•Just As His Wife, & 3 Siblings: DEOLU, BOLU & LEKE Open Up
Pastor Oluwadamilare Temitayo Adeboye is the handsome son of Pastor E.A adeboye who recently passed on 4th May, 2021. During his burial his wife, kids & siblings wrote about him. He was born as the fourth child into the family of Pastor (then Dr.) Enoch Adeboye and Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye on June 9th, 1978.
His was a miraculous birth as their previous children had been born through caesarean section and the couple had been advised by the doctors not to have any more children. The doctors advised termination, as they had predicted that it would be a choice between mother and child. Their prediction was however wrong because, amazingly both mother and child survived and even more miraculously, it was a natural birth. Thus, he became their first miracle baby.
His earliest years were spent in Surulere where his parents lived before they relocated to Mushin and Ebute Metta, when his father became the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). A natural leader and loyal friend, he had many admirers from his childhood. His best friend then and till his passing was Emmanuel Adewale, one of the grandsons of the founder of the mission, Pa Josiah Akindayomi.
The Adeboyes knew the importance of proper education as they were in that field themselves. They ensured that all their children got top-quality education, and Damilare was not an exception. He started his education at Christ the Redeemer’s Nursery and Primary School and then went on to The Staff School, University of Lagos, Akoka. After completing his primary school education, he commenced his secondary education at Command Secondary School, Ibadan. It was here his excellent work ethic and military discipline were forged. These sterling attributes coupled with the solid Christian home training led to the emergence of his leadership qualities, and he was made ‘Head of House’ of Purple House.
Dare later on relocated to the United Kingdom to continue his learning in high school where his leadership streak continued to be developed as he would later be appointed Head Boy of Mayfield College, becoming the first person of colour ever to be appointed to that position.
Damilare went on to get his bachelor’s degree in Business Information Technology from the University of Central England, (now Birmingham City University) and subsequently a Master’s Degree in Theology from the Redeemed Christian Bible College.
Dare was very industrious even from an early age. His enjoyment of high-performance cars later turned into a business while he was still school.
Dare met Jesus Christ at a tender age and worked fervently for the Kingdom. He became a parish pastor in RCCG in the UK at the young age of 23, pastoring at RCCG House of Praise, Birmingham, UK. Due to the tremendous growth his parish recorded, his commitment, submission to authority and excellence, he rose swiftly up the ranks to become a Zonal Pastor prior relocating to Nigeria.
On arrival in Nigeria in 2009 and now full time in the ministry, he was posted to Kaduna State and then with his young family to Zaria before returning to Kaduna (the State Capital), where he pastored Next Level Parish, now the provincial headquarters for Youth Province 6. Despite the sudden change in his environment, he immediately applied himself to the work of the Kingdom and like every other task he had been assigned; it greatly prospered in his hand. His success led to even more kingdom assignments and greater responsibilities, especially in the youth ministry of RCCG.
He was then promoted along with six others to the new role of Youth Evangelist in the mission.
They later became twelve and he demonstrated his leadership acumen serving as the Coordinator of the Youth Evangelists. He was appointed Youth Evangelist, North Central – covering all RCCG youths, RCFs, RCCFs in states of Niger, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Nassarawa, and also the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja where he had other responsibilities such as: • Pioneer Youth Evangelist in RCCG • Youth Evangelist, North Central • Coordinator, Youth Evangelists • National Director of Programmes, NYAYA • International Director of Programmes, Church Planting and Evangelism, YAYA, RCCG • Chairman Organizing Committee, Northern Zone, Abuja SHIFT • Chairman Organizing Committee, Marathon Messiah’s Praise • Chairman Organizing Committee, Annual Youth Convention, RCCG
These positions enabled him to comprehend the landscape and significance of young people across the globe and how to increase the Church’s impact in the world as he travelled to over 50 countries preaching the gospel without apology or reserve, especially to the youth, young adults and teenagers. Fondly called ‘PD’ and ‘Pastor Dee’ by the youth, he was indeed in tune with the next generation of believers.
There would later be the creation of a new structure in RCCG known as Youth Provinces of which six were created. Pastor Dee was appointed to oversee Youth Province 5, then under Region 14, with headquarters at City of David, Eket, Akwa Ibom State and parishes spread across the entire South South and South East states of Nigeria – Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo and Abia.
In his capacity as the Pastor in Charge of Youth Province 5, he organised numerous revival and evangelistic programmes that catalysed the growth and expansion of the province some of which included the Annual Provincial Convention in April, the Dominion Conference in June amongst others. These programmes featured notable Word and Worship ministers within and outside RCCG.
Further restructuring in the mission led to the creation of a new Youth Region, Region 35, with headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, comprising all the Youth Provinces which had now increased to 11. It is noteworthy that under Pastor Dee’s watch, a new province (Youth Province 10) was birthed from Youth Province 5. The region would be headed by the Intercontinental Youth Pastor and he would be assisted by three Assistant Regional Pastors, one of whom was Pastor Dare Adeboye.
A man well ahead of his time, he was indeed a pacesetter, trail blazer, bridge builder, peace maker, leader par excellence and arguably one of the most charismatic and influential pastors RCCG has produced. He was a fine blend of excellence, sacrifice, transparency, maturity, accountability, discipline, discipleship, humility, loyalty, genuine love, friendship and marital fidelity.
Pastor Dare Adeboye, a seed himself, was the International Ambassador for the Pastors’ Seed Family (PSF). He helped set up, encourage and empower PSF in many nations while also playing the role of an advisor, counsellor and big brother.
His military training never left him as he joined the RCCG Chaplaincy Corps, rising to the rank of Major-General.
While in the United Kingdom, he met his heartthrob and jewel of inestimable value, Temiloluwa, who was one of his parishioners at that time and the lovebirds got married in Nigeria on December 28, 2008. She was his sister, lover, encourager and partner in family and ministry. They have three wonderful daughters, Oluwatishe, Ireoluwa and Araoluwa.
PD was an obedient son, loyal brother, loving husband, doting father and faithful shepherd. He lived entirely for the Lord and His work, dedicating his life to educating and inspiring young people on how to capitalise on and maximise their faith in any environment they find themselves. He will be fondly remembered for his impactful and transformational messages, and his scriptural punch lines, especially the popular “Who did it? ….. Jesus …. Oh MyGod!”.
Pastor Dee after hosting an awesome provincial convention themed, “The Sceptre of Favour,” went to be with the Lord on the 4th of May 2021 at the age of 42. Although brief here on earth, he lived a faithful and fruitful life. He is survived by his parents Pastor & Pastor (Mrs) Adeboye; siblings, Adeolu and Temitope; Adebolugbe and Akin, and Oluwagbemileke and Titilope; wife, Temiloluwa; children, Oluwatishe, Ireoluwaand Araoluwa; and numerous loved ones.
Earth’s loss indeed is Heaven’s gain. Blessed be the name of the Lord! Hallelujah!
HIS WIFE REVEALS A LOT
My Darling Husband, Oluwadamilare
Baby,
I write this with a heavy heart because I never knew it would be this soon.
I can’t believe I have to talk about you in past tense. I thank God for the wonderful life you lived. You were amazing inside and out. Yes, we had our differences and we fought. This time, you fought the good fight of faith and I’m sure you got the crown.
You have run your race and have finished well. You have left us with the baton, and we will continue the race from here.
lt’s truly not a matter of how long, but how well. Although your time on earth was short, your impact is felt worldwide, especially amongst the youths.
I do not mourn but I celebrate you because you are Heaven’s gain. In your last messages, you told us if you leave this world now, you are fulfilled and know you have done what the Lord sent you to do. Well done God’s General. I salute you!
You told the children, “Go with Mummy, she will take care of you better than I can”; and called me and said “Baby, please give them whatever they want”. We kissed and said our byes. You said you wanted to rest and asked not to be disturbed, because you knew Jesus wanted you by His side.
Who am I to question God? You’ve always said when I don’t have answers, I should ask the Holy Spirit for Clarifications. I did! He assured me you’re with the Lord. I saw you lifted into glory.
The girls and I miss you so much already, but Heaven needs you more.
My number I customer. You would buy things you don’t need. You would ask, Baby, when is the new stock arriving? Don’t sell to anyone, I’m buying all. I would ask what you need so many biscuits and teas for. Your response, “I just want you to write “SOLD
OUT” on every item on your Instagram page.”
You were a man with an excellent spirit. Your attention to detail was top-notch. You aimed for excellence in everything you did and taught us to follow suit. Even your dressing was with swag and you made sure the girls and I always looked good too.
You would ask a million times if the children and I were okay and would ask until you were absolutely sure we were fine. Every answer whether yes or no, must be accompanied by a detailed explanation. It was always such a joy to see you play computer games with the girls. You danced with us unashamed and would sing lullabies to them. You had a distinct way of waking us up in the morning by clapping your hands. I will continue this from now.
You greeted everyone with a big hug and asmile.
I know you’re watching over us and now your Heavenly CCTV has even more coverage (LOL!).
You always wanted us to celebrate every milestone of the girls in a grand way, be it preschool graduations, birthdays, etc. We were already planning Ara’s graduation in July and all the girls’ birthdays in December. We still spoke about these events last week. Nothing is going to change, Darling. We will continue to celebrate their wins knowing you will also be there in spirit. Thank you for the day we met seventeen years ago, and for 12 years of marriage. Thank you for the three wonderful girls we have (your Angels, as you fondIy called them). Thank you for you r family who are now mine, without you, I wouldn’t have known them. Thank you for all the wonderful moments we created and shared together. Thank you for all the joys and laughters. Thank you for your service to the Kingdom of God. Thank you for allowing God to use you
globally.
You are sorely missed my darling.
I love you, Baby. Sleep on till we meet on the resurrection morning!
Your wife,
– Temiloluwa
HIS ELDER BROTHER , DEOLU
DARE,
You gave us no warning nor any clues of you leaving as early as you have.
You were a child that myself and our sister, Adeboluwagbe, waited to see in 1978.
Your birth brought joy, happiness to us in the family, and hope to the hopeless.
You were peaceful and you were our happy ending to each school term as we looked forward to seeing your smiling and jovial face.
I was overjoyed when you and Leke came to join myself and Tope, my wife, in the UK to continue your education. We had many pleasant years together.
Honestly, I can’t believe that I’m writing a tribute to you, my much younger brother, and so I stop here as it’s just too difficult to say much more.
Oluwadamilare, rest in God’s perfect peace and good night, till we meet to part no more.
‘Deolu
FROM HIS SISTER, BOLU
My dearest brother, I call you PDee Baba, the man of God of the hour, the man of God of the moment.
Your birth was a miracle and your life was full of miracles and wonders. You brought joy and happiness into our family.
I shouldn’t be writing your tribute but God called you home before me. My comfort is in the fact that you lived an exemplary and fulfilled life in the Lord.
Words cannot describe how much I love you and how much I will miss you. I will see you at the Lord’s feast on the last day.
Rest on my brother, PDee Baba.
– From Bolu
FROM HIS BORTHER, LEKE
SENIOR DARE,
My darling brother, I never imagined that I would have to write a tribute about you this way, not so soon. You, my senior Dare! It’s been extremely difficult coming to terms with your demise. It still feels like a dream, but Alas, our Master and saviour has decided to take you home, to keep you with Him.
You covered me in so many ways growing up. You are such a sweet soul, super stylish of course!
Giving us all shades of glam all the time. Never ‘un-fresh’ Super organised and disciplined to the core, it was evident in the way you worked, in the way you did the things of God, in the way lived and did everything.
For days, I wished it would all be a dream; My heart is broken, scarred in no small measure. And, if I were without faith, I might despair.
I chose to stay strong, even through the pain. It is very difficult but I chose to celebrate your life!
Your legacy! I chose to celebrate because I know that we shall still meet again.
You are my big brother, in every sense of the word; and even though there were times we didn’t
quite agree, I know you loved me and wanted the best and I loved you too.
You taught me to spread my wings, to soar high, to blaze the trails! You took up the cudgels for me, and stuck with me in awkward moments. You demonstrated what it meant to serve with brilliance and class. Oh! You were remarkably full of wisdom, solid on logie, and gifted with incredible sense of humor.
Who would have thought that I would come to miss all of those so soon? Things were just about
to get exciting, buddy! But I will forever cherish the memories we made and shared, I choose to
turn my thoughts toward Heaven, where you are currently partying with the angels.
Sun re o, Egbon mi!
With love from your one and only Lekuma!
– Leke Adeboye
What Pastor DARE’s Kids Said About Him
A Letter To My Loving Dad
My Dad was kind, loving, handsome, caring. He was always there for my Mum, my sisters and I. He was always standing up for my Mum, my sisters and I. he loved us and he still loves us, he misses us and we miss him.
He was generous and he is still generous. He was a father of many nations. He was a pastor, and he is still a pastor.
We were a family, and we are still a clean, holy family. He is in everyone’s heart. Everyone loved him and still loves him.
Everyone knows he is watching over us and smiling down on us happily. I love you Daddy and I miss you very much.
I promise you I will be agood girl for Mummy and stand strong for her. I will always take care of my sisters and Mummy.
From: Oluwatishe Adeboye
For Dad in Heaven,
Hi Dad I miss your love, kindness and happiness and I will always love you and stay happy because of you.
I love your food and your smile. I love and miss you Dad
From Ire Adeboye
I love my Daddy,
My Daddy is Pastor Dare. I like my Daddy for buying me a new Ipad and my LOL toys. I miss Daddy very much. He calls me Angel and ‘Opescosco”. I love my Daddy and my Daddy loves me.
From: Araoluwa Adeboye
