A Life of Purpose And Praise: Celebrating Adejugbe Anthony Ademuyiwa At 60

BY BARNABAS AKINDELE 

“Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee.” These divine words from Jeremiah 1:5 echo profoundly in the life of Adejugbe Anthony Ademuyiwa, whose journey from the cradle in Ikun Akoko to a life of far-reaching influence bears the unmistakable mark of God’s orchestration.

Born on July 2, 1965, into the royal household of Oba Timothy Adelusi Ademuyiwa and Queen Otolorin Folawewo (née Akinjogunla), his birth was not only noble but sacred; sanctified and ordained by heaven for a life of remarkable impact.

Tony, as he is fondly called, began his educational journey with promise and purpose. At just three and a half years old, he started school at Holy Trinity Primary School in Ikun Akoko. His early academic path was not without challenges. Due to a relocation to his mother’s hometown and a physical stature that belied his intelligence, he repeated Primary 1. Yet, in what would become a theme of his life, he turned stumbling blocks into stepping stones. He excelled in every school he attended and graduated as the best pupil of his class in 1976.

Though a year-long delay prevented his immediate progression to secondary school due to policy changes in the Western Region, he eventually gained admission to Oludaye Grammar School in Oba Akoko. There, his love for mathematics earned him consistent recognition as the best in the subject, and he ultimately graduated in 1982 as the school’s top mathematics student.

Tony’s father, however, vetoed his admission into OSCAS, Ikare, redirecting his journey toward Baptist Academy in Lagos for A-levels. It was a move that would shift his story. By 1985, Tony was a mathematics undergraduate at the University of Lagos, where his spiritual life blossomed alongside his academic pursuits. He served as the coordinator of the Campus Association of Visiting Secretaries and the music director of what is now the Apostolic Faith Christian Fellowship. His leadership, both spiritual and intellectual, was unmistakable.

After graduating and completing his National Youth Service Corps assignment in Lagos in 1990, Tony was assigned to the Apostolic Faith Church’s music department. There, he faced the daunting task of digitizing and organizing the Collected Gospel Songs, navigating unfamiliar music software systems.

What started as a technical task soon became a calling. Though his formal academic journey paused for years, a divine prompting during a 2007 camp meeting revived his academic passion. Despite his science background, he pursued a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in music at the University of Lagos, graduating as the best student in both programs with a PhD-grade. Though unable to continue immediately with his PhD due to ministry obligations, he resumed in 2023 at Mountain Top University, pursuing ethnomusicology.

Tony’s professional life has been equally dynamic. Starting as a teacher during his NYSC, he ventured into computing, training employees at firms such as United Bank for Africa and John Holt. He later founded Right Time Service Limited, offering computer training, graphic design, and printing services. His company quickly became a household name for quality printing in Lagos and beyond, especially for wedding, birthday and funeral programs.

Yet, beyond his personal success, Tony has always carried the burden of service. His passion for empowering the marginalized birthed the Centre for Empowering the Disabled.

Motivated by childhood memories of a physically challenged cousin and further inspired by the resilience of a choir colleague who thrived despite physical challenges, Tony transformed his business to support both physically and financially challenged individuals. The centre operates with no fees and plans to digitize access, ensuring its sustainability and reach. Governed by a board of trustees and inspired by scripture, it stands as a testament to Tony’s compassion in action.

Spiritually, Tony’s journey is rich and deeply rooted. Born into a devout family, he learned early the reverence of worship, watching his father carry a designated chair to church each week. His early spiritual roles in the Anglican Church and Catholic church soon expanded.

His turning point came in 1982 at the Apostolic Faith camp meeting where he was saved, sanctified, and later baptized in the Holy Spirit. This triple blessing marked the start of his tireless gospel work across Nigeria and internationally. He served alongside giants of faith such as Bros. J.O. Soyinka, Paul Akazue, and Bayo Adeniran, traveling for missions, camp meetings, concerts and church dedications. These experiences not only built his spiritual stature but also deepened his service orientation.

One of the most enduring aspects of Tony’s legacy is his music. At first, he found the Apostolic Faith music uninteresting, but he felt a divine nudge to contribute. After receiving his final spiritual experience in 1983, he joined the music class, and quickly rose through the ranks. He later founded “Tony Ademuyiwa and the Pilgrims,” a music ministry group that records audio and video gospel songs, aiming to bless hearts and glorify God. His influence crossed denominational lines, teaching music at Foursquare, RCCG, and The Apostolic Church. His self-published books; Music Simplified and Music Companion; continue to demystify music for beginners, and he’s currently working on a new volume focused entirely on vocal techniques.

Tony’s marriage to Adejumoke Juliana Adejimi (now Anthonia) on May 19, 1994, added a personal symphony to his life. Their union, rooted in mutual respect and shared faith, was blessed with the entrance of Adeike their daughter in 2014. Together, they embody a family led by purpose, prayer, and praise.

At 60, Tony Ademuyiwa is still climbing. He is a man in whose life the melodies of mathematics, ministry, music, and mercy blend seamlessly. From humble beginnings in Akoko to global stages, Tony’s journey is a song composed by grace, performed with diligence, and conducted by the hand of God.

–Akindele is a Public Relations Consultant and Classical Musician