Colossus of Ibadan: Pastor Gabriel Adewole Tewogbade’s Legacies are Evergreen 25 Years After
By Omotomiwa Babalola
The 25th memorial of Pastor Gabriel Adewole Tewogbade, fondly known as GAT, was commemorated with a heartfelt three-day program in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The events, held from February 13th to 16th, 2025, celebrated his enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on his community.
Day 1: Praise Night at Jogor Centre
The memorial commenced on Thursday, February 13th, with a vibrant Praise Night at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, starting at 4 PM. The event featured an array of esteemed gospel artists, including Gbenga Alvin, Minister Grace Adeyinka, Minister Bola Are, Minister Yetunde Are, Charles Dada, and Iyanuoluwa, among others. Their soulful performances created an atmosphere of deep reflection and gratitude.
Distinguished ministers of God graced the occasion, such as Daddy Oladele and Pastor Susan Oladele, Reverend Pastor Owa, Pastor Onitide and his wife, and Pastor G.S. Dada and his wife. Pastor Adeyeye led the Bible reading, followed by a congregational rendition of the hymn “In Christ Alone.”
Notable tributes were delivered by the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) President and Mama Bola Are and many others who shared heartfelt memories of serving under Pastor Tewogbade. His wife offered a moving tribute song, adding a personal touch to the evening. Attendees, adorned in all-white attire, included family members, friends, and admirers, with his children and grandchildren presenting their tributes. Although one granddaughter, Enitan, was unable to attend, she sent a video tribute, and Temilola Tewogbade delivered a poignant poetry ministration.
Day 2: Remembrance Party
The celebration continued on Friday, February 14th, with a Remembrance Party. The event opened with a performance by Charles Dada and was skillfully anchored by MC Kofoworola, who also hosted the previous day’s program. The gathering saw a convergence of individuals from various parts of Nigeria and the diaspora, including attendees from the United Kingdom and the United States, all uniting to honor GAT’s memory and support his family.
A special highlight was a surprise birthday celebration organized by GAT’s children for their brother, Adetola Anthony Tewogbade, adding a joyful note to the proceedings.
Day 3: Thanksgiving Service
The memorial events culminated on Sunday, February 16th, with a Thanksgiving Service at All Saints Chapel, CAC Missionary Headquarters, Bashorun-Anlugbuwa, near BCOS, Ibadan. The service was a solemn occasion, featuring sermons and eulogies that underscored Pastor Tewogbade’s unwavering faith, leadership, and dedication to his community. Congregants expressed profound gratitude for his spiritual guidance and the lasting legacy he left behind.
A Glimpse into the Life of Pastor Gabriel Adewole Tewogbade
Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Pastor Gabriel Adewole Tewogbade hailed from the prominent Oke Oluokun family, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Adeniji Salami Tewogbade. Originally named “Gani,” he embraced Christianity and adopted the name “Gabriel,” leading to his well-known initials, GAT.
In 1969, he established GAT & Sons Construction Company Ltd., which thrived in the 1970s and 1980s. The company earned a reputation for excellence, becoming the first indigenous construction firm in Nigeria certified by the Federal Ministry of Works. GAT & Sons stood alongside industry giants like the German Strabag Construction Company and Tilbury.
Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Pastor Tewogbade was a passionate car enthusiast, particularly fond of the Mercedes-Benz brand. His collection boasted 11 Mercedes-Benz vehicles with personalized plates, a customized Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, Citroën, limousines, and Range Rovers. Notably, when his custom-built Rolls-Royce faced delivery delays by sea for his birthday, he instructed the manufacturer to expedite its arrival by air, regardless of the cost.
A devout member of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Pastor Tewogbade was deeply committed to his faith. He took it upon himself to print hymnbooks for the church at no cost. His residence featured a chapel, and he maintained a band of musical instrumentalists and worshippers living with him. Answering his spiritual calling, he was ordained as a pastor on April 8, 1989, at the CAC Theological Seminary in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
