Ojaoba enthroned as first primate of United African Methodist Church

By Adebowale Johnson

In a historic milestone for the United African Methodist Church (UAMC), His Eminence, Joseph Adedayo Ojaoba, has been installed and enthroned as the first primate of the church worldwide.

The colourful service, which also featured a thanksgiving ceremony celebrating the new primate’s successful completion of his doctorate degree, took place on February 12, 2026, at the United African Methodist Church cathedral, drawing clergy, church leaders and worshippers from across Nigeria and beyond.

Trustees, archbishops, bishops, ministers and representatives of other Christian denominations attended the ceremony, alongside members from various dioceses of the church. The event opened with a ceremonial parade and colour exchange performed by the church’s lads and lasses brigade, setting a festive tone for the historic occasion.

Delivering the sermon was Olubunmi Odufale, Primate of the African Episcopal Church of Nigeria and vice president of the Universal Communion of African Church. Preaching from Isaiah 1:18 in a message titled “Come Now, Let Us Reason Together,” he emphasised the importance of love, unity and good works in advancing the church of God.

According to him, while acrimony and differences cannot stop the will of God from manifesting, they can hinder the growth and development of the church. He therefore urged members to embrace unity and mutual understanding as the pathway to strengthening the mission.

The formal enthronement rites were conducted by the church’s General Secretary, Administration, Bro. Ayo Bada, alongside the Secretary General of the Conference and Conference Standing Committee, Kuti Olubunmi. They proclaimed the resolution of the UAMC Annual Conference held on January 29, 2018, in Ilaro, affirming Ojaoba as Primate of the mission.

Following the proclamation, the Chancellor of the church, Barrister Babajide Aladejobi, administered the oath of office, while the Registrar of the Clergy offered the enthronement prayer, marking the spiritual confirmation of the office.

In a symbolic moment during the ceremony, Primate Odufale presented the Holy Bible to the new Primate, describing it as the foundational guide for the church’s doctrine and mission. The Chancellor subsequently presented the constitution of the church, urging him to ensure its faithful implementation in the administration of the mission.

Another highlight of the ceremony came when the Lay President, Barrister Oladapo Ogunlewe, presented the staff of office and the church flag, symbols of the church’s identity, heritage and leadership authority, while reminding the new Primate of Christ’s instruction to Peter: “Feed my sheep.”

Ojaoba, who also serves as President of the Universal Communion of African Church, was born to the family of the late Elder Samuel Daramola and Princess Josephine Ojaoba of Ijero Ekiti.

He was baptised and confirmed into the United African Methodist Church in Surulere, Lagos. He attended Rauf Williams Primary School before proceeding to Community Secondary School in Surulere.

His theological training began at the United African Methodist Church Theology College in Igbogbo and Sagamu, where he obtained certificate and diploma qualifications. He later earned a first degree from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye, followed by postgraduate studies at the University of Ibadan, where he obtained both a master’s degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Over the years, Ojaoba rose steadily through the ranks of the ministry, from ordained priest to presbyter, then bishop and later archbishop, serving in several branches of the church, before his enthronement as Primate.

Beyond his pastoral duties, he is affiliated with several Christian and professional bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, and the Bible Society of Nigeria. He also holds an associate membership of the Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators of Nigeria.

An accomplished scholar and author, he has written several works, including The Mission and Doctrine of UAMC, Polygamy in African Churches: A Case Study of UAMC, and The Church and Its Officers.

Founded in Lagos in 1917 and popularly known as “Eleja,” the UAMC has grown significantly over the decades, establishing branches both within Nigeria and abroad.

Dignitaries present at the ceremony included Chairman of the UAMC Board of Registered Trustees, Dr Akinola Ajose Ogunlewe and his wife; former Minister of Works and Housing, Oluseye Ogunlewe; Engr. Shola Taylor, Lay President of The First African Church Mission; and Julius Abbe, Primate of the The African Church, alongside other church leaders, executives and guests.

For many members of the church, the enthronement marks not only a leadership transition but also a defining moment in the church’s more than a century-long journey, a symbol of continuity, faith and the expanding global reach of the mission.