AGC Royal Family
Assemblies of God, Ikate
A testimony of faith, resilience, and miraculous expansion — from a garage meeting in 1959 to a mother church that planted more than twenty assemblies.
In 1958, a fresh fire for the gospel was kindled among believers residing in Surulere, Itire, Ikate, Lawanson, and surrounding settlements who were then worshiping at the Ladi Lak Assembly in Yaba, led by Brother Michael Ololo. Motivated by the long distance to Ladi Lak Primary School on Akinwunmi Street and the scarcity of public transportation, these brethren began dreaming of a place of worship closer to home.
At the time, the late Brother Michael Ololo owned a completed building and an adjacent plot featuring a backyard house and garage at No. 3 Ladele Dada Street, Ikate, though he was no longer active in regular church services. As he fellowshipped with believers in the area, he shared his vision and offered his garage as a temporary meeting place. Joined by Brother Donald Aguwa and Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Ugwuzor, the fellowship opened its doors to the glory of God in August 1959.
By 1960, regular attendance had grown to between 30 and 50 members. As the space quickly became too small to accommodate the growing congregation by 1961, Brother Ololo rallied members and funded the bulk of the expenses to extend the garage.
However, the progress of this prayer group became a source of friction for brethren at the Ladi Lak Church in Yaba. Open antagonism and opposition arose, with detractors dismissing the new fellowship as "Ololo's Church" and withholding any assistance. Despite the hostility, the church pressed on.
During these challenging early years, God brought Pastor Abel Onwuka from the East to the Ikate area after he faced difficulties securing secular employment. At the time, Pastor Onwuka was navigating a personal challenge that required him to step outside active ministry until the matter was resolved.
Though not officially posted to Ikate, Pastor Onwuka dedicated himself as an ordinary member to teaching young believers the Word of God with remarkable commitment.
In 1962, the friction between Ladi Lak and the Ikate fellowship reached the General Council, prompting a delegation from Enugu — General Superintendent Reverend M. O. Ezeigbo and Reverend J. N. Nwakanma — to visit Lagos. Finding the opposition groundless and unjustified given the vast distance between Yaba and Ikate, the Executive Committee rebuked the Ladi Lak leadership and officially recognized the Ikate Assembly.
The General Council appointed Rev. J. U. Omereonye, then pastor at 28 Amore Street, Olodi, Apapa, to oversee the assembly. He introduced Tuesday Bible studies and Sunday services, eventually preparing and baptizing the first set of candidates from Ikate near Agbo Malu, Apapa. Sunday School classes were subsequently organized, with Pastor Onwuka teaching the preparatory class and Brother Aguwa serving as Sunday School Superintendent.
As the church continued to grow, the need for a proper worship space became urgent, particularly as young members like Brother Friday Amanahu and Sister Comfort prepared for marriage.
God once again intervened through Brother Michael Ololo, who discovered a piece of fallow land in front of his building at No. 3 Ladele Dada Street. Although Town Planning authorities had originally mapped a high-tension power line through the area, a routing adjustment left this parcel unallocated. Mobilizing with machetes, the men of the church cleared the bush and quickly erected a wooden-pillar and zinc-roof structure within two weeks, soon adding wooden planks for half-walls to host Brother Friday and Sister Comfort's wedding.
When the Mushin Council authorities later posted a 14-day demolition notice branding the structure "illegal," the congregation brought the notice to their Tuesday Bible class and laid it before God in fervent prayer. During the prayer, the Holy Spirit moved through a prophetic utterance delivered by a young girl newly baptized in the Holy Spirit:
"Thus said the Lord, I have heard your cry. Do not be afraid. On Sunday my servant will hold his mantle (Word of God — The Bible) in his hand, he will be in front and you will all follow him in line. You will not sign or pray or make noise, but go round the building three times. Come into the house and praise me for I will do it."
Following this divine instruction on Sunday morning, the first officially assigned pastor, Rev. I. N. Okoro, led the congregation in marching silently around the building three times before entering the hall to offer praises.
On the following Tuesday, when Council staff arrived looking for those responsible for the structure, Sister Roseline (wife of Brother Michael Ololo) challenged them. The officials denied any intention to destroy the house of God and instead asked for details to update their records. From that day forward, the land remained unthreatened, standing as a true "Child of Miracle."
True to its dynamic beginnings, the Ikate Assembly earned a reputation as a deeply missionary and evangelistic church, fueling the expansion of the Assemblies of God movement across Lagos and beyond. Out of the eight churches that originally comprised the former Surulere Section, the Ikate Assembly directly planted five — and its evangelistic drive went on to birth many more across Lagos and beyond:
Additional outreach works were also launched at Oshoroko and Gbetrume. Ikate Assembly has also maintained a strong legacy in leadership development, sponsoring 18 ministers through Bible school who have served across District and General Council levels, notably including Rev. Azuka Obi, Rev. Ejikeme Ejim, and Rev. Uchechukwu Ama.
Served unofficially as the pioneer spiritual leader during the formative garage years, later regularizing his marriage and ministry.
Appointed by the General Council to provide pastoral oversight and conduct early baptismal services.
The first officially assigned pastor, who led the historic march around the permanent site. He departed due to the Nigerian Civil War.
Stepped in as a student pastor during the turbulent Civil War years, guiding the congregation and welcoming returning members.
Focused on rebuilding hope post-war before being called to organize the wider Western Area.
Provided steady pastoral leadership prior to his transfer to Amukoko Assembly.
Pastored for eleven impactful years, overseeing the completion and dedication of the permanent church building.
Served faithfully for over five years before transferring to Olodi Apapa.
An Ikate son who briefly pastored his mother church before being reassigned to Surulere Assembly.
Transferred from Mushin to serve for nearly two years.
Served as Senior Minister before transitioning to lead the Agege Church.
The longest-serving pastor in the church's history, leading the assembly with distinction for sixteen years.
Served faithfully for eleven years as resident pastor and section leader.
The current resident pastor, diligently leading the congregation forward in this present season.
Rare archival photographs capturing the founding pioneers, early open-air crusades, and the original sanctuary construction on Ladele Dada Street.
Milestone moments, celebrations, youth revivals, and landmark building expansions that shaped our modern identity.
Vibrant snapshots of contemporary worship services, community outreaches, department anniversaries, and joyful family dedications.
“Beloved, as we navigate the changing seasons of life, God’s purpose for this assembly remains steadfast: to raise a people of power, praise, and purity. Every Sunday and mid-week service is an invitation to encounter His presence afresh. Do not walk this journey alone—let the Word of God anchor your soul and propel you into your divine destiny.”
Reverend Pastor Blessed EkeleResident Pastor