CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Joseph Ayo Babalola was born at Odo-Owa in Kwara State, Nigeria, on the 25th April, 1904. His father was Pa David Lawani Rotimi, while his mother was Martha Talabi Rotimi. Both were of the Anglican Church in Nigeria1. Pa Rotimi was one of the early strong members of the Anglican faith in the then Lagos Diocese of Nigeria. Joseph Babalola started Primary School at Ota- Awori on Badagry road, Lagos State, in 1914, but later transferred to Oshogbo in Osun State, Nigeria.
There he read Standard Four, but could not proceed further2. Babalola subsequently took an appointment with the Public Works Department and was employed as a steamroller in April 1 1928 to work on the Oshogbo- Ilesha Road.…show more content… The specific objectives of the study are:
i. To assess the historical account of advent and growth of Christ Apostolic church in Nigeria ii. To study the historical account of Joseph Ayodele Babalola iii. To examine the role of Joseph Ayodele Babalola in Nigerian Evangelism iv. To determine the role of Joseph Ayodele Babalola in the revival of 1930’s
1.4 Scope and Limitation of the Study
The study will focus on the role Joseph Ayodele Babalola in the revival of 1930’s. The study will unearth the real personality of this unusual prophet - his mysterious birth, unusual childhood, backgrounds, chequered educational career, call to ministry, his stormy marriage, the process of his spiritual empowerment, his miracles and wonderful ministry and his death in July 1959. This study will also examine his character, compassion, humility, love, theology and even his personal records including his written works consisting his prayers, prophecies, warnings etc.
However, resources, access to data and time are the major limitation which will hinder this research study. Also inadequate updated date book in libraries that is most books found only explain the