Again, Upper Room Baptist Church makes history as Dada becomes General Overseer

Upper Room Baptist Church, Global, made history again on December 31, 2024, as the General Overseer of the church for 21 years, Pastor Oluleke Akinola, passed the baton of leadership to Pastor Rufus Olalekan Dada as the new General Overseer.

According to the Chairman, General Overseer Inauguration Committee, Bro. Sina Elusakin, Pastor Akinola took over the leadership of the church from Pastor Abiodun Longe (of blessed memories) on January 1, 2004. Pastor Longe, who voluntarily retired in 2004 to pave the way for a younger person to take over the leadership of the church, was called to glory during the first half of this year 2024.

Akinola before becoming the General Overseer had served the church in various capacities. He had served as the Youth Coordinator of the church; shepherded three parishes – Oworonshoki, Mafoluku and Maranatha, Alapere and served as the National Prayer and Counselling Secretary for years before assuming the leadership of the church at the headquarters, Ketu, from 2004 to 2024.

He was used by God to advance the church. Building on the foundation laid by the founding fathers, he gave the church global recognition.

He voluntarily retired from being the General Overseer of the church on December 31, 2024, and passed the baton of leadership to Pastor Dada.

Dada, who until his election as the General Overseer was the Parish Pastor of Upper Room Baptist Church, Bethel Parish, Ibafo and the National Evangelism and Mission Secretary of the Church, has also served the church in various respects.

He started his pastoral assignment at Ajegunle Parish, from where he moved to Maranatha Parish, Alapere, and then to Bethel Parish. He was at a time the Youth (Singles’) President of the church. He also served as the Church Camp Manager and also the National Prayer and Counselling Secretary under Pastor Akinola.

“This seamless transition to the new leadership is a rare one and being the second time the church is going through this process, the church is thanking God for His Faithfulness this past 37 years,” Elusakin said.