Biography of Joseph Ayo Babalola
Biography of Joseph Ayo Babalola
Joseph Ayo Babalola (1904–1959) was a prominent Nigerian Christian evangelist, prophet, and founder of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal denominations. Known for his spiritual revival and miraculous healing ministry, he played a significant role in the growth of Christianity in Nigeria.
Early Life
Joseph Ayo Babalola was born on April 25, 1904, in Odo-Owa, a small town in the present-day Ekiti State of Nigeria. He was born into a Yoruba family and raised in the Anglican tradition. His father, David Rotimi, was a catechist for the Church Missionary Society (CMS).
As a young boy, Joseph exhibited traits of humility and obedience. After completing primary education, he worked as a motor mechanic and later joined the Public Works Department (PWD) as a steamroller driver.

Divine Call
Joseph experienced a dramatic encounter with God in October 1928 while working with the PWD. He reportedly heard a voice instructing him to abandon his job and begin preaching the Gospel. This encounter was accompanied by a divine revelation of the power and authority he would wield in his ministry.
Ministry and Revival
Babalola joined the Faith Tabernacle Church and was baptized in 1929. Shortly afterward, he began his ministry, marked by fervent prayers, miraculous healings, and spiritual revival.
The Great Revival of 1930
One of the most notable events in Babalola’s ministry was the Oke-Oye Revival of 1930 in Ilesa, Osun State. His preaching attracted large crowds, and his ministry was accompanied by miraculous healings and deliverances from demonic oppression. Reports of healings, including the resurrection of the dead and restoration of sight to the blind, brought national and international attention to the revival.
Founding the Christ Apostolic Church
Initially, Babalola worked within the Faith Tabernacle movement, but disagreements over doctrine, particularly regarding the use of traditional medicine, led to the establishment of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in 1941. Babalola became its first General Evangelist.

Key Contributions
- Prayer Ministry: Babalola was renowned for his fervent prayer life and fasting. He often prayed for days, seeking divine guidance and power.
- Healing and Deliverance: His ministry brought miraculous healings, which solidified his reputation as a prophet of God.
- Evangelism: Babalola’s tireless preaching and revivals brought thousands of Nigerians to Christianity.
- Church Planting: Under his leadership, the CAC established numerous churches across Nigeria.
Personal Life
Babalola married Dorcas Oluwalade in 1935, and they had children together. His wife supported him in his ministry, often serving as a source of encouragement.
Death and Legacy
Joseph Ayo Babalola passed away on July 26, 1959, at the age of 55. His influence on Nigerian Pentecostalism remains profound, and he is remembered as one of the most powerful evangelists in Nigerian history.
Legacy
- The Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, was established in his honor by the CAC.
- His teachings on holiness, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit continue to influence Nigerian Pentecostalism.
- The annual CAC conventions celebrate his life and ministry.
Joseph Ayo Babalola’s life exemplifies obedience, dedication, and unwavering faith in God. His ministry transformed lives and left an enduring legacy in the history of Nigerian Christianity.