Biography
Timothy Oluwole Obadare grew up in a Christian household in the Ilesa area of southwestern Nigeria. His father, David, was a pastor. Obadare lost his sight during childhood, and his formal schooling was interrupted. Accounts disagree about his birth year: WOSEM gives 1925, while the Dictionary of African Christian Biography discusses both 1925 and 1930. His life should therefore be remembered without treating either date as undisputed.[1] [2]
He began evangelistic ministry in 1953 within The Apostolic Church. In 1957 Joseph Ayo Babalola brought him into the Christ Apostolic Church, where he served for the rest of his life. His work belonged to the Nigerian Aladura tradition, with its strong emphasis on prayer, repentance, divine healing, and the work of the Holy Spirit.[1] [2]
Obadare became General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church and founded the World Soul-Winning Evangelistic Ministry, known as WOSEM, with its headquarters in Akure. His preaching reached listeners through radio as well as public meetings. This made his voice familiar to families who could not attend his services.[1] [2]
He died on 21 March 2013. His legacy includes evangelistic work, the continuing WOSEM ministry, and a place in the history of indigenous Nigerian Christianity. Reports of healing belong to the testimony of his ministry and should be distinguished from independently documented medical evidence.[2]