Pastor Olaniyi A. Aruwajoye

Pastor Olaniyi A. Aruwajoye, age 61, of Saint Louis, Missouri transitioned to glory on Friday, July 8, 2022. He was born in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria, on June 19, 1961, son of Chief Stephen Baba Olayoriju (SB) Aruwajoye and Deborah Oluwafunmilola Aruwajoye, the Iya ijo (Matron) of Methodist Ehinogbe Owo. His family is part of the extended prominent family of Olukunbobade in Owo, Ondo State. His father SB Aruwajoye was a leader in the the cocoa processing, milling and refining industry, a leader in saw mill innovation, and a key player in the furniture industry in the early 1950s thru the 1990s. Olaniyi and his siblings interned for the family business SB Aruwajoye & Sons Ltd, for many summers during their teen years. Pastor Niyi’s early education was in Owo, Ondo State of Nigeria. He had his primary education at the prestigious Government Primary School Owo. He continued his secondary education at Imade college, and graduated in 1980. He attended Federal School of Dental Technology, Enugu. along with other institutions. Pastor Niyi was from a large family. Though his mother only had eight children, there were 44 siblings altogether in the close-knit extended family. They did things together, actively promoted one another's happiness and welfare. Pastor Niyi was close to and loved by all his siblings. Pastor Niyi was from a loving and Godly home. Having been converted at an early age, he developed a passion for the word of God. Later called into the preaching ministry, he married the love of his life, Pastor Mrs.Edem Aruwajoye in London UK in the 1990's. Pastor Olaniyi Aruwajoye was a proud father, praying army, chauffeur, financial supporter, a listener, a life mentor, a friend, a guardian, and hero to his three children Dr. Ayomide (Ayo), Nimike and Iyinoluwa (Praise). He was also a proud father and grandfather figure to many in the St. Louis community and across the globe. In the life of Pastor Olaniyi Aruwajoye God looked down and saw a man through whom His favor would be granted and through whom His plan could be fulfilled. A true, devoted man of God and Christian leader, Pastor Niyi always gave wise and thoughtful counsel to his congregation and community. He was a good listener. Pastor Niyi was a man of valor, vigilance and vision. He had a tremendous passion for God’s word coupled with love for people. He was a man of uprightness and purity who had respect and compassion for his congregation and all he came in contact with. He enjoyed his calling as a husband, father, adopted father, adopted grandfather, brother, uncle, and a true gallant soldier of God. He had a caring and gentle spirit that flowed through every facet of his life. Having received his mandate from God, Pastor Olaniyi Aruwajoye obediently fulfilled his calling as full time Pastor of RCCG City of God St. Louis. He was a powerful preacher, and an inspiration to listen to. He was devoted to the very end to his family, ministry, and friends. Prior to becoming Parish Pastor of RCCG City of God St, Louis Missouri, he served as Assistant Pastor of Jesus House St. Louis, MO from 2008-2010. Pastor Niyi loved God and before receiving the CALL, he served in various positions at the church. His passion for the presence of God followed him everywhere. When he first arrived at St. Louis, he will talk about God and faith during lunch time with colleagues. That passion led him to volunteer his home for house fellowship which grew and later became what was known as the Transformation Christian church. He continued to support the ministry and later joined the Greater Grace Church where he renewed his vows with Pastor Mrs. Edem Aruwajoye Through a causal invitation from a sister to attend Jesus house St. Louis, when the church was fledgling, Pastor Niyi seized the chance to join and help build the church, and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. While at Jesus House, Pastor Niyi showed dedication and passion for God and served as the church treasurer. A man of integrity and good character, Pastor Niyi was appointed in 2008 as the assistant pastor for Jesus House St. Louis. He faithfully served for 2 years until he was appointed to start RCCG City of God in 2010. RCCG City of God started with four families at a YMCA gym in the city of Brentwood in St. Louis. Through God’s intervention and leadership of Pastor Niyi they bought their first building. Pastor Niyi was faithful and a diligent servant leader. He was a gallant soldier of God who served God through sickness until the very end. He was a good and faithful servant, a spiritual father, as God helped him in 2020 to lead City of God to its current location at Maryland Heights. In addition to responsibilities in leading a congregation, Pastor Niyi made time to contribute to the care and welfare of his extended family, and engaged in civic activities. Pastor Niyi served actively in leadership positions in the community and family organizations, and for several years was executive and financial secretary for Olokunbode family. Pastor Olaniyi Aruwajoye was Ephesians 3:20 personified -“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” RCCG City of God flourished under Pastor Niyi’s strong and dedicated leadership. It was his fervent prayer that God continue to prosper the church and his congregation. Olaniyi is survived by his wife, Edem O. Aruwajoye; his daughters, Dr. Ayomide Aruwajoye, Nimike Aruwajoye, Iyinoluwa Aruwajoye, and Taiwo Sokale; his granddaughter, Mercy Sokale; and his siblings, Olori Olayinka Ademulegun, Pastor Sesan Aruwajoye, Pastor Adeleke Aruwajoye, Oladeji Okundalaye, Pastor Oladoyin Ale, and Sikemi Yusuf. He will be dearly missed by many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Deborah Aruwajoye; and his father, Stephen B. Aruwajoye. A Service of Songs will take place from 5:00 until 7:00 pm on Friday, July 23, 2022 at RCCG City of God Church, 200 Harding Ave, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. A Celebration of Life will be from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at RCCG City of God Church, 200 Harding Ave, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Burial will follow at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery in Creve Coeur. Share beautiful stories, prayers, pictures, and moments you has with him here: https://www.forevermissed.com/olaniyi-adeola-aruwajoye/about Arrangements by Newcomer - St. Peters Chapel.

Tributes

Pastor Olaniyi A. Aruwajoye

June 19, 1961 - July 8, 2022