By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
A renewed conversation has emerged within Christian circles following an emotional appeal by Pastor Titi Akindayomi, daughter of the late Reverend Josiah Akindayomi, the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), over what she described as the diminishing recognition of her father’s role in establishing the church.
Pastor Titi expressed concern that many members, including some senior ministers, are unaware that her father founded RCCG. She argued that the contributions and sacrifices of the church’s pioneer should remain visible and be preserved for future generations.
According to her, the late Rev. Akindayomi faithfully obeyed God’s calling by laying the foundation of RCCG and later entrusted the leadership of the church to Pastor Enoch Adeboye, whom he believed was God’s chosen successor. She noted that the decision was made despite the presence of other experienced ministers and without transferring the ministry to his biological family.
She observed that Redeemer’s University has honoured Pastor E.A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye through the naming of key university facilities after them. However, she questioned why similar recognition has not been extended to the church’s founder, insisting that Rev. Akindayomi’s name deserves a lasting place in the institution that grew out of the church he established.
Pastor Titi maintained that preserving the founder’s legacy is not about family inheritance or control but about acknowledging history. She suggested that naming Redeemer’s University after Rev. Josiah Akindayomi would serve as an enduring tribute to the man whose vision gave birth to RCCG.
She also urged founders of ministries to establish structures that protect their legacies, pointing to examples of faith-based universities named after their founders. According to her, proper institutional recognition helps preserve history and ensures that future generations understand the origins of such ministries.
Appealing directly to Pastor Adeboye and the RCCG leadership, she called for what she described as an act of honour by ensuring that Rev. Josiah Akindayomi’s name receives the recognition it deserves.
In support of her appeal, she referenced biblical passages including Romans 13:7, which encourages giving honour where it is due, and Proverbs 10:7, which states that “the memory of the righteous is a blessing.”
The appeal has since generated discussions among church members and observers, with differing opinions on how best to preserve the legacy of the late RCCG founder while maintaining the church’s longstanding traditions.
