Brief History of Christianity in Otan – Ile
Christianity was introduced to Otan-Ile from Imesi about 1902. The early Christians worshipped at Imesi between 1902-1903 but the Methodist Church was started in Otan-Ile in 1904. The early Christians included Pa John Fasesin Emmanuel Oyebanji, josua Adelola, Madam Lea Ige. Mary Adepeju. Madam Grace Adeleye and Abram Fapojuwo, the first Bbab Ijo. The first church was buit but it was burnt by thos who oppose the church. In 1912, another one was built but it was demolished and the present church was built between 1926-29. The church was always in conflict with the Egungun worshipers and the Oba and Chiefs. The early Methodists were strict, prayerful, devout and spent time learning Yoruba Alphabets to be able to read the Bible and sing Christian hymns. Support for Otan Methodists came also from the Minister at Ilesa especially Rev. Ludlow. In 1926, Inigbo Methodist church was founded. Its first Baba Ijo was joseph Fatomi, co-founders included joseph Arapate, Samuel Oyerinde, Isaac Oyinlola, Madam Hana Odudeji, Debora Oyerinda, Comfort Ojo.
The Apostolic Church was started in 1929 by Mattew Faribido, Daniel Okanlawon, etc. The Cherubim and Seraphim Church was started on 1958 by Apostle Philip Adediran. In 1960, the Catholic Church was started by Pa Michael Ajayi.In 1975 the Christ Apostolic Church was started.
However, the story of Christianity in Otan-Ile remains essentially, the story of the Methodist Church because of its dominance. The first Baba Ijo was Pa Abram Ajayi (1912-1932) followed by john Fasesin (1932-1942), Abram Ajayi (1945-52), Fafiyebi (1952-65) and Simeon Osunro (1965-date). In 1914 the first Methodist Primary School was built. It is noteworthy that the moslems also contributed money towards the building. Mr. peter Ajayi was appointed to be the Catechist of the church and he was also the teacher in the school of the early pupils, only Philip Ajayi, Samuel Fasanya, G. Adeniyi, Joseph adeosun, Okanlawon went up to standard 6. In 1924, Mr Faseun became Cathechist and Headmaster of the school. In 1935, Evangelists Fatilewa arrived and was assisted by Mr. moses Ogungbemi. The school taught up to standard 2. Later, the school was upgraded to a central School by Rev.Ludlow serving Otan, Ilare and Ipetu. Pupils were taught up to standard 4 and pupils would then finish at imesi. In 1947, Otan-Ile Methodist School was upgraded to teach up to standard 6. The present building of the school was built by the entire community – Methodist, Moslems, Apostolics and especially Egbe Atunlude led by Pa Olaomi (A moslem), Pa Gabriel Ogunfeitmi, Pa Simeon Adediran, Pa Bakare Fatomide etc.
Inigbo Methodist primary school was started in 1956 under Chief Awolowo free education scheme. In 1959 the entire community- Christians, moslems, Chiefs started the Methodist Modern School. It had to be Methodist because only the Methodist had the manpower and the organisation to run a school. The effort of chief Bayo Otegbayo in seeing that the building of the school must be noted. People soon felt the need for a secondary school and the Methodist again led the way. The sole effort of Mr. Alabi Ogun who was permanent Secretary in the Civil Service led to the upgrading of the Methodist Modern School to a secondary School in 1976. Again the whole community – Christian, moslems, chiefs, etc supported the school. The Methodist soon started a Methodist Maternity and Dispensary which he as run under the supervision of Wesley Guild the health of the people. Diseases of all shades were bought under control and ignorance started finding its way out of the life of the people. The Apostolic Church however opposed the building of the Clinic while the Moslems supported it. The Apostolics do not use western medicine and they continue to lose unnecessarily even up till today.
Many people who left the primary School went to Wesley College- a famous Teacher Traning College of the Methodist. Later many went to the university. The first set of graduates in Otan-Ille was produced in 1960 viz. Messers Alabi Ogun, John Fagbeja and Cornlius Fagbelagun.
Thus it can be seen that the early developmental projects of Otan-Ile are those initiated by the Methodist. It is very much so even today that the Methodists lead in every sphere because of their early education. The early history of Otan-Ile cannot be divorced from the history of the Methodist Church in Otan-Ile.
