The Rt. Rev. Professor Dapo Folorunsho Asaju, born on November 16, 1961, is a distinguished academic and theologian in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). A highly respected scholar and cleric, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University from October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2020. He is currently the Bishop of the Diocese of Ilesa and serves as the Bishop Theologian of the Church of Nigeria.

Bishop Asaju hails from Iyara Ijumu in Kogi State, Nigeria. His early education began at St. Andrew’s Primary School in Kabba, followed by Holy Trinity School in Lokoja and Oke-suna B Primary School at Oja-Oba in Ilorin. For his secondary education, he attended Abdul Azeez Memorial College, Okene.

He proceeded to the University of Ilorin, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1983 and his Master of Arts in Christian Studies in 1985. His academic journey continued at the same institution, culminating in a Ph.D. in Christian Studies in 2003. In addition, he obtained a Master’s degree in Mission from Birmingham Christian College, United Kingdom, in 2003.

Prof. Asaju began his academic career in 1983 as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Ilorin. In 1984, he joined Lagos State University as an Assistant Lecturer, where he progressed through the ranks to become a full Professor of Christian Studies in 2004. His academic influence extends beyond Nigeria; he has served as a Visiting Professor and William Paton Fellow at the University of Birmingham in the UK, as well as a Visiting Associate Professor at Bayreuth University in Germany.

Alongside his academic pursuits, Bishop Asaju has served the church in several significant roles. He has been Vicar of the Church of the Epiphany, Iba Estate, and the Church of the Transfiguration along the Ketu-Badagry Expressway. From 2006 to 2009, he was Chaplain of the Chapel of Light at Lagos State University. He also served as Rector of the Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary and continues to hold the office of Bishop Theologian in the Church of Nigeria.

His episcopal ministry reached another milestone when he was consecrated as the Bishop of the Diocese of Ilesa in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), a role through which he continues to offer spiritual leadership and theological depth to the Anglican community.

Bishop Dapo Asaju is married to Barrister (Mrs.) Harriet ‘Seun Dapo-Asaju, and they are blessed with children.