Ibadan, Nigeria — The Prelate of the Calvary Grace International College of Bishops and President of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Bishop Francis Olubowale Oke, has been elevated to the office of Archbishop, capping more than 27 years of episcopal ministry.

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The elevation was conferred on him during the ongoing 44th Annual Holy Ghost Convention of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State, by the Calvary Grace International College of Bishops. A statement from the Media Bureau of the ministry said the honour recognised Oke’s spiritual leadership, mentorship and contribution to the growth of episcopal ministry across the world.

 How the Ceremony Went

The elevation was proclaimed by the College’s South-West Presbyter, Bishop Felix Adejumo, after Bishop Julius Abiola presented the statement of purpose for the conferment. Abiola described the new Archbishop as “a father of fathers, pastor of pastors and bishop of bishops,” noting that Oke’s ministry had produced and strengthened many other episcopal leaders over the decades.

Accepting the elevation before members of the College of Bishops and other Christian leaders in attendance, Archbishop Oke — who is also the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) — described it as a call to greater responsibility in advancing the cause of Christ globally. He said he had repeatedly declined the honour in the past before finally accepting it as the will of God and the collective decision of the College: “I accept the elevation with all my heart. Since it seems good to you and to the Holy Spirit, it seems good to me also. I concur with you.”

Officials of the College stressed that the process was not a mere conferment of title but the formal recognition of a ministry already tested by time — proven through service, demonstrated through spiritual fruit, and manifested in the leaders he has raised.

 27 Years As A Bishop

Archbishop Wale Oke was born Francis Olubowale Aderibigbe Oke on 8 September 1956 in Kasumu village, Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State. He founded Sword of the Spirit Ministries and is presiding Bishop of Christ Life Church Worldwide. His episcopal journey, which the College says spans more than 27 years, has run alongside decades of ministry work: he has convened the annual Holy Ghost Convention in Ibadan since 1983 and leads The Nigeria Turning Point prayer movement in Abuja since 2003.

Beyond the pulpit, he currently serves as the 7th President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (since March 2021) and as Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University in Ibadan (since November 2022).

A His Relationship With Archbishop Benson Idahosa

Archbishop Oke’s rise is closely tied to the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa (1938–1998), widely regarded as the father of Pentecostalism in Nigeria. Oke has often recounted that it was Idahosa who ordained him into ministry, describing his first encounter with the elder cleric — being personally served food by Idahosa in his home — as his “baptism” into Idahosa’s spiritual household.

Oke is counted among the generation of ministers who trace their roots directly to Idahosa’s mentorship, alongside figures such as Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Mike Okonkwo and others who passed through Idahosa’s circle of spiritual sons. Oke has said he learned “boldness and faith for evangelism” from Idahosa, even as he drew teaching gifts from Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Notably, Oke has revealed that it was through his own platform — the Holy Ghost Convention in Ibadan — that Idahosa and Adeboye first met and grew close, a friendship that lasted until Idahosa’s death in 1998. Oke has continued to honour his mentor’s legacy, including speaking at memorial lectures held in Idahosa’s name at Benson Idahosa University, Benin City.

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