Book Launch: Ogun Governorship Hopeful, Sarafa Tunji Isola Shines, Leads Christian Hymn
2027 Ogun state governoship hopeful, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola was cynopsure of all eyes at a gathering in Abeokuta as he led attendees in the rendition of Christian hymn.
Isola who was the immediate past Nigeria Ambassador to Unitef Kingdom was the Chief Launcher and special guest of honor at the official presentation of the book titled “Abeokuta: The Cradle of Christianity in Nigeria” authored by Chief Babatunde Joseph Oke, the Balogun of Egba Christian Chiefs.
Held at the iconic Henry Townsend Hall within the sacred precincts of the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta—Nigeria’s first church—the event assembled a cross-section of Nigeria’s finest minds and most respected traditional and spiritual leaders. From monarchs to technocrats, from professors to reverend fathers, the atmosphere was one of deep reflection, reverence, and celebration.
The highlight of the event was when Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, a devout Muslim and one of Nigeria’s foremost voices for interfaith harmony, stood before the Christian congregation and led the assembly in a Christian hymn. This moment, captured in silence and followed by thunderous applause, served as a powerful metaphor for the spirit of peaceful coexistence that Egbaland and Nigeria at large so desperately need.
Directed by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Michael Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR Okukenu IV, Ambassador Isola was called upon to lead the launching and public presentation of the book—an acknowledgment not only of his towering political stature, but more importantly, of his moral standing as a true Egba son whose life reflects the values of tolerance, community, and legacy.
Also gracing the occasion were notable traditional rulers including the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Professor Saka Adelola Matemilola Oluyalo Otileta VI, ably represented by Prof. Adelekan, and the Onijale of Ijale Papa, Oba Michael Ajibola Aderohunmu Babalola. In attendance as well were the Chairman of the occasion, Elder Otunba Dr. S.A.J. Ibikunle, the forward writer Prof. Joel Oyekunle Akinosi, the book reviewer Barr. Sunny Sofolahan, the Dean of the Cathedral, Very Rev. Omidiji, members of the Egba Christian Chiefs, and a host of other dignitaries from academia, industry, and religious circles.
The book, “Abeokuta: The Cradle of Christianity in Nigeria,” is a scholarly and historical reflection on the foundational role that Abeokuta, the city of rocks and resilience, played in the propagation of Christianity in Nigeria. It revisits the early missionary endeavors led by Henry Townsend and others, while celebrating the legacy of Egba Christian leadership from the 19th century to the present day.
Ambassador Isola’s leadership at this event is not only an endorsement of historical preservation, but a call to action for all Nigerians—irrespective of faith or background—to embrace tolerance, mutual respect, and spiritual synergy in building a just society.
As he took the stage, Ambassador Isola paid tribute to Chief Babatunde Joseph Oke for his commitment to preserving the rich Christian heritage of Egbaland, stating that “this book is more than history; it is a bridge between generations, between faiths, and between legacies.”
Indeed, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR’s presence was not just ceremonial; it was sacramental. It reminded all present that beyond the symbols of religion lies a shared humanity—and that in Abeokuta, the city that gave Nigeria its first church and some of its greatest patriots, the spirit of unity is still alive.