Biography

His Story

"His mission was to strengthen and disciple the body of Christ, draw souls back from distractions, win souls into the kingdom of God, reconcile broken relationships and homes, and establish the Lordship of Jesus Christ everywhere."

Reverend Edward Adeniji Koye-Ladele was born in Ibadan on the 17th of May, 1963 to the family of Late Chief Emmanuel Aderibigbe Ladele of Okemesi Ekiti and Late Mrs Muinat Aduke-Ade of Ijebu Ode. He attended St. Luke's Demonstration School, Molete and Seventh-Day Adventist School, Agodi Gate, both in Ibadan. He went on to secondary school at Oke'badan High School and Loyola College, and thereafter studied at The Federal School of Arts and Science, Ondo.

A man of ambition and intellect, he was selected for officers' training in the Nigerian Army in 1982 and also aspired to a degree in Law. It was his father's persuasion that led him toward Building Technology — a decision he accepted out of a deep and lifelong love for his father.

A New Birth

On the 20th of May, 1984, following a miraculous healing from a life-threatening illness, Reverend Koye-Ladele became born again. The experience was transformative. He devoted himself wholly to knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and to fulfilling the Great Commission. His discipleship began under Reverend Kunle Onawunmi of Vote for Christ Gospel Ministry in Ibadan. On moving to Lagos, he attended the Foursquare Gospel Church Headquarters in Akinwunmi, Yaba, where he sat under the teaching of Reverend Farounbi, Reverend (Dr.) Wilson Badejo, and many other deeply rooted teachers of the Word.

Called to Ministry

Answering the call to full-time ministry, he resigned his job and enrolled at the All Nations for Christ Bible Institute in Benin City, training under Archbishop Benson Idahosa. He was appointed Library Prefect at Bible School — famed for sleeping in the library, reading widely from the generals of the gospel as he prepared for a lifetime of Christian service. He was ordained into full-time ministry in 1988.

Upon graduating, he began full-time ministry, founding Christian Life Ministries, which later became Victorious Christian Life Ministries (VCLM), and ultimately the Edward Koye-Ladele Centre for Discipleship, Spirituality, and Arbitration — the umbrella body for the various ministries he oversaw.

Family and Legacy

In 1990, he married Pastor (Mrs.) Taiwo Koye-Ladele, and together they devoted their lives to pastoring and caring for God's flock. Their union was blessed with three children: Mogbekeloluwa, Mosimiloluwa, and Mofehintoluwa. He was a devoted, loyal, and caring father — sacrificing comforts many take for granted to give his children opportunities he did not have, always present for them and quick to celebrate their progress.

A candid teacher of God's Word, he preached the raw gospel truth boldly across Nigeria and abroad — at seminars, revival meetings, conferences, Bible studies, and outreaches. He authored several books and tracts targeted at winning souls and establishing new believers. He trained pastors and leaders who are thriving in ministry today. He was passionate about Nigeria, becoming a household name in Ibadan and across South West Nigeria for his willingness to speak up for the poor and demand good governance at every level.

After recovering from a serious illness in 2021, he devoted the remainder of his life to organising revival crusades across South West Nigeria. On the day of his transition to glory, he was preparing for a trip to his hometown, Okemesi Ekiti, where a crusade awaited. He had also authored one final book on Nigerian politics, leadership, and religion, to be published posthumously.