Claudius Niyi Ogunjinmi

In Loving Memory of Elder Claudius Niyi Ogunjinmi, JP

March 12, 1948 – March 17, 2025

A Life of Faith, Purpose, Kindness, and Legacy

His Journey: 1948 to Glory

Elder Claudius Niyi Ogunjinmi, JP. was born on March 12, 1948, in the serene town of Edunabon, Osun State, Nigeria, to the family of Pa Jacob Awooye Ogunjinmi and Madam Felicia Waleade Ayoka Ogunjinmi. The second of four children, he was a shining light from the beginning, a compassionate soul with a deep-rooted love for people, learning, and community.

His early years were shaped by strong moral values and the enduring principles of love, respect, and service to others. He began his primary and secondary education in Osun State before relocating to Ibadan, Oyo State, in 1965. There, his passion for learning blossomed, and he pursued Stenography with diligence, earning distinction in the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) exams.

On October 1, 1969, with a heart full of dreams and faith in God’s plan, he migrated to the United States to further his education. He attended Washington Technical College and later Howard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting in 1974. Decades later, his unending thirst for spiritual growth led him to obtain both a Bachelor and Master of Biblical Studies and Divinity from University Family Bible, Baltimore, in April 2017. This was a testament to his belief that learning never stops and that spiritual wisdom is life’s greatest treasure.

Most importantly, Elder Ogunjinmi knew and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. His life was a living testimony of unwavering faith, daily devotion, and trust in God's divine purpose.

Marriage & Family

In April 1971, Elder Ogunjinmi married his beloved soulmate, Lady Evangelist Stella Aduke Ogunjinmi, JP (née Olamide). Their union was one of deep love, mutual respect, shared purpose, and unwavering faith. Together, they built a home rooted in prayer, laughter, and open arms; a sanctuary where everyone felt welcome and cherished.

They were blessed with seven children and seventeen grandchildren, each of whom he loved deeply and nurtured with wisdom and joy.

As a husband, he was tender, steadfast, and loving. As a father and grandfather, he was present, nurturing, and deeply involved. He attended recitals, graduations, family events, and milestones with the pride of a man who knew that family was life’s truest calling. He shared stories, sage advice, and hearty laughs, always placing the needs and dreams of his children and grandchildren above his own.

To know him was to feel seen, heard, and loved. He made everyone feel important. His home was a place of joy, delicious food, music, and the rich echoes of Yoruba culture and Christian faith.

Career & Service

Upon returning to Nigeria in 1975, Elder Ogunjinmi brought back not only knowledge but also a global perspective and a heart ready to serve. He worked in a number of esteemed institutions including Z.O. Ososanya & Co., Ibadan Polytechnic in Eleyele, Turners Engineering/Ferodo Inc., Oke Ado Medical Hospital, and Ibadan Recreational Club.

He was also a proud member of professional organizations such as the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), the Nigerian Institute of Personnel Management (NIPM), the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA).

Throughout his professional life, he was known for his integrity, diligence, and his ability to lead with both strength and kindness. His colleagues admired him; his mentees respected him.

In 2016, following a life-changing pilgrimage to Jerusalem with the Shiloh Group of Victory Temple, Maryland, he was honored with the title of Jerusalem Privileged (JP) - a recognition of his moral uprightness, humility, and faithful service.

Global Experience

Elder Ogunjinmi was a well-traveled man with a global heart. From Nigeria to the United States, Jerusalem, and beyond, his travels were not merely physical, they were journeys of the soul. He embraced cultures, people, food and new experiences with grace and humility. He loved sharing stories from his travels, often weaving them into life lessons for the next generation.

His experiences abroad enriched his worldview and helped him connect with people from all walks of life. Whether in Baltimore or Ibadan, he carried himself with warmth, wisdom, and an open heart.

While in the United States, he served faithfully at many reputable organizations, including Caldwell Distribution Services in Baltimore, the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, Greyhound Transportation Services in Washington DC, DoubleTree Hotel in Baltimore, Yellow Transportation, and Broad-Way Services Incorporated (BSI), also in Baltimore.

Lady Evangelist Stella Ogunjinmi alongside her husband also contributed meaningfully to the workforce with roles at The Black Beef Incorporation, Broad-Way Services (BSI), and VEOLIA Transportation Services, all based in Baltimore.

They both retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and compassion, having impacted every workplace with professionalism, kindness, and unwavering ethics.

Community and Faith

A man of deep faith, Elder Ogunjinmi was a beacon of light in both spiritual and social circles. He was actively involved in several community organizations including the Edunabon Progressive Front, the GoodWill Men Social Club in Ibadan, the Association of Elders Forum of Baltimore, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC.

His commitment to the body of Christ was lifelong and steadfast. He held membership in The Light of Christ Church (Worldwide) since 1975 and was an active member of Youth Band Society (now Love Band Society). In 2004, he was ordained as the Patron “Baba Ijo” of the LCC - Baltimore Branch.

Lady Evangelist Stella Ogunjinmi also dedicated herself fully to ministry. She has been a devoted member of The Light of Christ Church (Worldwide) since 1975 and is a member of Victorious Prayer Warrior and member of the Esther Band Society (LLC) the same year. In addition, she was ordained as a Lady Catechist in 1996, Deaconess in 2009, a Lady Evangelist in 2023, and the Matron of the Mary’s band at the Light of Christ Church, Headquarters and Matron of Children Band Society (Iya Ewe) at C.A.C No. 2, Edunabon till date.

The Family Harvest Program (Ikore Agbo Ile)

Elder and Lady Evangelist Ogunjinmi actively participated in the Family Harvest Program (Ikore Agbo-Ile), organized by the Light of Christ Church (Worldwide), from its inception. Till date, they offered spiritual leadership, prayers, and unwavering support for future generations, leaving an indelible mark of faith and unity.

His Legacy

On March 17, 2025, Elder Claudius Niyi Ogunjinmi, JP, fondly called "Baba" by all who knew and loved him transitioned peacefully into eternal rest at the age of 77. He was surrounded by the unwavering love of his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren, the very people whose lives he shaped with grace, wisdom, and unwavering faith. His passing marked the close of a beautiful chapter on earth, but the beginning of a glorious eternity in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Though he is no longer with us in the physical, Baba's spirit continues to live vibrantly in the lives he touched, in the lessons he imparted, and in the legacy of love, humility, and godliness that he left behind. He was not only a pillar of strength to his family but also a guiding light to his community, his church, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His life was deeply rooted in faith in God, in people, and in purpose. His kindness was boundless, his service unrelenting, and his love without condition. Whether offering wise counsel, sharing a warm embrace, or simply sitting with someone in their time of need, Baba had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and deeply valued. His laughter filled rooms, his prayers lifted burdens, and his presence brought calm and joy. He created meaningful traditions that made his love tangible, writing long, heartfelt birthday messages to each of his loved ones, and joyfully pressing dollar bills into his grandchildren’s hands at every encounter, no matter how brief. These simple but powerful gestures left lasting imprints of love, generosity, and connection that will be treasured forever.

He leaves behind his devoted wife and best friend, Lady Evangelist Stella Ogunjinmi, seven dearly loved children, and seventeen cherished grandchildren, each of whom carries a piece of his heart and legacy. He also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family, lifelong friends, church brethren, and community members whose lives have been enriched by his touch.

Baba lived a truly rich and fulfilled life. His journey was marked by purpose, guided by faith, and fueled by love. He embraced every season of life with gratitude and grace, constantly learning, growing, and giving of himself until the very end. He is deeply missed.

He lived well. He loved deeply. He served selflessly. He finished strong.

"To the Glory of God, his journey continues in eternity. Hallelujah."