I am suddened by the death of Dr. Tokunboh. I have known him since 1982. May God bless his family at this time of loss.

Betty Odak

He was one of the finest men I have ever known. I served as Academic Dean under his Principal ship at NEGST and he was a joy to work with and for. His messages in chapel were always inspired of the Holy Spirit. O God, please give us more men in Africa like him.

I have known Tokunbo since his days as a student in Igbaja Theological Seminary. I was privileged to work with him in the Nigeria National Congress on Evangelisationn and subsequently on the Board of NEGST in Kenya. It was a joy to see him grow in stature, in wisdom and in grace as he rendered selfless service to God's people in a wide-ranging ministry. I praise God for his level-headed Biblical scholarship, his exemplary lifestyle, and his commitment to the development of godly leadership throughout the African continent. May God's comfort fill the void in the life of his wife, Ireti and his children, Dele and Dupe at this time; and may He raise up for us many more like Tokunbo.

May God continue to inpire many leaders to really be Christ-like servants like Tokunboh. It was a privilege to get to know the Adeyemo family while at Biola University and we wish Ireti, Dele and Dupe God's comfort. Until we meet again.

It was my joy to have been classmates with Tokunboh at Talbot in the 70's. His infectious enthusiasm and clear thinking were only part of a life that in its totality has been used by God in my own walk. May Your comforting presence, dear Lord, be on Ireti, Dele, and Dupe during these days.

I have known Dr. Adeyemon for over 10 years. He has been an encouragement and a blessing to many on their Christian journey. That he has preceded many saints to glory reminds me that if only in this life we have hope in Christ, then we are of all men, most miserable (1Corith: 15:19). May God comfort his family.
All Because of Calvary
Joshua

Here a tribute for a local Newspaper in Kenya
Another Fallen African Giant
(By Paul Okumu)
Barely a year after the death of Tajudeen Abdul Raheem, one of the proponents of Africa’s liberation and who until his death was the Deputy Executive Director of the Millenium Campaign, Africa has lost yet another giant, this time an intellectual and transformational proponent who believed that while Africa believes it needs change, it actually needs transformation.
Dr Tokumboh Adeyemo, who was until his death on 17th March the Chancellor of Africa International University (formerly Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology-NEGST), an institution he helped found while the General Secretary of Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) is perhaps one of the greatest African minds never to be recognized at home.
Many Kenyans may know him as the Editor of the first ever Africa Bible Commentary, a monumental project that put Africa on the global map and set precedence on the place of culture and religion. The commentary was not only the first such major work by evangelicals in its 102 year history, it was the first commentary to be written exclusively by African religious scholars under the guidance of an African Theologian.
But his impact transcends the boundaries of theology.
He was a strong advocate of transformation rather than change, insisting that Africa’s biggest problem is the endless quest for change without self examination.
So passionate was Dr Adeyemo about transformation that he left all active duty about five years ago to focus on a new movement, Centre for Biblical Transformation, a continental institution that seeks to transform Africa within one generation.
The Centre has several alumni including some of leading chief executives from Africa. Kenya's Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, who has associated with the institution in the past, is scheduled join the CBT alumni later next month for a leadership summit. Other notable members include Dr Kwessi Ata Krah, Deputy Director General of the authoritative Research agency Bioversity International based in Rome and represented

He is credited for the current active engagement of Christian leaders in contemporary and cultural issues.
He has also authored some of Africa’s masterpieces on the ever ironical challenge of Africa’s poverty and its vibrant religious practices. They include Is Africa Cursed and Salvation in African Tradition.
The two books looks at the labyrinth that is Africa- its wars, poverty and inability to find leadership solution to its crisis.
When asked a few years back why he was engaged with UNAIDS he summarized his clarion call for Africa thus: “my people and I are in a crisis! I am here to listen and learn; I am here in search of collective solutions; I am here to share.
His sixth and latest Book Africa’s Enigma, Leadership Solutions (published in 2009)was written partly during his long illness and became one of the greatest insights on Africa’s leadership challenges.
His towering profile in shaping the social and spiritual transformation of Africa saw him listed in the prestigious Praying for the 365 Most Influential People in the World Book published annually since 1999.
He was enrolled into the International Who is Who in 1995, becoming one of the first Africans to enter this prestigious role of honor.
Perharps what many found puzzling about this unsung hero of Africa is his ability to easily engage in global advocacy issues from a Christian perspective while mentoring young men and women back here in Kenya. He was considered a father by several individuals who found his closeness and concern for specific needs of individuals hard to resist.
Born into a royal Muslim family in Western Nigeria, he was the oldest son and therefore destined to be the chief of his tribe. He studied for his Bachelor of Theology degree at ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja, Nigeria before proceeding for a Masters of Divinity and Theology at Talbot School of Theology of Biola University, California, USA, Doctor of Theology degree at Dallas Theological Seminary, and later a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
To the world he was a global scholar and influencer of spirituality and the place of religion in Africa’s darkness.
But to many Christians who knew him personally, he was simply dad.
Paul Okumu is an Alumnus of Center for Biblical Transformation and a member of Nairobi Pentecostal Church. Paul.okumu@gmail.com
Paul Okumu
P.O Box 10254 00100 GPO
Naiurobi
Kenya
Tel 254-20-271-0742

The relatively unknown Tokunboh Adeyemo presented a paper on 'The Future of Evangelicals in Africa' at the 1977 Assembly of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (& Madagascar) in Bouake, Ivory Coast.It so impressed me ~ I recognised an Evangelical Statesman, and predicted he would succeed the then late Dr Byang Kato as AEAM's General Secretary. We became firm friends, and on his many visits to South Africa, and by correspondence, he mentored me. As we travelled thousands of kilometres together he built principles into my life that have remained ever since. Those were heavy apartheid times in our country, and he facilitated my own growth in understanding and managing the challenges of those days. He gave the evangelical constituency in South Africa a tangible hope for a future where race was less impoortant than loyalty to Christ. His theological discussions broadened my mind, and his devotional walk with Jesus was an example. On one occasion he asked why I carried only a New Testament and not the whole Bible. I said 'for lightness of travel' Incisively he said "That's the trouble with white South Africans - they belittle the Old Testament, yet that is where God's message of Justice is most clearly proclaimed". I always carried the full Bible after that. I thank God for an African Giant in the faith who helped my own spiritual and social formation ... transformation. May the comfort of Jesus bless Ireti and family.

Hugh G Wetmore Founding General Secretary of the Association of Evangelicals of South Africa 1977-1995.

Tokunboh became a dear personal friend to Becky and me while he was at Dallas Theological Seminary. He was at our home many times, as he served as Evangelism Pastor at the new Richland Bible Fellowship Church, Richardson, TX with Dr. Stan Toussaint as pastor. He had also lived with close friends of ours near Talbot Seminary, CA, Barney & Sharon Kinard. They connected us as soon as he moved to Dallas, TX.

Our memories of Tokunboh are joyful ones: praying for his future wife; playing Horseshoes after Sunday Dinner (when he got his first "ringer", he immediately went into an African dance!); discussing theological issues of concern in America and Africa; dynamic touching sermons by him; Finally, the joy of he and Ireti staying in our home shortly after their marriage. She was the person so many of us had prayed for!

One lasting memory, which shows Tokunboh's true heart: I had called long distance from Dallas to his Nairobi office to invite him to be our Missions Conference speaker. I was put on hold for an uncomfortably long (expensive)time. When he finally picked up the phone, he apologized for the delay. The reason: He had been sharing the Gospel with a guest in his office when I called, and took the time to lead him in prayer to receive Christ as Savior! AMEN, for a wonderful mentor by example! May the Lord's presence fill the heart of Ireti and family at this time.

Norman E Wretlind,
Founder NeighborHOPE Ministries Int'l
www.neighborhope.com

I first encountered the wisdom of Dr adeyemo at a Focus Kenya Missions convention where he was a speaker and mentor in the 90's he left me the challenge to be more prayerful like him he shared how he woke up at 4 am in the morning daily without fail for prayer - faithfully.There is in us a succinct sense of loss and yet hopeful that he has planted and watered blossoming seeds of faith in Africa and indeed the rest of the World rest in Peace our brother until we meet again

Dr Adeyemo, represented hope to a generation of Africans that have lived and walked on in the face of major adversity!He was an example of leadership that so lucked in Africa...pole to his family and Africa. Lets us pick up the work and push to attain that one generational transformation of Africa that he put his last days to.He was one of the very first Christian leaders I met in my youth in the 1980s who addressed issues so clearly and affirmed the truth of Christ! See you out there some day man.

Bill

uncle Tokunboh, I have been reading things about you that I didn't even know about. i know you were a great man and you must have touched many lives, I just didn't realize your impact was this great.
i am sad that i can no longer see you or talk to you on the phone yet i'm happy that you are in a place filled with joy and laughter, a place devoid of pain and anguish.
we'll miss you but are comforted because we know it's only a short while before we all meet up in heaven.
aunty Ireti, dele and dupe, may the peace of God which passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds. my heart is with you even though i'm far away geographically.

aunty Ireti, dele and dupe, my heart is with you. may he peace of God which passes all understanding guard your heart and minds.
at least i know he's in a place devoid of pain and anguish, a place filled with laughter and joy.

Dr. Tukonboh, indeed you did a great job in Africa. i was so disturbed when it came to my attention that you are no more to be seen. As we mourn of your departure, we mourn as people who will meet in a short while. You accomplished what the Almighty God purposed you to do in life. You wrote many inspiring books, which really touched my life, especially those days when i was a student in moffat college of the bible. For us has who been left behind, let's work out our salvation with fear and trembling.One day, we will conquer death. May the God of all comfort, comfort Ireti and the family.

I've known Dr. Adeyemo since 1993 when he came to Amsterdam at Tyndale Theological Seminary to lay the foundation of GATE( Gospel From Africa To Europe). This first meeting became the begining of many years of working with him in mobilizing African believers in Europe for training and Mission. His death is a great blow personally to me due to the loss of a great mentor and to Africa and the body of Christ. It took me several days to come to term with his departure. He came and acoomplished a lot within a short space of time. My prayer is that the Lord will continue to be with Sr. Ireti and the children.

I met Dr Adeyemo having heard so much about him for the first time at Africa Leadership and Management Academy as his teaching assistant of the Module he was facilitating on Transformational Leadership. I had an exclusive lunch hour meeting with which changed the direction of my life when he simply asked what are you doing and where are you going? My journey as a leader, scholar and now lecturer was influenced by some of his input from then onwards. I last saw him at AFREG 2 in Nairobi in 2009 and that was to be the last. For me personally I can only celebrate the impact he has made in the lives of many including me to become transformational leaders.

We shall miss Daktari. Pole mama . Pole to the sons.

I remember Dr. Adeyemo for his humility, gentleness and selfless service. The little time we interacted he cut out the figure of a father and would always give words of wisdom. I must say he is a man whose visionary leadership made all his projects to stand strong. I admire him for this. May God give his wife Ireti & the children peace that passes all understanding at this time.

Dennis Ndalo
Transformation Community Initiatives
tcikenya@gmail.com

I have known Dr Adeyemo in person since 1986. He was indeed very bright, well educated but above all A MAN OF GOD who served God's people with all his heart, time and resourses. He was a TRUE CHRISTIAN LEADER and a MODEL for other Christian leaders to follow.
Now it has pleased his ETERNAL BOSS to promote him to glory - GLORY AND HONOR BE UNTO HIM NOW AND FOREVER MORE.
Ireti, Dele and Dupe, be strong in the Lord, finish well the race which is set before you FINISH IT WELL the prize is waiting there for you! One day we will join our friend and other saints in heaven with rejoicing!

I have Known Doc since 1989 when i joined the Nairobi pentecostal church where i admired his well planned summons. I got to interact with him closely in the last 5years when he set out to work with leaders in CBT. What a great man Africa has lost.I pray that many more Tokunbohs will arise. Africa needs such leaders, so selfless, so brilliant yet so humble. What a priviledge it was to serve with this great giant of faith. For Ireti and the boys i pray for you as i pray for myself that you FINISH WELL.Then we have the assurance of meeting Doc again.

Though I never met Dr. Adeyemo in his life time, but I felt the news of his departure in my heart having heard testimonies about him from two witnesses - Samson Ajetomobi of Men of Issachar Vision and my father in ministry Joseph Egwuda of Chapel of Goodnews Kaduna
This we say, good night great co-labourer, enjoy your night rest till we join you by the eastern gate

I met Dr Adeyemo in 1993 and since then i have benefited from his wise counsel many times over. when we founded a church at Lita in Machakos, my brethren and i could not find a name for it. I took Adeyemo to the Lita mountains and he named the place Maranatha Christian Centre - apt name and so it is todate. when i was young and youthful - still am- I shared with Adeyemno some ideas ansd ideals that i wished to implement. Adeyemo took me seriously and even organised serious people to give me support! When in 2002 i got the 'leadership bug', Adeyemo was one of the wise people who adised me and 'walked' with me in very supportive ways! I remember one time things were thick and times whre dark: we prayed with him and the Matthew verse which says God's help is coming 'at the crack of dawn' became so real. when i got two of my children, adeyemo prayed that they would be friends - a prayer that suprised me then, but have come to appreciate so much. when he got sick, i visted him and he was so sharp in mind and strong in spirit. He talked proudly of his two sons on New York - i say 'you guys are blessed with a great father'. Adeyemo was far senior in age and expereince and stature - yet he bent down to listen to me, and hold my hand on so many occasions. and what is more, Adeyemo did not have to do it! But he did it! And i greatly thank God for Adeyomo's life and influence in my life. Please God watch over Mrs Adeyemo and his two boys. THANK YOU.

Dr Adeyemo was a true stateman full of integrity and love for people and his continent Africa .Indeed 17th of march was a very sad day for Africa . Mama Ireti Dele and Dupe we are praying for you and we love you and loved your dad he is with the Lord .A true General of the Lord till we meet again in Glory .Rest in Peace

I was shocked and saddened when this article was sent to me by my friend and colleague Tony Warner. Shocked because I hadn't known Tokunboh to be ill and because I felt that it was too soon to lose someone of his kind. The Father's plans are not known to us. Yet, I must pay high tribute to this incredible brother, colleague and partner. I first met him at the Twelfth Baptist Church in Boston. I think I knew then he was a man of destiny.

When God called Crawford Lorrits, and I to initiate an effort to challenge African American Christians to take their unique place in the worldwide mission of Jesus Christ I turned to Dr. Tokunboh Adeyemo with a request to join us on the executive committee to help shape and inform what became the Destiny '87 Conference on Missions and the African American. He purposefully accepted and became a key partner. His contribution was invaluable.

He was a wise, caring, insightful and learned man of God. His spiritual discipline continually empowered him to transcend the earthly boundaries that limit the church of Jesus Christ from enjoying both the bonds of fellowship and the privilege of effective strategic partnership. Tokunboh was a man of great intellect and integrity. His vision for the next generation never waned. When my feet first touched African soil, it was Tokunboh Adeyemo, who welcomed me to Africa.

My wife and I have had the privilege of hosting him in our home and I have had the privilege of being hosted in his home in Kenya. It was a privilege to have him preach at Crossroads Church. My heartfelt condolences go out to sister Ireti his devoted wife and to Dele and Dupe who he loved so much and of who he was so proud.

Elward Ellis,
Senior Pastor Crossroads Presbyterian Church
Stone Mountain, GA, USA (Former Executive Director, Destiny '87 and President Destiny Movement International)

Dr Adeyemo's book of "Africa’s Enigma and Leadership Solutions" was the book that inspired me more to become a student leader in Uganda Christian University Mukono. I thought I would meet you when you come to speak again in Uganda Christian University Mukono, but you never made it. May His soul Rest in Peace. My condolence to the family and all friends

Pastor, you died with your running shoes on. Way to go, my brotherand thanks for making us proud in Biola. Welcome to your Reward from your Lord and Friend.

I have known Dr Adeyemo for 26 years. He was always an encouragement, a man of great moral character and godliness.When I was a student at Pan Africa Christian College in 1989, Dr Adeyemo mentored us in what was known as Vasity, College and Career Fellowship (VCCF) at the Nairobi Pentecostal Church. We learned from him that godliness and academics can easily mix. His godly and scholarly legacy will surely live on. He is dead but he will forever continues to speak! Doc, rest in peace.

My wife and I met Dr. Tokunboh Adeyemo in June 2008 at Biola University. We heard through the grapevine that he was in town. Our son, Timothy, and his son, Dupe, were roommates while students at Biola.

One of my treasured books is the Africa Bible Commentary. Dr. Adeyemo was the General Editor. I asked him to autograph it. He wrote, “Baraka mingi (Blessings Unlimited) as you feast on this book! Joshua 1:9”. Then he signed it.

Even though we had just met, we enjoyed rich fellowship. We shared a kindred spirit immediately. He spoke affectionately of his family. I couldn't help but notice his grateful heart. In referring to his commentary, he acknowledged SIM's sustained and sacrificial investment. We discovered we had many friends in common.

As we visited in his office over at the university, I observed his faith in our Lord Jesus and his vision to see a centre established in east Africa for the glory of God and benefit of African leaders.

We were sad to hear of his death. May the Lord comfort Mrs. Adeyemo and the family. “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10.

i visit your site n i got more information then other visited last month
was good enough then last what i had gone throught

Even after some weeks the death of my friend, brother and leader feels as if part of my life is amputated. Tokunboh will have a lsting and living impact on our life: Wherever he was he did not wait for great opportunities but changed the situation into a Kingdom-opportunity. God bless Ireti, Dele and Dube, till we all meet...

Belatedly did I learn of the departure of Dr Adeyemo. He was our favored speaker for a conference yet to happen next week in Entebbe. It would have been the second time he would have spoken in our Military Christian Fellowship regional conference, the first being in October 1997. This is of course not to be. On a theme like "Building on a Sure Foundation" Tokunbo was an obvious authority. His wisdom, depth of understanding, agility of mind, and clarity of expression will resonate for a long time across our continent and the world at large. He went to early, but again passion has its own wear on the man that carries it. He went early but I believe he went prepared and complete. The Lord bless his two boys and keep his widow comforted.

I am sorry, I wrote you my comments, but it seems as if, either you put my name on somebodys comments, or it was edited and lost what I wrote. For instance, I wrote I knew Dr since 1986 in Amsterdam - the Netherlands. But you wrote 1989 in Nairobi Pentecostal church where I joined. I have never joined that church, after all I have never lived in Naairobi Kenya. So, may you kindly ommit that comment under my name because it is misleading people. Thanks.

I am sorry, I read the message under my name, by mistake. The comments are correct. Forgive me for that.

got the priviledge to listen to doctor in his sermons at NPC Valleyroad. he was always an inspirational speaker. loved him for his enormous contribution in the African Bible commentary. true you have left us but you still lives within our souls.

Dr.Tokunbo Adeyemo, the briliant mind of Africa, Theologian, Educator, and a true christian brother, your memories live on.

I got to know Dr. Tokunbo some years ago while we met in Santa Fe Spring, California, at a friend's house. I was blessed to meet him and his family, and we spent some quality time together, along with my family. Although we shared the same last name, shared the same state and city, and many people always called him my brother, we had never known each other. I got familia with his name through Christianity Today Magazine.

Sister Ireti, Dele and Dupe, may the good Lord watch over you and give you stength to carry on the legacy of Dr. Adeyemo.

Peace be with you

I was fortunate to hear Dr. Tokunbo Adeyemo at a conference in Nairobi in 2005. I will never forget his speaking on Sight vs Vision. He was surely a man of vision.

SIGHT Versus VISION

Sight sees problems, vision sees potential,
Sight sees plight of man, vision sees power of God,
Sight sees barriers, vision sees bearings,
Sight sees buffeting, vision sees blessings in disguise,
Sight sees the natural, vision sees the supernatural,
Sight sees the visible, vision sees the invisible,
Sight sees the present, vision sees the past, present and future,
Sight sees danger only, vision sees opportunity as well,
Sight sees dead ends, vision sees new beginnings,
Sight sees the status quo, vision sees the possibility,
Where sight gives up, vision goes on.

Thanks for your posting on "African Scholar Tokunboh Adeyemo Dies." I am the author of the post and the blog (Christianity in Africa)you had directed your readers to read from. Unfortunately, they can no more access the post because of an unintentional change in the blog's URL. It used to be http://penetcostalmovement.worpress.com BUT NOW IT IS:http://christianityinafrica.wordpress.com/2010/03/18/the-fall-of-an-iroko-tree-tribute-to-dr-tokunboh-adeyemo-1944-2010/ "A Tribute to Dr. Tokunboh Adeyemo"

Link has been updated. Thanks! BJ

Even as AIU community names the accademic center after him,we will never stop praying for more realization of the Drs dream.God bless you mama and the 2 sons.may they grow to see the goodness of the lord in their lives. AMEN.