TRIBUTE TO THE PRINCE OF PREACHERS!
The Prince of Preachers is what I used to describe this great man of God gone home! Yes… I’ve know Pastor Stephen Akinola since the 80s. He was indeed a man beloved of God and the people. From his early beginning as a preacher in Deeperlife to his establishment of Redemption ministries in Port-harcourt, Pastor Akinola remained consistent, strong on his conviction on holiness and righteousness, and a lover of the bible!

Talk about his love for souls…. He had such a great burden for the souls of men that an alter call was all you need to seal the deal! Such conviction on the souls of men after the message!

His fiery message on holiness was unquestionably his high points. I recall the message ‘Jezebel on the Preacher’s trail’… Then the one at Latter Rain (Pastor Bakare’s church). He was so hard on sin that he told the church… his remark during the message was this…

“… Thank God I came in a taxi to your church. If you do not like this message on holiness, I can always find my way back to the airport”

That night, even the choristers and urshers came out for alter call!

I recall his moments in Deeperlife. I was a young lad then. But I took note of happenings around. Apart from Pastor W.F Kumuyi, Pastor Stephen Akinola was one preacher I loved to listen to. He was so analytical in his teachings. And I remember any time a notable statesman was invited to church, Pastor Akinola was always called to minister. I guess he knew there was a unique gift in this man that endeared personalities in government to his messages!

Demonology was his forte!!! Pastor Akinola is one man that loved to deal with demons like he does a kindergarten. Yet his humility is just great and down to earth! Pastor Akinola is one that could stoop so low to comfort a crying baby. I’ve witnessed that before in one of the retreats and it beat my magination how a mighty preacher that just delivered a message on pulpit could be so accomodating without minding his image or popularity. I remember another time we were lining up to take lunch at IBTC in 1981. It was Beans ooo… And when I looked at my back, guess who lined up with us? Pastor Stephen Akinola! The man that gave a fiery message the night before! He did not even mind his having to eat beans with a young man!

As fiery as he was on pulpit, Pastor Akinola was the most loveable person on earth. That bright and sunny smile was his trade mark. His Ghanaian accent! I loved that Ghanaian accent! And his desire to reach out in love to you regardless of your denomination or background was something he would forever be remembered for.

He was a statesman and bridge builder. There are several times he reached out in love to other churches, fed the hungry, gave shelter to the homeless, and provided succor to the downtroden.

And Pastor Akinola loved great Gospel music. He would do anything to project good music. I’ve had the privilege of singing in his church in Port-harcourt. He was so passionate on choral development that he organised a workshop for the choir and brought me as a facilitator for 4 days. I will never forget the discussions we had on his desire to see Gospel music blossom in the church. It was his dream. And thank God he has birthed a generation that will by spearhead it’s fulfilment!

Adieu Pastor Akinola. You served your generation well! You need the deserved rest!

Prof. Albert Oikelome.
University of Lagos.