Longevity in leadership is tested not by applause but by adversity. As custodians of a global Apostolic movement, Pastor Olatoro Odejobi and Mrs. Folasade Odejobi have navigated decades of responsibility, conflict, pressure, and expectation; without losing balance, faith, or family. In this interview with Evang. Oladipo Oluwatosin, Publisher/Editor in chief, The brain Magazine, they speak candidly about conflict management, sustainability, leadership heat, marriage, finances, parenting, and their newly released books that address urgent gaps in both society and the Body of Christ.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN: THE MEETING THAT BECAME A MANDATE
Magazine: Many people admire your leadership today, but few know how your journey together began. How did you meet, and what were you both doing at the time?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
We met in the place of service, where we were both actively committed to God’s work, serving faithfully, learning diligently, and submitting to spiritual authority. We were not seeking a relationship; we were pursuing purpose. As the old adage goes, “Those who walk in purpose often meet destiny helpers along the way.” That perfectly captures our experience.
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
Indeed. We met while serving God, not pursuing emotions. Our foundation was built on service, discipline, and reverence for God.
Scripture says, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6). In His perfect timing, God directed our paths to cross.
PURPOSE BEFORE ROMANCE
Magazine: Was it love at first sight, or did the relationship grow over time?
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
“(Smile) Are you referring to marital love?
There was nothing like that when we first met. We were both fully focused on serving God. My mind was not even searching for a future partner; it was set on my dedication and commitment to Him. In time, the Lord led us to each other, and the relationship grew gradually. We carefully observed and studied each other’s character before allowing affection to develop. We watched for consistency, humility, and obedience. Love that endures is not a sudden fire but a steady light. As the elders say, ‘What starts in haste often ends in waste.
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
Purpose preceded romance. Emotional attraction without shared values is dangerous. The Bible teaches, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). Agreement came before affection.
DISCERNMENT AND DIRECTION
Magazine: How did you confirm that marriage was God’s will and not just personal affection?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
Through prayer, counsel, and peace. God’s will does not create confusion. “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15). We involved spiritual mentors and submitted the relationship to scrutiny.
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
I heard a voice concerning it. At first, I thought it was demonic and rebuked it. Later, when he also revealed his intentions, we chose not to keep the relationship secret. We sought counsel from our elders and fathers in the Lord, and they gave their approval. Anything that cannot stand counsel cannot sustain destiny. When God is involved, clarity replaces anxiety.
MINISTRY WAS NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT
Magazine: Did you already envision ministry together at that stage?
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
Yes. Though we did not understand the magnitude. We knew we were called to serve together. Marriage did not introduce ministry; it strengthened it.
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
God joins people for assignments. “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Ministry was part of the covenant from the beginning.
LESSONS FOR THIS GENERATION
Magazine: What lesson does your meeting story offer young people today?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
Find purpose before partnership. When you meet someone in God’s will, you don’t struggle for alignment.
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
And be patient. Destiny is not rushed. “He that believeth shall not make haste” (Isaiah 28:16).
ON CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP PRESSURE
Magazine: As a conflict manager and senior leader, how do you cope with problems that seem to arise constantly?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
Conflict is inevitable in leadership; wisdom determines outcome. I learned to respond, not react. Prayer gives perspective. Delegation reduces pressure. Scripture says, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
Not every battle deserves your engagement. Some conflicts fade when they are denied attention. Discernment is a shield.
Also, be careful to remain objective in both your actions and your reactions when there is conflict.
THE SECRET OF THEIR SUSTAINABILITY
Magazine: Many leaders burn out or break down. What has sustained you over the years?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
Obedience and discipline. We were not driven by applause but by assignment. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
Balance and prayer are essential. Genuine interest in and joy for service fuel the determination to work relentlessly and tirelessly. While the home is also a great support. This becomes the oil of strength that empowers us to press forward through the Holy Spirit. Sustainability flows from intimacy with God and mutual support at home.
COMPLEMENTARY, NOT COMPETITIVE
Magazine: Would you describe your leadership partnership as complimentary or competitive?
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi: Complimentary always. Competition destroys covenant. We honour each other’s strengths.
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi: We are co-laborers, not rivals. “Through wisdom is a house builded; and by understanding it is established” (Proverbs 24:3).
UPS AND DOWNS IN MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY
Magazine: How did you survive difficult seasons in marriage and ministry?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
We refused to let ministry problems become marital problems. Prayer and communication were constant.
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
Endurance, Perseverance, and Forgiveness are keys. “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another” (Colossians 3:13). Silence kills faster than storms.
RAISING BIOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL CHILDREN
Magazine: How did you raise your biological children while also raising spiritual sons and daughters?
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
With God’s help and in accordance with His Word, we strive to instill strong Christian moral and ethical values in our children. Through this, our children learn responsibility rather than entitlement: “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Book of Proverbs 22:6).
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
Spiritually, we raise sons and daughters who can stand alone. Apostolic parenting releases, but it does not imprison.
MANAGING THE HEAT OF APOSTOLIC LEADERSHIP
Magazine: How did you manage the intense heat that comes with overseeing a global church?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
By delegation, prayer, and trust. Leadership heat increases when leaders carry what others should handle. “Come ye yourselves apart… and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
Believing that whatever God has made us to be is by His special grace, we rely wholly on His unfailing assistance, intervention, and help to carry us through every situation. His grace has always been sufficient for us. Not every criticism requires a response; some require intercession.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN MARRIAGE AND MINISTRY
Magazine: Financial crises have destroyed many ministries. What is your guiding principle?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
Money is our money, not my money. Transparency builds trust. “Provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 12:17).
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
God has given us the grace to acknowledge Him as our Jehovah Jireh. We believe that whatever we have belongs to God, our Provider, and is entrusted to both of us for His purposes. Therefore, we honor Him and His work above all else, loving Him more than any earthly treasure. The Bible says, “The love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10).
For this reason, we do not hesitate to give what we have for the Lord’s work whenever and wherever it is needed. We do this in unity, and God has never failed to meet our needs. Unity in finances sustains peace in our home, and we have never lacked what we truly need at any time. He continually proves Himself through remarkable and precious provisions beyond our understanding. The more we give, the more He replenishes. Praise the Lord! 🙌
ON THEIR NEW BOOKS AND THEIR MISSION
“Mother or Murderer: Who Are You?”
Magazine: Mrs. Odejobi, what inspired your book?
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi:
I was burdened by the silent power of influence. How words, attitudes, and ambitions can either build or destroy homes. The book calls women back to responsibility, healing, and godly influence. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21; 14:1,11).
“The Shocks Absorber”
Magazine: Pastor Odejobi, what problem does your book address?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi:
Life delivers shocks;loss, pressur and , disappointment.
This book teaches how to absorb life’s pressures without breaking spiritually or emotionally. “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed” (2 Corinthians 4:8).
ADVICE TO UPCOMING MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL
Magazine: What counsel would you give emerging ministers?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi: Build character before platforms. Anointing opens doors; integrity keeps them open.
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi: Acknowledge that God created you for a unique and special purpose.
Commit yourself to your divine assignment, and be determined not to fail God, relying on the help of the Holy Spirit.
Guard your marriage, honor the process, and never substitute prayer with popularity.
FINAL WORD
Magazine: One sentence that defines your leadership journey?
Pastor Olatoro Odejobi: Faithfulness sustains legacy.
Mrs. Folasade Odejobi: Unity preserves destiny.
EDITOR’S CLOSING NOTE
Pastor and Mrs. Odejobi exemplifies apostolic leadership marked by faithfulness, balance, wisdom, and generational vision; a legacy not merely built for today but secured for tomorrow.
