Prince Adeboye Adetokunbo Williams Adewale was born 48 years ago into the distinguished Ofokutu Royal Family of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House in Ilesa. Reflecting the Ijesha saying, “oruko le roniyan” a name defines a person’s destiny Prince Adeboye’s birth coincided with a pivotal moment in his family’s history. At the time of his birth, his father was installed as the Loja Ajemba of Ijemba Ijesa by the late Oba Peter Adeniran Agunlejika, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. His royal lineage extends further, as his paternal grandmother hails from the Bilagbayo Ruling House, while his mother was a Princess of Odo Ijesa.
Prince Adeboye began his education at CAC Primary School, Okesa, Ilesa, before proceeding to Obokun High School. He later attended Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun. In 2001, he enrolled at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he earned a second-class upper degree in Law in 2007. Following his completion of the Nigerian Law School, he was called to the bar on November 18, 2008.
Driven by a deep love for his hometown and a passion for development, Prince Adeboye returned to Ilesa to practice law. Initially, he worked with the law firm Oluwaseun Ajoba & Co before founding his own practice, Boye Williams & Co. In pursuit of further academic achievement, he completed his master’s degree in law at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Prince Adeboye’s dedication to community service is evident in his involvement with numerous community-based boards and activities in Ilesa. Over the years, he has handled many high-profile cases, often championing the rights of the poor. His pro bono work for Ijesa indigenes, particularly during the Owena crisis, received significant attention in national newspapers such as Punch and Tribune. He played a pivotal role in securing the release of several Ijesa sons who were unjustly arrested and detained.
In addition to his legal career, Prince Adeboye was called to ministry by the Holy Spirit in 1996. What began as a mustard seed has grown into the Christ Gospel Devotional Church Worldwide (CGODEC INT), which now has 42 branches across Nigeria. His theological journey saw him earn several degrees, including a diploma and bachelor’s in theology, as well as a master’s in pastorate. Recognizing his vast knowledge, Harvest Time Bible Institute in the United States awarded him an honorary doctorate. CGODEC INT is widely recognized for its charitable works, including providing free transportation for church members from its inception.
Prince Adeboye is also known for his philanthropic endeavors. He has funded the WAEC and NECO fees for numerous underprivileged students in Ilesa and provided JAMB forms to many others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prince Adeboye was widely praised for distributing food and financial aid to over 500 people in Ijesaland.
He has made significant contributions to public infrastructure, personally funding the grading and expansion of the road from Irogbo Junction to Ijemba Ijesa using D8 machinery. This project, which cost millions of naira, was done without seeking public recognition.
Prince Adeboye is also the founder of Ijesa-Obokun Radio (TM Nigeria Limited), a station awaiting government approval, which aims to be the first radio station in Ijesaland to broadcast exclusively in the Ijesa dialect.
A successful real estate developer, Prince Adeboye has built eight houses in Ilesa and owns numerous properties in the area. His reputation extends beyond Nigeria, as he has attended several international conferences. His family is equally distinguished, with his immediate elder brother serving as the President of the Washington State Bar Association and a city attorney in the United States, while other siblings practice law in the U.S. and the U.K.
Known for his humility, culture, and integrity, Prince Adeboye has earned the nickname “Opitan,” meaning historian, for his deep knowledge of Ijesa customs and traditions, a title bestowed upon him by the late Owa Obokun, Oba Aromolaran. Prince Adeboye has served as legal counsel to the Ijesa royal family and represented the late Owa in significant legal cases, including HIL/6/2022 and HIL/7/2022.
His love for the Ijesa people is further demonstrated by his involvement with numerous community organizations. He serves as the legal adviser and patron for many associations, including the Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria (Ijesaland chapter), the Nigerian Private Schools Proprietors and Proprietresses Association (Ilesa), and the Nigerian Union of Barbers (Ilesa), among others.
Prince Adeboye is married to Pastor Dr. Mrs. Omowunmi Adewale, and their marriage is blessed with children.
