Gospel music loses five ministers
The Nigerian Christian community was thrown into mourning after the death of five gospel ministers — Bolaji Olarewaju (Big Bolaji); Ayodeji David (Kekere Jesu), Iyanuoluwa Joseph, Oluwapamilerin Monjolajesu, and Opeyemi Adesina. Saturday Beats takes a look at their lives
Bolaji Olarewaju (Big Bolaji or Big B)
Bolaji Olarewaju (Big B) died on Saturday, April 19, 2025, following a brief illness at the age of 50. He was a father, husband, brother, and a respected figure in the gospel community, especially in Ibadan, Oyo State. He was a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and was well known in the music industry.
Big Bolaji hailed from Osun State and studied Estate Surveying at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
One of his latest songs was titled, ‘Real to Me’, but he was better known for performing praise and worship songs at events. He also organised an annual concert tagged, ‘Turn it up With Big Bolaji’ in Ibadan.
Ayodeji David
Known for his youthful vigour and charismatic preaching, Ayodeji David, aka Kekere Jesu, meaning Little Jesus, began his ministerial journey from a very tender age. He was said to be so small in stature that in his early days, he had to be lifted onto a table just so congregants could see him.
He was the lead pastor of the Prolific Global Church, Ibadan; and founder of KekereJesu Global Outreach.
David was also social media savvy, known for his use of Yoruba to pray and pass his messages.
Before his death, he was preparing to host a major gospel gathering tagged, ‘The Fast Lane Conference’, scheduled for April 19, 2025.
He was single but had allegedly chosen to marry one of the gospel ministers with whom he was involved in a fatal accident.
Iyanuoluwa Joseph
Iyanu Joseph died at the age of 28 years, also in the ill-fated accident that claimed the lives of three other gospel ministers. He was already making waves as an author, teacher, and interpreter to Kekere Jesu.
Their bond transcended ministry and was considered a divine alignment by some of their followers. Joseph also started his evangelical journey as a teenager just like his friend and colleague, Ayodeji.
He was passionate about helping believers develop a solid prayer life. He was an author of inspirational books. They include ‘Winning Prayers’, ‘Prayer Arrow’, and ‘Commanding Your Morning’.
Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin and Opeyemi Adesina
Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin and Opeyemi Adesina were both gospel singers dedicated to worship music. Their friends and family members described them as “selfless, humble servants of God who lived for the altar.”
Since their death in the fatal crash that also claimed Kekere Jesu and Joseph, social media has been flooded with tributes, prayers, and sorrowful reflections.
