By Oluwagbenga Bankole
A historic milestone was achieved at the recently concluded Christ Apostolic Church International Music Ministers' Conference, held at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU). The music community of the church gathered to witness the investiture of Elder Abidemi Oyesanya (SAN) as the newly appointed third Music Director, marking a significant moment in the church's history.
Elder Oyesanya, whose appointment was formally announced by the President of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele, at the 2023/2024 General Council Meeting in March, has succeeded Pastor Tope Dada as the new Music Director. Pastor Dada has been promoted and appointed as the Director of Administration of the church, marking a new chapter in his leadership journey.
Addressing music ministers from across the nation who gathered for the conference, outgoing Music Director, Pastor Tope Dada, expressed his gratitude, stating that he felt privileged to have served the church in various capacities, thanks to the trust and authority bestowed upon him by the church leadership.
"I have had the privilege of serving the church since the era of Baba Orogun, Baba Obafemi, and Baba Olusheye. Notably, in the year 2000, Baba Olusheye appointed me as the national choir leader, a role that enabled me to contribute to the millennium revival. I am grateful to everyone who worked alongside me during that period, including those who have since passed on to be with the Lord. Together, we achieved a remarkable feat: assembling a 5,000-strong choir for the program, a first in the history of any church in Nigeria," he stated.
He continued, "In 2017, I was honored to be appointed Music Director by then-President Pastor A.O. Akinosun, a role I served with dedication until recently. In 2023, our current President, Pastor Oladele, entrusted me with additional responsibilities, appointing me Acting Director of Administration, allowing me to wear two hats. Consequently, the church authority wisely approved the appointment of Elder Abidemi Oyesanya as the new Music Director in 2024. I give glory to God for the lives of our spiritual fathers, who have guided us thus far. We are now embarking on a new and exciting phase in our church's journey, filled with promise and potential."
Pastor Tope Dada restated the President's words to Elder Oyesanya, saying: "The President emphasized that your appointment to this position is not a result of your educational background, age, wealth, or even your extensive experience as a choir master. Rather, it is a testament to your exceptional character. Your loyalty is unparalleled, consistently demonstrating unwavering dedication to those you work with. I have had the pleasure of witnessing this firsthand, as you have served under me on multiple occasions, always showing me the utmost respect. The President holds you in high esteem, deeply appreciating your commitment and confidence in your ability to excel in this new role."
Prior to the administering of the investiture rite, Pastor Tope Dada extended an invitation to his associates to join him on stage. Those invited included Assistant Music Director, Pastor Paul Bankole, Music Secretary, Evang. Elisa Igbokwe, Office Secretary, Mrs. Olaitan Akande, all Regional Choir Masters and Assistant Regional Choir Masters. Additionally, leader of the CAC Pastors' Choir, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare, and Special Assistant to the President,Pastor T.D. Asokeji were also honored with an invitation to join the stage.
Pastor Tope Dada exhorted the choir leaders to extend the same loyalty and support they had shown him and the church authority to the newly appointed Music Director, Elder Abidemi Oyesanya. He encouraged them to stand by and work harmoniously with the new leader, just as they had done during his tenure.
Pastor Tope Dada invited two leaders to publicly express their acceptance of Elder Oyesanya's appointment. First, he called upon Pastor Paul Bankole, the Assistant Music Director, who pledged to serve the new director with the same dedication and loyalty he had shown during Pastor Dada's tenure. Next, Evang. Ayodele Folorunsho, Regional Choir Master of Essien Region, spoke on behalf of all regional choirmasters and choirs in CAC, promising to wholeheartedly support and work with Elder Oyesanya, bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to the new leadership.
After the investiture of the Music Director, Pastor Tope Dada, extended an invitation to Regional Superintendent of CAC Odubanjo Region, Pastor Gideon Obiwale and Director of Publicity, Pastor Ade Alawode to join him on stage. Together, they gathered around the newly appointed Music Director, Elder Abidemi Oyesanya, and offered heartfelt prayers for his success and guidance in his new role.
With heartfelt enthusiasm, the new Music Director, Elder Abidemi Oyesanya, sang CAC Gospel Hymn Book 735, 'Take my Life, and let it be'. In his remarks, he shared a personal journey, revealing that his initial response to the appointment was hesitation. However, after seeking divine guidance through prayer and fasting, he received a profound conviction in his spirit. He testified that God spoke to him in a dream, affirming his calling to this new role and providing the assurance he needed to embrace the challenge with confidence.
He reflected on a significant memory, recalling that "before 1990, there existed a national organization in CAC called the United Association of CAC Choirs. My late father, Pastor Oyesanya, served as the last President of this body, but his tenure was cut short due to the CAC crisis, resulting in the choir being proscribed. This realization struck me: perhaps God is using me to complete the unfinished work of my father's tenure, fulfilling the time that was lost."
Elder Oyesanya expressed his gratitude, saying, "I praise God for not rejecting this appointment. If the deceased could see the living, I'm sure my father would have rebuked me if I had declined. I thank God for this opportunity and express my appreciation to the President of our great mission, our church authorities, and my mentor, Pastor Tope Dada, for his recommendation. I also thank the Regional Choirmasters and their Assistants for their support to Pastor Dada and their pledge to continue. Remember, your assistance is to God, not me. To all CAC choirs, we are in this together. When called upon, be ready to serve. With the church authority's permission, I hereby proclaim Pastor Tope Dada as Director of Music Emeritus, a title he will hold alongside his new role as Director of Administration. Whenever you see him, please address him with this honor."
The investiture ceremony concluded with a group photo session, capturing the joyous moment and memories of the occasion.
Photo Speaks !
