Pastor William Kumuyi, General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, and his Contemporary Religion Giant, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, have been honored as the recipients of the prestigious Irohinodua 2025 Persons of the Year Award. This announcement was made by the editorial board of Irohin Odua, the first pan-Yoruba news platform, in a statement released on Saturday.
the statement, signed by Feyisike Adeoye and obtained online, also reported by other media outfits, recognized the duo of Christian religion giants for their exceptional service to God and humanity, commending their roles as global religious leaders who continue to promote peace, love, and unity in a world troubled by violence and division.
“Pastor Kumuyi and Pastor Adeboye’s relentless effort, In a world where Nigeria, in particular, has witnessed an upsurge in violence, hatred, and disaffection driven by faith and ethnicity, have remained pillars of peace and harmony,” Feyisike Adeoye’s statement reads. “Through their words and actions, they have fostered goodwill and reconciliation in every region where their religious institutions hold influence.”
As the country faces growing ethnic and religious tensions, the two pastors have used their platforms not for political, tribal, or prsonal gain, but to spread messages of peace, tolerance, and good neighborliness. Despite facing violent and vicious attacks from adversaries, both Kumuyi and Adeboye have responded with dignity and restraint, guided by their faith.
“Though they hold no political office, these two individuals are among the rare Yoruba figures who can open doors to presidents and prime ministers around the world,” Adeoye added. “Their influence far transcends the borders of Nigeria, and their legacy continues to shine brightly on the global stage, further elevating the Yoruba nation.”
The Irohinodua statement also emphasized that both Kumuyi and Adeboye, despite their impressive academic credentials and potential for success in various fields, chose to dedicate their lives to the ministry. Their leadership has not only nurtured millions of souls spiritually but has also provided livelihood and hope to many, including non-Christians, through the vast networks of their churches.
“Their ministries have not only healed many with broken hearts but have created economic opportunities for millions,” Adeoye noted. “Their faith industries uplift spirits and offer comfort to the hopeless, making a tangible impact on communities both within and beyond Nigeria.”
The Irohinodua Award, which has been awarded for over a decade, is presented annually to a distinguished Yoruba personality. Previous recipients have included Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Dr. Adeniyan Abraham, and the Olu of Warri, among others.
This year’s recognition of Pastor Kumuyi and Pastor Adeboye underscores the profound influence of faith leaders in shaping the moral and spiritual landscape of the Yoruba community, both in Nigeria and across the globe.
