Rev Ojo at 70: Submitting to my husband, not an option
Reverend Esther Ojo, Senior Pastor of Calvary Kingdom Church (CKC), has spent over five decades building a life anchored on Christ, family, and ministry. Married for 51 years to the
Reverend Esther Ojo, Senior Pastor of Calvary Kingdom Church (CKC), has spent over five decades building a life anchored on Christ, family, and ministry. Married for 51 years to the church’s founder, Archbishop Joseph Ojo, she recently marked her 70th birthday at the church headquarters in Lagos with a reflection on the journey so far. In this interview with Adeola Ogunlade, she speaks candidly about marriage, personal growth, and the role of faith in shaping her home. Transitioning from her personal reflections, she emphasises that submission in marriage is not optional, but rooted in her understanding of the scriptures. She shares practical lessons on partnership, perseverance, and serving God through family life.
How do you feel about celebrating your 70th birthday?
I feel great because, looking at me, I don't appear my age. I thank God for His grace and feel blessed to serve Him. I trust God will add more years to my service.
You said you don't look it?
Yes, I don't look it.
What is the secret?
That is why I say it is the grace of God. It is the grace of God because the Bible says, like a medicine, when you know Christ, Christ turns your life around. And renew your years as He does according to His word. Every day, I keep on seeing myself being renewed, and I give Him all the glory for what He has done for me.
70 years down the line, if you had to look back and unlearn something, what would that thing be?
I don't think there is anything that I would unlearn from my life now. But if I have to unlearn anything, it's shyness, but he, my husband, has given me the boldness to stand before the crowd.
How has it been being married to a man for over 51 years?
Very well; as I said, when I was given the role of dance, I gave him kudos because it's not every man who can tolerate a woman like me. My shortcomings, He tolerated it. Even when he asked me to do some things in the church, I would say no. He still tolerated me. It's just the grace of God upon his life that made it so. And I give glory to God on His behalf. And I'm happy that I'm His wife. As I said before, if there were another world, I would not marry. But if there was another chance for me to marry, I would still marry Him.
It took you how many weeks or months to say yes to him?
Well, I didn't really; I cannot really say how many days or how many weeks. When the hand of God is upon someone's life, yes, but I know I gave him some time, and I decided to pray; and God revealed things to me, and I said yes. I can't say it's three weeks or four weeks.
What was the secret you held on to in managing the home?
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To be a real mother to mothers, it takes the grace of God and especially to know the word of God and stand by it as a wife and mother. When I’m addressing women, I point them to the word of God as their guide in managing their homes. It's not me, per se, but the word of God. Because what the word of God says, in Ephesians 5, He asks us to submit to our husband, as we submit to God. So, whatever you do to your husband, you are doing it to God. So, if you do anything wrong to him, you are also doing it to God. So, that is the word of God - that is my mirror.
You have been married for over 51 years. What advice would you give women on managing the home and supporting their families?
One important lesson is to understand that, no matter how much a husband provides, it may not always be enough to meet every need. That’s why it’s wise for women to contribute in whatever way they can. If you’re not doing anything, try to engage in something meaningful so you can support the home financially, even in a small way. Marriage is a partnership. It’s not realistic to expect one person to carry the entire burden. Some women will say ‘My money cannot enter food money’; that's foolishness because it's your house, and it’s your home. When both partners contribute, it becomes easier to manage the home and meet daily needs. The home belongs to both of you, so its well-being affects you directly. I also encourage women to support, respect, and honour their husbands, according to the word of God. When there is mutual understanding and cooperation, the home becomes more stable and peaceful.
Finally, what are you looking forward to in the years to come?
How to serve the Lord better; that is it, because where I'm going now is closer to where I'm coming from. So, how to serve the Lord better, and how to also honour this man here and take care of the body of Christ that has made me who I am.
