By ‘Gbenga Bankole
Today is a remarkable day in the life of the Zonal Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Nehemiah Generation Zone, United Kingdom, Pastor S.O. Oladokun. This is because he was born on this day 60 years ago.
Pastor Simeon Oludare Oladokun was born to the family of Pa Alimi and Mrs Sikirat, (later Abigael) Oladokun on 28th February 1961 at Olokogboro village, Akufi area of Oyo State.
He received his primary school education at Saint John’s Primary School, Akindele and finished in 1975. His desire was to further his education but his parents could not finance him because his elder brother was in the modern school, he resorted to learning driving.
The Celebrant started his ministry on the 23rd of December, 1980. There have been prophecies right from his young age that handbell was seen in his hand and that no matter where he goes in the world he will still come back to proclaim the Gospel. When he finished his primary school, he never wants to become a minister of God. This is because of an Evangelist, called Catechist in those days, that wears a kind of worn out shoes and made him to think these are the kind of pair of shoes he too will be wearing. As a result, he didn’t yield to the calling. He kept on trying one thing or the other. He stayed in Warri and Sokoto for a while and nothing seemed to be working for him. One day his mother drew his attention to the earlier prophecy and advised him not prolong his journey. This led him to start the ministry at CAC Ode-Olo Ibadan under the tutelage of Pastor P.O. Bankole.
In 1981 he went to CAC Theological Seminary and finished in 1983. He served the Lord at CAC General Headquarters, Ebute-Elefun Lagos until February 1986 when he travelled to the United Kingdom for further theological studies. He first attended International Bible Training Institute (IBTI) and another theological training college in Cambridge where he was prepared for Cambridge University external examinations and then to London Bible College, now London School of Theology (LST).
All along, he was serving in the church at CAC Seven Sisters, London; leading the Bible Studies. He later studied at the University of Kent for a Masters degree in Applied Theology and followed by another Masters degree in Bible and Ministry at the King’s College London. He has just completed his PhD in Clinical Christian Counseling.
He pastored CAC Mount Zion International, London and was ordained a Pastor in CAC Worldwide in 1997. Now pastoring CAC Balm of Gilead and Superintending Nehemiah Generation Zone and also serving as the CAC Anosike’s Regional Secretary.