Rev. Dr Wilson Adebogun Badejo and Rev. (Mrs) Adeyinka Anike Badejo, née Ige, are widely recognised as pioneering figures in Nigerian Christian leadership. Married in 1975, the couple combined education, ministry, and social service to leave a lasting imprint on the religious landscape of Nigeria.
Wilson Badejo was born on 19 May 1947 in Ogun State, Nigeria. He studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan, where he graduated in the early 1970s, and later earned a postgraduate degree in Management from the University of Connecticut in the United States. His educational background equipped him with both scientific expertise and organisational leadership skills.
Rev. Mrs Yinka Badejo was born on 26 October 1949. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Library Studies from the University of Ibadan in 1975. Her educational training complemented her husband’s professional and spiritual endeavours, and together they formed a strong ministry partnership.
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Early Career and Ministry Path
Following his academic training, Wilson Badejo worked in public service and veterinary research, including as a Research Officer at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Jos. He later dedicated his life to Christian ministry and joined the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, a Pentecostal denomination with a growing presence across the country.
Rev. Mrs Yinka Badejo also devoted herself to Christian ministry. She was actively involved in pastoral care, women’s ministry, and counselling initiatives, supporting church activities and mentoring congregants. Together, they exemplified a partnership in service, ministry, and leadership.
Leadership in the Foursquare Gospel Church
In 1999, Wilson Badejo was elected General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, succeeding Rev. G.O. Farounbi. He served in this capacity for three consecutive terms, concluding his tenure in 2009. His decade-long leadership period was marked by significant organisational growth, church planting initiatives, and the development of leadership structures within the denomination.
Under his guidance, the church expanded its congregational network, strengthened its administrative systems, and enhanced its evangelistic outreach. The Barley Harvest programme, initiated during his tenure, became a cornerstone for discipleship and church growth. The programme fostered community engagement, strengthened existing congregations, and encouraged the establishment of new church plants across urban and rural areas.
Colleagues and church members consistently recognised Wilson Badejo for his mentorship, vision, and dedication to nurturing future leaders. His leadership style balanced spiritual guidance with strategic organisational development, ensuring that the Foursquare Gospel Church could maintain sustainable growth and influence within Nigeria and beyond.
Social Contributions and Philanthropy
Beyond his ecclesiastical leadership, Wilson and Yinka Badejo contributed significantly to social development through the Wilson & Yinka Badejo Foundation (WYBF), originally founded as the Wilson Badejo Foundation in 2007. The foundation focuses on educational scholarships, youth empowerment, and community development, continuing to support underprivileged communities across Nigeria.
The foundation offers scholarships to students with financial needs, vocational training to at-risk youths, and mentorship programmes designed to foster personal and professional development. Annual lectures hosted by the foundation bring together scholars, professionals, and religious leaders to address societal challenges and promote educational growth.
The couple’s commitment to philanthropy demonstrated that ministry extends beyond the pulpit, and their legacy continues to impact countless lives through the foundation’s ongoing projects.
Legacy and Influence
The combined ministry of Wilson and Yinka Badejo has left an indelible mark on Nigerian Christianity. Their leadership within the Foursquare Gospel Church contributed to the denomination’s expansion, institutional strength, and national recognition.
Their dedication to mentorship cultivated a generation of pastors and church leaders who continue to advance the work of the Foursquare Church in Nigeria and internationally. Their philanthropic initiatives through WYBF also reinforce the principle that faith-based leadership can positively influence society, combining spiritual guidance with practical support for communities.
Wilson Badejo passed away on 7 August 2021 at the age of 74, and Rev. Mrs Yinka Badejo died on 13 November 2021, approximately three months after her husband. Tributes highlighted their dedication, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to service and ministry, solidifying their status as pillars of Nigerian Christian leadership.
Rev. Dr Wilson Badejo and Rev. (Mrs) Yinka Badejo exemplify the impact of committed spiritual leadership combined with education, mentorship, and social responsibility. Their decade-long service to the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, coupled with their philanthropic initiatives, underscores the importance of vision, integrity, and community-oriented leadership.
Their lives provide a blueprint for future religious leaders, illustrating that ministry is both a spiritual calling and a vehicle for societal transformation. The legacy they leave behind continues to inspire congregants, community members, and Christian leaders throughout Nigeria.
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Author’s Note
This article reflects the verified history and contributions of Rev. Dr Wilson Badejo and Rev. (Mrs) Yinka Badejo. Readers can appreciate the couple’s profound influence on the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, their mentorship of church leaders, and their social initiatives through the Wilson & Yinka Badejo Foundation. Their lives demonstrate how faith, leadership, and service can combine to create lasting impact within both religious institutions and society at large.
References
- Vanguard News, report on Wilson Badejo’s leadership and passing
- Guardian News, church burial plans and tributes
- Wilson & Yinka Badejo Foundation official history and mission
