The Rt. Rev. Dr. Olajide Abimbola Adebayo, an esteemed leader in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), was born on 27th October 1958 in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, into the family of Chief Michael Adebayo, the Asao of Aramoko Ekiti, and Mrs. Mary Oyebola Adebayo (née Adeoye). His journey from a humble beginning to spiritual prominence is one marked by intellectual achievement, faith, and public service.

Early Life and Education

Bishop Adebayo received his primary education at L.A Primary School and St. James’ Primary School, Aramoko Ekiti (1966–1971). He later attended Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti (1973–1978), before proceeding to The Polytechnic, Owo (1979–1983). His thirst for knowledge took him further afield to Transworld Tutorial College, Jersey, UK, where he earned a Diploma in Sales and Marketing Management between 1981 and 1983.

He also attended the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations (1993–1994). His academic pursuits extended to Lagos State University, where he earned his LL.B (Hons) in Law (1998–2005), and later attended the Nigeria Law School, becoming a Barrister at Law in 2006.

He holds a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Ibadan (2008–2011), a Diploma in Theology from Lagos Anglican Diocesan Seminary (1996–1997), and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) from Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta (2012–2022).

Professional and Ministerial Formation

A multi-disciplinary professional, Bishop Adebayo is a Chartered Secretary (ACIS), a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK (MCIArb). He is also an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and numerous other professional associations.

He gave his life to Christ in 1988 and was ordained a Deacon in December 1997 in the Diocese of Lagos. He was priested in December 1998 by Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye, D.D., and later preferred Canon in April 2007 and Archdeacon in October 2008 by Archbishop Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, OON, FNAL, Ph.D.

Ecclesiastical Service

Throughout his priesthood, Bishop Adebayo has served with distinction in various capacities. He began as a Cathedral Priest and Youth Chaplain at Christ Church Cathedral, Marina, Lagos. He was Vicar of St. David’s Church, Lafiaji (2003–2011) and subsequently became the Pioneer Archdeacon of the Lagoon Archdeaconry and Vicar of Anglican Church on the Peninsula (ANCOPEN) from 2011 to 2015.

In September 2015, he was elected Bishop of Igbomina West, consecrated on 24th November 2015, and enthroned on 29th January 2016. Since then, he has led the diocese with spiritual insight, administrative excellence, and unwavering faith.

Leadership and Board Involvements

Beyond parish and diocesan duties, Bishop Adebayo serves as the Legal Assistant to the Archbishop Ephraim Ademowo Foundation and Secretary to the Board of the LAIBONK Anglican Clergy Welfare Foundation. He is a member of several strategic committees within the Church of Nigeria, including:

• The Committee of Reference

• The Alternative Dispute Resolution Taskforce

• The Sociopolitical Interface Committee

• The Premarital Manual Committee

He also sits on the Board of Directors of BOOF Africa Insurance Brokers Ltd., ISAACTARY Property Ltd., and other corporate bodies.

Media and Advocacy

A passionate communicator, Bishop Adebayo is the voice behind the long-standing radio program “Hymns of Praise”, airing since 2002 across various stations such as Metro FM 97.7 (Lagos), Ekiti FM 91.5, Royal FM 95.1 (Ilorin), Harmony FM 103.5 (Idofian, Kwara State), and S.A.M Advocacy Internet Radio.

He is the Chairman of the Aramoko Initiative for Salvation and Empowerment (ARISE), an organization focused on community transformation and spiritual revival.

Personal Life

Bishop Adebayo is married to Dr. Mrs. Foluke Yetunde Adebayo (née Olabintan). Their union is blessed with three sons. A man of faith, he is a firm believer in the power of God to make the impossible possible and stands as a living testimony of God’s abundant grace.