William Kumuyi: A Leader Par Excellence

On June 6, 2023, the General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, clocked 82 years. His life has been an exemplary one which speaks of grace, modesty, humility, and impact. Hence, he is revered by the people he has influenced with his teachings for decades.

Background

Kumuyi is from Osun State. He attended Mayflower School, Ogun State for his secondary education. Thereafter, he graduated with a first-class degree from the University of Ibadan in 1967. He studied Mathematics and was the best graduating student in his set.

He grew up with the knowledge of Jesus Christ and became born again on April 5, 1964. Some of the Christian authors who inspired his faith include Charles Finney, John Wesley, and Charles Spurgeon.

Kumuyi’s father was a member of the Anglican Church. He was also said to have been a member of other churches before he founded Deeper Life.

Career and ministry

The preacher began his career as a Mathematics teacher at Mayflower School in 1962. He moved up his career up to becoming a Mathematics lecturer at University of Lagos in the 70s. Over the years, he has been consistent with his preaching of holiness and encouraging Christians to abide by God’s principles.

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He founded Deeper Life Bible Church in 1982. In April 24, 2018, the international headquarters of the church was inaugurated in Gbagada, Lagos. Among the notable personalities in attendance included former vice president, Prof Yemi Osinbajo. The auditorium contains about 300,000 worshippers.

The church also has the Deeper Life Conference Centre in Ogun State and the International Bible Training Centre at Ayobo, Lagos. Kumuyi has written several books. Some of them are ‘Have Compassion on Them’, ‘The Lord’s Prayer’, ‘Supernatural Supply in All Situations’ and his biography, ‘Kumuyi: Defender of the Faith’, written by Banji Ojewale.

Kumuyi married Abiodun Kumuyi in 1972 till her passing in April 11, 2009. They were blessed with two sons, Jeremiah and John. He remarried Folashade on October 13, 2010.

Recognition and works

His works have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, he was listed by Foreign Policy magazine among the ‘500 most powerful people on the planet.’ The University of Abuja conferred him with an honorary PhD in 2018.

Since April 2021 Kumuyi commenced his Global Crusades, he has toured several states in the country. He has also invited several top dignitaries including gospel singers, Don Moen and Dunsin Oyekan, and former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

Accolades

During his 82^nd birthday, several people took time to celebrate him including former president, Muhammadu Buhari; and the Labour Party presidential candidate and a former governor, Anambra State, Peter Obi.

In his birthday wish, Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen Kumuyi and his family in good health and wisdom. On his part, Obi said, “Happy birthday to you sir, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi. As you mark your 82^nd birthday, I thank God for and with you, for the positive transformation God has used you to bring in the church and society. As you continue to labour in God’s vineyard, may He bless you with abundant health, wisdom and strength to continue to stand for what is right. And continue to preach justice, equity and fairness for all, especially the less privileged.”