From Movie to the Pulpit … As Jimmy Odukoya Steps into His Father’s Shoes

Glory from the gory and beauty from ashes… these are some of the constants of human life and existence. Ever since the passing of Taiwo Odukoya, the founder and Senior Pastor of Fountain of Life Church, the mood over the assembly has been heavy. However, that mood has been lifted with the news of a successor to the Senior Pastor position and the emergence of Pastor Odukoya’s son, Jimmy.

Jimmy’s appointment as the new Senior Pastor of Fountain of Life Church has brightened the atmosphere of the fellowship. Knowing that he is the son of their founder, many of the members of the church are more than willing to submit to the new leadership. Other people, however, have reservations on account of Jimmy’s occupation as a movie star.

Indeed, Jimmy has not been idle all this time. Long before it was public news that he was the son of Pastor Odukoya, Jimmy had already started making waves in Nollywood as a passionate and relatable actor. Furthermore, due to having versatile talent, his capacity for role-playing only slightly eclipses his music-making abilities.

Jimmy’s stint in Nollywood has so far peaked with movies such as ‘Lifting the Veil,’ ‘I am Nazzy,’ ‘Oga Pastor,’ and ‘Baby Shower.’ Of course, regarding international recognition, it is his role as Oba Ade in Netflix’s ‘Woman King’ that truly demonstrated his acting grace. Nevertheless, one can say that Jimmy’s future in Nollywood and indeed as a film actor is still boundless.

Even so, against those asking whether Jimmy can manage the pastoral role of his father, the actor-turned-pastor has simply responded, “Why not!” Even before now, Jimmy has emphasized the point that being a pastor does not hinder his acting career. Moreover, he has refused to play to the popular trope of being a Christian actor, meaning that he only acts in films based on Christian or religious themes.

It is indeed a new era at Fountain of Life Church. As Jimmy goes from being a movie personality to being a pulpit figure, who knows how many things might have to change?