By: ‘Kayode Awojobi
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1The Nigerian Baptist Convention has announced the emergence of Rev. Dr. Olusola David Idowu as its new President-Elect.
The announcement was made following a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Convention held in Oyo Town, Oyo State, on March 17, 2026.
Rev. Dr. Idowu, who currently serves as the Senior Pastor of The Ajayi Dahunsi Memorial Baptist Church, Lagos, Akanro Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, Nigeria, was presented to the committee after a rigorous selection process conducted by the Presidential Search Committee.
According to the Chairman of the Presidential Search Committee, Rev. Dr. Mrs. Rachel Lateju, the process began with mandatory fasting and prayer sessions to seek divine guidance and ensure transparency throughout the exercise.
Lateju disclosed that the committee received 147 valid nominations comprising 21 candidates, who were subsequently screened. After the screening process, eight candidates were shortlisted.
She explained that after careful deliberations and what she described as the leading of the Holy Spirit, the committee unanimously recommended Rev. Dr. Idowu as President-Elect of the Convention.
The Executive Committee subsequently unanimously endorsed the recommendation, with the appointment expected to be ratified at the 2026 Annual Convention Session scheduled to be held in April in Abuja.
Rev. Dr. Idowu, who hails from Ilora, is a respected church leader and scholar credited with authoring 15 books, as well as publishing over 35 academic publications and 26 articles in local and international journals.
Rev. Olusola Idowu holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Biblical Studies. He is a Fellow of the following institutions: the Stephen Olford Centre for Biblical Preaching in Memphis, Tennessee, USA; the Institute of Management Consultants in Nigeria; and the Chartered Institute of Administration in Nigeria. He speaks at Conferences and contributes to both scholarly and devotional works.
Ably supported by his wife, Pastor Mrs. Folasade Idowu, Rev. Dr Olusola Idowu currently serves as the Church Pastor of The Ajayi Dahunsi Memorial Baptist Church.
He also serves as an adjunct lecturer at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso (his alma mater), the Baptist College of Theology, Lagos, and the Africa Centre for Theological Studies, Lagos. Dr Idowu has been privileged to serve the Body of Christ in various capacities and currently serves as the Chairman of the Pastors’ Fellowship of the Lagos East Baptist Conference.
With over 25 years of pastoral experience, he is widely recognised for his contributions to church planting and pastoral leadership.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Eben Durodola, confirmed the development in a statement made available earlier today.
