The Late Rev. (Mrs.) Emman-Imeleye Olufumilayo Bidemi Adetola is a chosen vessel of personality that inspires in all frontiers. She could be described in one of many ways, by everyone she has met in life; she could be comfortably described as an achiever, goal getter, hard worker, loving, caring, high intellect, eloquent public speaker, teacher, lecturer, examiner, right focused, embedded humanity, submissive in marriage, strict religious life. All these propelled her from humble beginning to an enviable height in life, ministry, career, family and life journey.

Rev. (Mrs.) Emman-Imeleye Olufumilayo Bidemi Adetola was born on 5th April, 1967 at Imasai into the family of late Lt. Col. Felix Abiodun Onifade of Onanla, Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area, Ogun State, and to Mrs. Catherine Ozoemezie (Nee Akwule) of Umueze-Afadia, Umuaji Quarters, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.

Rev. (Mrs.) Emman-Imeleye grew as a young girl in her native home in Ilaro, Ogun State and later moved to Lagos with her parents. In her early age, having been raised by educationally conscious parents, she knew the importance of education and never allowed any factor to hinder her from achieving her educational goals.

She started her education at Ekimogun Nursery and Primary School, Surulere, Lagos State from 1974–1978 (where she completed her First School Leaving Certificate). Subsequently, she was admitted into Government Day Secondary School, (NDA), Kaduna from 1979– 1984 (where she completed her secondary school education); she also attended College of Advanced Studies, Ondo, Ondo State, where she obtained Higher School Certificate (HSC).

Rev. (Mrs.) Emman-Imeleye desired to attain the pinnacle of education and her quest for same made her to further proceed to the University of Jos in Plateau State from 1990 to 1994 where she bagged the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts. Not done yet, she later attended Delta State University, Abraka, where she bagged a Master's Degree in Theatre Arts in 2012.

After graduating from the University, Rev. (Mrs.) Emman-Imeleye was gainfully employed as a Client Manager at Frank Communication and Marketing Ltd., Lagos (1996 – 2000); she served as a Lecturer/ Training Officer (Part Time) at the College of Local Government and Public Administration, Ijanikin, Lagos (2000 - 2002), were she taught Basic English, Communication Arts and Elements of Public Relations and Practice amongst other courses. She was also an Examiner (Literature in English) with West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) 2001 – 2003.

Upon her relocation to Warri in 2003 with her husband, being a woman of multidisciplinary nature and with the need to explore more frontiers, she delved into public service where she garnered a robust and progressive experience in both Federal and State levels as well as other NGOs.

Rev. (Mrs.) Emman-Imeleye, was a devoted Christian, evangelist and singer who served as Choir Mistress at her local church, grew to become Zonal and District Music Minister, Youth leader and later National FWI Choir Mistress; in her desire to answer the call of God and to deepen her work with God, she attended the LIFE Theological Seminary, Ikorodu-Lagos, where she obtained her Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) degree to enhance her capability and capacity to live a faithful Christian life.

Her pastoral journey started with Foursquare Gospel Church, Sabo-Oniba, Lagos in 1999 and was later transferred to Foursquare Gospel Church, Ilogbo, Lagos. She relocated to Warri and served as an Associate Pastor in Foursquare Gospel Church, Ugboroke in 2003; in 2004, she and her husband were sent to Foursquare Gospel Church, Effurun Zonal Headquarter Church for a short pastoral assignment; they returned back to Foursquare Gospel Church, Ugboroke, where she was later ordained in 2005 after been Inducted and Licensed in the earlier years from 2000. At Ugboroke Church, she served as Sunday School Superintendent, Head of Christian Education Ministry and Zonal Music Minister.

In February 2006, she was inaugurated alongside her husband with others to plant Foursquare Gospel Church, Ekpan; which then metamorphosed over the years to a Zonal Headquarter and District Headquarter Church. She was appointed the Zonal Secretary of Foursquare Gospel Church, Ugboroke Zone (when Ekpan church was under Ugboroke Zone) and also appointed the District Secretary, Foursquare Gospel Church, Warri District where she served till 2018. In Foursquare Gospel Church, Ekpan, she vigorously served as Head of Marriage and Family Life Committee, Sunday School Superintendent and Head of Christian Education Ministry.

Rev. (Mrs.) Emman-Imeleye became an Executive Member (Welfare) of the National Ministerial Council (NMC) from 2017 – 2019, and currently a member of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Asset Sharing Committee. She’s the President, Pastor’sWives/Lady Ministers, Ekpan District; Secretary, Mid-West Region Pastor’s Wives/Lady Ministers,and Zonal Superintendent, Foursquare Gospel Church, Ekpan Zone. Her ministerial commitment extended beyond Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria to Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) where she served as Director of Program, PFN Women Wing (Uvwie Chapter), and later became Secretary, PFN Women Wing (Uvwie Chapter) 2022 till date. She was also a formidable and committed member of the Women in Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

She was a Lecturer at the LIFE Theological Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos (Effurun Annex), were she taught amongst other courses: Public Speaking/ Speech Writing, Synoptic Gospels, Survey of Arts and Johanine Writings etc.Aside committing herself to service to God and ministerial assignment.  She was a role model to many youths and Christian mothers because of her wealth of experience in ministerial works; she stood out in birthing fire brand youths and followers for the Kingdom of God.

Rev. (Mrs.) Emman-Imeleye got married to her heartthrob Rev. Dr. Imeleye Emmanuel (whom she referred to as her Covenant friend and fondly called him BOBBY and lately ALAWEI) on Saturday, October 3, 1998 at Foursquare Gospel Church, Sabo-Oniba, Lagos State. Their home was a blessed, peaceful and fruitful one. Their marriage is blessed with beautiful children - Omolara, Karina and Tomiwa.

Rev. (Mrs.) Emman-Imeleye was a member of the following professional associations: Society of Nigeria Theater Artist (SONTA), Institute of Public Management, Nigeria; Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration.

Until her untimely departure to glory on January 7, 2024, she was a supporting wife to her husband, Rev. Dr. Imeleye Emmanuel, District Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, Ekpan District. Late Rev. (Mrs.) Adetola Emman-Imeleye cared for others, built good relationships and drew people close to herself.

Rev. (Mrs.) Emman-Imeleye will be remembered for her kindness and selflessness, and until resurrection day, she will rise again and we will see her in Glory because she knew, believed and served God through Christ Jesus.

She is survived by her lovely husband, Rev. Dr. Imeleye Emmanuel; children: Omolara, Karina, Tomiwa; and grandchildren: Oreoluwa, Oluwadarasimi and Ayubadoubra well as numerous mentees, friends, relatives and spiritual children.

May her gentle soul rest in peace. Amen

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