The Rt. Rev. Dr. Ojo Olarewaju Paul was born on February 2, 1967, in Ogidi-Ijumu, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is the fifth child in a family of seven, born to the late Pa Jacob Ojo Olumogbon and the late Madam Lydia Allege Ojo, both of blessed memory.

Education and Academic Pursuits

He began his education at St. John’s Primary School, Ogidi-Ijumu (1974–1980), and proceeded to St. Augustine’s College, Kabba (1980–1985), where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate and West African Secondary School Certificate.

He studied at the University of Uyo from 1989 to 1994, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies (Second Class Upper Division) and graduating as the best student in his department. Following his service year with NIFES in Asaba (1994–1995), he was invited by the then Bishop of Kwara Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Herbert Haruna, to enroll in the Kwara College of Theology (now Crowther College of Theology) for ministerial formation.

Dr. Ojo pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Uyo, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Religious Studies (1995–1998). On August 2, 2006, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in New Testament Studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

A distinguished academic, Dr. Ojo has been an Associate Professor since 2015, specializing in New Testament Studies and African Christian Theology in the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, University of Uyo.

Spiritual Formation and Ministerial Journey

Born into an Anglican family, he was baptized on December 17, 1978, and confirmed on December 3, 1982, in Kwara Diocese. He actively participated in the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) and notably represented Kaduna Diocese at the AYF National Conference in Owo (1988), where the diocese won the competition cup for the first time in 32 years.

He experienced a personal conversion on January 15, 1986, and received the Pentecostal infilling on November 12, 1986. He answered the divine call to ministry and was made a Deacon in 1995 at St. Barnabas Cathedral, Ilorin, and priested in 1997 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Kabba.

For 23 years, he served diligently as a priest in the Diocese of Uyo, where he left an indelible mark through pastoral ministry, teaching, and evangelistic outreach.

Episcopal Ministry

He was elected and consecrated as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Ijumu on April 4, 2018, and enthroned on June 7, 2018, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Iyara-Ijumu. Since then, he has served the diocese with fervency and apostolic zeal.

Bishop Ojo is known for his unwavering commitment to the total Gospel, strong emphasis on the Pentecostal experience as essential for all Christians, and passion for quality and spirit-filled worship. Under his leadership, the Diocese of Ijumu has witnessed notable growth and dynamism.

Family Life

He is happily married to Mrs. Taiwo Roselyn Ojo (née Ibileke), a graduate of Environmental Engineering Technology. Their union is blessed with three children.