Apostle Paul’s dynamic vision of Jesus Christ’s redemptive action is also the unfolding of the Kingdom for which Jesus prays to the Father: ‘Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as in heaven.’ The Apostle teaches: ‘He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.’ I think Apostle Paul and Archbishop Adegbemi Atanda Adewale would hit it off very well because both are straight talkers with a penchant for a little controversy.
Celebrating a unique leader like His Grace, Most Rev Adewale, who wears the mantle of an archbishop, a lawyer, a journalist, and a prince calls for honouring a rare blend of spiritual leadership, legal wisdom, and noble heritage. Archbishop Adewale, as a shepherd of faith, oversees the archdiocese of Riye in Ogun State with pastoral care and practical leadership rather than mere administration. He is a teacher of sacred doctrine and a spiritual guardian who guides and protects the archdiocese, the diocese, and the local church communities with divine wisdom, grace, and tireless devotion.
Archbishop Adewale, blessed with native intelligence and legal wisdom, is a champion of justice who applies a sharp mind and fairness to the pursuit of truth. As a defender of the right, Archbishop Adewale uses the bible, tradition, and the law as instruments to protect the vulnerable and uphold order. As a wise arbiter, Archbishop Adewale brings discernment, balance, and profound intellect to every decision. He remains a fruitful farmer and passionate entrepreneur.
Born with a noble heritage on 24th July 1966, to the Royal family of Oba Aderinoye of Otileta Ruling House, Owu, Abeokuta, as a Prince of grace, Archbishop Adewale exemplifies nobility not just by birth, but through humility and generous service. As a cultural anchor, Archbishop Adewale preserves heritage and, with the support of his dear wife, Mummy Olubunmi Adewale, lifts those in need with true royal dignity and Jesus’ love.
Archbishop Adewale attended Owu Baptist Day School and African Church Grammar School, all in Abeokuta. His ministerial training was at Methodist Theological Institute, Sagamu, Ogun State and Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan, Oyo State. He attended Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos, where he had a Higher Diploma in Journalism. He attended Lagos State University, Ojoo, and graduated with a Bachelor of Law, LL.B. He was later called to the Nigerian Law School, where he was successfully admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He passed the Bar final examinations and was presented by the Body of Benchers, in strict observance of professional attire rules. He had his master’s in law (LL. M) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He studied for his doctoral degree (PhD) at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. He is currently a law lecturer at Wesley University, Ondo, Ondo State.
Archbishop Adewale took over from Bishop Akin Ojumu as the Chaplain to His Eminence Dr Sunday Mbang, thereby becoming the first presbyter to serve as the Prelate’s chaplain from 2001 to 2002. He was elected Bishop of Edo-Delta in 2002, and Bishop of Ijebu in 2007. He was elected Archbishop of Riye in 2015 and has served to date.
Archbishop Adewale, as a voice of peace and a voice for the voiceless, stands as a beacon of hope, legal counsel, and righteous counsel. On the need to take a drastic step toward addressing the nation’s fast-declining economy, Adewale said that providing social amenities and an economy that brings down the rising cost of living is more important to citizens than returning the old national Anthem. He said, “I am not saying that the National Assembly or the President should not go back to the old national anthem; one thing I know is that Nigeria’s problems will persist if we don’t change the policies of government. According to him, even if the government changes the national anthem twenty times, if the policy of government is not changed, the country will not go anywhere; ‘there is a lack of social amenities, there is a high cost of living. I am not sure the national anthem is our problem.”
On how to win the war against drug abuse, Adewale maintained that given the evil effects of drugs among the youths and in our society, there is a need for everyone to join forces with the government in the renewed fight against the menace.
Archbishop Adewale at 60, congratulations. May the good Lord continue to grant you good health, spiritual renewal and all the best of God for you and your family.
