The celebration of an anniversary imposes a burdensome weight of accumulated years. Only a select few are privileged to mark each year by evolving remarkably, distinguished by brilliance. To the glory of God, we are pleased to see Sir Ezekiel Folorunso Ogunjuyigbe, a Knight of John Wesley (KJW), celebrate 70 years. Among his legion of accomplishments are his dedicated service to the church, his mentorship of young leaders, and his unwavering commitment to community development. Yet, his humility remains legendary.

We celebrate Sir Ogunjuyigbe as he climbs the ladder of success without losing his touch for the common man and for God, just as his grass-to-grace story keeps him attentive and continues to shape his relationship with humanity. Sir Ogunjuyigbe, the learned silk, with tenacity and grit, transited from being a church organist and Choir master to a formidable giant, bestriding the legal profession through a journey that could be characterised as purely nomadic. There is a whole menu of options for describing Sir Ogunjuyigbe. He is a fantastic singer, a confluence of brilliance, panache and eloquence, qualities he brought to bear in his work, community, and leadership in Methodism at the local, diocese, conference and global levels.

At 70, Sir Ogunjuyigbe is a legend, celebrated for his leadership in Methodism in Nigeria. Throughout his career, he led significant initiatives within the church, mentored upcoming leaders, and advanced Methodism’s presence nationwide. His accomplishments in law earned widespread recognition, and his journey from Osu, Atakumosa West, Osun State, defines resilience and achievement.

Born into the family of Chief Joseph and Beatrice Ogunjuyigbe, both of blessed memory, on April 14, 1956. Pa Joseph Ogunjuyigbe, a strict disciplinarian and community patron, served as the second Baba Ijo of the Church from January 1976 to August 2001, when he joined the Church triumphant. To the glory of God, Sir Ogunjuyigbe is now the Otun-Baba-Ijo of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Oke Omi, Osu.

Sir Ogunjuyigbe attended Methodist Primary School, Oke-Omi, Osu, and Atakunmosa High School, Osu, for his school certificate. He earned his Higher School Certificate with distinction at Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa. He then attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife), earning his LL.B and LL.M.

Prince Arimoro explained that Sir Ogunjuyigbe began as organist and later as Choir Master at the Methodist Church, Oke Omi Osu. He served briefly as organist at the Methodist Church, Oke-Ese. His musical skill led to a position at Leadway Assurance Company Limited in Kaduna. He studied Law at the University of Ife (now OAU), was called to the Nigerian Bar in August 1984, completed his National Service in the 1st Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, and began his legal tutelage at Oluwadare Aguda & Co in Kaduna.

In Kaduna, Sir Ogunjuyigbe made significant contributions at Wesley Methodist Cathedral, serving as Organist, Choir Master, Circuit Steward, and Diocesan Youth President. As the first Secretary of the Cathedral Building Committee, he oversaw the construction and dedication of the Wesley Cathedral Auditorium in 2002. He also served as Legal Adviser to the former Diocese of the North, now split into six Dioceses. His personal support and counselling for clergy and laity alike accelerated Methodism’s expansion in Northern Nigeria, especially among non-Hausa-speaking indigenes.

Sir Ogunjuyigbe was National President of the Methodist Church Nigeria Youth Fellowship (1991–1996), leading members who have become Bishops and Archbishops. He served as Legal Adviser to Ibadan, Agodi, and Ilesa Dioceses (2004–2007) and as Diocesan Lay President of Ilesa (2008–2014), during which the Diocese expanded to include Ijesa North and Imesi-Ile. Later, as Conference Legal Adviser, he reclaimed church land and secured title documents in several cities and for Wesley University of Nigeria.

Sir Ogunjuyigbe’s main achievements include serving as President of the Oyo State Students’ Union-Unife Chapter and the Federation of Ijesa Students’ Union, as well as Legal Adviser to several socio-cultural organisations. Since 1977, he has shaped opinion in the Osu Community.

Sir Hassan Olusola Odukale KJW (one of the first Methodist members to be knighted; may his soul rest in peace) played a key role in Sir Ogunjuyigbe’s life. He took a personal interest in Sir Ogunjuyigbe, recognising him as the first young person to play the organ. From then on, a special affection developed. This affection extended to other Osu sons and daughters, allowing many of them to secure jobs at Leadway Assurance Co. Ltd.

Prince Arimoro explained that Sir Ogunjuyigbe remains one of the few opinion moulders who has contributed to major decisions at the Methodist Church Nigeria Conference level to date. A key figure in the church once said, “He is one of the uncrowned chroniclers of the core internal mechanism of the Methodist Church Nigeria for many decades.” Sir Ogunjuyigbe was one of the six speakers at the Methodist Assembly for reconciliation of the two factions in the Methodist Church held on 14th July 1989 at the Methodist Church Ijoku, Sagamu. In his book titled “Methodism in Nigeria,” Sir Michael Mofoluwaso Familusi described Sir Ogunjuyigbe as “a devoted Methodist Youth, also a Lawyer and gifted public speaker.”

Sir Ogunjuyigbe is married to Lady Deborah and has four responsible children and grandchildren.