The life and ministry of Pastor Ezekiel Gbadamosi — Founding Minister, Christ Family Fellowship
Pastor Ezekiel Gbadamosi was born approximately three years after the Second World War — around 1948. He grew up in an era of post-war recovery and came from an educationally disadvantaged background, yet that very background became the fuel that drove his lifelong passion for learning and human empowerment.
As a young man, Ezekiel — known affectionately as "Saka" by those close to him — suffered a severe and unexplained illness. His contemporaries testified at his burial in 2023 that "no one believed young Saka would survive that strange illness." But God had other plans.
"No one believed young Saka would survive that strange illness."— Testimony of his contemporaries at his burial service, 2023
God miraculously healed him through the ministry of Prophet Ebenezer Duyile and Papa Egbinola. This healing was not merely physical — it was the beginning of a life wholly surrendered to God's purposes.
From 1965, following his healing, Pastor Gbadamosi began serving under the leadership of Pa Elton — the revered British missionary who played a foundational role in the growth of Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria. This was not simply a ministerial assignment — it was a divine alignment.
During this period, he was actively involved in the distribution of the Herald of His Coming — the widely-read evangelical publication — under the oversight of Pastor Adefidipe in the Eastern region of Nigeria.
His work distributing the Herald of His Coming in Eastern Nigeria brought the gospel to communities that had little access to print Christian literature. It was frontline, sacrificial gospel service — long before it was recognised or celebrated.
This ministry in the East continued until the Nigerian Civil War in 1967, when Pa Elton himself instructed him to return to Ilesa for safety. His obedience to that instruction was characteristic of the submissive spirit that would define his ministry for decades.
After his return to Ilesa, Pastor Gbadamosi sought the face of God earnestly about the direction of his ministry. God was faithful to answer. He was subsequently introduced to Prophet Babajide — who was then the CAC General Evangelist — a man of great spiritual stature who discerned the calling on his life.
Prophet Babajide then entrusted him to the man who would become his Pastor and lifelong mentor — Pastor Yerokun. These became his immediate family in Christ. The relationships forged in this season were not institutional — they were deeply personal, deeply spiritual, and deeply formative.
"These were his immediate family in Christ and personal family members — a bond that endured through every season of his life and ministry."
He went to Bible school in 1971 and was ordained as a CAC (Christ Apostolic Church) Pastor in 1971 — beginning over five decades of unbroken ministerial service to God's Kingdom.
Pastor Gbadamosi had a long educational break in his career, but he never gave up. He started tertiary education late — in 1984 — yet by the grace of God he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies. He went on to obtain two Master's degrees. He began a PhD but was unable to complete the doctorate as he was approaching the end of his earthly journey, and the demands of ministry were also intensifying. His academic perseverance was a living sermon to all who knew him.
"He started tertiary education in 1984 — yet he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies and two Master's degrees. A man who never gave up on learning, even as he was giving his life to serve others."
From ordination in 1971, Pastor Gbadamosi's pastoral ministry was marked by extraordinary fruitfulness — not by his own ability, but by the unmistakable power of God.
Pioneering Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Alafia — which has now grown into a coordinating council with many churches. A work he helped establish from the ground up.
Transferred to CAC Aremo in 1977 as Assistant Pastor. By 1981, a massive revival broke out — explosive church growth that could only be attributed to the power of God alone.
CAC Aremo became a district under his leadership. He oversaw over 49 churches before being transferred in 1996.
Transferred back to CAC Loyola, which has since grown into a district with several churches — another testimony of lasting fruit.
In 2005, Pastor Gbadamosi was promoted to Chairman of the Ibadan Coordinating Council (AREMO Zone) — responsible for coordinating all CAC churches within Ibadan Coordinating Council III. He held this role faithfully until his retirement.
The Christ Family Fellowship later became a full church under the Christ Apostolic Church — known as CAC Beulahland, Basorun, Ibadan. CAC Beulahland has since grown into a full district, a growth already well underway even before his transition to glory. The Church of God keeps marching on.
"Everyone around knew it was the time for his departure. He served God until the end — with strength and discipline."— Testimony of those who knew him in his final days
Pioneering Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State from 1980 to 2005 — 25 years of ecumenical Christian leadership in Nigeria.
Served as Board Member of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Oyo State — facilitating holy land pilgrimages for believers.
Served as Chairman of Sunday School and Educational Projects — reflecting his lifelong conviction that education and faith must walk together.
Served as a spiritual adviser to those in positions of authority — quietly influencing governance and leadership with godly wisdom.
Pastor Gbadamosi was known to compose songs — hymns and choruses often characterised by CAC Prophets while leading prayers, born out of moments of Holy Spirit inspiration. Like all his contemporaries, he placed no commercial value on his songs and never sought financial rewards for serving God's people.
People often sought him with gifts — which he frequently rejected. This was the way of him and his entire generation of CAC ministers. They all followed the legacy of the founding fathers of the Christ Apostolic Church:
The Great Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola · Baba Babajide · Evangelist Orekoya · Oba Akinyele — and the likes. Men who gave everything and kept nothing for themselves.
Pastor Ezekiel Gbadamosi was a very meek and gentle man in person — soft in personality, humble in demeanour, approachable in everyday life. But step into the church and watch him take the pulpit — and you would encounter a lion.
"If you ever had the opportunity to have met him, you would find it hard to believe you were actually meeting the Lion on the Pulpit."
This contrast — the quiet, gentle servant and the bold, fire-filled preacher — was perhaps the greatest testament to the Holy Spirit within him. It was not performance. It was anointing.
From ordination in 1971 to his promotion to glory in November 2023, Pastor Gbadamosi served God's Kingdom faithfully — under the Christ Apostolic Church — for over 52 years. His ministry was marked by four unmistakable and uncompromising pillars:
The central breath of his ministry. Prayer was never a programme — it was his posture, his first response, his last resort and his constant companion.
He declared and applied the power and authority of the Blood of Jesus with unshakeable conviction throughout every decade of his ministry.
He emphasised the Person, presence and power of the Holy Spirit — calling every believer into genuine, living relationship with God rather than mere religion.
He declared God's blessings over families, up until his very last breath — firmly believing that God richly provides for all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).
"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate."1 Timothy 6:17–18 (KJV) — The life scripture of Pastor Ezekiel Gbadamosi
He funded his ministry through his own salary and the gifts he received. He maintained no independent bank account or personal purse in his lifetime. He was, in the most literal sense, a channel — never a storehouse.
If he received 10, he would remove the tithe first of all, then distribute to the needy — including the Churches he pastored — and the family would feed on what remained. He would tithe, and also pay a tithe-of-tithes. He lived a highly sacrificial life. His children sometimes felt it was too hard — but all was for Jesus.
"Please do not give your transport fare as offering."
This became one of his most remembered phrases. It often made him a target of criticism — some would say: "Pastor, you are discouraging people from giving." He did not change his stance all his lifetime. He emphasised that giving must always be from a willing and joyful heart — never from guilt, compulsion or pressure.
cfflearn.org is one of his lasting legacies. We believe he would be deeply glad to see every child in his community gain practical skills that help them become better — not just academically, but in character, faith and service.
Still the heartbeat of the ministry — unchanged from its founding.
Especially ministers in underserved communities and families who cannot provide for themselves.
Free learning for every child — this portal — regardless of background or means.
"He was unwavering in his ministerial call, emphasising Praise, The Blood of Jesus, The Power of the Holy Spirit and declaring The Blessings of God over families — up until his last breath on earth in November 2023."— In honour of Pastor Ezekiel 'Saka' Gbadamosi (c.1948 – November 2023)
Christ Family Fellowship is currently led by Elder Ojeniyi — a long-term friend and pioneering member of the fellowship, and Former Chairman of HEBN Publishers Plc (formerly Heinemann Educational Books (Nigeria) Plc). Mrs Alice Gbadamosi (wife of the late Pastor Ezekiel Gbadamosi) supports the Leader by coordinating prayer meetings, led by Associate Pastors including Pastor Samuel Oladejo of CAC.
Current Leader of Christ Family Fellowship. Long-term friend and pioneering member of the ministry. Former Chairman of HEBN Publishers Plc (formerly Heinemann Educational Books (Nigeria) Plc).
Wife of the late Pastor Ezekiel Gbadamosi. She supports the Leader by coordinating prayer meetings led by Associate Pastors in the fellowship, including Pastor Samuel Oladejo of CAC.
This portal is supported by the Christ Family Fellowship. Donations are welcome based solely on your personal conviction — we will never pressure or coerce anyone to give. Read our giving philosophy →