Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola was called into the ministry in 1928 at the age of 24 following a divine encounter with the voice of God at Ikeji Arakeji. At the time, he was employed as a steamroller driver for a road construction company.
That same year, he began his ministry, and God worked mightily through him, confirming His Word with extraordinary miracles, remarkable signs, and wonders.
By 1930, his fame had spread across the country, particularly after his remarkable exploits during the Great Revival in Ilesa, which transformed the spiritual landscape of the Western Region. The impact of the revival was felt throughout virtually every part of Nigeria.
Apostle Babalola became one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian Church and a pioneer of the Pentecostal movement in the country. His name was on the lips of both admirers and critics alike.
Despite his growing influence, he remained unmarried, prompting questions from family members, followers, and fellow ministers about why he had not considered marriage.
Following persistent encouragement from his father, Pa David Rotimi Talabi, Apostle Babalola married Dorcas on April 25, 1935. The wedding attracted about 6,000 guests, and he received gifts totaling £3, 10 shillings, and 6 pence.
The ceremony was held at the first Aladura Assembly in Efon Alaaye and was officiated by Pastor David Odubanjo, Pastor J.S.B. Odusona, and Pastor Medaiyese. According to historical accounts, Dorcas was a virgin at the time of their marriage, and Babalola paid £2 and 10 shillings as her bride price, in keeping with Yoruba tradition.
Throughout their marriage, Apostle Babalola affectionately called his wife Mama Abiye, while she fondly referred to him as Baba Abiye. The couple made their home in Efon Alaaye.
Dorcas Babalola was born on March 10, 1912, into the Fowowe family of Ilesa. Many described her as strict and, at times, aggressive. However, such perceptions often overlooked the enormous pressures she faced as the wife of a man whose life and ministry were constantly in public demand.
In the early years of their marriage, she often spent entire days cooking to feed the steady stream of visitors who came to see her husband. As time went on, others began assisting with the cooking or bringing food to the home, but the constant lack of privacy remained a significant burden.
Her challenges were further compounded by Apostle Babalola's demanding missionary schedule. Their sitting room frequently served as a classroom for the 47 children he sponsored or mentored. Remarkably, the Apostle himself rarely slept on his own bed, often giving it to visitors while he rested on a camp bed or even the floor.
He regularly embarked on lengthy missionary journeys, sometimes lasting more than a week. Dorcas was unable to accompany him because of the difficult travel conditions, which involved long treks, overnight journeys, overcrowded lorries, and the absence of basic comforts. Even during his absence, their home remained filled with visitors.
At times, Dorcas tried to discourage him from embarking on these journeys, believing he needed rest. During his absence, the pressures of managing the household occasionally overwhelmed her, and she sometimes expressed her frustration by imposing compulsory fasting on the children under their care.
Balancing family life with ministry was a constant challenge. Apostle Babalola consistently placed God's calling and the work of the Church above personal comfort and leisure. Even a proposed church-sponsored pilgrimage to Israel never came to fruition. Yet, the fruits of his ministry continue to impact lives to this day.
Despite these challenges, their marriage was not characterized by domestic violence. They shared household responsibilities, and Apostle Babalola openly expressed his love and deep respect for his wife.
Following Apostle Babalola's passing in 1959, Dorcas remained in Efon Alaaye until 1962, when she relocated to Ilesa with their daughters. There, she became a trader, dealing primarily in foodstuffs, especially beans, while remaining a devoted member of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC). She later served as the Patroness of CAC Okesa, Ilesa.
Dorcas passed away on December 28, 1993, and was laid to rest on January 15, 1994, behind CAC Okesa, Ilesa. Her funeral was attended by prominent clergymen, including Pastor Olu Alokan, Pastor D.O. Babajide, and Pastor E.H.L. Olusheye, who paid tribute to her motherly care, resilience, strength, and unwavering courage.
Over the years, misinformation and a limited understanding of her life have led some to judge her unfairly. However, the historical record presents a more balanced picture—that of a young woman who bore the immense responsibilities of being married to a man wholly devoted to God's work. Despite the sacrifices and challenges, theirs was a marriage marked by mutual love, respect, and commitment until the very end.
