was dedicated to the Lord as firstfruit (akoso) by his father. He consequently went into ministry in 1962 beginning his tutelage under Late Pastor G.L. Adegbola in Ijaye Area till 1964.
Providentially, Pastor S.A.Omosanya furthered his tutelage under Late Pastor J.B Akande at CAC Idi Arere, Ibadan, where he was also tutored as a chorister and an usher. In 1976, with the recommendation of Pastor J.B Akande, he proceeded to Babajide School of Prophet and Evangelist, llesa.
After completing his training at llesa in 1977, Sunday Akinlabi Omosanya was posted to CAC, Oke-Ibisi, Olorunsogo, Akanran road, where he first served as a catechist between 1980 and 1982. Meanwhile, during this time, Omosanya enrolled for further theological training at Calvary Bible College, Ibadan, where he obtained Diploma in Theology.
On December 31st, 1983 (the exact day Buhari took over from Shagari), Sunday Akinlabi left Oke-lbisi on posting directive to CAC Ijokodo, Ibadan. He was recommended as a Pastor by the Late Pastor J.B.Akande in 1988.
Pastor Sunday Akinlabi Omosanya was posted immediately after his pastoral training at lle-Ife in 1990 to CAC Adamasingba, Ibadan. In 1998, he was transferred to Ilorin, and became a District Superintendent in 2002, pioneering CAC Oke -lye District, Akerebiata, Ilorin. Pastor S.A. Omosanya in 2006, posted to CAC Ogunmakin, Ibadan, and later, to CAC Oke-Igbala, Idikan, Ibadan in 2007.
Glory be to God, Pastor Omosanya was transferred on promotion as a Zonal Superintendent to CAC Oke-Ayo, Agugu, Ibadan in 2012 by the Authority of Christ Apostolic Church. In 2016, he became the Superintendent of CAC Ibadan DCC, Agbokojo.
MARRIAGE
Pastor S.A. Omosanya got married to his dear wife Mary Idowu Omosanya in 1971 at CAC Oke-Igbala, Idi Arere, Ibadan, and the marriage is blessed with godly and goodly sons, daughters, grand-sons and grand-daughters.
HOBBIES/INTEREST
Pastor Omosanya's passionate interest in driving and teaching is unflinching. In 1966, he worked in both private and public driving capacities within and outside Ibadan metropolis. He also served as a professional driver with Daily Sketch Ltd, Ibadan.
Pastor Omosanya started leading Sunday School Department in Ibadanland at Olugbode right from his period of catechism. In 2013, he was appointed the Sunday School Co-ordinator in Oyo State, then under the chairmanship of Pastor S.0. Oladele, the incumbent President of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria & Overseas.
In 2018, he became the Deputy Sunday School Co-ordinator to Pastor E.S. Famuyide of the defunct Babalola Region comprising Oyo & Osun States, and in 2022, he assumed the Sunday School Co-ordinator designate of the current Babalola Region comprising Oyo State only.
Pastor Sunday Akinlabi Omosanya appointed by the Authority of Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria & Overseas in 2013 as member, Christian Education Board, and Member, General Executive Council (GEC).
Photo Speaks!
