Biography
Sophia Odunlami, also known as Sophia Ajayi, lived from 1900 to 1981. A teacher in southwestern Nigeria, she became an important early figure in the Aladura movement. Her story belongs within the history of women's religious leadership as well as Nigerian Christianity.[1]
Accounts of her call centre on illness during the influenza epidemic of 1918. She described a divine encounter and recovery, then began speaking publicly about prayer and healing. These experiences are recorded as her testimony, rather than independently established supernatural events.[1]
In 1919 she met members of the prayer group that became known as the Precious Stone Society. Her ministry developed alongside the movement's existing leaders, including Joseph Shadare. She combined teaching with evangelistic and prophetic service.[1]
She later continued with the Precious Stone Church, participating in its administration and the establishment of congregations. Her work challenged expectations that religious leadership should be confined to men.[1]
Odunlami died in 1981. Her influence is not adequately represented by treating her as a minor addition to a history told only through male founders. The surviving account places her near the beginning of a movement whose prayer practices deeply shaped Nigerian Christianity.[1]