The Baptist Mission in Ekitiland (1901 – 2005): An Historical Analysis

Until recently, works on the history of Christian Missions in Nigeria has not taken cognizance of Ekiti geo-political landscape in their examination of the history of Christianity in the country. Therefore, this paper attempts to fill part of the lacuna left by earlier researchers. The paper traces the origin of Christianity in the Southwestern part of Nigeria. It corrects the earlier assumption that history of Christian Missions in Nigeria was only that of the Church Missionary Society (C.M.S) by insisting that the Baptist Mission began almost at the same time in this part of Nigeria with that of other Christian denominations. This work also reveals the unique history of the Baptist Church in Ekiti. It discusses the early Christian experience in term of persecutions and deprivations. The paper concludes that the Baptist Mission in Ekitiland has served as catalyst for social change in the communities that played host to the church.