Ayo Babalola Prayer Mountain, Ikeji Arakeji: My Visit (Photos)
Where Ayo Babalola heard his call in 1928: photos from my visit to Ikeji Arakeji, Osun State, the Mountain of Mercy, its spring and meeting Bola Are.
Collins Asein· · Updated 22 October 2026 · 3 min read
Contents
Quick answerIkeji Arakeji in Osun State is where Joseph Ayo Babalola, founder of the Christ Apostolic Church, said he heard God call him in October 1928 while working on a steamroller. The prayer mountain there, Ori Oke Anu (Mountain of Mercy), still draws worshippers. I visited in June 2019.
After my visit to Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State, I went to Ikeji Arakeji in Osun State in June 2019, the place where Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola's ministry began. You cannot talk about Christianity in Nigeria without Osun State: many well-known men of God were born there or began their ministry there, and most of them share one habit, going up the mountain to pray.
Where Babalola received his call
According to the Christ Apostolic Church's account, Babalola was working as a steamroller driver on a road near Ikeji Arakeji in October 1928. Around noon on 9 October, by the River Ariran, he said he heard a loud voice like thunder call his name three times and tell him to leave the job. On 11 October, while trying to repair his machine, he said the voice came again telling him to start preaching. He left the job and began the ministry that grew into the Christ Apostolic Church.
The water at Ikeji Arakeji
The spring at the prayer ground is the part people speak about most. I was told it has never dried up since 1928, and many people say they were healed after praying with it. People fill containers to take home.
Ori Oke Anu, the Mountain of Mercy
Babalola is remembered for teaching that people could pray directly to God and receive answers, without sacrifices to idols. Wherever he went, he looked for a quiet hill or bush to pray. At Ikeji Arakeji he prayed on the mountain he named Ori Oke Anu, the Mountain of Mercy, and later built a CAC church there. His building still stands.
Meeting Evangelist Bola Are
Many believers tell the story that Babalola prayed for the gospel singer Evangelist (Dr) Bola Are when she was a child and that her life was spared. The water used then is said to have come from Ile Oluji, where CAC Oke Isegun now stands. On this trip I was lucky to meet Evangelist Bola Are herself.
Before you go
- Ikeji Arakeji is in Oriade Local Government, Osun State, between Ilesa and Ekiti.
- Go early in the day, carry water, and wear shoes you can climb in.
- Dress modestly and follow the rules of the prayer ground.
- Ask before photographing people at prayer.
Read the first part of my tour: my visit to Babalola's tomb, Ido Ile mountain and River Oni at Efon Alaaye. For more places to pray, see the most visited prayer mountains in Nigeria.
Frequently asked questions
Where did Ayo Babalola receive his call?
Near Ikeji Arakeji in Osun State, in October 1928, while working as a steamroller driver by the River Ariran, according to the Christ Apostolic Church.
What is Ori Oke Anu?
Ori Oke Anu, the Mountain of Mercy, is the prayer mountain at Ikeji Arakeji where Babalola prayed and later built a CAC church.
Where is Ikeji Arakeji?
In Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria, not far from Ilesa.
Is the Ikeji Arakeji prayer mountain open to everyone?
Yes. Visitors from any church come to pray there; follow the posted rules of the prayer ground.
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