The life and ministry of Reverend Joseph Adedayo Funso Shobowale, the Oyo Area Overseer of The Apostolic Faith, with the headquarters at Oke-Ado, were celebrated over two days of tributes, songs, and solemn reflection as family, friends, and members of the church gathered to bid farewell to a man described as a leader, mentor, and father to many.
Among those who bade Rev. Shobowale goodbye and good night was the Superintendent General of the Apostolic Faith from Portland, Oregon, Rev (Prof.) Olusola O. Adesope, and WECA District Overseer, Rev. Isaac Adigun, and his wife, Stella.
At the funeral service held on Friday, September 12, 2025, the sermonist, Rev. Oba Fatoba, the Ekiti Area Overseer and member of the board of WECA, delivered a message titled “How Long Shall Your Journey Be,” drawn from Nehemiah 2:2–4. Rev.
Rev. Oba Fatoba Delivering Funeral Sermon
Rev. Fatoba revealed that the deceased had technically requested the theme to be used after his passing.
In a sermon that went beyond mourning, Rev. Fatoba reflected on Nigeria’s present challenges: unemployment, hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship, noting that the deceased’s life was a lesson in resilience and hope.
He said, “We are sad about the coffin of Rev. Shobowale, who was our Oga (boss). Who will mentor and help us? But Jesus will not forsake us. There is a place, and Oga is already there waiting for us”, urging Christians to remain steadfast in faith.
From the Right in Front, Deceased Wife, Mrs Kate Shobowale, and other Family Members
Quoting Jeremiah 29:13, he stressed that national healing and transformation could only come through a genuine return to God adding, “Our land is sick, but if we seek God, He will heal our land. There will be security, there will be jobs, and there will be good leaders.”
The previous day, Thursday, September 11, 2025, during the service of songs, Rev. Abel Adedayo, Osun Area Overseer, preached on the theme “From Death unto Life.”
He described the late Rev. Shobowale as a true shepherd who combined teaching, mentoring, and exemplary leadership.
Congregants
According to him, “Brother Sobo is not dead. By the grace of God, we shall see him again. Death is cruel, but Jesus has given us consolation that we will move from this world to eternal life.”
He further challenged mourners to reflect on their spiritual lives, noting that the late cleric had preached widely and left a legacy of transformed lives across Ijebu, Edo-Delta, Ekiti, Ondo, Ibadan, and beyond.
The ceremonies also featured moving tributes from family members, colleagues, former students, and church members who spoke passionately about Rev. Shobowale’s humility, discipline, and commitment to service.
Osun Area Overseer, Rev. Abel Adedayo, Preaching at Service of Songs
A representative from Delta State recalled how the late cleric’s devotion inspired him to attend early morning prayers before work.
Former students of Ijebu-Ode Technical College, where he once taught, described him as “calm, calculated, and determined,” with one former student crediting him for igniting his passion for printing, which became his lifelong profession.
Family members described him as the “bridge of love, unity, and excellence” who never failed to call, pray, and support both immediate and extended family.
His children described him as “a loving father, the bishop of our home, who never joked with us, prayed for us, and sacrificed so much for our well-being.”
Service of Songs
Otunba Biodun Ojobaro, speaking for the family, called him “a prominent member who never forgot his roots,” while Oyesina Oyebanjo said, “He mentored us, fathered us, mothered us, and did everything a parent would do.”
Across testimonies, one theme was consistent: Rev. Shobowale’s life was a beacon of humility, sacrifice, and faith.
Known affectionately as “JAF” by friends and colleagues, “Uncle Funso” by family, and Reverend, he was celebrated not only as a preacher but also as a leader who shaped lives both within and outside the pulpit.
As the ceremonies came to a close, mourners were reminded that though death had taken a mentor, husband, father, and brother, his legacy of faith, service, and love would continue to live in the countless lives he touched.
Rev. Shobowale was buried in his Awa-Ijebu hometown, in Ogun State, Nigeria.
